Reverse engineering a tank stocking

[alexkharden]

Ok, sigh.

I think I'm going to call and cancel the Emp. The more reading I do, the more I think my 190 is just going to be too small for it.

I'm starting to question the Desjardini Sailfin and the Orange Spot Rabbitfish too.

Would one, or both, of them be ok? Upgrading my tank in the future would not be an option, the tank I have is the tank I'm going to have, so sustainability for these fish in this tank is the question. Luckily the aren't getting shipped until Wednesday night, so I can call tomorrow and do some order shuffling.

 

[jdl513]

Desjardini sailfin can grow to the size of a dinner plate and can get aggressive. Imperators grow to a similar size and are generally good with sps but most lps and zoa are on the menu.

The safest play of the three would be the rabbitfish but they tend to not have as much personality as tangs/angels. Have you considered a smaller tang species like one if the bristletooths or a slightly smaller and more laid back angel like the Majestic?

 

[alexkharden]

Ok, so I'm taking in the orange spot and the emp for a majestic angel. I'm keeping the desjardini because of all of them that's the one I really want. At least if it gets too big that's only one I have to sell/rehome instead of three.

 

[alexkharden]

*trading

 

[eatbreakfast]

Majestic angels are pretty risky with corals.

Yellow tangs are classic, bright, and underrated. Similar in care would be a purple tang.

Rabbitfish and foxfaces are very peaceful and are excellent algae eaters, but in some instances can nip at corals if underfed.

Longnose butterflies are hardier than copperbands and are generally safe with corals, but may eat coco and feather worms.

Pyramid and zoster butterflies are safe, though they may eat xenia.

Angels in the genus Genicanthus are reef safe.

Some of the species of wrasses in the genus Halichoeres are good choices, iridis, timorensis, chrysus, richmondi, chrysotaenia, melasmapomus, and leucurus are some of my favorites.

Marine bettas are secretive and may eat shrimp as they get bigger, but are a great fish.

The larger anthias species, such as pink square, bimaculatus, and fasciatus are hardy and showy.

Social fish, such as a group of dispar or randalls anthias or zebra or scissortail dartfish, provide action and color.

 

[jdl513]

First question you need to ask is what do you want to keep? If like lps and zoas than an angel is not a good idea. I made decision years ago I preferred large angels so had to for go the corals they eat. I just like angels more. A second zebrasoma with the desjardini is risky but might work. Anthias are an acquired taste. Some love them while others see rather pricey saltwater "goldfish". A halichoeres is an excellent but make sure you get the one you like best as keeping more than one may not work out.

 

[alexkharden]

Well, I received my fish today. Desjardini sailfin tang, Racoon butterflyfish, Majestic Angelfish, and a lawnmower blenny.

I decided that I want corals, but that I wanted a "fish" tank, so for that there needs to be fish. I'm just going to have to find corals that can survive the fish stocking list. I currently have a devils hand, a zoa, and a candy cane in there (although I'm not sure the candy cane is alive). Any suggestions on corals that might do ok in there? I know the zoas probably aren't going to do well, I don't know about the other two that are in there though.

Also, if there's a coral I really want, but can't put in there because of the fish, I always have the 40b carnivore tank that I can put them in. I seriously doubt lions, anglers, mantis, and bettas care about corals one was or another.