Tank for a business

[jendeb26]

So my sister-in-law is starting her own daycare, and I am trying to talk her into a fish tank for the lobby when you go in. It would relax customers, give the kids something to look at, and most importantly give me a reason to start the ultimate tank!

Assuming I am successful in talking her into this, I would like the following fish 2-Gold Stripe Maroon Clowns, Blue Reef Chromis, Green Chromis, Purple Firefish, and Yellow Tang. I also like Flame Angels and have heard mixed reviews regarding their aggressivness. Would all these fish get along, and what size tank would you recommend? I'd like to add some coral and shrooms as well, although I'm not sure that would effect the size tank I need.

 

[dupreyjaq]

What are your space limitations? I'd get 6 ft 125 if space lets you, but you will need at least a 75 gallon.

 

[btb9000]

A 5ft 156 would be ideal, imho. It is a very nice dimensioned tank. I don't think a reef tank is the best bet for a day care. It would be severly neglected. I would do a FOWLR and be done with it.

 

[btb9000]

Also I wouldn't do that many chromis, more than likely you'll end up with 2 or 3 left after a month or two.

 

[dragonzim]

I'd go with a 125 or a 180. One thing to keep in mind is that by having this in a daycare there is a HUGE chance that some little kid is gonna get something you dont want into that tank at some point...

 

[alix2.0]

youll also have to consider the fact that little kids will be pounding on the glass all day... most fish dont really apprectiate that...

 

[jendeb26]

Well the idea was to keep it in the lobby so the kids wouldn't be able to bang on the glass or be in that area unsupervised and throw something in.
Any opinions on the flame angel?

 

[mudplayerx]

Don't forget that a marine tank, unlike a freshwater tank, requires daily maintainance if it contains corals. The lighting required for many corals causes significant evaporation, and many corals need to be spot fed.
For instance, if you were to have metal halide lighting you would need an automatic topoff system if nobody is there on the weekend. The water loss from evaporation just on a Saturday and Sunday would probably lower the level by a good 2+ inches.