Some advice for stocking

[karaim]

I currently have a 120 gallon tank (60 x 18 x 25). My current inhabitants are as follows:

- 1.5-2.0" Rectangular Trigger
- 2" Strawberry Dottyback (Purple Psuedochromis)
- 2.5" Tomato Clownfish
- 3.5" Juvenile Emperor Angel
- 4" Yellow (Goldensaddle) Goatfish in QT

I plan on adding the following fish over the next couple of month:

- 3" Hippo Tang
- 3" Hurlequin Tusk

I am also upgrading to a 260 gallon tank within the next couple of month (84 x 24 x 30).

My questions are as follows:

1) How long do you think my Pseudochromis and Clownfish have before possibly getting killed by the Trigger? Would I be better off getting rid of them eventually? Right now they can stand up for themselves and nobody picks on them.

2) Will I be able to add other fish to my 260? I also want a Dogface Puffer but am afraid the bioload will be too great when all my fish are fully grown. Does anyone have a similar sized tank with more fish?

[LisaD]

the clown may be okay for the long haul. I'd get the dottyback out when you upgrade.

I think your list will be fine in a 260.

[karaim]

Thanks Lisa. The Tomato Clown is acually pretty tough and for now even stands up to the emperor without problems.

[LisaD]

For several years, I had a tomato clown with a subadult emperor angel, mimic tang, puffer, harlequin tuskfish, and zebra moray. there was also a royal gramma in the mix and none of the fish bothered it either.

I didn't have a trigger in the tank, though. I think chances are, your clown will be fine, but the dottyback should come out eventually.

[karaim]

I've read horror stories about a tusk and emperor combination (the emperor usually ends up killing the tusk). Since my emperor was in the tank first (foolish on my part), would it be ok to add the tusk? If so, should I get a tusk that is smaller or larger than the emperor to avoid aggression?

For some reason I am not worried about the Hippo Tang. Should I be?