Would appreciate input on stocking a Reefer 750

[lhuynh]

All,

I'd love some input on how to stock my Reefer 750. I plan for it to be a mixed reef tank. Probably willing to give up on softies, shrooms, etc. for the right fish.

I'll be moving two Blood Orange clowns in soon, but other than that, there's nothing in there other than a small CUC.

Here's a list of fish I'm strongly considering, understanding I might not be able to have them all. Would appreciate thoughts and ideas on sequence of additions. Want to think through compatibility. Color mix. Activity. Balancing larger and smaller fish.

Anthias (a group of 4-5 but what species?)
Bluethroat Trigger
Swallowtail Angelfish
1-2 Tangs (Can't decide. Love powder blue and used to have one when I was in the hobby a decade ago, but I hate its reputation of getting sick.)
Pyramid Butterfly (or another reef safe butterfly)
Leopard Wrasse

Thanks. I look forward to hearing people's thoughts.

Larry

 

[nereefpat]

Looks like the display is about 6x2x2, or a standard 180 gallon.
Your list is perfectly reasonable.

I'm not an anthias expert...but conventional wisdom says that the best ones for a group are carberryi, dispar, or ignitus. Lyretail and Bartlett are a little hardier but more aggressive, especially towards each other....but might be okay in a 180.

The order won't matter a huge amount, as long as the tangs are last. It would be a shame to get a pyramid through QT and have it hammered by a powder blue tang.

 

[lhuynh]

On tank size, the display is 160 gallon with a 40 gallon sump.

I had a group of Lyretails way back when, and they were actually model citizens until I had to break down the tank for a job. They ate pellets and flakes easily. I like them a lot, but I have no desire to watch fish get killed off one by one like some horror movie.

 

[nereefpat]

Don't let me talk you out of lyretails. If you've kept them before, then you probably have more experience with them than I do.

 

[lhuynh]

No worries. You're not talking me out of lyretails. I've been reconsidering for a while based on other people's experiences.

Also, can't decide on which tangs.

Don't let me talk you out of lyretails. If you've kept them before, then you probably have more experience with them than I do.

 

[lhuynh]

Updated plan, as I've been thinking...in order of introduction.

Blood Orange Clownfish pair
Anthias (a group of 4-5 but what species?)
Leopard Wrasse
Pyramid Butterfly (or another reef safe butterfly)
Swallowtail Angelfish (or another reef safe angel)
Bluethroat Trigger
Blue Tang
White Tail Tang (or Kole if I end up being cheap?)

Obviously, I need to figure out which Anthias first.

Do folks have other suggestions on butterflies or angels that won't decimate a reef? I have always loved dwarf angels and other non-Genicanthus angels. I've just heard they aren't to be trusted around corals and clams. I really want clams at some point.

 

[lhuynh]

Bumping. I had a clown jump into overflow and die, so adding another clown to existing one and hope they pair up. It's in quarantine now.

Next will be anthias, I'm contemplating the following:

Randall's (P. randalli), maybe up the number to 8 of them since they are small
Bimac, 5-6 of them since they are larger

Opinions on how these will do with the species I intend to add later? My concern about Bimacs are them getting too big and the Randall's the opposite of can these small fish handle their own with the tangs (though they'll probably not be added for another year)?

 

[Angel_Anthias lover]

I have a single randalls anthias. She handles her own against lyretails and starcki damsels. Ive found only planktonivores fish really care for anthias in terms of agression, and fish like dwarf angels, butterflies and wrasses which arent planktonivores, to leave them alone. I can't say the same for tangs and other species as i havent kept them. The only problem with mine is that she refuses to come out during the day, i think its cause she feels scared during the day, when she used to have a friend, who sadly died due to internal parasites i believe

 

[ReefKeeperElite]

Bumping. I had a clown jump into overflow and die, so adding another clown to existing one and hope they pair up. It's in quarantine now.

Next will be anthias, I'm contemplating the following:

Randall's (P. randalli), maybe up the number to 8 of them since they are small
Bimac, 5-6 of them since they are larger

Opinions on how these will do with the species I intend to add later? My concern about Bimacs are them getting too big and the Randall's the opposite of can these small fish handle their own with the tangs (though they'll probably not be added for another year)?

Do you have a screen top?
Sounds like you're planning on some jumpers.

 

[lhuynh]

Yep, I have a temporary solution right now, and I have a custom top coming in a couple of months.

Do you have a screen top?
Sounds like you're planning on some jumpers.