Need some expert advice

[Hart_the_Reefer]

I have a fully cycled 40B display tank. 48lbs of live Fiji rock, 40lbs CaribSea reef sand. between my display tank and fuge I have total water capacity of 55 Gallons.



I've had 2-Ocellaris Clowns for approx. 6 months that are doing great. I also have one small Trumpet coral(4 heads) and two small zoa colonies. I'm now ready to begin adding more fish to the tank with the idea of having a predominantly LPS/softy tank.



Any feedback on my possible combinations would be greatly appreciated.



Option 1:

2-clowns

1-purple or helfrichi fire fish

2-high banded gobies

1-royal gamma

3-banggai cardinals



Option 2:

2-clowns

1-mystery wrasse

1-yellow watchman goby

1-cherub pygmy angel



Option3:

2-clowns

1-green banded goby

1-blue or green chromis

1-purple orchid dotty back

1-flame angel



I also love the pink tail trigger or Valentini puffer, and any ideas on CUC?





Thanks,

-Hart_the_Reefer

 

[eatbreakfast]

The angels in option 2 and 3 may nip at corals and LPS and zoas are high on the list of being picked at.

A mystery wrasse can get aggressive and can get a little too big for a 40b, as well as eating most of your cuc.

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

eatbreakfast thanks, what would you recommend for my tank from this group? Am I even in the ballpark here? And how about a CUC?

 

[eatbreakfast]

My personal taste is towards option 1, but dwarf angels are nice, I just have bad luck with them eatng corals, but many have kept them with corals and been fine. If you want a wrasse consider a flasher or small Halichoeres species.

As far as cuc I like emerald crabs, hermits, nassarius snails and trochus snails. I have found many overstock their cuc initially. I think one or 2 emerald crabs and 5/6 of the others is sufficient.

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

Sounds good. I'm just looking for a good and colorful combo that will play well together yet has some character.

Anyone else with any suggestions or opinions would be great!

 

[Mike&Terry]

Option 1 would be my choice. You won't be able to keep 3 Banggai Cardinalfish together, but a male/female pair would work.

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

Thanks mike&terry. If I decided to get rid of the cardinals all together, would you recommend a flasher wrasse or one of the others from those groups? I'm not sold on the cardinals yet anyways.

 

[Mike&Terry]

Thanks mike&terry. If I decided to get rid of the cardinals all together, would you recommend a flasher wrasse or one of the others from those groups? I'm not sold on the cardinals yet anyways.

If you are set on a Flasher Wrasse, the LineSpot Flasher (Paracheilinus lineopunctatus) from my personal experience has the most peaceful temperament, but in a tank that size, it may likely chase and harass timid Firefish.

A better reef-safe wrasse alternative would be the Pink Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia) as it's small, colorful and won't harass other fish.

The Black Axil Chromis (Chromis atripectoralis) is a "close cousin" alternative to Chromis viridis. We keep both and like their extra pop of color, along with the black spot at the base of the pectoral fins.

I would recommend either a pair of Firefish or a pair of Helfritchi Firefish rather than a single individual.

Hope this helps... :bigsmile:

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

I think I'm much closer to "having a plan"

2-Ocellaris clowns

2-Hefrichi fire fish

1-Royal gamma

And either:
1-High fin red banded goby

Or 1-Red mandarin

How about this list? Any changes, opinions or concerns you for see?

Goby or mandarin? (Mandarin looks sweet)

I may possibly do a wrasse or dwarf angel in the future.

Thanks,
Hart_the_Reefer

 

[acesfull44]

Option #2 first, then #3

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

Acesfull44,
You're cool with the mystery wrasse and Pygmy angel in option 2 and the dotty back and flame angel in option 3?
You have any experience with these?

 

[JAWS 32]

I would skip the flame angel or any dwarf angel as well as the mystery wrasse... i feel the tank is too small.. i have a dwarf half black angel, and he is like the energizer bunny, always VERY active, all over the tank (currently a 75, but soon to be 125).... Your last list is good, but if you are intent on adding a mandarin, let the tank get well established, perhaps seed it a few times w/ amphipods/copepods to get a population going.. even better if u have a fuge, where they can populate w/o being hunted... in a smaller tank , you want to keep the fish selection to a peaceful group, so no aggression happens from lack of space.. as far as your CUC, check out serpent/ brittle stars.. they are great scavengers... and like eatbreakfast, do not overstock your CUC, i would get the bare minimum, and then add accordingly... they are living creatures and shouldn't be subjected to starving to death or eaten by hungry critters... good luck!!

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

Thanks jaws that's the reassurance I was looking for.

 

[JAWS 32]

your welcome! i am by no means an expert, i have only had my tank for 5 years, but i always like to hear actual opinions from people who have had experience themselves, rather then someone who will sell you anything just to make $.... It pays to do your research before.. makes you happy to see a thriving stress free tank and it saves lives of our salty friends!

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

Jaws, totally agree and I appreciate it.

 

[Mike&Terry]

Keeping a healthy Mandarin long term (10+ years) can be a challenge, especially in a smaller setup. Paul B. has been successfully keeping healthy, spawning Mandarins (among other challenging fish) for many years. You might want to take a look at a few of his threads to give you a better understanding about their nutritional needs and how they can be met. These 3 are a good start:

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-discussion/85904-they-all-love-feeder.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/167690-auto-brine-shrimp-hatchery-feeder.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/fish-discussion/154713-fattening-up-mandarin.html

 

[Hart_the_Reefer]

Awesome read. He's impressive. Seems like more work than what I'm after right now. I already get in trouble by the lady for the time invested daily although I totally dig it. She loves the tank, but I think she thinks I just threw everything in there and BAM, it's magic.

 

[jstec]

I have a high banded goby in my reef and a yellow watchman (not really advisable I didn't have a choice when it was dropped off) but they paired up together and are always out together sharing burrows. You can always do a pistol with your goby to paid up that's always a good show/conversation piece! Also with the wrasse if your set on getting one I have kept a solar wrasse for years who is always active and peaceful they are always a great option in my opinion

 

[jstec]

Not trying to high jack your thread just thought this picture is hilarious and you might enjoy it !

 

[JAWS 32]

Not trying to high jack your thread just thought this picture is hilarious and you might enjoy it !

That is a great pic!