RSR 170 (34g) mixed reef fish stocking

[TheStrangler]

Ahoy, I've recently setup a RSR170 (34gallon display +10gallon sump) that will become a mixed reef as it ages. I intend to keep both LPS and SPS as well as softies. My current fish stocking is just two ~2-3 inch occy clowns that have for the time being decided they like one of the heaters I've hidden in the back. I've had the clowns for a good couple of years and they've not yet become jerks, so I figure it's a good time to start thinking about what fish to add over the coming months.

My aquascape is a bit more open and I've got a ~1.5-2inch fine sandbed and a tight fitting lid if anyone has any suggestions. I've got a plank feeder so things that require frequent smaller feedings are on the table. I'm running an oversized skimmer that I'm dialing back to not strip everything from the water so big waste producers are OK.

I'd like at least one open water active fish, but have no illusions of grandeur for this small of a tank. I'd love a dwarf angel, but I've got LPS and a clam is on the horizon. I like firefish, but I'm concerned my flow may be too high for weak swimmers, though I've tried to create lower flow zones. The clowns adore BTAs so once the tank is old enough to support one, I'll be adding one.

 

[Eric Cohen]

Looks like a sweet setup to me! If you're cycled.....let's go with the fish!

 

[TheStrangler]

About 3 months cycled. Incredibly stable for a tank this new, but I know how it is. I had it primarily fishless/coralless while I waited to make sure I got the normal uglies and not the toxic kind. Corals were added out of the QT tank when the normal algae took the wheel and the diatoms were defeated. CUC is slowly being added as well. I'll be getting the fish from DrReef so I figure a month + out anyway.

 

[Eric Cohen]

Good plan to get qt'd fish....Im not holding fish anymore like before, but if you get a small set up for conditioning, hit me up!

About 3 months cycled. Incredibly stable for a tank this new, but I know how it is. I had it primarily fishless/coralless while I waited to make sure I got the normal uglies and not the toxic kind. Corals were added out of the QT tank when the normal algae took the wheel and the diatoms were defeated. CUC is slowly being added as well. I'll be getting the fish from DrReef so I figure a month + out anyway.

 

[TheStrangler]

I've got a spare 20g tank, but I don't like messing with copper. Would rather just have someone who really knows what they're doing do it. By the time I factor in the meds, testing kits, etc I'm sure I'd be upside down versus just buying QT/Conditioned fish for a tank this small.