Stock list suggestions

kropa008 · Feb 21, 2021

Hello, I'm in the process of reviving my old fowlr tank and trying to convert it to a reef tank. I see the general consensus is to now ignore the old "inch per gallon" rule when it comes to stocking the tank, so what is a realistic stock list of forgiving and hardy fish/corals/inverts for my tank? I understand some fish produce more waste than others, but I don't know which ones are dirty and which ones are "cleaner". The only thing I am dead set on is a pair of clowns (of course) and that I only want to keep softies to start with. No LPS or SPS just yet. I'm curious to see your suggestions.

Below I will attach some photos and run you through my equipment. Sorry the water looks a bit cloudy just did a water change and moved the sand bed a bit.

54 gallon corner tank
55lbs of live rock
~1" sand bed of Carib sea live sand
Two hydor kurrila 425 powerheads
Eshoppes over flow box
Two Kessil A80 lights
Eheim Jager 150w heater
Sump underneath with carbon filter pad and bio balls
Aquamag 700gph return pump
Protein skimmer recommended by LFS (forget the name and brand of it)
100gpd 4 stage RODI unit
IO salt

Billldg · Feb 23, 2021

The pair of clowns is easy, and, truthfully, enjoyable to watch. Most fish don't produce a ton of waste, until to start with Tangs and such. Trust me, I know, as I watch mine dump a load right before I feed them, LOL!!! I guess they are making room to eat. With a 55 gal tank, you may be able to introduce a single Bristletooth tang, but nothing bigger. What are you looking at to add?

Firthy13 · Feb 23, 2021

I think pick one of the smaller tangs as you single larger fish. Tomini, kole, maybe a small yellow if you have deep pockets. As for other fish, the royal gramma is always a winner, clowns, a wrasse or two. I find Azure Damsels to be a great addition. I have never found them aggressive.