60g Stocking Suggestions

[Cincy_Reefer]

Hey everyone!

I currently have my waterbox marine x 90.3 fully cycled and my only inhabitants are two orange storm clowns.

I’m starting to build my stock list and would love suggestions.

The display dimensions are:
35.4"×19.7"×21.7"
(length x width x height)

I know for certain that I want to have a mandarin later down the line and understand that preparing for a mandarin is a whole side project that (for me) will involve culturing copepods and other micro organisms. I plan to be ready to add a mandarin around 12-18 months from now when my tank is fully matured and I have mastered the copepod culturing process. (Will be culturing externally from system due to lack of space for refugium in sump)

I haven’t started the ugly phases YET so I haven’t added any CUC, but I know it’s coming lol

What would your top 4 animal recommendations be for stocking this setup? Although I don't have any corals yet I plan to start with softies and evolve into a mixed reef setting.

I’m looking forward to your responses
(oh and I almost forgot - Who Deyyy )

A few pictures of my setup with the white lights on:

 

[blaxsun]

Midas blenny, royal gramma, any dottyback, flame hawkfish, a small dwarf angel (coral beauty or flame), any kind of anthias, banggai cardinals, chromis, an azure damsel.

 

[Wasabiroot]

Bangaii cardinal, midas blenny (avoid non fanged if going coral route), royal gramma. My personal opinion would be to avoid dwarf angels (too risky on nipping, 50/50) but you could always add and remove later as they are beautiful. Blaxsun has some great suggestions.
Note that any hawkfish will complicate your small fish and invert stocking as they are capable hunters.

 

[Cincy_Reefer]

What’s the thought process behind the cardinals? They seem pretty unexciting to me (not to bash on them lol)