[charlie]

Hello Lee,
As you may know, my 300 gallon sps tank, (450 gal. system), took the big DIVE last summer, it is still running with just a few fish in it. They are as follows: 1 blonde naso 5-6",1 pyramid butterfly, 1 bicolor angel, ( 7-8 years old, just won't die), 1 lyretail anthias (lonely), 1 yellowtail damsel and 1 blue-green chromis. We would like to make this a fish only, and I have made a wish list and would like to know what you think.
New additions in no particular order:
1 blueface angel
1 porcupine puffer
1 picasso trigger
1 desjardin sailfin
1 brisletooth tang
6-7 lyretail anthias

What thinks you, and what order would you introduce?
TIA

[leebca]

Hi Charlie.

Yes. I remember the loss.

The tank size allows for each type of fish you want to keep. I haven't done the addition to determine if the bio-load would be too big. If your intention is to keep low nitrates in the FOWLR system, you'll need to boost your live rock quantity. However, personally, I wouldn't worry about nitrates (algae), especially with the addition of the Bristletooth Tomini.

Keeping in mind there are exceptions and keeping in mind there may be personality issues, I think you can consider the following generalities:

The established Naso, though generally good natured, will likely have a hard time with the Desjardini and vice versa. As the Desjardini grows, they become bullies. If you can (are willing), get a young Desjardini (less than 2") and the Naso, even if it has a personality problem, won't likely take on the Desjardini and vise versa. The Desjardini will likely grow up accepting the other fishes. Though don't be surprised to find it chasing another fish now and then -- not doing damage -- just chasing.

You obviously like Anthias. I usually steer people away from them, unless they have extra time to provide at least three (preferably 5) meals/day. I'll not say more about this, and leave it to your discretion.

Anther issue that will likely develop is the Picasso. I'm afraid their disposition just isn't good. I wish it was good as they look, but. . .Get a young one that has a 'reasonable' disposition, and introduce it last, then with some luck you may have a chance. Still -- no guarantee and be prepared to get it out.

The problem with the Picasso will start with it hogging the food. The more timid fish, such as those in the large or full-size Angel category (the Blueface you want) and some of the Tangs, are going to be intimidated. The large Angels like to eat slowly, savoring little bits. The is diametrically opposite to the 'garbage disposal like' mouth of the Triggers. I think you'll find when the Picasso gets comfortable, it will be difficult to get food to your other fishes.

The next biggest concern will be the Porcupine Puffer. The young ones are great! The adults get pushy. A rule-of-thumb for this fish is to keep it with moderately assertive fishes when young and very assertive or aggressive fishes when older. This one will/would get along with the Picasso, but eventually, like the Picasso, the Puffer will begin to hog a lot of food for itself, pushing away any timid (Blueface and Tangs) fishes.

The Picasso is the oddball. I think you have two strikes going in with it. However, my preferred order:

Blueface Angel
Bristletooth Tomini Tang
Anthias
Desjardini
Porcupine Puffer
Picasso

If the additions are properly slow (which they should be) you'll likely find the Blueface reverting back to its shy self after every addition. When the Blueface comes forward and looks comfortable again, then is the time for another addition!

[charlie]

I was afraid of the puffer myself Lee, but Lorie would really like to have another one, the first one we had was the best "dog" we have ever had.
I could definitly skip on the trigger, unless you have another suggestion on a trigger. What about one of the reef safe triggers, like a bluethroat?

[leebca]

The two Triggerfish that are best known for being 'community friendly' are the Bluejaw (a.k.a. Bluethroat; Xanthichthys auromarginatus) and the Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger). These seem to be the least prone to bothering other fishes, yet they do have a healthy appetite and may still hog the food at feeding times. I would choose one of these if you needed to have a Triggerfish in that particular collection. Just be sure it is the smallest and last-added fish in the collection. Add this fish after all other fish are totally adjusted and settled.

There's always the chance the one you pick out is the one with a personality problem. When it comes to Triggerfishes in general, they are the most likely to have a wide range of attitudes and attitude swings as they mature. A 'peaceful Triggerfish' is almost an oxymoron.

[charlie]

Thanx Lee. I have had a bluethroat before, and he was just a model citizen.

The attitude problem can be had by almost any fish tho!! You takes your chances, you plays the game. There isn't alot you can do to prevent that.
Thanx again for your advice.