90 gallon stocking help

[jumperalex]

I just upgraded to a 90 gallon fish only tank with a Sea Systems sump and a CAD light 1220 protein skimmer as well as a Sea Systems media reactor with matrix biological media. For lighting I have a 4x 54watt T5 High Output fixture. I have a 60Lb Aragonite live sand bed, I don't have any live rock in the tank yet because I am not sure if I need it. I have been told by a few people and my LFS that because I'm using the matrix media that I don't really need the live rock and I can us any kind of decorations/hiding I would like for my fish. Eventually I would like to have:
Black Lionfish x1
Foxface x1
Harlequin tusk x1
Tang/Angel of some kind x1
any advice you could give me about the order I should put the above fish into my tank and what kind if any angel or tang would be a good fit would be great. THANKS!

 

[mr. limpid]

Black Lionfish x1 Fuzzy Dwarf; Antennata or Dwarf Zebra would all do fine
Foxface x1 I say no to mush like a Tang needs space
Harlequin tusk x1 No needs 150 +
Tang/Angel of some kind x1 Tangs: Kole, Tommini or Mimic Half Black Angels: any dwarf, no large angels
All tanks benefit with live rock, filtration and fish will graze off them and hid in them. You can buy base rock or dry rock and one piece of live rock and it will seed the other rock.

 

[saxman]

Is your tank's footprint the standard 48" x 18" x 24"?
If so, and by "black lionfish" you're referring to a P. volitans, it's doable in a 90 gal, but an 18" wide tank is a bit too narrow for a fish that will end up being a minimum of a 12" cube of fish (including finnage). When lionfish feel cramped, they tend to perch more, thus becoming the "boring" fish many peeps consider them.
I think you'll be happier with a P. russellii (Russel's lionfish, often sold as "red volitans"), or one of the medium-bodied lionfish (P. radiata, P. mombassae, P. antennata, or P. sphex). You could also go with a M-F pair or M-F-F trio of fuzzy dwarfs (Dendrochirus brachypterus).
If you do decide on a volitans, be sure to aquascape your setup accordingly so there's room for the fish to turn around.
I agree with Mr. Limpid...live rock is your friend, both in terms of biofiltration, but your fish will be more comfy and will feel more secure with a few caves and overhangs, esp. the lionfish. I'm also a big fan of live macro algae in my DT's.
HTH

 

[jumperalex]

Revised list...
Lionfish x1
Kole tang x1
Foxface x1
Flame angel x1
How does this list look? Can anything else be added or would I be full with these?

 

[mr. limpid]

How about a a wrasse, I have had a Christmas wrasse very colorful and active. Caution will eat inverts. Or if you want inverts there are reef safe wrasses.