100 gallon 6ft stocking

[CaptainKiwi]

I am ordering a custom reef tank of dimensions 180cm x 55cm x 40cm (105 gallon) tank and was wondering about some stocking options. and the temperature will be around 22-23 degrees. I'm going to keep soft and lps corals mainly, and a couple of easy sps. Also my sandbed won't be that deep so nothing that burrows.

I have an idea of what I want, but I'm honestly quite overwhelmed with options so I'm posting here to see what people suggest! What I'm thinking so far:

2 x clownfish
1 x marine betta
2 x tang species (maybe a tomini or kole but other recommendations from the tang police are welcome)
2-3 x wrasse (I think there should be enough space for a couple of them? I would rather they be more on the peaceful side but I'm not sure what would fit)
3-4 x blue chromis
1 x royal gramma

Various cleanup crew

Is that stocking reasonanle or is that too much or too little? I haven't got a skimmer yet so I can just get a bigger one if needed

 

[lapin]

Sounds like a good plan. I would skip the chromis. They seem to fight till one’s left.

 

[CaptainKiwi]

Sounds like a good plan. I would skip the chromis. They seem to fight till one’s left.

Are there any more fish I could add or is that about it?

 

[BriansBrain]

What about some small reef fish? Blenny, firefish, non sand gobies, cardinals, hawkfish?

IMO more small fish than larger ones make your tank look much larger complemented with a few larger fish.

I may be lucky but I’ve always had good luck with chromis. They add great color and movement. However, small chromis are peaceful but they do squabble every night when the lights go down. I would not recommend less than 5-7 or in smaller tanks less than 100g. Also having good hiding spots and coral coverage is necessary. I’ve had this group for several years now and a few are huge lol!

 

[CaptainKiwi]

What about some small reef fish? Blenny, firefish, non sand gobies, cardinals, hawkfish?

IMO more small fish than larger ones make your tank look much larger complemented with a few larger fish.

I may be lucky but I’ve always had good luck with chromis. They add great color and movement. However, small chromis are peaceful but they do squabble every night when the lights go down. I would not recommend less than 5-7 or in smaller tanks less than 100g. Also having good hiding spots and coral coverage is necessary. I’ve had this group for several years now and a few are huge lol!

If I was to add those fish, would I have to take out any fish from my selection?

The chromis really are beautiful so Im tempted to take a chance on them!

 

[painter1982]

Chromis will do better with more. That’s what I’ve learned over the years. With only 3 or 4 you’ll end up with 1.

 

[BriansBrain]

If I was to add those fish, would I have to take out any fish from my selection?

The chromis really are beautiful so Im tempted to take a chance on them!

TBH every time nonreefer visitors see my tank, it’s always those darn chromis that people point out first lol!

Your tank is definitely large enough to get a larger group of maybe 7ish. I don’t think you need to change any other stocking plans.

Chromis are known as a beginner fish. Hardy, inexpensive, eat everything. However… they do have special considerations to successfully keep a group from my experiences.

Like mentioned, I’d recommend plenty of hiding spaces if you add them early or wait until you have coral growth for them. Sleeping spots are essential and individuals definitely squabble and fight for hidey holes near the group when the lights go down. Also periodic feedings throughout the day, similar to anthias, help curb their aggression.

Hope all of that helps

 

[Euphyllia97]

Stock looks good for the dimensions of the tank. 22-23 degrees is a bit cold when you want to have thriving corals. Any reason for keeping it on the lower side? Not so much margin if anything goes wrong with your heating system