Need some advice on stocking tank

Petro888 · Mar 8, 2013

Hey everyone
My name is Ralph and i'm new to the forum and to the saltwater game. I have had freshwater before so ill be using the same tank which is 125 gallon. I've been researching and plan on setting up my new reef tank by the end of the year. One of the many things that i need advice on is stocking my tank. I'm interested in the following livestock and wanted to know what would be compatible with each other and what quantity would be good for my tank. Cardinal fish, Bluechin Trigger, Hippo Tang, Firefish, Clowns, Goby, Blenny, Dottyback and a snowflake eel. I was thinking of adding a sand sifter sea star but not sure if they will be compatible. Coral wise i was thinking of feather duster, anemones, mushrooms, zoas, hammers and leathers. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Thanks

revsgirl · Mar 8, 2013

Hi Ralph!! Welcome to R2R!! Hopefully someone will be around soon to help you out!

Chasing the Dream Giver, not the dream! Tonya

SeahorseKeeper · Mar 8, 2013

Petro888 said:
Hey everyone
My name is Ralph and i'm new to the forum and to the saltwater game. I have had freshwater before so ill be using the same tank which is 125 gallon. I've been researching and plan on setting up my new reef tank by the end of the year. One of the many things that i need advice on is stocking my tank. I'm interested in the following livestock and wanted to know what would be compatible with each other and what quantity would be good for my tank. Cardinal fish, Bluechin Trigger, Hippo Tang, Firefish, Clowns, Goby, Blenny, Dottyback and a snowflake eel. I was thinking of adding a sand sifter sea star but not sure if they will be compatible. Coral wise i was thinking of feather duster, anemones, mushrooms, zoas, hammers and leathers. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Thanks

Hi, welcome to R2R!!! I will offer some of my opinions on the mixing of the fish you are wanting.

Stocklist from fish listed:

X 2 Cardinals
X 2 Clowns (same species)
X 1 Hippo Tang
X 1 Firefish
X 1 Blenny (recommend midas)
X 1 Dottyback (or a royal gramma)

I would also consider adding a dwarf angel or maybe a kole tang. There is some wiggle room to add other fish. I would stay away from the trigger and the eel. Triggers are typically considered to be reef with caution.

Eienna · Mar 9, 2013

I wouldn't add the hippo. Minimum tank size for them, according to my research, is 180g. The eel may decide to eat small fish or inverts, so he's not a good idea. I mostly agree with the above, except I'd be leery of both a blenny and a goby in the same tank. They look similar, so that may trigger pseudo-conspecific aggression, and I think they may compete for food. I am new to SW fish, though, so keep a grain of salt here please