40 Gallon stocking list

[Zemlja]

Hi Everyone!
I’m going to be setting up a 40 gallon soon and would love some stocking ideas, both coral and fish. Would also prefer recommendations on beginner corals.

 

[fishski13]

One of my favorites for that size is the longnose hawkfish.

For coral what kind of lighting are you thinking of running? If this is your first tank with corals, I would definitely start with softies as they are the easiest to take care of and they dont require the most stable and well parameterized water as lps and sps. Some softies like the clove, leather fingers, and toadstool could be good additions.

 

[bnord]

Agree with the above - if you haven't already bought a light, consider buying for where you want to be in 18 months and grow into it
Would have some mushrooms or entry level costed zoas to the above
Cloves can be like Xenia in their spread, so consider placing on an island or higher in the scape - as they seem to grow up faster than down

After a while a Duncan is a good test polyp

please avoid pocillipora as an early SPS - they can be weeds

entry fish are discussed lots of places, but please consider small easy QT system rather than "luck and treatment if not"

and best of luck to you

 

[EricR]

As a fellow 40 gallon newbie(ish), I'll just throw out what I have/like,,, which is all beginner/easy stuff...

Fish:
- Clownfish (of course)
- Bicolor blenny
...next maybe:
- Firefish
- Pajama cardinal

Corals:
- Zoanthids
- Ricordea mushrooms

It's all personal preference and compatibility.
Equipment like lighting first as others mentioned.
Start with fish and make sure you have a handle on parameters/nutrients for a while before corals.