120g butterfly fowlr advice

[OrangeHunter458]

Hey all! New to the saltwater world and I wanted to get some opinions on my fish list. It’s a typical 4x2 120g peninsula tank. Here’s the list and the order I would add them in:

1. 2 Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish
2. 3 Banggai Cardinals
3. 1 Royal Gramma
4. 1 Starry Blenny
5. 1 One Spot Foxface (wanted Magnificent but I read they grow bigger)
6. 1 Splendid Pintail Fairy Wrasse
7. 1 Pearlscale Butterflyfish
8. 1 White Faced Butterflyfish
9. 1 Double Saddle Butterflyfish
10. 1 Fathead Sunburst Anthias
11. 1 Coral Beauty
12. 1 Tomini Tang

I always wanted a butterflyfish tank, I know to add them when the tank is mature though so that’s 7 or so months older depending on how my tank goes. Hoping to know if these three would be ok in a 4ft tank, and if not, are there smaller butterflies?

Anyway, I wanted to ask, do you feel the tank is too full? Should I cross out some fish that might outgrow the tank (is the foxface ok in a 4ft?) and if some fish might get aggressive with the butterflies like the angel & the tang (read that I should add aggro fish last)?

 

[Tcook]

Pintail in first. Before the clowns and gramma

 

[OrangeHunter458]

Pintail in first. Before the clowns and gramma

Interesting, makes sense now that you mention it since the gramma is a basslet and clowns are part of the damsel family.

Do you think the pintail is hardy enough to be first in the tank or should the cardinals go in first?

 

[littlefoxx]

Hey all! New to the saltwater world and I wanted to get some opinions on my fish list. It’s a typical 4x2 120g peninsula tank. Here’s the list and the order I would add them in:

1. 2 Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish
2. 3 Banggai Cardinals
3. 1 Royal Gramma
4. 1 Starry Blenny
5. 1 One Spot Foxface (wanted Magnificent but I read they grow bigger)
6. 1 Splendid Pintail Fairy Wrasse
7. 1 Pearlscale Butterflyfish
8. 1 White Faced Butterflyfish
9. 1 Double Saddle Butterflyfish
10. 1 Fathead Sunburst Anthias
11. 1 Coral Beauty
12. 1 Tomini Tang

I always wanted a butterflyfish tank, I know to add them when the tank is mature though so that’s 7 or so months older depending on how my tank goes. Hoping to know if these three would be ok in a 4ft tank, and if not, are there smaller butterflies?

Anyway, I wanted to ask, do you feel the tank is too full? Should I cross out some fish that might outgrow the tank (is the foxface ok in a 4ft?) and if some fish might get aggressive with the butterflies like the angel & the tang (read that I should add aggro fish last)?

I have a Kleini butterfly and a raccoon together. Kleini aka Shiiii(poop) head manages to tick off all my fish. I have no idea what his deal is, he just annoys them. Got my marine betta to even come out and chase him around the tank. That fish is the biggest PITA in my tank right now. The raccoon on the other hand is peaceful and just does his own thing. Point being that it just depends on the butterfly itself!

 

[Tcook]

Interesting, makes sense now that you mention it since the gramma is a basslet and clowns are part of the damsel family.

Do you think the pintail is hardy enough to be first in the tank or should the cardinals go in first?

Should do fine in a stable tank first. Cardinals can also bully. My experience is that they end up picking on each other until you have one. Pajamas maybe less so.

 

[OrangeHunter458]

I have a Kleini butterfly and a raccoon together. Kleini aka Shiiii(poop) head manages to tick off all my fish. I have no idea what his deal is, he just annoys them. Got my marine betta to even come out and chase him around the tank. That fish is the biggest PITA in my tank right now. The raccoon on the other hand is peaceful and just does his own thing. Point being that it just depends on the butterfly itself!

Great name lol funny thing is I’m actually considering the Kleini too since it’s local here and they’re good for a splash of yellow in the tank in case the foxface gets knocked off my list. Do you think a foxface gets too big for a 4ft?

Also what do you think of my butterfly choices for the tank? They won’t get too overcrowded with each other?

 

[OrangeHunter458]

Should do fine in a stable tank first. Cardinals can also bully. My experience is that they end up picking on each other until you have one. Pajamas maybe less so.

You’re right ughh.. I was thinking since it’s a 4’ that maybe it would reduce the aggression between them. Should I switch out the cardinals? I was thinking chromis too but they also bully each other to death.

 

[littlefoxx]

Great name lol funny thing is I’m actually considering the Kleini too since it’s local here and they’re good for a splash of yellow in the tank in case the foxface gets knocked off my list. Do you think a foxface gets too big for a 4ft?

Also what do you think of my butterfly choices for the tank? They won’t get too overcrowded with each other?

The foxface may get too big, they do grow very fast. As far as the magnificent being bigger than the one spot Im not sure, Ive had both. Mine isnt too active, he likes to hover around the rocks and eat algae and likes to hover his rockscape he claimed. They are also very skitty and shy fish, so just be aware of that. Amazing when they are comfortable, mine (his name is Buddy) is getting more bold since he doesnt see the tangs hiding. As for the butterflies I think they might be okay together, Ive never had any of those though. Some butterflies are compatible some not. If your worried about it since its a 4 foot tank maybe choose two instead of three? This is my foxface so you can gauge size. That trigger he is next too is probably 4 or so inches for size reference.

 

[OrangeHunter458]

The foxface may get too big, they do grow very fast. As far as the magnificent being bigger than the one spot Im not sure, Ive had both. Mine isnt too active, he likes to hover around the rocks and eat algae and likes to hover his rockscape he claimed. They are also very skitty and shy fish, so just be aware of that. Amazing when they are comfortable, mine (his name is Buddy) is getting more bold since he doesnt see the tangs hiding. As for the butterflies I think they might be okay together, Ive never had any of those though. Some butterflies are compatible some not. If your worried about it since its a 4 foot tank maybe choose two instead of three? This is my foxface so you can gauge size. That trigger he is next too is probably 4 or so inches for size reference

That’s like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! Jk. I’m only worried about swimming space and the possible overcrowding aggression.

I might be overthinking this cause I posted this list somewhere on reddit and got told off about my tomini tang choice saying my tank is too small lol. But I get it, animal welfare comes first!

Buddy has gorgeous colors! Really want one but I’m worried they might outgrow my tank, I’ll put the foxface in my maybe list then.

 

[littlefoxx]

That’s like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! Jk. I’m only worried about swimming space and the possible overcrowding aggression.

I might be overthinking this cause I posted this list somewhere on reddit and got told off about my tomini tang choice saying my tank is too small lol. But I get it, animal welfare comes first!

Buddy has gorgeous colors! Really want one but I’m worried they might outgrow my tank, I’ll put the foxface in my maybe list then.

Yeah they get bigger than you think. He is in my 125 gallon tank. Its a 6x2x2. Will be moving all them over to a 300 once I have it plumbed. 4 foot is the challenge with bigger fish, especially tangs! Maybe stock your other fish and butterflies you want and see how the tank is! Just remember you add one fish the whole dynamic of the tank changes. Sometimes good sometimes not so good! Ive had to remove some fish because they were causing issues. The dang kleini is on the list to remove! But it sounds like the butterflies are more on your list than the tang or foxface. And yes Buddy is beautiful! I dont think he knows it, he is a very shy boy.

 

[littlefoxx]

And here is the Turd ticking off Gemma my naso lol. This fish just annoys all of them! I will not add another one of those for sure

 

[OrangeHunter458]

Yeah they get bigger than you think. He is in my 125 gallon tank. Its a 6x2x2. Will be moving all them over to a 300 once I have it plumbed. 4 foot is the challenge with bigger fish, especially tangs! Maybe stock your other fish and butterflies you want and see how the tank is! Just remember you add one fish the whole dynamic of the tank changes. Sometimes good sometimes not so good! Ive had to remove some fish because they were causing issues. The dang kleini is on the list to remove! But it sounds like the butterflies are more on your list than the tang or foxface. And yes Buddy is beautiful! I dont think he knows it, he is a very shy

Yeah I can ditch the foxface and even the tang if necessary. I added them to the list cause I read they can help knock back algae, and also they’re local here so they’re pretty easy (and cheap!) to get. Butterflyfish are absolutely the reason why I wanted a fish tank, there’s still so many on my undecided list but I whittled down to 3 cause of the tank size… maybe I can squeeze in one more if I get rid of the foxface and tang haha kidding

I love tangs too but everything I’ve read so far discourages me from keeping one, I only picked the smallest I could find (tomini) and even then I worry that 4ft isn’t enough.

 

[OrangeHunter458]

Yeah they get bigger than you think. He is in my 125 gallon tank. Its a 6x2x2. Will be moving all them over to a 300 once I have it plumbed. 4 foot is the challenge with bigger fish, especially tangs! Maybe stock your other fish and butterflies you want and see how the tank is! Just remember you add one fish the whole dynamic of the tank changes. Sometimes good sometimes not so good! Ive had to remove some fish because they were causing issues. The dang kleini is on the list to remove! But it sounds like the butterflies are more on your list than the tang or foxface. And yes Buddy is beautiful! I dont think he knows it, he is a very shy

Yeah I can ditch the foxface and even the tang if necessary. I added them to the list cause I read they can help knock back algae, and also they’re local here so they’re pretty easy (and cheap!) to get. Butterflyfish are absolutely the reason why I wanted a fish tank, there’s still so many on my undecided list but I whittled down to 3 cause of the tank size… maybe I can squeeze in one more if I get rid of the foxface and tang haha kidding

I love tangs too but everything I’ve read so far discourages me from keeping one, I only picked the smallest I could find (tomini) and even then I worry that 4ft isn’t enough.

 

[OrangeHunter458]

And here is the Turd ticking off Gemma my naso lol. This fish just annoys all of them! I will not add another one of those for sure

Don’t know why my other reply posted 2 times lol sorry about that. That kleini looks so cool, too bad he’s a bully though haha squaring up to a naso like it doesn’t have four knives in its tail.

 

[Tcook]

You’re right ughh.. I was thinking since it’s a 4’ that maybe it would reduce the aggression between them. Should I switch out the cardinals? I was thinking chromis too but they also bully each other to death.

I would ditch the cards. Much better looking and more interesting fish to add like wrasses instead. I have tomini in my 120 and it is a great fish. Have a 1 spot as well and it does grow fast. I would recommend you look at a genicanthus angel like the bellus or Japanese swallow.

 

[OrangeHunter458]

I would ditch the cards. Much better looking and more interesting fish to add like wrasses instead. I have tomini in my 120 and it is a great fish. Have a 1 spot as well and it does grow fast. I would recommend you look at a genicanthus angel like the bellus or Japanese swallow.

How could I forget about the beautiful genicanthus angels? Maybe I can swap out the coral beauty for a pair of these... Would a pair fit in a 120 or should I only go with one? I always see these guys for sale here in my country, can't believe I forgot about them lol.

Can I ask for some wrasse recommendations? Preferably one that won't eat a cleaner shrimp haha I plan to get them too. Wanted the Naoko but I hear they're a little aggro so I'm thinking Bluehead Fairy, Red Head Solon, or a Multicolor Lubbock to go with the Pintail; also is that a Pintail I see below the anthias? Haha. Should I also go with one of these or can I mix them? I really don't want to overcrowd the butterflies haha

Onto the tang & foxface (I'm so sorry if I ask so many questions ). So the Tomini CAN go in a 4ft 120, it's just a matter of aggression with similar shaped fish like the butterflies? And now that you and @littlefoxx are saying that my 120 MIGHT not be the best for a foxface long term, I'm thinking I should just cross it out entirely. Not a loss, I mean they're beautiful fish but imo the butterflies are just... *chef's kiss*

 

[Tang fastic]

Hey all! New to the saltwater world and I wanted to get some opinions on my fish list. It’s a typical 4x2 120g peninsula tank. Here’s the list and the order I would add them in:

1. 2 Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish
2. 3 Banggai Cardinals
3. 1 Royal Gramma
4. 1 Starry Blenny
5. 1 One Spot Foxface (wanted Magnificent but I read they grow bigger)
6. 1 Splendid Pintail Fairy Wrasse
7. 1 Pearlscale Butterflyfish
8. 1 White Faced Butterflyfish
9. 1 Double Saddle Butterflyfish
10. 1 Fathead Sunburst Anthias
11. 1 Coral Beauty
12. 1 Tomini Tang

I always wanted a butterflyfish tank, I know to add them when the tank is mature though so that’s 7 or so months older depending on how my tank goes. Hoping to know if these three would be ok in a 4ft tank, and if not, are there smaller butterflies?

Anyway, I wanted to ask, do you feel the tank is too full? Should I cross out some fish that might outgrow the tank (is the foxface ok in a 4ft?) and if some fish might get aggressive with the butterflies like the angel & the tang (read that I should add aggro fish last)?

I always think people don’t get enough cardinals so get a good school of cardinals

 

[OrangeHunter458]

I always think people don’t get enough cardinals so get a good school of cardinals

Won't they bully each other to death? I've read that chromis and cardinals often do that so that's why I'm a little apprehensive about them (yes, even though they're on my list haha).

I really do want some smaller fish in contrast with the butterflies though, I think that'll look cool to watch. Considered chrysiptera damsels like the Starcki or Talbot's but at the end of the day, they're still damsels lol never know if you're going to get a peaceful one or something that rose up from the depths of hell. Thinking about replacing the cardinals with smaller wrasse instead, as @Tcook suggested.

 

[littlefoxx]

How could I forget about the beautiful genicanthus angels? Maybe I can swap out the coral beauty for a pair of these... Would a pair fit in a 120 or should I only go with one? I always see these guys for sale here in my country, can't believe I forgot about them lol.

Can I ask for some wrasse recommendations? Preferably one that won't eat a cleaner shrimp haha I plan to get them too. Wanted the Naoko but I hear they're a little aggro so I'm thinking Bluehead Fairy, Red Head Solon, or a Multicolor Lubbock to go with the Pintail; also is that a Pintail I see below the anthias? Haha. Should I also go with one of these or can I mix them? I really don't want to overcrowd the butterflies haha

Onto the tang & foxface (I'm so sorry if I ask so many questions ). So the Tomini CAN go in a 4ft 120, it's just a matter of aggression with similar shaped fish like the butterflies? And now that you and @littlefoxx are saying that my 120 MIGHT not be the best for a foxface long term, I'm thinking I should just cross it out entirely. Not a loss, I mean they're beautiful fish but imo the butterflies are just... *chef's kiss*

@Slocke and @i cant think are good to ask about wrasses. I dont have any other than a sixline. Lol. And yeah the tomini can go in the tank: I just think any tang does better in a six foot. Ive kept some tangs in a smaller tank for growouts and they did way better when I moved them (but Im talking about like one inch tangs) lol. I have an eel that would eat them if they went in the bigger tank with him

 

[littlefoxx]

Yeah I can ditch the foxface and even the tang if necessary. I added them to the list cause I read they can help knock back algae, and also they’re local here so they’re pretty easy (and cheap!) to get. Butterflyfish are absolutely the reason why I wanted a fish tank, there’s still so many on my undecided list but I whittled down to 3 cause of the tank size… maybe I can squeeze in one more if I get rid of the foxface and tang haha kidding

I love tangs too but everything I’ve read so far discourages me from keeping one, I only picked the smallest I could find (tomini) and even then I worry that 4ft isn’t enough.

Look into a starry or a lawnmower blenny. They are great algae eaters!