Compatibility....picking my fish.plse.help

[justnu]

I will be converting my 150 gal. to saltwater in a few months. Doing lots of homework but still can't find straight answers on who is compatible. This is what I am considering:
4-6 percula clowns
1 Auriga OR saddleback butterfly
1 Coral beauty OR Flame Angel
1 Yellow Tang
1 Kole/yellow eye Tang
1 Blue hippo
1 Purple tang
and POSSIBLY 1-2 blue chromis to start the tank.?? I have read the damsel-family can be a pain:> )
My ?? is...In all the charts I have read they all show tangs being very compatible either single or in groups of 4+.
PLUS...can I introduce clowns one at a time or should it be simultaneous?
Thanks in advance.

 

[flamehawk]

I would be very hesitant to put 4 tangs in the same 150g tank. Certainly the purple and yellow will fight. You may get away with three. I'd go with the yellow and hippo. If you want to try three , you can add the kole although he is more passive than the others. In any case add them last and after the tank has been very well cycled. My suuggestion w/b to add the kole first and after 2 weeks add the hippo and yellow (or purple) at the same time. The intro process should take a long time because dwarf angels and butterfly's do much better in a mature tank and as a result I wouldn't try them until the tank was up , running and well conditioned for 6 months. Kind of a dilema because the yellow tang is hearty and couls be put in earlier but due to his agressiveness s/b added last.
I've never had much luck with more than one clown in a tank at the same time. They seem to really harass each other. But I know others have. Will have to leave this part of your inquiry to someone who has more experience with perc's.
Last note, the flame dwarf is a bit heartier than the coral, at least that's been my experience, and in my opinion better looking.
Best of Luck. Let us know how you make out over the coming months.

 

[big dave]

Good job on doing research first! I would make a few changes. First, Occelaris clowns (False percs) would be better in a big group than the percs. They look very similar. I woulnd't use damsels to cycle rather, I would use the shrimp method. Do a search on the shrimp method to find more info. The tang situation should be ok if you add the hippo first then add the purple and yellow at the same time (add these last these are the most aggressive fish you have picked) I would add the clowns first then add the butterfly then the hippo after about 4 months of just the clowns. Tangs and butterflies are sensitive fish! What are your filtering options? I would say for this tank, LS+LR plus a good skimmer and either a hang on filter or a few powerheads to create water cirulation. Don't plan on sessile inverts cuz your butterfly will probably eat them. Good Luck!!-Big Dave

 

[big dave]

Oh, I forgot, after you add the yellow+purple tangs, then add your Kole Tang. The yare very aggressive. Add him last!

 

[big dave]

Geez, I seem to be forgetting everything! add the angels around the same time you add the butterfly. (these are the least aggressive fish you have picked.)

 

[flamehawk]

My experience is different then big dave's . Kole is the more passive. Take your pick. I still wouldn't put all 4 tangs in a 140. But again you may wan't to try it and see how it goes. Different people have different experiences. I don't know how long other's have been keeping tangs but I've had my 5 tangs (in 3 seperate tanks) for nearly three years and this has been my experience. Good luck.

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

You can cycle the tank with the oscillaris clowns - they are a great happy little fish (that swims poorly) - don't use Damsels - I still have some I need to irradicate. as far as the rest of your decision - these other guys are right on track.
Cheers!!