Give me your thoughts on my stocking list.

Catfish2 · Nov 28, 2018

I was just hoping to get some input from all of you about what I'm planning on stocking in my new 300 gallon (96x30x24) display.

Feel free to give whatever input you want. For example:

Does this sound like too many fish or not enough?

Thoughts on compatibility between fish and corals/ inverts.

Thoughts about stocking order.

Thoughts on any other cool fish I should consider.

The tank will be an SPS heavy, mixed reef.

Thanks in advance!

Male McCosker's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus mccoskeri)

Female Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris)

Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis)

Scott's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus scottorum)

Male Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri)

Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) x 3

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) x3

Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) x 3

Blonde Naso Tang (Naso elegans)

Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)

Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas)

Bartlett's or lyretail Anthias x 9

Blue/Green Reef Chromis (Chromis viridis) x 9

One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)

ca1ore · Nov 28, 2018

Six zebrasomas may be tough in a tank even that size. I’ve a single of each in my 450 and they still give each other a hard time after 5 years. My purple, in particular is a homicidal ba$****. Both Bartlett’s and lyretails delight in beating the crap out of each other. Bartlett’s are better looking, so that’s what I’d do. I’d personally pass on the green chromis. Too likely to have uronema. I’ve gone with large numbers of chrysiptera damsels and been very happy with them. Otherwise, looks like a good list. Have an open aquascape and plenty of nutrient exports and the load looks fine.

I’m a big fan of pyramids (have 8 in my tank, a mix of regular and zoster). Gave up on flashers years ago - couldn’t keep the cursed fish in the tank. Much prefer fairies. Check out the complex sticky for compatibility.

Catfish2 · Nov 28, 2018

ca1ore said:
Six zebrasomas may be tough in a tank even that size. I’ve a single of each in my 450 and they still give each other a hard time after 5 years. My purple, in particular is a homicidal ba$****. Both Bartlett’s and lyretails delight in beating the crap out of each other. Bartlett’s are better looking, so that’s what I’d do. I’d personally pass on the green chromis. Too likely to have uronema. I’ve gone with large numbers of chrysiptera damsels and been very happy with them. Otherwise, looks like a good list. Have an open aquascape and plenty of nutrient exports and the load looks fine.

I’m a big fan of pyramids (have 8 in my tank, a mix of regular and zoster). Gave up on flashers years ago - couldn’t keep the cursed fish in the tank. Much prefer fairies. Check out the complex sticky for compatibility.

I really appreciate your input! What would you think about 3 yellow tangs and just 1 purple? I realize from an aggression standpoint any number of them can lead to issues, but i was hoping more would spread out some of that aggression. I also like the idea of the yellows swimming together, which is why im considering multiples.

I agree on the Bartlett's being prettier with the exception of the male lyretail. Ive read that lyretail are more brutal than the Bartlett's... any truth to that in your experience or should I choose witch type solely based on looks?

I hear you on the chromis too. I don't particularly like them, I was just looking for a schooling fish that would add contrast to the anthias. Ive kept Azure damsels (in small numbers) and they were great, but they never really hung out with each other. Are you talking about a large mix of chrysiptera damsel or just multiples of one type? And when you say large numbers you mean like 10?

Thanks again!

ca1ore · Nov 28, 2018

Definately just one purple. I always had trouble with multiple yellows, but haven’t tried more than one in a long time (I feed a lot more now). I don’t bother with lyretails anymore - more trouble than they’re worth. My favored anthias is the bimac. Gorgeous fish and not aggressive with others. A bit pricey though.

I have five different species of chrysiptera damsels - over 60 at last count - though mostly yellow tails. You’re right, they do spread out around the tank. Rolland’s my favorite.