Looking for another stocking suggestion(or not?)

[jtlmnop]

I have a 50 gallon AIO with roughly 40 gallons of actual water. It’s been up and running for 16 months, relatively stable based on semi regular testing.

Current stock list:
Coral beauty angel
Pair of Ocellaris clowns
Red fire fish
Yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp(not paired)
RBTA
A few soft and LPS corals
Various snails and hermits
Emerald crab

I’m trying to decide if I can add another fish or two. Was thinking Flame Hawk of maybe a pair of Springer Damsels.

Would that be too much for this system?

TYIA

 

[Coralreefer1]

I would advise against the Hawk in a reef tank because they can feed on sessile inverts, snails, corals and smaller fish. The Springer Damsels are aggressive as are the Clownfish so that would be an invitation to a fight. Fire fish are peaceful and stress easily which could cause them to jump out of your tank. There are other fish that would be better suited to a reef tank like a Flasher or Fairy Wrasse, Bangaii Cardinals or Royal Gramma.

 

[Ricox]

+1

 

[jtlmnop]

+1

Sorry, does that mean add 1 fish, or agreeing with the previous comment?

 

[Projects with Sam]

I think you can do a few more fish!

 

[Ricox]

Agree with the previous comment but you can add more fish as well.

 

[Ricox]

The beginner btw person put 10 fish in a 40 gallon so you should be fine.

 

[Ricox]

BRS*

 

[jtlmnop]

I think you can do a few more fish!

Thanks, just don’t want to push the limits

 

[i cant think]

I would advise against the Hawk in a reef tank because they can feed on sessile inverts, snails, corals and smaller fish. The Springer Damsels are aggressive as are the Clownfish so that would be an invitation to a fight. Fire fish are peaceful and stress easily which could cause them to jump out of your tank. There are other fish that would be better suited to a reef tank like a Flasher or Fairy Wrasse, Bangaii Cardinals or Royal Gramma.

I disagree with this:
1. Hawkfish will not eat coral and instead small inverts (Sexy shrimp, Peppermint shrimp ect)
2. Occelaris clownfish are not aggressive, anything else and they will become aggressive (Even biting your own hand). I have had previous experience with 3-4 pairs of occelaris, several years I owned them and never did they once try bite. The instant I get a hybrid Occelaris x Percula I see the biting personality.
3. Springer damsels, if you get the sapphire versions are not aggressive and are beautiful. Also compared to other damsels, their aggression isn’t bad.
4. Flashers are not better suited to these tanks and need 4’+ long tanks to truly swim round in. Most fairies also get rather big for a 50g (3’x2’ is needed for even the smallest of these).

 

[jtlmnop]

Thanks. I have read mixed reviews on the flame hawk. I actually had a long nose hawk in the tank with this list, but it somehow managed to jump through the screen top. I found it under the light, a bit crispy… And yes, I was looking at the sapphire springers. They seem to be the least aggressive.

For the record, the male Ocellaris likes to nip at me if my hand is on their side of the tank. But they don’t seem to tangle with any of the other inhabitants, and my Firefish is usually hovering center tank most of the day.

I disagree with this:
1. Hawkfish will not eat coral and instead small inverts (Sexy shrimp, Peppermint shrimp ect)
2. Occelaris clownfish are not aggressive, anything else and they will become aggressive (Even biting your own hand). I have had previous experience with 3-4 pairs of occelaris, several years I owned them and never did they once try bite. The instant I get a hybrid Occelaris x Percula I see the biting personality.
3. Springer damsels, if you get the sapphire versions are not aggressive and are beautiful. Also compared to other damsels, their aggression isn’t bad.
4. Flashers are not better suited to these tanks and need 4’+ long tanks to truly swim round in. Most fairies also get rather big for a 50g (3’x2’ is needed for even the smallest of these).