Fish for Reefer 425XL

[Luan B.]

Hi,

Recently I upgraded my 20gal to a Red Sea reefer 425xl (112 gal 3foot long) and wondering what should I stock it with, focusing on beneficial fish for reef keeping, so far I only have 2 clowns, want to add a dragonet mandarin (I have a macro algae reactor full of pods just for it) also a six line wrasse (but afraid is gonna bully others).

I was reading about yellow tang(or hippo) and fox face but I’m not sure if my tan size would suit them.

I know is probably a stupid question but any of these fishes I should add in pairs like clowns?
Just starting fish keeping, the focus still in reef keeping

 

[littlest reef]

Hi,

Recently I upgraded my 20gal to a Red Sea reefer 425xl (112 gal 3foot long) and wondering what should I stock it with, focusing on beneficial fish for reef keeping, so far I only have 2 clowns, want to add a dragonet mandarin (I have a macro algae reactor full of pods just for it) also a six line wrasse (but afraid is gonna bully others).

I was reading about yellow tang(or hippo) and fox face but I’m not sure if my tan size would suit them.

I know is probably a stupid question but any of these fishes I should add in pairs like clowns?
Just starting fish keeping, the focus still in reef keeping

You will receive a variety of opinions on this but I would say yes on the yellow tang, foxface would be tight, and no on the hippo long-term. Naturally any one of these would be fine when small if eventually you want to rehome them which is its own adventure. I would look into a bristletooth tang, like a kole or whitetail. I would add the tangs together. I would not add more than one of any species even though yellows sometimes can be kept together. Even then, you may experience aggression in a tank that size.

You might want to consider a melanurus wrasse. Tend to be less aggressive than six lines, and they eat as many / maybe more unwanted critters.

 

[BryanM]

Hi,

Recently I upgraded my 20gal to a Red Sea reefer 425xl (112 gal 3foot long) and wondering what should I stock it with, focusing on beneficial fish for reef keeping, so far I only have 2 clowns, want to add a dragonet mandarin (I have a macro algae reactor full of pods just for it) also a six line wrasse (but afraid is gonna bully others).

I was reading about yellow tang(or hippo) and fox face but I’m not sure if my tan size would suit them.

I know is probably a stupid question but any of these fishes I should add in pairs like clowns?
Just starting fish keeping, the focus still in reef keeping

I check LiveAquaria for fish specs since its easy and usually at the top of my google search results.

 

[exnisstech]

While I don't recommend this I keep a yellow and a two spot bristletooth in a 36x22x22" tank. I also have a sixline and a damsel in there.
Apologies for the long video but it shows how peaceful the fish are. They've been together about a year and the behavior in the video is how they always act. I've never even seen a tail swipe and the sixline is peaceful as well. I do feed heavy which IME can help reduce aggression.

 

[BryanM]

Also, I would start planning for possible tank failure and have a plan for that if it happens. Searching here for tank failures will provide plenty of nightmare material I'm afraid.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hi,

Recently I upgraded my 20gal to a Red Sea reefer 425xl (112 gal 3foot long) and wondering what should I stock it with, focusing on beneficial fish for reef keeping, so far I only have 2 clowns, want to add a dragonet mandarin (I have a macro algae reactor full of pods just for it) also a six line wrasse (but afraid is gonna bully others).

I was reading about yellow tang(or hippo) and fox face but I’m not sure if my tan size would suit them.

I know is probably a stupid question but any of these fishes I should add in pairs like clowns?
Just starting fish keeping, the focus still in reef keeping

Did you get the g2 Red Sea or the old g1 version?

 

[AmateurAlchemist]

My RSR425 has-

• 2 clowns
• Gem tang
• Foxface
• Mystery wrasse
• Clown goby
• Banggai cardinal
• Copperband butterfly
• Flame angel
• Peppermint shrimp
• Urchins, snails and conchs

Tank feels full but not overstocked. All are mature. Gem tang is a bit big for the tank but I believe yellows don’t get as big so should be fine. Foxface is a unit but they aren’t as active as tangs, so as long as the aquascape doesn’t impede swimming space too much, you’ll be fine.

 

[Luan B.]

You will receive a variety of opinions on this but I would say yes on the yellow tang, foxface would be tight, and no on the hippo long-term. Naturally any one of these would be fine when small if eventually you want to rehome them which is its own adventure. I would look into a bristletooth tang, like a kole or whitetail. I would add the tangs together. I would not add more than one of any species even though yellows sometimes can be kept together. Even then, you may experience aggression in a tank that size.

You might want to consider a melanurus wrasse. Tend to be less aggressive than six lines, and they eat as many / maybe more unwanted critters.

Thanks this is great help, definitely gonna look into those species!

I check LiveAquaria for fish specs since it’s easy and usually at the top of my google search results.

Thanks, I just want to make sure since sometimes water volume is ok but the fish need more space to swim

Also about tank failure other than the seams (which looks to be ok so far and is a second hand tank so wasn’t leaking before) I have a Honda generator for possible loss of power

Did you get the g2 Red Sea or the old g1 version?

Is a second hand tank I believe to be g1 with v3 sump, I know about the seam failure on Red Sea tanks but honestly can’t get decent tanks in Ireland other than custom built ones. Is the 425XL more likely to have a leak than other models, the tank still empty since I have my old one still and I’m doing aquascape if that’s the case I could get re-seal

 

[Luan B.]

While I don't recommend this I keep a yellow and a two spot bristletooth in a 36x22x22" tank. I also have a sixline and a damsel in there.
Apologies for the long video but it shows how peaceful the fish are. They've been together about a year and the behavior in the video is how they always act. I've never even seen a tail swipe and the sixline is peaceful as well. I do feed heavy which IME can help reduce aggression.

Thanks, I’ll definitely have a look at it, btw that’s an amazing tank, congrats!

My RSR425 has-

• 2 clowns
• Gem tang
• Foxface
• Mystery wrasse
• Clown goby
• Banggai cardinal
• Copperband butterfly
• Flame angel
• Peppermint shrimp
• Urchins, snails and conchs

Tank feels full but not overstocked. All are mature. Gem tang is a bit big for the tank but I believe yellows don’t get as big so should be fine. Foxface is a unit but they aren’t as active as tangs, so as long as the aquascape doesn’t impede swimming space too much, you’ll be fine.

Yes I probably won’t have as much livestock, and the fox face would be more for recommendations other than personal choice, I didn’t know they get that big

 

[BryanM]

Thanks this is great help, definitely gonna look into those species!


Thanks, I just want to make sure since sometimes water volume is ok but the fish need more space to swim

Also about tank failure other than the seams (which looks to be ok so far and is a second hand tank so wasn’t leaking before) I have a Honda generator for possible loss of power


Is a second hand tank I believe to be g1 with v3 sump, I know about the seam failure on Red Sea tanks but honestly can’t get decent tanks in Ireland other than custom built ones. Is the 425XL more likely to have a leak than other models, the tank still empty since I have my old one still and I’m doing aquascape if that’s the case I could get re-seal

Seam failures common. Some people have taken them apart and said that the silicone was extremely easy to remove. Others think its a cabinet/stand issue.

I'd be inclined to reseal it.