Looking for a reef-safe "show" fish

[the_colonel]

I apologize if this has been brought up before, but please forgive a newbe.

My wife is still not happy about switching from a Fish Only system to a reef. She misses the “big pretty fish” as she called them. I got rid of a huge Lion, Porcupine Puffer, snowflake eel, and Picasso Trigger to go to the reef.

Now, to make my wife happy, which in turn makes me happy, I want to add one final “show” fish, and I am open to all suggestions.

My top two choices seem to be out: Emperor Angel (will probably eat all my corals) And Clown Trigger (will probably eat all my snails, crabs, shrimp, or anything else that moves).

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your expert opinions.

JP

Tank and livestock details below:

90 gallon Tenecor Acrylic Tank with built in wet-dry trickle filter.
4X96 PC lights.
CPR Backpak2R skimmer.
Filstar XP3 canister filter.
80 Pounds LR.
60 Pounds Live sand.
Various soft corals (all doing well)
A few hard corals (not quite as much luck)
various crabs/turbo snails
1 big, fat Yellow Tang.
1 Perc. Clown
1 Tomato Clown,
1 Coral Beauty Angel
1 Sand Sifting Goby (my favorite fish)

[David Grigor]

Clown Trigger could also knock corals off or disrupt rockwork that isn't secure ....

IMO: The 4' length is pretty restrictive for some of your show tangs/surgeon fish....Plus could be difficult to keep from stressing out with a Yellow tang already established....

There are some nice fairy wrasses out there.......

[Jeremiah]

Like David already mentioned, it might be difficult and croded to add another larger "Show tang" since you allready have the yellow tang. I would add some blue/green reef chromis myslef. Like maybe 3-6 of them. This will add lots of color and motion to the tank.

Other then that maybe instead of a show fish you could get a show coral?

[rubytuesday]

A few that come to mind are a Foxface Rabbit, Naso or Sohal Tang, Purple Tang, flame angels arent really show, but are nice to look at.

[Jeremiah]

Dont' think the flame angel would get along with the coral beauty. Also be careful with other tangs in that small of a tank since you already have a yellow tang.

[Soltaker]

Originally Posted by rubytuesday

A few that come to mind are a Foxface Rabbit, Naso or Sohal Tang, Purple Tang, flame angels arent really show, but are nice to look at.

Nasos and Sohals get WAY too big for a 90 gal

[David Grigor]

IMO: Foxface too for that matter.....

Like others have mentioned, since you have a yellow tang already that limits any Tangs/Surgeon fish. With the coral beauty that limits any dwarf angelfish.

Only thing I can think of left is to find a nicely colored fairy wrasse or anthias ( but I don't really recommend anthias because multiple feedings and in general loose color gradually in captivity ).....

[lfish]

They are inexpensive and common but I always hear the MOST compliments from people over the royal gramma! They really pop with the bright fuschia & yellow color. Women seem to especially love them.

What about a blue hippo tang? This is such a pretty fish with the BRIGHT blue coloring! I have both a yellow and a hippo and they get along very well.

Maybe you should get a couple of fish and really make her happy?!

[lfish]

pic

[ReefSitter]

Originally Posted by lfish

pic

no sticks yet?...hmmm , pretty nice though lfish

[David Grigor]

Understanding the every fish is different and there are always success stories..... Adding a Blue Hippo after a yellow has established dominance could cause Hippo to get ick. Years ago when I had a 90g, I had to get rid of the yellow tang before I could add another tang.....Could try to distract the yellow tang by re-aquascaping at the same time you add the hippo tang....

[manderson0805]

I've always like the wrasses...plenty of color in a fish that stays around 4-5" long. I've been doing some research on them, and I plan on adding 5 or 6 different ones to my tank when I get it set up. They're going to be the only fish in the tank, so I'm planning on several different color combos to mix it all up.

[lfish]

I really love the wrasses too! I am hoping to add a fairy wrasse someday.
(Jen, reefluvr has the most beautiful leopard wrasse. Maybe she will post a pic, it is so gorgeous)

I know it was a risk, but I added my tangs fairly close together in time, and they have a nice bond. They act like my clowns and follow eachother around the tank. My royal gramma acted territorial for a few days and I have heard it is best to add them last.

hi reefsitter...Fuzzy sticks? the dark side? I am already such a coral addict.... I am trying to pace myself.

[ReefLuvR]

Love this guy. And when I starve him awhile, he'll eat flatworms too!

[Jeremiah]

Nice fish reefluvr.

My 6 line wiped out all my flatworms in my 30. I had tons of them too all over the front glass and in the bottom corners. I only bought my six line because I thought he looked cool, but the flatworm eating was a bonus.

How big will that leopard wrasse get/how big is it now?