40breeder stocking

[Cjsanders757]

I'm thinking of getting 2 designer clowns, a sand sifting goby, 3-5 chromis and possibly a wrasse. I am getting mini anemones, lps, zoas, sexy shrimp and possibly a cleaner skunk shrimp. Any suggestions?

 

[Marshall O]

For a 40, I would say stick with 4-6 total fish, depending on the size and temperament of those you chose. I would not do a sand sifting goby in a 40 either way though. They need large, established sand beds to have a chance of living a long life. A 40 is on the small side for most wrasses, though smaller species (those that stay 2.5" or less) should do fine. It is possible overtime that your 3-5 chromis will dwindle down to 1. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. From what I have seen, those keeping them in larger systems seem to have a better chance of keeping the group. Finally, depending on what wrasse you go with (if any) may prevent you from adding sexy shrimp.

 

[HomeGrownReefer]

Are you running a sump tank? If so, what size? I have 2 Picasso clowns w/rbta, blenny, diamond watchman goby, royal gramma, green mandarin, neon goby, 2 cleaner shrimp and 2 peppermint. My tank is well established and has a 40 breeder sump/refugium to help with water chemistry and bioload.

 

[HomeGrownReefer]

As for chromis they are hit or miss.. I had a trio that lasted 5+ years still living and I've tried 5 and they all picked theirselves off till there was 1. They are cheap for a reason. Wrasse's aren't the easiest to keep happy and healthy in a 40, if you do decided to get one start looking into the fairy wrasse family. Lubbock wrasse etc

 

[Marshall O]

Wrasse's aren't the easiest to keep happy and healthy in a 40, if you do decided to get one start looking into the fairy wrasse family. Lubbock wrasse etc

There are very few Fairy Wrasses I would recommend for a 40, even Lubbock's are borderline. A better options would be a Possum Wrasse or Pink Streaked (Pseudocheilinops ataenia).

 

[HomeGrownReefer]

That's why I said they aren't the easiest to keep in a 40. My mandarin was "borderline" yet I've had him almost 3 years and he's very healthy...

 

[Cjsanders757]

I think I've come to the conclusion of my stock list. 2 black saddle back clowns, Midas Blenny, evansi anthias and 3 yellow chromis.

For inverts 6 porcelain crabs, 5 sexy shrimp, 2 emerald crabs, 3 Pom Pom crabs, handful of hermits and snails and 2/3 skunk cleaner shrimp.

For coral lps possibly sps, maxi carpet anemones and z/ps.

 

[HomeGrownReefer]

I personally wouldn't get an anthias for a 40 gallon. Not saying you shouldn't, I'd just do some research first.