Can i support more fish

Cool, I say go for it! Swapping out the Regal for a Kole would be a good exchange, IMHO. The Kole should be your only tang in the tank.

 

i could be wrong but i get the feeling his is talking about adding and not swapping

 

i was just going to purchase him, and once the regal gets big(only about 3-4inchs) i was going to sell. also what other fish would you recomend, not really intersted in small small fish. want something that swims around alot and interesting. i already have to clowns. my longnose is only about 3 inchs also

 

Look into smaller fish that won't outgrow your 55g and overhaul your bio-load. Something like Dwarf Angels, Banggai Cardinals, PJ Cardinals, Flame Hawk, Six Line Wrasse, Jawfish, or Royal Gramma. Just research them so you know what you're getting into.

1 tang in a 55g is pushing it, def don't have 2. My hippo will outgrow my 55g and I will have to either upgrade or swap him out one day.

 

Royal grammas are very colorful and active. A good choice!

 

If you're not interested in smaller fish it would be wise to invest in a bigger tank.
A 55 gal is not a good tank for larger fish IMO.
There are plenty of small fish that are bright, lively and interesting. Plus you can have a little more when you have small fish vs just a couple of big ones.

 

I agree, a bunch of smaller fish vs. a few large ones is a much nicer more lively environment.

 

Stocking levels have nothing to do with filtration, it is limited by oxygen. Stocking levels are much lower compared to fresh because salt water holds much less oxygen. While we can debate appropriate tank sizes for various fish, the bottom line is you are maxed out as it is. Hang on filters do not get the gas exchange as sumps and skimmers do. It isn't about keeping fish alive, it is about keeping them happy and healthy. You have a lot of fish for your setup. I'm not talking about numbers, I'm talking about size and activity.

 

im getting a new fluval 405 canister and an octopus skimmer on the weekend

 

I would advise against this. If he seems happy and healthy, I suppose you could hang on to your Regal a little while longer since he's still on the small side (same goes for your long-nose too I'm afraid)...but ultimately I'm talking about an exchange/swap with the Kole and definitely not an addition. You should never have 2 tangs in your tank at one time. And really, as I mentioned before, this is only if you insist on keeping a tang. Ours is a 60g (w./24g sump)...and while we are still researching and finalizing our stocking list...we've found many wonderful fish- active, peaceful, colorful and smaller which are well suited to our tank size. Ours is a reef so it will be stocked lighter...presume you have a FO or FOWLR tank (with a long-nose in it)...