45 gallon stocking help

[TheShrimpNibbler]

I would like some help with making a stocking list for my 45 gallon tank. So far I have:
1 ocellaris clown (will be getting a second one)
1 royal gramma
1 Randall’s goby with a tiger pistol

Some other fish that I am thinking about getting are:
Flame hawks (1 or a pair)
Mandarin (I understand the feeding requirements and will not take this route without making sure I can keep it well fed)
Firefish (1,2, or 3 of them)
Blue flasher wrasse
PIntail fairy wrasse
Randall’s assessor

Obviously I can’t get all of theses fish, so which ones you would recommend? Also, do you have any other suggestions for reef safe fish that would work well in my tank?

 

[Dempsey941]

I dont think a mandarin will have long term success in a 45 unless you got some serious pod production and supplement food.

The rest of the list looks fine, but I think the pintail will outgrow your setup. Maybe swap it out with another flasher? Also some of the smaller pygmy angels (not necessarily reef safe) and Cardinals would also be an interesting addition.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

I dont think a mandarin will have long term success in a 45 unless you got some serious pod production and supplement food.

The rest of the list looks fine, but I think the pintail will outgrow your setup. Maybe swap it out with another flasher? Also some of the smaller pygmy angels (not necessarily reef safe) and Cardinals would also be an interesting addition.

I understand your point about the mandarin and definitely won’t get one unless I’m positive I can keep it well fed. I am not a fan of cardinals which is why I didn’t put them on the list. I would really like a clam, so I will probably stay away from angels as well.
I will also look into the size of the pintail. So, what combination of the fish listed do you think would work the best since all of them would probably exceed my bioload?

 

[Dempsey941]

So, what combination of the fish listed do you think would work the best since all of them would probably exceed my bioload?

Its not all that different from my 40 breeder

2x Occ. Clownfish
1x Royal Gramma
1x Shrimp Goby Pair
1x Flasher Wrasse
1x Flame Hawk
1x Fire Fish/Yellow Wrasse/Blenny

Or alternatively

2x Occ. Clownfish
1x Royal Gramma
1x Shrimp Goby Pair
3x Flasher Wrasse (add them at the same time or use an acclamation box)
1x Flame Hawk

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Its not all that different from my 40 breeder

2x Occ. Clownfish
1x Royal Gramma
1x Shrimp Goby Pair
1x Flasher Wrasse
1x Flame Hawk
1x Fire Fish/Yellow Wrasse/Blenny

Or alternatively

2x Occ. Clownfish
1x Royal Gramma
1x Shrimp Goby Pair
3x Flasher Wrasse (add them at the same time or use an acclamation box)
1x Flame Hawk

I really like the second idea, but could I do two flasher wrasses and a firefish instead of three flasher wrasses?

 

[Dempsey941]

I really like the second idea, but could I do two flasher wrasses and a firefish instead of three flasher wrasses?

I think the only issue with 2 is that one is going to be the dominant and bully the lesser without much distraction.

You could totally do the 2nd option and add a fire fish to it, and it really wouldn't effect your bioload as long as you are on top of water changes.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

I think the only issue with 2 is that one is going to be the dominant and bully the lesser without much distraction.

You could totally do the 2nd option and add a fire fish to it, and it really wouldn't effect your bioload as long as you are on top of water changes.

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense about the wrasse aggression. I guess I’ll just have to figure which flasher or fairy wrasses to get. Any suggestions?

 

[Dempsey941]

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense about the wrasse aggression. I guess I’ll just have to figure which flasher or fairy wrasses to get. Any suggestions?

I am partial towards my McCoskers, when he is showing his colors and flashing, there is no comparison

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

@evolved do you have any suggestions on what wrasses might work well? Also, do you think my tank would be too small for a pintail? It 36” long.

 

[evolved]

@evolved do you have any suggestions on what wrasses might work well? Also, do you think my tank would be too small for a pintail? It 36” long.

It's right at the minimum size of tank I'd recommend for one. It can be done, but bigger is always better, of course. It would be fine with a flasher(s) as well.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

It's right at the minimum size of tank I'd recommend for one. It can be done, but bigger is always better, of course. It would be fine with a flasher(s) as well.

Thanks. I’ll have to think about it then.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Do you have any suggestions on other specific flasher or fairy wrasses that would work well?

 

[evolved]

Do you have any suggestions on other specific flasher or fairy wrasses that would work well?

Any flasher; it's a matter of what appeals to you.
For Fairy's, the only other suitable complex is the lubbocki complex.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Any flasher; it's a matter of what appeals to you.
For Fairy's, the only other suitable complex is the lubbocki complex.

Ok. Thank you.