Stocking guidelines

[Redrider]

Hello all
I have a 90 gallon “L” shaped acrylic setup as a FOWLR. Currently, the residents are:
1 Blue Green Chromis, 2 Misbar Clownfish,
1 Pajama Cardinal, 1 Wrasse(c. Rubeous)
3 Purple Queen Anthias, 1 Coral Beauty, and 7 shrimp(cleaner Skunk, Fire Red and Peppermint). In addition, 2 sand cucumbers and 10 turbo snails.
I’m guessing,but I believe I’m turning the water over around 8-10 times per hour. Magna Curve 7 protein skimmer and refugium (20 long tank with compartments) with Chaeto, live rock and live sand.
My question: I’d like to add 2 Rubeous to make a 3 fish colony.
Would adding 5 Firefish, the 2 aforementioned wrasse, and 5 yellow/red
Coris wrasse spread out over a months time be too much, too many fish for this tank, given the filtration?
I know this is quite a few fish but almost all are pretty small at maturity.
Thoughts anyone?

 

[swebb]

Doing the math that is 21 fish in a 90 gallon which is quite a lot. The parts of the list I would be most concerned about would be the multiple fairy wrasses (see Hunter Hammond's Talk on multiple fairy wrasses ), and the 5 yellow/red coris wrasses, especially since the red ones can get very large and are known for being fairly aggressive.

 

[nereefpat]

Wrasses don't work like that. Multiples of the same species all turn male and don't tolerate each other.

If the yellow/red coris is Coris gaimard, they get big and destructive.

 

[Redrider]

As usual, thanks for the responses. While I’m certainly not an expert, other research has mentioned keeping a colony or harem together for years without all the females morphing to male. It seems as though things in the fish world vary greatly.
I will not add the yellow or red Coris though. Thank you for reminding me of the size and aggression.
The C. Rubeous won’t be getting any relatives either. I think I’d have a good chance of them getting along if I had added them simultaneously.
That leaves the Firefish. I’ve read varied results but in general, it appears a colony will work.
I have an appointment with the manager of the saltwater area at one of the LFS in the area that has made the commitment NOT to sell me fish that do not fit my parameters. They gotta get along and can’t mess with the shrimp or snails.
Addition feedback is welcome.

 

[swebb]

I think you would have more success getting males from different species of wrasse rather than multiples of the same species. As for the firefish, I think it has a better chance of working out, but it is definitely not a guarantee that it would work out. Also if a group is what you are going for, there is even less of a chance that all of the firefish stay together as a group.

 

[Redrider]

I think you would have more success getting males from different species of wrasse rather than multiples of the same species. As for the firefish, I think it has a better chance of working out, but it is definitely not a guarantee that it would work out. Also if a group is what you are going for, there is even less of a chance that all of the firefish stay together as a group.

Now I’m reading where Firefish should be kept singly or two paired.
Now I’m leaning towards as getting singles of two or three wrasse species. I’m researching previous threads on possibilities.
I hate being such a newbie.
Thanks again.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Firefish likely wont coexist long term with other firefish, unless its a true mated pair.

Fairy wrasse harem will likely lead to multiple males and bloodshed.

 

[ca1ore]

Sorry to say that in fairly short order you will have zero purple queen anthias, so that will free up some space.

 

[Redrider]

Sorry to say that in fairly short order you will have zero purple queen anthias, so that will free up some space.

Thank you for your opinion. You have no idea how much I value it.

 

[Jesterrace]

Wrasses don't work like that. Multiples of the same species all turn male and don't tolerate each other.

If the yellow/red coris is Coris gaimard, they get big and destructive.

Agreed, unless they are a mated pair you run into the issue of them becoming male. It's best to have one per species and have multiple species of wrasse.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Firefish are intolerant of each other unless they are a bonded pr.

Female fairy wrasses readily transition into males, and males of the same species fight badly, often to death. Don't try colonies or harems.
Yellow coris wrasse(not actually a Coris) is a great fish. Peaceful, colorful and hardy, it is a great fish. Red coris, less so.

There are plenty of great and durable anthias species, but unfortunately purple queens are a difficult species.

 

[ca1ore]

Thank you for your opinion. You have no idea how much I value it.

Oh, you are so VERY welcome.

 

[Redrider]

Firefish are intolerant of each other unless they are a bonded pr.

Female fairy wrasses readily transition into males, and males of the same species fight badly, often to death. Don't try colonies or harems.
Yellow coris wrasse(not actually a Coris) is a great fish. Peaceful, colorful and hardy, it is a great fish. Red coris, less so.

There are plenty of great and durable anthias species, but unfortunately purple queens are a difficult species.

Honestly, I didn’t know the Purple Queen were going to be difficult. When I became aware of their delicate nature, I made the commitment to do what was necessary.
If they don’t make it, it won’t be because I wrote them off and figured they’d die anyway.
I do appreciate your information and your sharing knowledge. I’ll be adding males of different species that you recommended in other posts.
Thanks again