25 lagoon fish stocking ideas

Jrvaldeznm · Nov 18, 2018

Hello all,

My tank has been set up for about 4 months and things are going well! At the moment I have a duo of clowns, a tuxedo urchin, an emerald crab, and a good mixture of snails/hermit crabs in the tank, and am looking to add some more fish. Here are some ideas that I have considered:

Duo of clowns with a trio of firefish and a fighting conch
Duo of clowns with a trio of azure damselfish and a fighting conch
Duo of clowns with an orchid dotty back and a god watchman goby.
Duo of clown with a yasha/pistol shrmp duo and a single fire fish/orchid dottyback

Any thoughts?

DeniseAndy · Nov 18, 2018

You are not trying to add another duo of clowns right? Just the original ones?

I would go with yasha/pistol shrimp and maybe a firefish. I think the trio of azure or trio of firefish will be a bit too much on bioload. Plus, I love that relationship of shrimp/goby. Orchids can be a bit aggressive and clowns may have issues after they grow up a bit. Unless it is captive bred, may have less issues.

Good luck. Would love to see pictures.

Jrvaldeznm · Nov 18, 2018

DeniseAndy said:
You are not trying to add another duo of clowns right? Just the original ones?

I would go with yasha/pistol shrimp and maybe a firefish. I think the trio of azure or trio of firefish will be a bit too much on bioload. Plus, I love that relationship of shrimp/goby. Orchids can be a bit aggressive and clowns may have issues after they grow up a bit. Unless it is captive bred, may have less issues.

Good luck. Would love to see pictures.

Sorry for the confusion, I would not add two more clowns. I have been reading more about the dottybacks and am scrapping that idea. I will also most likely scrap the idea of an azure trio due to the bio load issues. That leaves me with a trio/duo of fire fish or a yasha/pistol shrimp combo...I really want to see more life and activity around the water column, but my wife will have be the deciding factor

. Have a nice Sunday!

Jmas4 · Nov 18, 2018

Three firefish will not work out. Stick with one. Most often, unless they are a pair they will fight. If you're looking for activity in your tank, instead of a goby/shrimp pair, what about a single azure damsel and/or small wrasse, like a possum wrasse?

Good luck and Happy Reefing

Chrysus · Nov 19, 2018

I tend to stock heavily, but current stock in my 25 lagoon is -
1x Exquisite Firefish
2x Pink Skunk Clowns
1x Azure Damsel
1x Starry Blenny
1x Yellow Watchman Goby w/ pistol shrimp (although they aren’t actually a pair)

Prior to the Firefish and Blenny we had a Chalk Basslet and a Banggai Cardinal, although that stocking was a little top heavy and there was occasional chasing. Just to give some more ideas.

Jrvaldeznm · Nov 19, 2018

Jmas4 said:
Three firefish will not work out. Stick with one. Most often, unless they are a pair they will fight. If you're looking for activity in your tank, instead of a goby/shrimp pair, what about a single azure damsel and/or small wrasse, like a possum wrasse?

Good luck and Happy Reefing

I like the idea of a possum wrasse, that is certainly something to consider!

Dsnakes · Nov 19, 2018

No matter what fish you chose, definitely get the conch. I think they are underrated. I love mine, he’s a little work horse.

I agree with the Firefish being best kept to one, unless buying an existing pair.

Orchids are a more peaceful dottyback, but in a smaller tank can still pose future issues with a clown pair.

Jrvaldeznm · Nov 19, 2018

After all the feedback, I think I will select from the following:

Already present: 2 Oceallaris Clowns
Potential Fish: 1 Firefish goby, Royal Gramma, Possum Wrasse, Yasha Goby/Pistol Shrimp Combo

Fighting conch is going in!

Really appreciate everyone's insights, and suggesting things that I had not considered.

JBKReef · Nov 19, 2018

I'm currently stocking up a 25 gallon lagoon as well. So far I only have 2 clowns in QT but I plan to add a Tailspot Blenny, and then something else. Its tough to decide but I like firefish, royal gramma, a goby pistor combo would be cool as well but I feel with my luck they would settle into a spot I can not see

emilios_reeftank · Nov 19, 2018

#4 all the way!

Chrysus · Nov 19, 2018

JBKReef said:
I'm currently stocking up a 25 gallon lagoon as well. So far I only have 2 clowns in QT but I plan to add a Tailspot Blenny, and then something else. Its tough to decide but I like firefish, royal gramma, a goby pistor combo would be cool as well but I feel with my luck they would settle into a spot I can not see

My goby has caves in a spot that I can’t see, but she still comes out to see what’s going on. Unless you have tons of rock I’d say in a tank that size you have a pretty good chance of spotting them.

DeniseAndy · Nov 19, 2018

I have 2 conch in my 210g and have always loved them. One was 5" up the glass tonight. Had to get a picture. Unfortunately it is on my camera somewhere cannot upload. That is definitely a good creature to add. Forgot to mention that in my post.

Jrvaldeznm · Nov 19, 2018

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I actually went an got a conch earlier today and he is settling in really nicely. I will most likely be adding a royal gramma in the upcoming weeks, test the water to see where my paramaters are at, and see which fish my wife really likes from the recommendations and slowly add from there!