Is my 120 overstocked currently?

[cougar]

I have a 120 gal, 60x18x26 and I am planning on buying a longer tank and a smaller reef tank in the future to replace this, but I am worried that I need to do this sooner than later. I am not worried about filtration, I have a canister, rated up to 125 gal, and 2 Emperor 400 hanging on the back. A UV hooked up to the canister, but no protein skimmer yet. All of my tests are perfect, ammonia, nitrates etc..
Current stock and size:
1 Blue hippo tang, 6 in
2 Yellow tangs, 4 in each
1 Grey angel, 5 in
1 Koran angel, 5 in
1 Maroon clown, 3 in
1 Lyretail anthia, 2 in
1 Coral beauty, 3 in
1 Flame angel, 3 in
2 B&W perculas, 2 in each
2 True perculas, 2 in each
All of my fish get along perfectly and have been for almost a year, and even then it was only the anthia that I added last, the rest of the fish have been with me for awhile. They are fed very well with plenty of live rock and hiding places.
How fast will my angels grow? Can the larger tank wait a year or two more? I have grown close to these guys and don't want to take the risk of losing because I am not prepared with a larger tank not being cycled well with live rock and such.

 

[pisomojado]

Originally Posted by cougar
All of my fish get along perfectly and have been for almost a year, and even then it was only the anthia that I added last, the rest of the fish have been with me for awhile. They are fed very well with plenty of live rock and hiding places.
I think you answered your own question, as long as that remains true.

 

[tthemadd1]

I have always heard one inch per gallon but then again that is just what I have heard. How big are they going to get in that period that is the real question? Like I said that is just what I have been told... Good luck..

 

[nicetry]

The fish with the most growth potential are still small, but will/should put size on fairly quickly. Healthy angels should grow 2 inches or more a year. Same with the tangs. Given the adult sizes of the angels alone,(well over a foot each) you're over done. IMO, you'd need to upgrade, and seriously, within the next year if you want to avoid problems. I have the exact same tank, and there are three fish in it. A juvi majestic angel, a lineatus fairy wrasse and a blackback butterfly. There won't be anymore fish, and even this tank will not have a lot of excess room once the angel hits it's stride. I couldn't imagine keeping your fish load in that size tank, but that's me.
Don't know what size tank you planned to upgrade to, but something in the range of 300 gallons would not be too big for all those fish. With size/age often comes aggression. "Shoehorn" a lot of big fish into a marginal sized tank and you're gonna have problems.

 

[angelsrock]

Originally Posted by cougar
I have a 120 gal, 60x18x26 and I am planning on buying a longer tank and a smaller reef tank in the future to replace this, but I am worried that I need to do this sooner than later. I am not worried about filtration, I have a canister, rated up to 125 gal, and 2 Emperor 400 hanging on the back. A UV hooked up to the canister, but no protein skimmer yet. All of my tests are perfect, ammonia, nitrates etc..
Current stock and size:
1 Blue hippo tang, 6 in
2 Yellow tangs, 4 in each
1 Grey angel, 5 in
1 Koran angel, 5 in
1 Maroon clown, 3 in
1 Lyretail anthia, 2 in
1 Coral beauty, 3 in
1 Flame angel, 3 in
2 B&W perculas, 2 in each
2 True perculas, 2 in each
All of my fish get along perfectly and have been for almost a year, and even then it was only the anthia that I added last, the rest of the fish have been with me for awhile. They are fed very well with plenty of live rock and hiding places.
How fast will my angels grow? Can the larger tank wait a year or two more? I have grown close to these guys and don't want to take the risk of losing because I am not prepared with a larger tank not being cycled well with live rock and such.
i agree with nicetry, you are gonna have to get a tank of 300gal.

 

[lion_crazz]

I could not imagine fitting that many fish into a 120 either, but that is me. That seems like way too many fish and I have no clue how you are keeping the levels "perfect" without a skimmer. I would look into getting something in the ballpark of a 210.

 

[vanos]

Get a protein skimmer. You may not have any problems now but they are a must in this trade. I wouldn't upgrade to a bigger tank personally due to the cost of this hobby. I would rather get rid of some fish so you can keep your current set up. Just my opinion.

 

[lion_crazz]

Yeah, I have to agree with one of those statements. A skimmer is an absolute neccessity for any tank, even nano tanks. The difference is night and day (sometimes literally, as far as clearness in water lol).
As far as a bigger tank, I never discourage that if the funds are available. I am way too attached to all of my fish, thus the reason my 75's inhabitants will soon be the inhabitants of my 210. However, the price difference is great. For example, in my situation, my $1800 75 gallon tank will be replaced by my $3000-$4000 210 gallon

lol.

 

[jer4916]

my ecosystem 3612 actully states you do not have to use a skimmer, actully that your not supposed to...its a really sweet filter...but it also retails at over $900 for just the filter.
~chris

 

[lion_crazz]

Jer4916, do you know what company makes your filter, by any chance? I would like to check them out.

 

[cougar]

Right now I am looking at a 240 gal tank that is 96" long, plenty of length for large fish to swim. My amaller fish will be placed in a reef set up soon, I am going to be seperating the fish only and the reef compatible fish and putting them in seperate tanks. My reef I want to be 48" long because the cost of lighting drops down a lot from my current 60" to a 48". That is research I wish I did in the beginning.
My question is timing, do you think I have time to wait till I get new tanks? Growth rate on my angels and tangs haven't been to bad. But do we agree that they will grow faster in a larger tank and that these fish just aren't growing fast because they have a too small of tank? Or do you think fish have growth spurts, like will they hit puberty and grow rapidly were I would be in a rush for a larger tank?

 

[vanos]

Do you plan on having a crane to bring your new tank home? Will it end up in the basement?

 

[jer4916]

its made by " Ecosystem aquarium" simple natural solutions
i own the 3612 model.... i got a really good deal, i got the filter,maple stand,can,acrylic tank all for $550 delivered to my door.
its not up and running yet..well i have fish in it..but only for a short time....anyways this tank when its up is going to be insain...my goal is a WICKED reef.

 

[lion_crazz]

I think the 240 sounds like an excellent idea. How long were you planning on waiting it out with your 120? I see you possibly being okay for another 3 to 5 months before they are getting cramped in that tank.

 

[cougar]

Planned on buying 240 one piece at a time. That auction site has a company about 4 hrs from me. Brand new tank, reef ready for a pretty good price. Buy the tank first, of course. Then the stand and canopy, then the lights. Overall, 6 months to purchase the basics.

 

[lion_crazz]

Six months will be pushing it, but you might be able to do it. Just pay closer attention to your water quality and pick up on the water changes so at least all of the water parameters are as close to perfect as possible. That way, the only stress the fish have to deal with is a little over-crowding. That should hold you for the six months, maybe.