Suggestions for stocking a 135 gal tank?

scerdoc

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Looking for suggestions on a fish list for my new 135 gal mixed reef tank (48 X 24 X 27) with a canopy. I will have a RO DCS 170 skimmer in a 40 gal acrylic sump/refugium. The refuge section should be about 18 gal with Chaeto. Two Tunze 6095 (one on each end) and one Tunze 6055 in the back for flow. Will have an Ocean Revive IT2080 for light. I'm still in the process of collecting all the equipment...but would ultimately like to have some LPS, SPS, and maybe an anemone or clam many months down the road.

My potential fish list so far:
Blue chromis (one or school of 4 - 6? Do they fight w/each other over time?)
Kaundern's cardinal (best single or in pairs?)
Lawnmower blenny (wait how long to add them after tank start up?)
Watchman goby with pistol shrimp?
Clown pair - Ocellaris or Clarkii
Purple or Yellow tang? (only 1?)
Dottyback?

Honestly, I'm having a little trouble trying to make the list. Read a decent amount, and still unsure if there are other groups I should consider (wrasses, etc). Don't want to overstock it either...

Thanks again for any additions/comments on the list!
 
Blue chromis (one or school of 4 - 6? Do they fight w/each other over time?) - Yes, the group will likely turn into one over time. Usually fine for 6 months or so, but then downhill fast...
Kaundern's cardinal (best single or in pairs?) - A pair should do well. No more though.
Lawnmower blenny (wait how long to add them after tank start up?) - I would wait 4-6 months until the tank is nice and established. They do not always accept prepared foods and so you will need enough for them to pick at.
Watchman goby with pistol shrimp? - Ok, just go with an actual watchman (i.e. Blue or Pink spotted). Stay away from the Valenciennea family. They are sometimes labeled as "watchman", but these are sand-sifting gobies that require a large and established sandbed to thrive. Best to avoid IMO.
Clown pair - Ocellaris or Clarkii - I am partial to Ocellaris. They stay a lot smaller and should be less aggressive towards tankmates once they are mature.
Purple or Yellow tang? (only 1?) - Yes, only one. They are both from the same family (Zebrasoma) and the tank is only 4'. Adding both would likely lead to trouble once both are mature. You could possible add a smaller member of the Ctenochaetus family (Bristletooth) as well, but that may be pushing it.
Dottyback? - I have never kept one, but if you go with one, from what I have seen Orchids (P. fridmani) are the least aggressive.

And yes, you could certainly still consider other fish, such as Wrasses :) Your final list should be between 10-15 total fish, depending on the size and aggression of the final list.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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  • No.

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  • Other (please explain).

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