24x24x12” cube stocking advice

[AaronFReef]

I have a 25g 24”x24”x12” cube with a 25g sump with about 45g of water volume set up for SPS and a mixed reef that I am hoping for stocking advice on.

I have a decent ASM Mini G skimmer on it that pulls wet but solid skimmate, and a chaeto fuge and filter socks and a carbon/GFO canister.

I currently have three firefish. I plan to add a pair of young occelaris clowns and a Cyaneus flasher wrasse.

I’d like to add some larger fish, possibly with some color and utility. I had been considering a flame angel but someone said that it would eventually get unhappy and start nipping coral in this size tank. I also considered a small yellow tang that I’d bring back to the LFS if it began outgrowing the tank before I set up my planned 7’ tank. Don’t worry I’m practical and will bring fish back if they don’t work out.

What would you guys suggest I can add above and beyond my required firefish, flasher wrasse, and two clowns?

 

[OutsideBrian]

Your probably pushing it with the 3 fire fish, clowns and wrasse in that 25g Display.

 

[AaronFReef]

Your probably pushing it with the 3 fire fish, clowns and wrasse in that 25g Display.

Thanks. What if I reduce the firefish to one? Is the consensus here with OutsideBrian?

 

[AaronFReef]

Also for what reason would my stocking list be excessive? Nutrient export requirements? I was trying to pick peaceful fish and perhaps fish exploiting different niches in shelter and feeding.

 

[SneakyTortuga]

I know I’m asking for the tang police but in the 24x24 frag tank I have a tiny tang, small blotched anthias and a 6 line wrasse. The tang for algae control and 6 line for pest control

 

[Jesterrace]

Also for what reason would my stocking list be excessive? Nutrient export requirements? I was trying to pick peaceful fish and perhaps fish exploiting different niches in shelter and feeding.

The problem isn't the nutrient export, the problem is the relatively cramped dimensions of the tank. Saltwater fish need space (specifically horizontal length to swim). A Flasher Wrasse may be small but they are super active and I wouldn't attempt one in less than a 3 foot long tank. Also the 3 firefish are very likely to turn on each other at some point. They don't tend to do well as multiples in captivity unless they are a mated pair. The Tang and Dwarf Angel is definitely out as that is basically the equivalent of a temporary holding tank to them and those fish are fairly aggressive to boot (I have removed both of them from larger tanks due to aggression issues).

The other thing is that even the so called "Peaceful" Clownfish will likely become very territorial once established in a tank of that size and go after any fish that ventures into their set turf. Fish that would be appropriate for that size of tank:

1-2 Ocellaris or Percula Clowns (no more than 1 pair)
Cardinalfish
Possum or Pink Streaked Wrasse
Small Gobies
Small Blennies (ie Barnacle, Tailspot)

This will keep your tank relatively peaceful (definitely add the clownfish last) and the fish will do well long term in the given space.

 

[OutsideBrian]

Yes the size of the tank is your limiting factor.
Off topic but what brand is that tank and can you post a couple other pictures of it?

 

[AaronFReef]

Thanks to you both for the in depth explanation! I do have a build thread. Link to follow. I don’t know the manufacturer but I bought it used and had to completely rebuild it, cutting out all silicone and re-gluing it.

 

[AaronFReef]

Build thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-rehabilitation-29g-cube-and-equipment-room-build.519795/

 

[mattzang]

the dimensions look pretty similar to the quite popular nuvo 20 and lagoon 25 tanks, maybe search for those tanks and see what people have in there. like others said, the 3 firefish will probably become 2 firefish eventually, but maybe you stumbled upon a male female female trio. shrug

i'd check out basslets too, those are cool nano fish

 

[cracker]

Love the dimensions Man , sure it's on the smaller side it just means just a few " small " fish. Easy for some nice LPS ?

 

[AaronFReef]

the dimensions look pretty similar to the quite popular nuvo 20 and lagoon 25 tanks, maybe search for those tanks and see what people have in there. like others said, the 3 firefish will probably become 2 firefish eventually, but maybe you stumbled upon a male female female trio. shrug

i'd check out basslets too, those are cool nano fish

Thanks. Yeah I should have looked more into it and I’ve heard that since. Went off the BRS160 video where I believe they used three firefish. Very different dimensions which I didn’t factor in.

I’ll definitely search for those tanks to see what people have in them.

 

[AaronFReef]

Love the dimensions Man , sure it's on the smaller side it just means just a few " small " fish. Easy for some nice LPS ?

Thanks. I love it too and am looking forward to seeing some coralline and coral in it.

Edit: I’m a stickhead and while I will be adding zoas and some LPS and softies, my goal is acros.

 

[mattzang]

Thanks. Yeah I should have looked more into it and I’ve heard that since. Went off the BRS160 video where I believe they used three firefish. Very different dimensions which I didn’t factor in.

I’ll definitely search for those tanks to see what people have in them.

sorry i didn't mean like don't ask and just go research, hopefully you didn't take it like that. i did that with my tank to get some ideas, then see what people think about compatibility and what not

 

[AaronFReef]

Not at all. It’s absolutely what I did and got some good ideas. Thanks.