Compatible fish for a mixed reef tank upgrade

[Lionsreef]

My wife surprised me and ordered a new Red Sea 500 peninsula tank for my birthday which is expected to arrive this week. I will be upgrading from a 40 gal tank that includes a dwarf zebra lion, sand sifting gobie and a maroon clownfish. I also have a 4 inch maxima clam and large amount of coral....both SPS and LPS in the existing tank.

So given my current animals and the size of the new tank, what other fish would be compatible. I suspect many will say the clownfish I have is not compatible with the lionfish but they were put in the existing tank at the same time as juveniles over 1 year ago and have gotten along fine. Many of the fish I'm now considering for the new tank are either not reef safe, clam safe or safe with my lionfish. I'm looking for recommendations based on all of your experience.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

The clownfish and lion are fine together as long as they have enough room so they aren't bumping into each other, which 105 gallons will be plenty of room

What sort of fish are you interested in? You have a lot of room to work with but you will need to find fish that will not be eaten by the lion and won't be terrorized by the maroon clown.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Some fish that should work:
Marine betta
Blotchy anthias
Melanurus wrasse

 

[Lionsreef]

The clownfish and lion are fine together as long as they have enough room so they aren't bumping into each other, which 105 gallons will be plenty of room

What sort of fish are you interested in? You have a lot of room to work with but you will need to find fish that will not be eaten by the lion and won't be terrorized by the maroon clown.

I would definitely like to add a Powder Blue Tang. By all indications this fish looks compatible with my current tank mates and coral. My wife has always wanted a puffer but he will nip on my clamp I'm afraid.

 

[eatbreakfast]

A powder blue is too big, active, and aggressive for that size tank.

A puffer will likely nip the clam.

 

[Lionsreef]

Some fish that should work:
Marine betta
Blotchy anthias
Melanurus wrasse

I'd like to get a wrasse as well but have been concerned they will jump out? Are they all jumpers?

 

[eatbreakfast]

I'd like to get a wrasse as well but have been concerned they will jump out? Are they all jumpers?

Any fish can jump.

 

[sapphire22]

Any fish can jump.

I’m sure this is an old post! My 6 line wrasse well the first one disappeared! It vanished no trace! I watched a fried go through 4 6 line wrasse before giving up! My second 6 line I purchased and had him a month in a 32 G biocube!

He did great! Until one evening I heard what I thought was my cat behind my stand making a racket! I was yelling at him (he is like a child!) and he slowly comes from another room like “ what mom I’m right here..”

He hears the same sounds and is in high alert! I randomly (5 minutes into This) realize my goodness a fish had to of jumped! I go the 4 inches between the carpet and the tanks stand and blindly search for this said fish.

I grabbed a clump of cat hair and it could only be one thing.. a fish! So I slowly clear the furball and hold him into the tank by hand against the glass for 15 minutes! Thinking there’s not a chance for survival….


This was 18 months ago! I have had no lid on my tank transferred twice and I have to say he’s learned his lesson! He only jumps around at feeding time! He knows to stay away from the edges and that it’s s death sentence!

Every fish can jump! Some just manage to do it at the right time and realize “that was a horrible idea!” And except the endless supply of food and move in with their happy cohabitated lives! Lol


Figured I could make someone laugh!