First reef tank, critique my stocking plan

[Poochaku]

I am in the process of building a red sea reefer 750xxl I got for a good deal on craiglist. (retrofit kit installed and extra care taken with leveling).

The tank is 6 ft wide and 160 gallons with a 40 gallon sump.

Attached is the stocking plan. I plan on running the tank fish only for quite a while and start adding coral during phase 4/5ish?

Planning on a sps dominant mixed reef.

Notes

1. Is trying for 2 clown pairs in a 6 ft tank too ambitious?
2. I understand the butterfly fish are moderately difficult to keep but I really enjoy both of them.
3. Am I as overstocked as I think I am? I am planning on running a filter roller, algae reactor, and protein skimmer. There will be 10%/week continual water changes.
4. I plan on 4-5 weeks between each phase. Is this too long/too short?

Thanks for any and all advice.

 

[Zionas]

Phase 1: Not sure how well Firefish of different species get along, best to ask but I assume you’d be OK considering they tend to be peaceful. Not sure about 2 Royal Grammas either but I’m sure someone will know how to pair them.


Phase 2: All good.


Phase 3: One pair of Clownfish to be safe. People have kept more than a pair successfully but usually it take lots of experience and risk.


Phase 4: Good. Sometimes Chromis kill each other off but I hope this doesn’t happen to you.


Phase 5: Not sure how two Yellow Tangs will work together, so ask more experienced members. Purple Tang is also a Zebrasoma tang, your best bet is to add all of your Tangs together at the same time. Gem Tang is yet another Zebrasoma. To be honest, I’d do a Yellow Tang, choose between the Purple and the Gem Tang, and a Bristletooth Tang (genus Cthenochaetus). For a 4th or 5th large fish choose a fish that’s not a Tang. Genicanthus angelfish (you can even do a pair of a smaller species like Watanabei, Spotbreast, Bellus), a Foxface or a Marine Betta are what I’d recommend. Either way add them before any Tangs.


Phase 6: Good.



Phase 1- 4 fish

Phase 2- 3 fish


Phase 3- 2 fish (I seriously recommend sticking to just a pair of Clowns)

Phase 4- 9 fish

Phase 5- 4 fish (here’s where your larger fish will go, I assume)

Phase 6- 3 fish


For a total of 25 fish. I’d say your stocking level would be moderately heavy but since the majority of your fish are small and / or bottom dwellers, you should be fine. Just make sure to have the best filtration possible regardless.

P.S. You absolutely need to have a covered tank considering your interest in the Firefish, Royal Gramma, Blennies and Anthias.

 

[40g Nano]

Don't get Royal Gramma. Very territorial and killed my clownfish.

 

[Poochaku]

Don't get Royal Gramma. Very territorial and killed my clownfish.

Thanks for the input would you suggest a dottyback instead?

 

[nereefpat]

Don't get Royal Gramma. Very territorial and killed my clownfish.

That would be really rare, especially in a 6' tank.

 

[Arabyps]

Don't get Royal Gramma. Very territorial and killed my clownfish.

Never had an issue with Royal Gramma. I have 2 in a 54 gallon with 2 clowns and 1 in a 130 gallon with 2 clowns. They are among the most beautiful fish. Highly recommend!!