Feedback on this potential 60 gallon cube stocking list?

[DiscoStuart]

I'm in planning mode for a 60G Cade 600 cube build and trying to map out a potential stocking list. I've got the below potential thinking right now - might be overstocked. Would love thoughts on what you'd change or cut and any concerns about problematic parings. I'm also not sure if I have too many bottom dwellers...

Any and all feedback and ideas welcome! I'm trying to get a good mix of colors, personalities and levels in the tank.
The plan is for the tank will have softys and LPS as well.

1. Clownfish x2 (Davinci)
2. Randall's pistol shrimp
3. Yellow watchman Goby
4. Tailspot Blenny
5. Royal Gramma (or Firefish?)
6. Banggai cardinal
7. McKosker's Flasher Wrasse
8. Ping-Streaked Wrasse
9. Springer's Damsel (mixed reviews on how docile, or not, these are)
10. Mandarin (I know I need a pod population and a well established tank)
11. Plus some cleanup crew - haven't given it much thought yet!

Thanks for the help :)

 

[Arie_Idaho_Reef]

Flame hawks have amazing personalities and are suitable for that size tank one of my favorite fish and a bold red color.

 

[DiscoStuart]

Flame hawks have amazing personalities and are suitable for that size tank one of my favorite fish and a bold red color.

Yeah, they were briefly on my list, but heard mentions of them not working well in inverts and was worried about the shrimp. But I do love their character. Good one to consider!

 

[DiscoStuart]

So, I asked chatGPT to assess the list for conflicts and function here is what it said - all seems to check out with prior research + some follow up research.

So, it has me thinking I:

1. Swap out the Springer's Damsel for the Yellowtail Damsel.
2. Go with the Royal Gramma over the firefish
3. Maybe go down to only the Pink Streaked Wrasse instead of having it + the McCosker's (wrasse competition and McCosker eating pods and competing with the Mandarin)

Any thoughts on that? Or is Ai leading me astray ? :)


Here’s an analysis of your stocking list, covering potential conflicts, compatibility with cleanup crew (CUC), and functional roles:

1. Potential Conflicts Between the Fish:

• Clownfish (x2) (DaVinci?) – Can be territorial, especially if they establish a nesting site. May harass smaller, passive fish like firefish or tailspot blenny.
• Randall's Pistol Shrimp + Yellow Watchman Goby – A classic symbiotic pair, no issues here.
• Tailspot Blenny – Generally peaceful but can be aggressive toward other blennies or fish that resemble it.
• Firefish / Royal Gramma – Firefish are peaceful but shy; they might be bullied by more aggressive tankmates. Royal Grammas can be semi-aggressive and defend their territory.
• Banggai Cardinal – Peaceful, but in a small tank, two males can fight. They do best in pairs or as a single.
• McCosker’s Flasher Wrasse + Pink-Streaked Wrasse – Both are peaceful, but wrasses can sometimes be aggressive toward each other if they feel crowded. The McCosker’s is more active and could outcompete the Pink-Streaked.
• Springer’s Damsel – The most aggressive fish on your list. Could harass smaller, timid fish (firefish, tailspot blenny). Less aggressive than other damsels, but still a potential bully.
• Mandarin – Requires a mature tank with a healthy pod population. May struggle to compete for food with other aggressive feeders like the wrasses and clownfish.

2. Potential Conflicts with Clean-Up Crew (CUC):

• Randall's Pistol Shrimp – May occasionally snack on very small inverts (e.g., tiny snails or hermits), but generally fine with CUC.
• Wrasses – Some wrasses (notably larger ones) may eat small shrimp or snails, but McCosker’s and Pink-Streaked Wrasses are generally safe.
• Springer’s Damsel – May pick at inverts, but shouldn’t be a major threat.
• Mandarin – Not a problem for CUC, but may deplete the pod population (if you plan on including copepods in your CUC).

3. Functional Coverage Analysis:
Algae Control:

• Tailspot Blenny – Great algae grazer, especially for film algae.
• Springer’s Damsel – Sometimes picks at algae, but not a primary grazer.

Pest Population Control:

• Wrasses (McCosker’s, Pink-Streaked) – Can help control small pests like flatworms or copepod overgrowth.
• Mandarin – Specializes in eating copepods but needs a well-established pod population.

Sandbed Maintenance:

• Randall's Pistol Shrimp + Watchman Goby – Excellent at burrowing and keeping the sand turned over.

Final Thoughts:

• The biggest potential issue is the Springer’s Damsel, which could be aggressive toward smaller or more passive tankmates.
• Firefish may struggle with aggressive tankmates (clowns, damsel, royal gramma).
• Mandarin will need a strong pod population, which could be outcompeted by wrasses.
• You might still want some snails or hermits for additional algae control.

When asked about less aggressive, but still bright blue, alternatives to the Springer's Damsel, it gave these two:

1. Azure Damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)
• Bright electric blue with a yellow underside
• Much less aggressive than Springer’s but still hardy
• Good swimmer, active, and won’t hide as much as some gobies/blennies

2. Yellowtail Damsel (Chrysiptera parasema)
• Deep royal blue with a bright yellow tail
• One of the least aggressive damsels
• Stays small and won’t dominate tankmates

 

[Cheese Griller]

The springer’s and azure damsels have pretty much the same aggression level so they’re quite interchangeable in that regard. I think it’s a good idea to skip the flasher wrasse, they like lateral swimming room and may feel a little cramped in a cube style tank. I would consider a longboard hawk, they have a much smaller mouth size so they’re much less likely to mess with your inverts! If not the longboard hawk, then some kind of honey/perching fish to add interest to the rock work.