Fish recommendations for a 50gal frag tank

findingsimple · Dec 1, 2023

Howdy brains trust, I need your help!

I've just set up a new 50 gal frag tang (second hand CADE 900) - build thread coming - but I can't decide what fish to stock it with - or perhaps I should not stock with fish at all?

50 gal - 900x700x350 (LxWxH)

I wanted to get peoples opinions - thanks in advance.

Aims for the tank is grow out any off cuts from my SPS - so it will be SPS dominant. (Maybe some gonis and high end zoa's if I'm feeling it).

I'm not looking for a bunch of Chromis.

Utility fish are a-ok with me - e.g. lawnmower blennie

Thank you!

cdemoss01 · Dec 1, 2023

findingsimple said:
Howdy brains trust, I need your help!

I've just set up a new 50 gal frag tang (second hand CADE 900) - build thread coming - but I can't decide what fish to stock it with - or perhaps I should not stock with fish at all?

50 gal - 900x700x350 (LxWxH)

I wanted to get peoples opinions - thanks in advance.

Aims for the tank is grow out any off cuts from my SPS - so it will be SPS dominant. (Maybe some gonis and high end zoa's if I'm feeling it).

I'm not looking for a bunch of Chromis.

Utility fish are a-ok with me - e.g. lawnmower blennie

Thank you!

Not sure... Could do a six lined wrasse, melanurus wrasse, red striped goby, firefish? Hector's goby?

findingsimple · Dec 1, 2023

Goby’s could work, I’m not that familiar time for some googling.

Forgot to mention I’m going to try bare bottom so I’m not sure the wrasse will love it

findingsimple · Dec 1, 2023

Oooo just found this thread / poll https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/what-is-your-favorite-fish-to-keep-in-a-frag-tank.467726/

cdemoss01 · Dec 1, 2023

findingsimple said:
Goby’s could work, I’m not that familiar time for some googling.

Forgot to mention I’m going to try bare bottom so I’m not sure the wrasse will love it

Tough one... Damsels? Or basselets?

nereefpat · Dec 1, 2023

findingsimple said:
Forgot to mention I’m going to try bare bottom so I’m not sure the wrasse will love it

Halichoeres, Coris, Leopards all need sand. Six line and cousins don't need sand, and are constant pest hunters that are made for frag tanks. 4 lines are really pretty and different.

aquaman67 · Dec 1, 2023

There are some nice looking damsels that you wouldn’t put in a community tank.

I saw a jewel or jeweled damsel (tiny blue spots) that had lots of personality - didn’t hide. Came right up to see what I was doing. Probably begging for food too.

cdemoss01 · Dec 1, 2023

aquaman67 said:
There are some nice looking damsels that you wouldn’t put in a community tank.

I saw a jewel or jeweled damsel (tiny blue spots) that had lots of personality - didn’t hide. Came right up to see what I was doing. Probably begging for food too.

Agreed. I forgot about the aggressive damsels. Just make sure they are peaceful!

findingsimple · Dec 2, 2023

Thanks I think I’ll give a sixline a go - although I’m a bit worried about it going postal on my snails

findingsimple · Dec 2, 2023

Sounds like juvenile tang might be a good fit. Once it shows signs of stress or gets too big I can rehome it

I’ve got a juvenile tomini tang in my display that might work well to start with if I can catch it