Feeling a bit lost...new stocking ideas?

Eienna · Apr 9, 2015

I used to have a stocking list for my 150g reef...but now I don't know what to do. I'm realizing that the higher-care species I wanted, such as the pictilis anthias, will probably not be suitable choices because I'm just not there enough (Dad feeds them while I'm gone, but he's not always home either.) I go to maintain and enjoy it once a week or so. I really need to revise my plans, as disappointing as it is.

I already have a purple tang and a hippo tang, who both came with the tank. I don't intend to rehome either of them unless they become a legitimate problem, but they both seem pretty chill at the moment. I know I want a chalk bass and probably a royal gramma. I shouldn't get the pictilis anthias I was dreaming of, most likely, but how about a few Bartletts? Think they'd be okay? Perhaps I can invest in an autofeeder...but they'd need to be taking pellets. Does anyone see an issue with including an Exquisite Wrasse? I'd really like one from Vanuatu <3. Really wanted a copperband but after mine did not even take live aiptasia despite having eaten well at the store, I'm pretty well done with them...at least until my experience grows. Maybe an ocellaris clown or pair thereof...always did like them, even though I usually prefer something a little less common. I was looking at maybe a candy hogfish in place of the anthias, since the colors are similar. Anyone have some experience with them? I want a ruby and a mandarin dragonet, but not yet...and possibly not at all, at least until I can keep the tank with me.

All the sudden I'm a little afraid to do anything. Maybe it's because I dreamt the tank broke...IDK. :/

Open to suggestions and willing to listen. Needs to be reef and invert-safe.

tyler1503 · Apr 9, 2015

Eienna said:
All the sudden I'm a little afraid to do anything.

I know that feeling. My 120 sat there without any livestock for months before I was game to put a fish in it. Too many bad experiences can put a damper on what we really want to do with our tanks. Don't let it get you down! I'm glad I took the plunge and added a few fish eventually :)
Sorry I can't really help with stocking tips unless you want some preds!

Eienna · Apr 9, 2015

tyler1503 said:
I know that feeling. My 120 sat there without any livestock for months before I was game to put a fish in it. Too many bad experiences can put a damper on what we really want to do with our tanks. Don't let it get you down! I'm glad I took the plunge and added a few fish eventually :)
Sorry I can't really help with stocking tips unless you want some preds!

Thanks for the encouragement. <3 I just...I hate hurting or killing anything and too much of that has happened in the last three years....I thought i was doing better but that copperband and now the acros kind of took the wind out of my sails.

Eienna · Apr 14, 2015

*bumps*

eatbreakfast · Apr 14, 2015

The bartletts will certainly be hardy enough, but may limit future anthias additions. Personally I prefer dispar anthias as peaceful and hardy anthias.

An exquisite wrasse will work, though you may have to wait a while for a Vanuatu one as a hurricane leveled just about everything 2 months ago.

IME candy hogfish get a little pushy, Halichoeres chrysus gives you similar color and hardiness with a more peaceful disposition.

Ever consider a marine betta? Very hardy, very peaceful, interesting pattern and behavior.

Eienna · Apr 14, 2015

I have looked at marine bettas and understand they're not particularly reef-safe. I'll look into the wrasse you mentioned, though.

EDIT: Oh, it's all yellow...it's really the pink I was wanting :T

KJ · Apr 14, 2015

Blackcap Basslet or Blue Assessor

Saltwaterwill · Apr 14, 2015

i find black and white cardinal fish exotic, i have one and have a connection with him, i believe they are easy to keep if considering a hardy fish, but mine eats frozen foods only with no problem , im sure anyone can do this.

Eienna · Apr 16, 2015

KJ said:
Blackcap Basslet or Blue Assessor

Interesting thoughts. Think the blackcap and royal are both grammas, though....I don't expect they'd get along too well. I'll look into the Assessor, though.

Saltwaterwill said:
i find black and white cardinal fish exotic, i have one and have a connection with him, i believe they are easy to keep if considering a hardy fish, but mine eats frozen foods only with no problem , im sure anyone can do this.

I will have to consider that...a nice little captive-bred banggai...thanks! n_n

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 16, 2015

It really depends on how much you want to spend.

KJ · Apr 16, 2015

You have big aquarium Blackcap Basslet or Assessor be ok

Eienna said:
Interesting thoughts. Think the blackcap and royal are both grammas, though....I don't expect they'd get along too well. I'll look into the Assessor, though.
I will have to consider that...a nice little captive-bred banggai...thanks! n_n