Advise on stocking 240gal FOWLR

[TheFunnyFarm]

Hello Everyone,

I’m in the final stages of a custom 240gal FOWLR build and am trying to narrow down the stocking with the family. It’s been over 20years since I last had a tank (technically my father’s when I was growing up) and am having difficulty determining what sources to trust regarding bio-load / compatibility / appropriate tank size. I’m finding myself relearning everything as so much has changed in both theory and practice.

Display tank:
• 78” long x 24” wide x 30” high custom tank by Miracles
• VorTech MP40mQDs and/or gyre (TBD) in DT
• Hoping to have a sand bed though not sure if it
be more trouble than it’s worth

Remote filter room in basement:
• 72” long x 30” wide x 18” high sump with MRC Infiniti roller (feeds UV, skimmer, refugium with dedicated pumps for each)
• MRC MR-3 recirculating skimmer 600gal rated
• 34” long x 15” wide x 15” high refugium
• Pentair in-line UV sterilizer
• 2ea submergered DC pumps (TBD) for return, anticipating combined flow of approx 2000gph at head height
• BRS 7 stage RODI
• 2ea 28” long x 18” wide x 18” high QT tanks

Planned stocking list:
• Blueface Angel
• Dalmatian Dogface Puffer
• Harlequin Tuskfish (Biota captive bred)
• Niger Trigger
• pair of Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish
• Gem Tang
• White Tail Yellow Eye Bristletooth Tang
• Multibar Dwarf Angel (Biota captive bred)
• Coral Beauty Dwarf Angel (Biota captive bred)
• Need help with a cleanup crew that won’t get decimated by the larger fish, a sifting goby perhaps?
• Others that could work well to fill in the remaining available load

Thanks!

 

[blaxsun]

For sand beds, I love my black sea cumbers (not for everyone, but these have been absolute workhorses). They turn the sand bed over 24/7 without leaving sand scattered everywhere.

 

[JC1977]

I think you’ve got a well thought out game plan only thing you might want to consider is maybe going wider instead of taller with the DT. Your fish will appreciate the wider footprint and you’ll thank yourself when you have to do anything inside the tank lol. Just my thought maybe you can’t go wider idk.

 

[dennis romano]

Forget about the multibar angel. There is no way that it could compete with the other fish at feeding time. The semilarvatus probably won't go either. They are easily intimidated. Go with a more aggressive butterfly like an auriga.