Stocking list recommendations for bare bottom tank

crazyfishmom · Apr 20, 2024

I’ve had this tank for close to a year but it only ran for about 4 months before I decommissioned and went in a different direction (my build thread tank). I decided a couple of months ago that I wanted to make an acro dominant tank and this one was there waiting so cleaned it up and got it going again. It is full, has flow (gyres on back) and lighting, the skimmer is going, water looks good except for phosphates leaching from the rock but I can deal with that.

I saw that my fox face and hippo tang have been attacking my meat corals so I moved them into this tank today. Now I need advice on a stocking list for this 73 gallon 40 inch wide x 20 inch deep by 22 inch tall tank. This is my first bare bottom tank so I am unsure on what to get. Definitely need a CUC. Also will need a couple of utilitarian fish. Was hoping for a small bristletooth tang. Any thoughts?????

lapin · Apr 20, 2024

First thing comes to mind is a small wrasse. Something that will pick off worms etc…be sure it has a place to sleep

crazyfishmom · Apr 20, 2024

lapin said:
First thing comes to mind is a small wrasse. Something that will pick off worms etc…be sure it has a place to sleep

I would love a wrasse but I’m worried it won’t be happy without any sand. Which wrasses do well without it?

esquare · Apr 20, 2024

I have a Ruby Longfin that sleeps in a cave and doesn't go in the sand. Not very utilitarian though as Lapin suggested.

CO2TLEY · Apr 20, 2024

As far as cuc if you go on reefcleaners you can submit your specs and they will recommend a cuc specifically for your setup and needs. Best in the business. And no I’m not getting paid to say this. Here’s the link https://www.reefcleaners.org/custom-clean-up-crew?view=rsform&formId=3

crazyfishmom · Apr 20, 2024

CO2TLEY said:
As far as cuc if you go on reefcleaners you can submit your specs and they will recommend a cuc specifically for your setup and needs. Best in the business. And no I’m not getting paid to say this. Here’s the link https://www.reefcleaners.org/custom-clean-up-crew?view=rsform&formId=3

Thanks for the recommendation!