Fish compatibility for a new 75 gallon tank

mydaddysjag · Nov 3, 2019

I am trying to plan fish for my 75g so that I can choose appropriate sand and rockscape if they have specific needs. I dont plan on adding any fish for a few months but want to make sure I gear my tank setup to its future residents. I would like bright fish, and some larger fish if possible. Some fish I like are clown fish, the yellow eye kole tang, one spot fox face (though reading its venomous scares me a bit), orange stripe prawn goby... there are quite a bit more, coral beauty angelfish, royal gramma, dottyback... Ive been trying to read requirements and see who could live together happily in a 75gallon, but get confused between easy to moderate to care for, will fit in my tank size, will get along together, and then their care needs. Any suggestions? Im open to other bright fish as well.

Jesterrace · Nov 3, 2019

Skip the Dottyback and go with the Basslet (Royal Gramma) as they are generally better behaved. Most dottybacks outside the orchid (and even they can be a gamble) are terrible community tankmates with lots of horror stories to back it up. The Clownfish, Kole and possibly One Spot Foxface can work as can the Coral Beauty. I have both a One Spot and Coral Beauty in my 90 gallon right now (same as a standard 75 gallon just 3 inches taller) and they have both been fine for over a year now. The venomous spines with the Foxface can be a concern but they are generally defensive in purpose, so as long as you aren't attempting to handfeed or pet it you should be fine. They are definitely spastic fish, hence I don't recommend handfeeding.

mydaddysjag · Nov 3, 2019

Im glad to hear that most of my favorites will work together, and Ill certainly skip the dottyback. If I were to add these fish, what would be the recommended order to add them? What would be a recommended cleanup crew to add with them? I have a hard time finding compatibility lists for cleanup crews.

ReefRy · Nov 3, 2019

The Kole tang should be pretty close to last as it will probably be the most aggressive. Also, theyre algae grazers and will benefit from a more established tank. Ive also got a 75g (two months old) and am adding my foxface in two weeks. He'll be the second addition, after 5 scissortail dartfish 10 days ago. As he is fairly docile Id like to get him in and established now.

As for the clowns, I want a pair too, but Im adding a second tank later next year so they can have their own house. Ive heard too many stories about aggression and them claiming half a tank as their own.

For c.u.c. I went with 5 red leg, 5 blue leg hermits, a few nassarius snails, a few turbos, and two conchs.