Fish compatibity with current stocking for potential future tank

[CatsandClowns]

Heyo! It's been a while since I was last on this forum, but I've recently had a strong urge to upgrade tanks from my current 38-gallon to either a 65, 75, or 80-gallon tank(4 feet long). There's lots for me to get out of the way first before I can make that happen, so this is just the early stages of me considering what may be added down the line in terms of livestock.

Anyways, while I enjoy the prospect of having nice new fish, I want to make sure that when I transfer my current livestock over, nothing new will overly compete with my mandarin specifically. My boy is big and round, and I have had him in here for over a year, fed 2-3x daily, and restocked pods regularly. Regardless, there's no benefit to having a larger tank for him if all the new fish I add are outcompeting him for pods anyway, so that's a big consideration, although I go fairly rock-heavy so it may be less of an issue depending on the size of the tank.
In my mind, this eliminates wrasses, anthias, and some gobies unfortunately, though I may be mistaken. More experienced keepers feel free to chime in regarding that bit.

I admit the discrepancy between the tank sizes introduces a lot of variance with the potential suggestions I receive, so if nothing else, recommendations from what youve kept in same-size tanks are appreciated. Really, any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Baldyreef]

Heyo! It's been a while since I was last on this forum, but I've recently had a strong urge to upgrade tanks from my current 38-gallon to either a 65, 75, or 80-gallon tank(4 feet long). There's lots for me to get out of the way first before I can make that happen, so this is just the early stages of me considering what may be added down the line in terms of livestock.

Anyways, while I enjoy the prospect of having nice new fish, I want to make sure that when I transfer my current livestock over, nothing new will overly compete with my mandarin specifically. My boy is big and round, and I have had him in here for over a year, fed 2-3x daily, and restocked pods regularly. Regardless, there's no benefit to having a larger tank for him if all the new fish I add are outcompeting him for pods anyway, so that's a big consideration, although I go fairly rock-heavy so it may be less of an issue depending on the size of the tank.
In my mind, this eliminates wrasses, anthias, and some gobies unfortunately, though I may be mistaken. More experienced keepers feel free to chime in regarding that bit.

I admit the discrepancy between the tank sizes introduces a lot of variance with the potential suggestions I receive, so if nothing else, recommendations from what youve kept in same-size tanks are appreciated. Really, any suggestions are appreciated.

Dwarf angelfish are great for a 4 foot tank, 4 feet also opens you up to possible a yellow tang although a tomini would be happier in that space, blackbar chromis are small-ish schoolers that look like damselfish but are peaceful and inquisitive little things

 

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I think dwarf angelfish would be great as well. Perhaps an interesting choice could be a pair of Hoplolatilus tilefish.

 

[CatsandClowns]

Heyo! It's been a while since I was last on this forum, but I've recently had a strong urge to upgrade tanks from my current 38-gallon to either a 65, 75, or 80-gallon tank(4 feet long). There's lots for me to get out of the way first before I can make that happen, so this is just the early stages of me considering what may be added down the line in terms of livestock.

Anyways, while I enjoy the prospect of having nice new fish, I want to make sure that when I transfer my current livestock over, nothing new will overly compete with my mandarin specifically. My boy is big and round, and I have had him in here for over a year, fed 2-3x daily, and restocked pods regularly. Regardless, there's no benefit to having a larger tank for him if all the new fish I add are outcompeting him for pods anyway, so that's a big consideration, although I go fairly rock-heavy so it may be less of an issue depending on the size of the tank.
In my mind, this eliminates wrasses, anthias, and some gobies unfortunately, though I may be mistaken. More experienced keepers feel free to chime in regarding that bit.

I admit the discrepancy between the tank sizes introduces a lot of variance with the potential suggestions I receive, so if nothing else, recommendations from what youve kept in same-size tanks are appreciated. Really, any suggestions are appreciated.

Dwarf angelfish are great for a 4 foot tank, 4 feet also opens you up to possible a yellow tang although a tomini would be happier in that space, blackbar chromis are small-ish schoolers that look like damselfish but are peaceful and inquisitive little things

I’ve heard the dwarf angels are hit or miss in terms of reef compatibility. I would be very open to any of the smaller tangs! Though I would skip a yellow tang likely, I hate having to rehome fish for any reason, and they’re pricey$$

 

[CatsandClowns]

Heyo! It's been a while since I was last on this forum, but I've recently had a strong urge to upgrade tanks from my current 38-gallon to either a 65, 75, or 80-gallon tank(4 feet long). There's lots for me to get out of the way first before I can make that happen, so this is just the early stages of me considering what may be added down the line in terms of livestock.

Anyways, while I enjoy the prospect of having nice new fish, I want to make sure that when I transfer my current livestock over, nothing new will overly compete with my mandarin specifically. My boy is big and round, and I have had him in here for over a year, fed 2-3x daily, and restocked pods regularly. Regardless, there's no benefit to having a larger tank for him if all the new fish I add are outcompeting him for pods anyway, so that's a big consideration, although I go fairly rock-heavy so it may be less of an issue depending on the size of the tank.
In my mind, this eliminates wrasses, anthias, and some gobies unfortunately, though I may be mistaken. More experienced keepers feel free to chime in regarding that bit.

I admit the discrepancy between the tank sizes introduces a lot of variance with the potential suggestions I receive, so if nothing else, recommendations from what youve kept in same-size tanks are appreciated. Really, any suggestions are appreciated.

Dwarf angelfish are great for a 4 foot tank, 4 feet also opens you up to possible a yellow tang although a tomini would be happier in that space, blackbar chromis are small-ish schoolers that look like damselfish but are peaceful and inquisitive little things

I’ve heard the dwarf angels are hit or miss in terms of reef compatibility. I would be very open to any of the smaller tangs! Though I would skip a yellow tang likely, I hate having to rehome fish for any reason, and they’re pricey$$

Again only if I end up with a four foot tank*

 

[Baldyreef]

I’ve heard the dwarf angels are hit or miss in terms of reef compatibility. I would be very open to any of the smaller tangs! Though I would skip a yellow tang likely, I hate having to rehome fish for any reason, and they’re pricey$$

in my experience as long as cherub/flameback angels and and coral beauties are well fed they wont go after coral, I've even pushed my luck with the addition of maxima clams and they've never touched one, I was thinking about suggesting a melanarus wrasse but forgot about the mandarin, but what comes to mind instead is flasher and fairy wrasses which wouldnt be a food competiter for your mandarin, depending on your tank's footprint and how you set it up a tomini can be done in a 30 inch or around 30 inch long tank provided the depth and width is also suitable