69 Gal Red Sea stocking list

[littlefoxx]

Hello,
I am new to the hobby and currently have a 69 gallon red sea aquarium cycling. I was just looking for some input from some experienced hobbyists on a list of fish I put together that I am looking at once I complete the cycle! I have done quite a bit of research between books, blogs, and other internet sources and well that can give someone conflicting information haha.

So l have my heart set on a dwarf zebra lionfish. Based on this l looked at other fish that l could do for a community tank in the size I have since I know tangs need more room than l can give them at the moment.

I was looking at:
Snowflake Eel
Coral Beauty Dwarf Angelfish
A Flame Hawkfish
A clown pair.

Based on everything Ive seen the best clowns for being with the eel and lionfish are maroons. I am aware of their aggression and risks with them. I also think the lightning maroon is so beautiful!

I also have read that bigger snails and hermit crabs for cleanup crew are usually okay but can be hit or miss with the eel and lion due to personality.

I have about 50 pounds of live rock with some more smaller pieces on the way to put in as well to give fish more hiding room.

As far as the stocking list I am fully up for suggestions if there is another fish that may work better, but really I want the dwarf lion and clownfish, angelfish and eel the most.

Any opinions will be very much appreciated!!!

I attached the rockwork I have done right now while it is cycling, any opinions on this would also be welcomed!

 

[blaxsun]

I'll let others comment on the specific eel requirements - but I don't think you have the right rockscaping that would be conducive for the eel.

 

[davidcalgary29]

There's also not enough aquascape for a centropyge dwarf angel -- they're grazers, and love to pick at things all day. That may be why many people find them to be coral nippers, but I've never had problem with any of mine. You may also want to expand your search beyond coral beauties -- their dark colouring makes it easy for them to disappear in unlit areas. I think multicolor angels are really quite underrated.

 

[BirdFish5000]

Consider a flameback angelfish. Very bright and colorful.

 

[littlefoxx]

I'll let others comment on the specific eel requirements - but I don't think you have the right rockscaping that would be conducive for the eel.

Oh okay, what kind do they like? More cave like stuff?

 

[littlefoxx]

There's also not enough aquascape for a centropyge dwarf angel -- they're grazers, and love to pick at things all day. That may be why many people find them to be coral nippers, but I've never had problem with any of mine. You may also want to expand your search beyond coral beauties -- their dark colouring makes it easy for them to disappear in unlit areas. I think multicolor angels are really quite underrated.

Okay so if l add more rocks that would make the rock scape better for an angel? And is that the same for all dwarf angels?

 

[davidcalgary29]

I'd certainly put in lots of live rock for any dwarf angel, as they should obtain their nutrition from a wide variety of sources: microalgae, meaty foods, sponges (if you have them) and nori.

You do have another issue, though: you certainly don't want to stock any species that could fit in the mouth of either the eel or the lionfish, and that probably rules out pygmy species, such as centropyge argi, or any juvie specimens.

 

[dedragon]

which red sea tank is this the reefer 250 or 350?

 

[dedragon]

There's also not enough aquascape for a centropyge dwarf angel -- they're grazers, and love to pick at things all day. That may be why many people find them to be coral nippers, but I've never had problem with any of mine. You may also want to expand your search beyond coral beauties -- their dark colouring makes it easy for them to disappear in unlit areas. I think multicolor angels are really quite underrated.

specifically I have had them nip at acans and tridacna clams, but they are a hit or miss sort of coral nipping group

 

[davidcalgary29]

which red sea tank is this the reefer 250 or 350?

It's not a 350; mine is 73g plus 'fuge. My RSM 250 is 65g, so that would seem to be about right for a Reefer 250.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Here's my multicolor... with a few friends.

 

[littlefoxx]

which red sea tank is this the reefer 250 or 350?

This is the Max S 260

 

[littlefoxx]

I'd certainly put in lots of live rock for any dwarf angel, as they should obtain their nutrition from a wide variety of sources: microalgae, meaty foods, sponges (if you have them) and nori.

You do have another issue, though: you certainly don't want to stock any species that could fit in the mouth of either the eel or the lionfish, and that probably rules out pygmy species, such as centropyge argi, or any juvie specimens.

Yeah I know about the lion. The only thing l cant find in research is what the smallest fish size that the lion would not be able to eat, so l tried to stick to about 3 or 4 inches at the smallest, more leaning toward the 4 inch. What do you think?

 

[littlefoxx]

which red sea tank is this the reefer 250 or 350?

This is the Max 260

 

[Lavey29]

Why don't you decide whether you want a predator tank or a community fish reef?

 

[littlefoxx]

Why don't you decide whether you want a predator tank or a community fish reef?

Is that different than just picking semi-aggressive or aggressive fish? Sorry Im new to the hobby!

 

[davidcalgary29]

Is that different than just picking semi-aggressive or aggressive fish? Sorry Im new to the hobby!

Many lionfish will eat anything that it can fit in its mouth; they, and the eel, are predatory. The Maroon clowns will probably only eat the stray hand or finger that finds its way into the tank, and not other inhabitants; they're "aggressive" and may bully other fish to death, especially if they discern them as threats to their territory. Angelfish are boisterous and bossy, but are generally not a danger to other fish that are also not dwarf angels: they are considered to be "semi-aggressive" by some people.

I have two dwarf angels in my 65g, but they certainly have a dominance hierarchy and you need lots of planning (and a plan "B") if you want to take this route.

 

[Lavey29]

Is that different than just picking semi-aggressive or aggressive fish? Sorry Im new to the hobby!

I would recommend you do some research and don't rely on LFS who are just trying to make a sale. Very large systems afford more options. You are setting up a moderate size tank which is probably only 50g once rock is in place with limited space. Your fish will be stressed if they know predators are in the tank in confined space. Recipe for problems.

 

[littlefoxx]

Many lionfish will eat anything that it can fit in its mouth; they, and the eel, are predatory. The Maroon clowns will probably only eat the stray hand or finger that finds its way into the tank, and not other inhabitants; they're "aggressive" and may bully other fish to death, especially if they discern them as threats to their territory. Angelfish are boisterous and bossy, but are generally not a danger to other fish that are also not dwarf angels: they are considered to be "semi-aggressive" by some people.

I have two dwarf angels in my 65g, but they certainly have a dominance hierarchy and you need lots of planning (and a plan "B") if you want to take this route.

Ah okay. I think l just want the dwarf lion as the only predator at this time, l just cant seem to find out how big the lion’s mouth is which was why l was looking at the maroons and angels

 

[davidcalgary29]

Ah okay. I think l just want the dwarf lion as the only predator at this time, l just cant seem to find out how big the lion’s mouth is which was why l was looking at the maroons and angels

"Wider than you think" is an answer that may be true, but perhaps not one that you'd like to hear. Lionfish tend not to be the most kinetic reef inhabitants -- they often just sort of drift around as they live out their lives as ambush predators -- and are best left to dedicated enthusiasts. I will say that they do look stunning in the right sort of specialist tank.

The clowns and angel will probably be fine, but you never can tell with some fish.