Dream Tank

david@wegetkraken · Feb 12, 2022

I have kept reef tanks for many years and am in the process of planning my dream tank. It will be an SPS dominant set-up and I will be pushing the limit on the livestock as well. I understand the risks associated with a few of my livestock choices, as I've kept many of these in previous systems. Where possible these specimens will be captive bred with plans to purchase almost half from Marine Collectors. What I have been agonizing over and looking for input on is the stocking order, given the special needs of several of the species. Please provide thoughts @Humblefish @4FordFamily and others. Current stocking plan in introduction order:

1xPink Streaked Wrasse
1xFathead Sunburst Anthias
1xRegal Angel
1xAdorned Wrasse
1xMajestic Angel
1xMagnificent Foxface
1xCopperband Butterfly
2xOra Mocha Storm Clownfish
1xCoral Beauty Angelfish
1xLongnose Hawkfish
1xMidas Blenny
1xWhite Tail Bristletooth Tang
1xBluejaw Triggerfish
1xGoldflake Angelfish
1xRoyal Hippo Tang
1xGem Tang

Fish to be introduced over the course of a year or more (CBB around 6 month point). Acclimation boxes, rock rearrangements, mirrors, etc. utilized generously. I'll be ready to catch anything that doesn't go well. Anything I am overlooking? With appropriate filtration I think I am good on bioload, but would appreciate thoughts there as well. Would you change the introduction order on anything?

MnFish1 · Feb 12, 2022

david@wegetkraken said:
I have kept reef tanks for many years and am in the process of planning my dream tank. It will be an SPS dominant set-up and I will be pushing the limit on the livestock as well. I understand the risks associated with a few of my livestock choices, as I've kept many of these in previous systems. Where possible these specimens will be captive bred with plans to purchase almost half from Marine Collectors. What I have been agonizing over and looking for input on is the stocking order, given the special needs of several of the species. Please provide thoughts @Humblefish @4FordFamily and others. Current stocking plan in introduction order:

1xPink Streaked Wrasse
1xFathead Sunburst Anthias
1xRegal Angel
1xAdorned Wrasse
1xMajestic Angel
1xMagnificent Foxface
1xCopperband Butterfly
2xOra Mocha Storm Clownfish
1xCoral Beauty Angelfish
1xLongnose Hawkfish
1xMidas Blenny
1xWhite Tail Bristletooth Tang
1xBluejaw Triggerfish
1xGoldflake Angelfish
1xRoyal Hippo Tang
1xGem Tang

Fish to be introduced over the course of a year or more (CBB around 6 month point). Acclimation boxes, rock rearrangements, mirrors, etc. utilized generously. I'll be ready to catch anything that doesn't go well. Anything I am overlooking? With appropriate filtration I think I am good on bioload, but would appreciate thoughts there as well. Would you change the introduction order on anything?

It is hard to answer this - without knowing the size of the tank - I'm not sure why you picked your order - and I dont think it really matters much. For example - if you add a 5 inch gold flake angel - thats much different than adding a 2 inch gold flake.

My philosophy - is add the easiest fish 'first' if you're going to add differently - the second is - add as many at the same time as you can. I'm not sure (depending on the size) you gain much by adding them over xx months - But the risk of disease rises with ever addition. (I assume you have a QT plan though)

MnFish1 · Feb 12, 2022

PS - POST PICTURES!!!!!

Jekyl · Feb 12, 2022

If 200g doesn't seem like a stretch.

david@wegetkraken · Feb 12, 2022

MnFish1 said:
It is hard to answer this - without knowing the size of the tank - I'm not sure why you picked your order - and I dont think it really matters much. For example - if you add a 5 inch gold flake angel - thats much different than adding a 2 inch gold flake.

My philosophy - is add the easiest fish 'first' if you're going to add differently - the second is - add as many at the same time as you can. I'm not sure (depending on the size) you gain much by adding them over xx months - But the risk of disease rises with ever addition. (I assume you have a QT plan though)

Tank is a 225 gal and yes every fish has a quarantine plan. My philosophy differs on a few of these fish given there disposition. I am adding some of the more difficult fish (Regal, Majestic, CBB) out of typical order due to the fact they are more difficult. This gives them more time to settle in before their easier to acclimate and more boisterous tank mates. As far as the time, that is to allow tank parameter stabilization and to allow the nitrifying bacteria to keep up with the bioload. Good things come to those that go slow, but I understand others have different philosophies.