Help me create a stocking list.

[USMA36]

My 90 gallon tank is cycling. The goal is a mixed reef. I'd like some help setting up a stocking list, how many of each and which order to add them. I understand I can't add them all at once and will only add them as my tank matures. Please tell me if there are other good fish/cud that I am missing. So far these are these are what we like:

Pair of Ocellaris clowns
Blue chromis (how many)?
One spot Foxface
Mandarin
Flame Angel?
Tang of some sort (not yellow)
Wrasse (preferably colorful and not a jerk)
Trigger if there's a reef safe version
Barlettes Anthias
Goby/shrimp pair
Purple dottyback
Scooter blenny
Pilot fish
Shrimp (how many and what type)
Trochus Snails
Nessarius snails
Hermit crabs (maybe)

This is my tank so far.

 

[Frop]

I guess that list is up to you. But my list has montipora plate coral and a maxima clam. The rest is all impulse.

 

[USMA36]

Thanks, but I'm looking for advice on that list. Which ones will work and how many can I have if more than one. How they get along, if any are a mistake for my size aquarium or will be a problem with coral.

 

[Michael Frazer]

I'm very inexperienced but from reading and watching certain videos on you tube I've been learning a lot. I can tell you as far as advice there are some great reefers out there making video logs on you tube.

 

[pa1ntbru5h]

I recommend you start with the clown pair and goby/shrimp. They're easy and hardy.
Add them in order from least aggressive to most aggressive. That way the aggressive ones are less likely to be territorial against already established fish.
Flame angel only if you want to take the risk of coral nipping. Trigger if you want to risk coral / inverts. There are people who keep these fish in reef tanks and get lucky. All up to you whether or not it's worth the risk.
Mandarin definitely not until your tank is mature. You need a nice pod population it can feed on while you train it to eat frozen/pellets.
Hope that helps you a little.

 

[wkscott]

For what it's worth, I'll only comment on the fish I have in my 90g or have had in the past.
1. One spot foxface: I got him at 3 inches. I love him but now at 7 inches he is too large for the tank. Poops a lot affecting water quality.
2. Mandarin: Can be difficult to feed, needs a really established pod population. Your tank is way too new at this point to even consider one.
3. Flame Angel: have had mine for 3 years and is a model citizen. They are however, like all dwarf angels, likely to nip at corals and clams. Each individual is different.
4. Tangs. Most get too large for a 90g. I got an adult purple tang in 2013 from another hobbyist. She is only 4 inches so fits in my 90g but most purple tangs grow larger than mine and are very aggressive and don't welcome most newcomers.
5. Wrasses: Most flasher and fairy wrasses will work for you just fine. Make sure you have a tightly covered top as they are all jumpers.
6. Triggers: Many are coral safe but will eat your shrimp, snails, crabs, and urchins. I do not have one.
7. Bartlett's Anthias : No real issues .
8. Goby/ shrimp: good.
9. Dottybacks: Beautiful but nasty, especially once established.
10. Ocellaris clownfish : just fine.

 

[USMA36]

Thanks for the help.

 

[wkscott]

Thanks for the help.

Stocking a tank is never easy. Two of the biggest concerns on most common fish should be aggression and adult size.
If you need a good clean up crew I would suggest to check out ReefCleaners. Get a package without the hermits.

https://www.reefcleaners.org/cleaner-packages-with-free-shipping