New saltwater tank.

[wastememphis]

There will be a 65 gallon tank with an overflow waiting for me at my lfs in about two weeks... I have a few questions on what will be compaitable with it if it will eventually be a reef tank and due to the size of the tank. Heres a list of fish that caught my eye.

Yellow Eye Cole Tang (1)
Fox Face Rabbit Fish (1-2?)
Phycadelic Mandarin Fish (2)
Ocellaris Clown (2-?)
Purple Tang (1)

I'm not sure if the Cole Tang would be alright with a Purple tang... and I don't really know anything about the Purple tang. I figured it would be two months before I got any fish for the tank anyway but why not ask early. I know tangs usually don't like other tangs, well with like yellow and the light blue tangs, I heard they would be fine but I don't think a 65 gallon would be big enough for a light blue tang with corals and other fish. Any response is appreciated about the compatabilty or size of the tank, keep in mind I don't have the tank yet and I don't plan on getting fish for at least two months. :)

Neil

[OrionGirl]

The tangs really won't be happy in the 65. They like lots of swimming room, and the 65's are only 4 foot tanks--pretty cramped for fast swimmers. A kohl will do better than a purple, and allow you more stocking options--purples can be very nasty to other fish, especially those similar in shape or form.

Fox Face--depends. Should be okay, but these are a pretty heavy bodied fish, but peaceful. I like them, but don't have space right now. I'd only go with one--not sure how they are with each other.

Mandarins have no place in a new tank. They often refuse prepared foods, so starve. If you can find one that is taking prepared foods (meaning you see it eat, do not take the LFS's word for this), and have plentiful copopods in your tank, they are awesome. Just be patient and let your tank settle and mature for a minimum of 6 months first. Also, a male-female pair will work, but all other combos will result in territory disputes and deaths. I would not try 2 in a 65.

I'm not a fan of clowns. They, in general, are some of the nastiest temperment fish and will abuse and chase other fish, often killing them. Add them last, don't mix species, and be prepared for some hostilities.