Let's try this one more time

[SnazzyUrchin792]

Several months ago, I started a build thread where I originally was going to set up a 40 gallon, but I was later indecisive about multiple things, including the size of the tank I was going to set up. I then just stopped posting on R2R entirely for a little while. Now I'm back, and I have a 40 breeder set up in my living room.

Setup:
Seapora 40 gallon tank (36"*16"*18")
Hand-built stand
Seachem Tidal 75 HOB filter
AI Blade 30" light
AI Orbit 2 gyre pump
AI Nero 3 powerhead
Eheim Jager 100w heater
40 lbs. Caribsea Arag-alive black sand
40 lbs. dry rock

 

[PizzaIan339]

Sounds like a cool build! What are your plans for stocking?

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

I definitely want:
1 small tomini tang
2 banggai cardinalfish
1 diamond sleeper goby
2 whitetail damselfish
1 scooter blenny
I am also considering a wrasse, but I don’t know what type I want yet.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

Some tank pics:

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Some tank pics:

The tank is turning out nice!

 

[PizzaIan339]

I definitely want:
1 small tomini tang
2 banggai cardinalfish
1 diamond sleeper goby
2 whitetail damselfish
1 scooter blenny
I am also considering a wrasse, but I don’t know what type I want yet.

The stocking list seams ok except for the tomini tang. Unless you get a tiny one and rehome it later it will not have a good time in a 40 gallon. I would instead recommend one of the dwarf angels either a pygmy or flame!

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

The stocking list seams ok except for the tomini tang. Unless you get a tiny one and rehome it later it will not have a good time in a 40 gallon. I would instead recommend one of the dwarf angels either a pygmy or flame!

I worry about an angel eating any coral I put in there.

 

[PizzaIan339]

I worry about an angel eating any coral I put in there.

That could be an issue but the pygmy angel and flame angel are the least likely to eat corals. Most are model citizens from what I have heard. Plus you can always rehome it and try again.

 

[Kodski]

I have to agree that a Tomini Tang will eventually out grow the tank. I would substitute a sailfin/algae blenny in for it. They are great fish! Mine is fun to watch, and picks at the rocks all day long. I have a 38 gallon tank (24x19x19), so roughly same volume and he keeps it looking spotless. I feel that it would be a great substitution for the Tomini Tang.

Along with the algae blenny I have an Atlantic Pygmy angel, also known as a cherub angel, which are one species that is considered coral safe. Some have noted that they can be jerks, but I added mine last to the tank and he doesn't bother a soul. I would highly recommend either a cherub or a flameback angel. Neither one will pick at corals, and be great in that size of tank. You could certainly try a flame angel (different than a flameback) or a coral beauty. I've had a coral beauty before and mine was a great fish and left my corals alone. But the general consensus is that larger angels like a flame or coral beauty are hit or miss. Some do eat corals, others leave them alone.

If you're curious here is my stocking list for my tank.

Algae Blenny
Orchid Dottyback
2x Talbot Damsel
Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
Carpenters Flasher Wrasse
Cherub Angel

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

What is the difference between a carpenter’s flasher wrasse and a mccosker’s flasher wrasse?

 

[Kodski]

What is the difference between a carpenter’s flasher wrasse and a mccosker’s flasher wrasse?

Just different species. Looks wise, they have different fin shape and markings. Fundamentally they don't necessarily act any different. Generally interchangeable in an aquarium, but not cohabitable.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

I've always heard that the first fish you put in a tank has to be a clownfish or damselfish, but I don't want either of those in my tank, and I don't want to get a pair for a month and then trade them back in. Are there any fish on my stocking list that could be the first fish in the tank?
stock list:
2 banggai cardinalfish
sailfin blenny
flameback angelfish
mccosker's flasher wrasse

 

[Kodski]

I've always heard that the first fish you put in a tank has to be a clownfish or damselfish, but I don't want either of those in my tank, and I don't want to get a pair for a month and then trade them back in. Are there any fish on my stocking list that could be the first fish in the tank?
stock list:
2 banggai cardinalfish
sailfin blenny
flameback angelfish
mccosker's flasher wrasse

I would say the cardinalfish would make great first additions. Typically add fish in the order from least aggressive/most hardy to most aggressive.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

The tank has been cycling for 3 weeks now, and it appears to be done. I just did a large water change, and decided I would add some damselfish to test the water. I forgot to heat up the water I brought up from the garage, and the temperature has now fallen to 72. I put in my second heater to try to heat it back up faster.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

Has anyone else had a bad experience with Seachem Stability? I used that, and after 2.5 weeks, I had 2ppm ammonia and no nitrite or nitrate. I added a bottle of Dr. Tims one and only, and all the ammonia was gone in 48 hours.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

Just put the first two fish in.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Just put the first two fish in.

Glad to see fish are in there!

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

Today I added a couple trochus snails to help with algae control, and I also added two mushroom coral, a superman discosoma and an orange rhodactis. In a few days I’m planning to add an algae blenny.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

Been a few days since I gave an update… everything is looking good in the tank. Added an orange discosoma mushroom, had a bacterial bloom that’s cleared up mow, was thinking of adding another fish today.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

So last Wednesday I bought two clownfish, a black ice snowflake and a regular orange one, then on Saturday I traded in the 3-stripe damsels I had originally put in the tank because they were being too aggressive, and I also bought a starry blenny. I was thinking about adding a yellow coris wrasse tomorrow.