Opinions on new tank stock

[Regular_Reefer]

I originally posted this question on my getting started thread, but for some reason I just get “welcome to r2r” as my replies . Maybe I’ll try it out in a new post haha.


Tank has come along (60g display/ about 70 gallons total volume with sump), not fully cycled yet but hopefully making some progress. I stopped by my LFS today to do some research and scout out some stock prospects. Below is the list I’ve come up with, any suggestions or experience with anything there as always is appreciated. Stay safe!
(These will NOT be added at same time)
1. Pair of Mocha Storm Clowns
2. Lawnmower Blenny
3. Goby/pistol shrimp (fingers crossed they get along so I can reach the kiddos about symbiosis)
4. Royal Gramma
5. Coral Beauty (or lemon peel) kind of stuck in the middle

Standard CUC/1 cleaner shrimp, maybe a serpent star

 

[Regular_Reefer]

I’m also looking forward to the addition of coral once I get more comfortable with water control. Probably gonna start out with a zoa/softie tank, except for some hammer coral (those are one of my favorite)

 

[andrewey]

I think you have a great list. I think those are all great fish and it really sounds like you have a fantastic plan here with your stocking list and starting coral selection. Here's to hoping your goby/pistol shrimp combination get along together

 

[Sbristol49]

I originally posted this question on my getting started thread, but for some reason I just get “welcome to r2r” as my replies . Maybe I’ll try it out in a new post haha.


Tank has come along (60g display/ about 70 gallons total volume with sump), not fully cycled yet but hopefully making some progress. I stopped by my LFS today to do some research and scout out some stock prospects. Below is the list I’ve come up with, any suggestions or experience with anything there as always is appreciated. Stay safe!
(These will NOT be added at same time)
1. Pair of Mocha Storm Clowns
2. Lawnmower Blenny
3. Goby/pistol shrimp (fingers crossed they get along so I can reach the kiddos about symbiosis)
4. Royal Gramma
5. Coral Beauty (or lemon peel) kind of stuck in the middle

Standard CUC/1 cleaner shrimp, maybe a serpent star

Great stock list, id say go with coral beauty instead. Lemon peel angel fish could be kinda tricky to get to eat. I also recommend maybe getting frogspawn that was my first coral I ever got was a 20$ little frag now it’s 120 heads and my clown fish host them. Good luck with your new system all the best!

 

[Indytraveler83]

1. Pair of Mocha Storm Clowns
2. Lawnmower Blenny
3. Goby/pistol shrimp (fingers crossed they get along so I can reach the kiddos about symbiosis)
4. Royal Gramma
5. Coral Beauty (or lemon peel) kind of stuck in the middle

Standard CUC/1 cleaner shrimp, maybe a serpent star

Nice list, here's a few suggestions, if I may:

The royal Gramma is the most timid of the fish you intend to add. I would put him in first while putting the angelfish in last.

Careful on the serpent star. Some green ones have been known to set traps for fish. The serpents are more carnivorous, while the very similar brittle stars are scavengers and unlikely to ever go "hunting."

 

[AZReef13]

Very nice list as well, take a long look on how you plan to add them. Territory issues that will come in play with Royal gamma, Coral Beauty and clowns. Also the blennie will need an algae source. I would add angel last.

Have you considered any captive breed in your list?

 

[Regular_Reefer]

Definitely looks like I’ll try the bristle star, I knew the serpent were meat eaters but after a little bit of research I found it to not be worth the risk. Also I have not really inquired about captive breed yet

 

[Regular_Reefer]

You

Very nice list as well, take a long look on how you plan to add them. Territory issues that will come in play with Royal gamma, Coral Beauty and clowns. Also the blennie will need an algae source. I would add angel last.

Have you considered any captive breed in your list?

by AZ I’m assuming Arizona ? (I know rocket science). If so do you have any lfs suggestions, so far I’ve only been to Kona Reef

 

[Indytraveler83]

Definitely looks like I’ll try the bristle star, I knew the serpent were meat eaters but after a little bit of research I found it to not be worth the risk. Also I have not really inquired about captive breed yet

I got a beautiful red bristle star from @AquaSD for $25.00. The big plus about them is they are also an active member of the CuC.

Most if not all the fish you mention can be purchased captive bred. Those fish usually transition better and tend to be more hardy. You may also be able to get a captive bred angel very young, which could make compatibility easier.

 

[Regular_Reefer]

Great stock list, id say go with coral beauty instead. Lemon peel angel fish could be kinda tricky to get to eat. I also recommend maybe getting frogspawn that was my first coral I ever got was a 20$ little frag now it’s 120 heads and my clown fish host them. Good luck with your new system all the best!

Frogspawn is definitely cool looking, and that would be awesome if my clowns would host. How are they as far as keeping would they place higher or lower in the tank ?

 

[Sbristol49]

Frogspawn is definitely cool looking, and that would be awesome if my clowns would host. How are they as far as keeping would they place higher or lower in the tank ?

I keep them on a higher place in my tank, but they are very hardy and grow fast so I don’t think it really matters. It took my clowns 5 months before they hosted it so it might not happen right away but definitely can happen.

 

[Regular_Reefer]

Super cool! Do you happen to have any pictures ?

 

[Sbristol49]

I kinda broke my camera so I can’t get the clearest picture, just fed so the clowns aren’t in it currently, I’ll try and get a better picture soon.

 

[Regular_Reefer]

hmm definitely gives me some ideas, I like how I stands out. What size is your display ?

 

[Sbristol49]

hmm definitely gives me some ideas, I like how I stands out. What size is your display ?

90 gallons. definitely great beginner corals definitely gives you confidence when you see a coral grow.

 

[Regular_Reefer]

I originally put that little island for GSP but it would be cool to have like a little clown island ( if they decided to humor my wishes) or maybe tucked into the inner left side just on the ledge

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Definitely get some Euphyllia (Frogspawn or Hammer). I just bought some Frogspawn to go with my Hammer, going to make a garden with those growing next to eachother. The Hammer is purple with green tips while the frogspawn is almost clear with green tips. The Hammer was one of my first corals and is absolutely thriving, started with 1 polyp and now have 4 after about 6 months.

 

[AZReef13]

You

by AZ I’m assuming Arizona ? (I know rocket science). If so do you have any lfs suggestions, so far I’ve only been to Kona Reef

Thats the closest to me, But I stumbled onto Limited Edition Corals.... in Phoenix area... nice store

There is an AZ Frag, in the local Forum section take a look might finds some cool stuff. Must be a member only, check out requirements. I just joined myself a few days ago