Stocking for 37 gallon FOWLR

[dnott3]

This is my first post and first saltwater tank! I have had freshwater tanks in the past though and finally made the decision to try saltwater.

The tank has been up and running for about 2 months with no issues other than some algae. I think the algae is common for a new tank though correct me if I'm wrong. I have quarantined fish for 1 month in a 10 gallon tank with a HOB filter. I have not used any prophylactic treatment other than some general cure soaked food. I am getting close to adding my orchid dottyback that is in QT to the DT and I am at a loss for any further stocking. I would like to add at least 1 more fish to the current stocking. So if you could please check out my current stocking and give me any feedback it would be greatly appreciated!

Tank is 37 gallons (30in x 12in x 22in)
-40 lbs Caribsea base rock
-30 lbs of live sand
Equipment:
-CPR BakPak2 protein skimmer
-Ice Cap ATO with 5 gallon top off container
-Current USA Loop system
-1 LED light
-2 EFlux 660gph wave pumps
-1 Koralina 240
-Eheim Jager heater

Current Stock:
-2 Ocellaris Clowns
-1 Pink Spotted Goby
-1 Orchid Dottyback (currently in QT)
- 5 hermits
-5 astrea
-5 nassarius
- 20 dwarf ceriths

Thank you!
(Attached picture is prior to Current loop system and protein skimmer)

 

[Blessed Tank]

I really like the chalk bass, not sure if it will work with dottyback though. For a 37g you could easily have 6 fish 3-4 inches. I would also try to add a fairy wrasse. I like the lubbocks but they are semi-aggressive.

 

[dnott3]

I do like the looks of the chalk bass! I didn't think I would be able to have more than 5 fish total. I haven't done a lot of research on fairy wrasses because I was unsure about them with invertebrates.

 

[mann1139]

With the clowns and the dottyback, your limit will probably be determined by everyone playing nice rather than bioload.

 

[dnott3]

With the clowns and the dottyback, your limit will probably be determined by everyone playing nice rather than bioload.

Will the dottyback claim a territory and not let other fish in the area or terrorize the whole tank once established?

 

[dnott3]

Update: Just went in to feed the dottyback in QT and it was dead. No idea what happened everything was fine yesterday. That changes the stocking up.

 

[dnott3]

Any other stocking suggestions?

 

[Blessed Tank]

I love the bar goby, I would get 2. Also a sand sifting goby. And a cardinal fish.

 

[dnott3]

I love the bar goby, I would get 2. Also a sand sifting goby. And a cardinal fish.

I didn't want to add another goby to the bottom since I already have the pink spot. I have looked at the bangaii cardinal just wanted something that would move around a little more.

 

[Blessed Tank]

I would go with 3 of these; chalk bass, wrasse, Sailfin blenny, hawkfish, Royal gamma. The hawkfish can be aggressive

 

[dnott3]

I would go with 3 of these; chalk bass, wrasse, Sailfin blenny, hawkfish, Royal gamma. The hawkfish can be aggressive

Would any of the hawkfish species be acceptable?

 

[Blessed Tank]

Look on live aquaria, they have aggression, min tank size, max size of fish, etc. for each fish. I know the falco hawkish I have needs a minimum 30g and is semi-aggressive.

 

[dnott3]

Have you had any issues with aggression towards fish or shrimp?

 

[Blessed Tank]

He is definitely chasing my chalk bass for a free seconds then stops. I seen him go after my Bandai cardinal a couple times. It’s really mostly chasing

 

[dnott3]

Thank you for giving me some ideas. I hope to get to a LFS within the next couple days and see what they have and hopefully find something that fits the bill!!

 

[piranhaman00]

I have a splendid dottyback in a 180 and it terrorizes both of my chalk bass.

 

[MelReefer]

I have a beautiful Coral Beauty in my 40 gallon. As long as you get a small one it will be a nice active fish that is also very pretty.

 

[dnott3]

I have a splendid dottyback in a 180 and it terrorizes both of my chalk bass.

It sounds like it could be a blessing in disguise that my dottyback didn't make it through QT.

I have a beautiful Coral Beauty in my 40 gallon. As long as you get a small one it will be a nice active fish that is also very pretty.

I really want a coral beauty!! I have just been on the fence because half the people say it will work and the other half is like tank is way to small. How would that effect stocking if I added one?

 

[MelReefer]

It sounds like it could be a blessing in disguise that my dottyback didn't make it through QT.


I really want a coral beauty!! I have just been on the fence because half the people say it will work and the other half is like tank is way to small. How would that effect stocking if I added one?

I don’t think it would change much. Mine is not aggressive at all and never fights. Just keep your stocking at like 5 or 6 fish and you will be fine

 

[evolved]

The only wrasses suitable for a tank this size are a possum wrasse or a pink streak wrasse.