I need some help guys I’m trying to figure out in advance what fish and when to add. I have done a lot of looking and reading and reading and more. Just left me with more confusion lol. I have a reef setup with two clowns 13.5 gallon tank. I’m upgrading in a few months to a 50, already started gathering parts. Anyway I have two clowns that will go in there. It’s going to be a mixed reef hopefully more sps eventually than anything. I would like to have a flame hawk and and mccoskers flasher wrasse but I don’t kno what else will work with these two fish and my clowns. Any input would be great if the hawk limits my options I’m open to not getting one but I like the personality a lot
I love my flame hawkfish! They are cool little fish. Be aware, they can/will eat very small fish (I lost a little yellow goby to one), so don't buy tiny fish it can fit in its mouth.
I like to think of several things when stocking a new tank: levels, fish compatibility, and personal interests. For me that would be fish shapes and colors. I try not to overstock any one level in the tank (bottom level, rock or mid level, and open or upper levels of the tank). Many fish typically have a preferred dwelling level and pick that level to make homes or retreat to for sleep. When hiding spaces or levels are insufficient for the fish species or the shared space, fish will often become aggressive and fight over the available real estate.
Go to a site such as Live Aquaria and read about known compatibility issues with different fish species. Keep in mind each fish has its own personality just like people, dogs, and other animals, so be prepared to relocate a fish if things don't work out as planned. With that information in mind, pick out the fish that YOU like. As aforementioned, I like a variety of colors and shapes, so that's what I buy. Others here have setup species specific, community, semi-aggressive, and/or aggressive tanks. Decide what fish is the MUST have, and then build your stock around that fish species.
I know it's hard, but wait until the bigger tank is set up to get more fish. Clowns are typically aggressive to new additions, especially in tight quarters. Resist the urge to buy fish that will outgrow your 50 gal tank. It's fantastically HARD (not to mention extremely stressful on the fish AND the fish keeper) to catch a fish once established in a main display full of rocks and other nooks and crannies. In frustration, I've had to removed everything in a tank before just to catch one fish. I will admit the process was completed with MANY choice words at the wayward fish during the activity.
Finally, if you plan to purchase coral, research the type of fish you're interested in to make an informed decision before you buy. You don't want to buy a fish only to have it eat your prized coral.
Happy reefing!
