Stocking Suggestions for Mixed 210 Reef

[Kann]

I'm beginning to stock my 210 reef. It will be an mixed SPS / LPS reef. So far, I have 4 tank-raised Benggai cardinals and a purple Dottyback. My initial list includes the following additional fish:

• Qty 6 - Blue Chromis
• Qty 1 - Royal Gramma Basslet
• Qty 2 - Firefish
• Qty 6 - Anthias
• Qty 3 - Assorted Wrasses
• Qty 1 - Yellow Coris Wrasse
• Qty 1 - One Spot Foxface
• Qty 1 - Kole Yellow Eye Tang
• Qty 1 - Blonde Naso Tang
• Qty 1 - Purple Tang

I'm still on the fence with the Purple Tang. Awesome fish that I've wanted for 20 years, but not sure I want to deal with their dominant personality.

I'm also reconsidering the Anthias. If I can find a species that doesn’t get too large and is typically easy to acclimate and maintain I may stick with them. If there is a better option, I'm open to suggestions. My goal is to have a couple small shoals of fish and originally it was going to be the Blue Chromis and the Anthias. Does anyone have other suggestions?

Lastly, wrasses are just cool. With all the options out there, what would be a good combo for my 210? How many? What species?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Kann

 

[eatbreakfast]

Squammipinnis and bartlett anthias are hardy, but are a bit feisty. Dispar and randalls are also hardy, but much more peaceful with one another.

Other shoaling fish possibilities include zebra and scissortail dartfish.

Most of the reef safe wrasses mix well and in a tank your size you can do quite a few, but it really depends on personal tastes.

 

[Kann]

Thanks for the advice, eatbreakfast! I'll check out the anthias you suggested. I didn't realize dart fish were who along fish. I may have to rethink my list a little bit...

 

[eatbreakfast]

Thanks for the advice, eatbreakfast! I'll check out the anthias you suggested. I didn't realize dart fish were who along fish. I may have to rethink my list a little bit...

Not all dartfish shoal well. Pretty much just zebra and scissortail. The other species seem to prefer to be kept singly or in prs, or in the case of blue gudgeons, they are social, but very shy.

 

[Kann]

Good to know. Again, thanks for the help!

 

[PatW]

I have a shoal of dispar anthias. They are mild tempered. They are small. They stay together well. They are even starting to eat flakes. Now, there are other anthias that are more dramatic but I am very happy with them.

 

[Kann]

Thanks for the info, PatW. The dispar is on my list. How many do you have and in what size tank? I was thinking about 6, or so, in my 210. Do you think that feels about right or would you add more than that?

 

[PatW]

I have six in a three hundred gallon. I am in the process of stocking the tank. I am adding four more. But six seems to work.

You might think of having a blenny in your tank. Gobies also make nice additions.