I need stocking ideas, STAT!

willertac · Sep 6, 2014

I've been going in circles. Every time I think I chose my fish, I change my mind. I went from wanting a butterfly, a clown, an angel, and a damsel to a clown, a firefish, and a cleaner wrasse, and so on.

I have a 55g, around 70 lbs of base rock, 2 powerheads, a skimmer in waiting, and live sand. I'm being given a LED light strip, an RO/DI system, and possibly an FX5 (my step mom wanted to upgrade her equipment and didn't want to use the FX5 anymore either). I plan on getting a 20 long for my dual QT. I have an Aqueon 55/75, but I'm not sure if I want to use that or get a different filter. Once I set things up, I'll get some LR.

I love Triggerfish, but cannot have one in my tank (right?). I like the dwarf Lionfish too. I was going to go reef eventually, but now, I don't really know. Any fish that can live in my tank and doesn't look too much like a freshwater fish is a good one for me. Even if you think it might look freshwater a little just let me know what it is anyways. I like many fish, so please post anything.

:noidea:

Marshall O · Sep 6, 2014

No to Triggers as you thought. Basically, you need to figure out what kind of tank you want and go from there. So a reef tank, peaceful FOWLR, aggressive FOWLR, etc. Then we can help :)

willertac · Sep 6, 2014

Marshall O said:
No to Triggers as you thought. Basically, you need to figure out what kind of tank you want and go from there. So a reef tank, peaceful FOWLR, aggressive FOWLR, etc. Then we can help :)

I really have no idea, but I guess a peaceful FOWLR, because most of the fish I've liked are peaceful and some nip at corals.

Marshall O · Sep 6, 2014

In that case, here are some suggestions: Yellow Assessor, smaller Fairy or Flasher Wrasses, Possum Wrasse, Coral Beauty, Royal Gramma, Gobies, any Blenny from the Escenius genus (i.e. Midas or Tailspot), Dartfish, a Firefish, etc. A completely covered tank is a requirement for most of the fish I listed though.

willertac · Sep 6, 2014

Marshall O said:
In that case, here are some suggestions: Yellow Assessor, smaller Fairy or Flasher Wrasses, Possum Wrasse, Coral Beauty, Royal Gramma, Gobies, any Blenny from the Escenius genus (i.e. Midas or Tailspot), Dartfish, a Firefish, etc. A completely covered tank is a requirement for most of the fish I listed though.

I like the Tailspot Blenny, the Coral Beauty, and the Assessor. Is there a possibility of putting a butterfly in my tank? Or even putting the Lionfish with what you suggested?

Marshall O · Sep 6, 2014

There are a couple of Butterflyfish that stay smaller, such as the Atlantic Longnose. That may be an option. I would not put a Lionfish with really any of the fish I mentioned, as they may make a nice meal for it some day.

willertac · Sep 6, 2014

Marshall O said:
There are a couple of Butterflyfish that stay smaller, such as the Atlantic Longnose. That may be an option. I would not put a Lionfish with really any of the fish I mentioned, as they may make a nice meal for it some day.

That's true...

fishroomlady · Sep 6, 2014

to add to Marshall, a flamehawk and midas blenny - butterflies can be a little fragile to keep and not always the best to house in a reef.

Marshall O · Sep 6, 2014

fishroomlady said:
to add to Marshall, a flamehawk and midas blenny - butterflies can be a little fragile to keep and not always the best to house in a reef.

Already mentioned Midas Blenny :) Though Flame Hawk is another good suggestion. And the OP is leaning towards a FOWLR, so Butterflyfish would be fine.

fishroomlady · Sep 6, 2014

oops....missed that :)

willertac · Sep 7, 2014

I've been looking at them for a bit and I just went to the pet store and finally saw one; a Marine Betta. I like them, but then I'd probably need some bigger fish...

UGH!!!

Marshall O · Sep 7, 2014

That and they are nocturnal, so you wouldn't see much activity out of it.

eatbreakfast · Sep 8, 2014

willertac said:
I've been looking at them for a bit and I just went to the pet store and finally saw one; a Marine Betta. I like them, but then I'd probably need some bigger fish...

UGH!!!

They really are not that predatory, I have seen full grown ones kept with firefish no problems. And if they are kept with peaceful active tankmates they will be out and "begging" for food during daylight.