(Beginner) stocking advice for 40.1 Gallon Caribbean biotope.

[colefih]

I’m starting my first saltwater aquarium and I’m still not sure on the stocking. I’ve landed on the banded goby, yellow jawfish, Horned Blenny, cherub angelfish, and Royal Gramma. Besides the cherub fish these seem to be cave or bottom dwelling and I’d like something more active. Actual Caribbean damselfish are too big and aggressive but after more research I’ve come across the sapphire damselfish.

They look similar to actual Caribbean damsels and are peaceful however resources are giving conflicting information I’ve seen some on these forums house a cherub in 20 gallon and one was even housed with two clown fish in 20 gallons with zero aggression other recourses say they are extremely aggressive and won’t be okay with most tank mates unless given a lot more room. I’m definitely worried if this would be over stocked or cause the cherub and gramma to be aggressive towards each other and the 2-3 sapphire damsels

Would 40 gallons be enough, should I omit one or two species or just stop with the biotope if I want to have more active and colorful mid-top water level fish?

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

First, please consider using the live rock and sand from Tampa Bay Saltwater. TBS is a mariculture facility in Florida, they literally take dry rock and drop it in the ocean off shorre in the Gulf where they leave for +/- 18 months or so. In that time, the dead, dry rock becomes overrun with life, becoming the most beautiful and beneficial live rock, and it all comes from Florida/Caribbean waters, so it will fit your biotope perfectly.

Behold!
https://tbsaltwater.com/

The second vendor I'd suggest reaching out to is Judy from Coral Monsters. She has a shop in Florida and her family dives and collects local Florida fauna and algae, in addition to livestock she offers from other locals. I think Judy would be a great person to help you source livestock from the Caribbean area.



@coralmonsters.judy would you be able to help this new member please?

Good luck with your biotope build!