coral tank

what kind of fish will be healthy if i have a 55 gallon tank full of coral

 

Could you clarify your question? I don't really understand what you're asking....

 

hes been having an issue with a stocking list, but is now doing research to make sure he is getting appropriate fish which is really awesome man, I'm glad to see you doing the research to make sure you and your reef buddies are happy!
I know you like tangs, and with only a little rock, either a yellow, purple, or kole tang would be nice in your reef. My favorite fish all time is my Orchid Dottyback, he has only messed with one fish in 7 years, which makes him a ZILLION times better than my false perc clownfish. Clownfish are always a good addition (i hate them though) because they are hardy, colorful, and ALWAYS out. I like six line wrasses for their ability to eat pests if you get them, but they can be mean too. small gobies like the Rainford goby i also love. If you want to do SPS in the future stay away from clown gobies. Damsels are an appropriate fish though other than yellow-tails, can get nasty. Purple firefish are great inhabitants and are colorful, but not so active if their mates are semi-aggressive. I also like certain Cardinalfish. I am thinking of putting a school of 4-5 of them in my 55 reef. Last are reef safe wrasses. Probably the coolest looking fish as well as the most active. Fairy wrasses are beautiful and filament and flashers are also really popular. A wrasse harem is a pretty neat way to go and you could definitely put a few different species in there.

 

yeah iam definatlly going to get some of those fish but going to have 4 or 5 dwarf anglefish and was wondering if the can be healthy and happy with 25-40 pounds of live rock and 20-25 pieces of coral frags that will grow

 

Angles, specifically dwarf angels aren't considered "reef-safe", due to their reputation of nipping on corals. It's kind of a hit or miss on that one. I would also err on the side of only one or two dwarf angels if you do. These aren't too peaceful when it comes to "con-specifics", aka, having multiples of the same genus, who are not also of the same species.

 

if i wanted to have multiple pieces of coral i should not have dwarf angle fish

 

Well, there's a couple species you might be able to do 1 of, but you aren't going to be able to have more than 1 angel in that size tank because they'll kill each other.

 

I've had both a Flame Angel and Coral Beauty Angel. Not in the same tank at the same time though as that would be disastrous. Neither one of them ever looked at any coral the wrong way. I've never had any SPS though, so I have no idea how they would handle that. In a 55g tank, I would not advise keeping any Tangs. Sorry, but that tank is just too small. You need at least a 70g tank for a few of the Tangs (and most Tangs need 100+), otherwise they could become aggressive and are more likely to get a disease. It's your tank so you can do whatever you want with it, but I would advise against it. Tangs (even small ones) really do need a lot of swimming room. I am apparently different than others; I love Ocellaris Clown fish. I always get the tank bred ones and have never had a single problem with them being aggressive to any fish in my tanks, nor have they nipped or eaten any corals. Royal Grammas are very colorful and peaceful (and reef safe). Mine have always been out and about type fish. Always swimming around in open view. Although Damsels are attractive and active, I would stay away from them unless it's a Yellow-tail. I haven't tried them all, but I will say the Blue Damsel (I've heard them called Electric Blue as well as Blue Devil Damsels) can be VERY aggressive. And a PITA to get out of the tank unless you have dual nets. In my experience, when using two nets to remove them, it takes all of 2 minutes (max) to get one out. Usually 30 seconds. With one net, forget it. You will be stuck with it for a VERY long time as they are hard to kill (very hardy), unless you feel like removing all of your rock. I've had one that nipped at coral, but I think it was more of the fact that he/she loved to rearrange the tank constantly. I was always putting the small rocks back where I WANTED THEM (not where he/she wanted them). You'd be surprised at what a Damsel can move.

I could go on, but the sun is about to come up, so i guess I should go to sleep.