Stocking thoughts...

[sm66th]

OK so I have pondered what to stock my 1st tank with. Just thought I would get some opinions and thoughts from the more experienced folks out here.

My setup (up n' running approx 3.5 months):
55 gal rectangle- 65 lbs of rock (50 lbs live), 55 lbs of sand/crushed coral, 1 small rock with about 20 various zoa, green/purple pincushion urchin, & 2 Yellowtail damsels.

20 gal long sump w/ 3 compartments(Skimmer, return pump, heater/chaeto algae)

Lighting - (4)48" T5 HO housing [2 daylight/2 acintic (bulbs that came with) & 4 blue led moon lights]

Fish wish list - too much? Too few?
2 - Yellowtail damsels (stocked)
2 - clown fish ( type still undecided)
1 - flasher wrasse or six line
2 - 2 spot goby

Corals ??? This is where I need majority of assistance as to what is out there. I have looked and read about a lot but still unsure how all mix. My overall goal is some bold bright colors and flowing movement once established. However not sure on to what will work with my new tank and don't want to grab just based on looks and have it not survive. Waste of money but also waste of coral that could have thrived with someone else.

And yes I plan on this being a very slow stocking process, so everything will be added over a lengthy span (never been one to attempt dumping everything in at once)

Any thoughts or comments would be helpful.
Thanks!

 

[KSzegi]

Good for you going slow!! With that kind of patience you'll do well!!:thumb:

I think your fish numbers/sizes are good .... but in my experience with damsels - I wouldn't do them again. They have been the biggest bullies ever .... they might work for you but don't be surprised if you have some problems either. I would also be very hesitant with the two spot goby .... or at the very least not until you have a much more mature tank. They can be very difficult and don't have a great survival rate - unless you can find one that is eating prepared foods readily.

Sounds like you are looking for more lps if you want lots of movement. The corals that comes to mind for me first to provide bright color and movement would be frogspawn and torch corals - both can be very vibrant and provide good motion. Duncans are another favorite of mine for movement and color. All of these are pretty easy keepers.

Xenia provides great movement and is very attractive. I am one of those that regrets putting it in my tank for the most part since it can become almost invasive and a real chore to prune - but depending on where you want to go with your tank, some people love it! My advice would be that if you add it, try to keep it on it's own rock and rather high in the tank as it seems to spread primarily sideways and upwards. Green star polyps are another that can be beautiful, mine are a stunning vibrant green .... but here again, be careful they can take over a tank!

The other thing that I see that might be necessary for you before you add coral is that you may want to drop at least one of your actinic bulbs for a higher par bulb and quite possibly both. I don't think just two daylight bulbs will suffice. I would also suggest that you go with a high quality bulb - like ATI for example - they are still reasonably priced and superior to many of the 'cheap' bulbs out there imo.

Good luck and make sure to post pictures as you add your coral and fish!!

 

[KSzegi]

Oops .... double post .....

 

[sm66th]

Thank for the input. I have heard similar stories with damsels so I hope for the best when the time comes, but if needed they will be given to lfs because I would rather have the others listed. Good heads up on the goby, might avoid and find another sand guy instead till tanks more mature and I have a lil more experience.
I will look into some of the corals you mentioned, I think a few were ones that caught my eye surfing web. So acintics are not needed at all? Kept reading that it was better than the daylights. Maybe my zoas will appreciate the different bulbs as well as they have closed up for a couple days, but don't look like melting or shriveled as info I have read on their health. My calcium levels are pretty high(500) as of last night before water change but rest of parameters were normal levels.
Thanks again.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

You may want to consider to upgrading to the ATI bulbs when the time comes to change the bulbs.

One thing to keep in mind for the wrasse is that they are notorious jumpers and need a tank with some sort of lid. I recommend mesh. Glass tops aren't really suitable. I say ditch the damsels and get a nice dwarf angel.

 

[SteezySPS]

black ice clowns are nice. might wanna check alpha corals website. the ora green birdsnest is a nice coral. very bright with lots of polyps and hardy too

 

[sm66th]

Cool deal, don't think I have checked that site out yet. My lid is the plastic square cut to fit that I see a lot of folks use for drag shelves. My light brackets hold it down on the sides so it should be able to knock off. Wouldn't angel need more than my 55?

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Cool deal, don't think I have checked that site out yet. My lid is the plastic square cut to fit that I see a lot of folks use for drag shelves. My light brackets hold it down on the sides so it should be able to knock off. Wouldn't angel need more than my 55?

A dwarf angel would work. Coral beauty, lemon peel (I have one in my 55), flame and so forth.

 

[sm66th]

Cool, I have seen a lot of the flame angel for sale locally, but none look very healthy.