Order of Stocking

[Wandering Albatross]

Good afternoon all,

I'm planning my stocking order as stated above and am looking for feedback on who to add in each batch. This is meant to be a community reef tank; I want to minimize conflict wherever possible. Tank is 150g 60x24x24, 40g sump. The following is my preferred stock in terms of fish, in addition to an undecided centerpiece fish, as we've discussed in a previous thread.

Royal Gramma x2
Starry Blenny x2
Darwin Clown x2
Orchid Dotty back x2
Green/Blue Mandarin x2
Purple Fire fish x2
Yellow Watchman x2
Banggai Cardinal x2 ?
Neon Blue Goby x2
Undetermined Centerpiece x1-2

There are minor notes from some vendors stating that gobies, blennies, and dartfish will 'sometimes' get territorial in 'small' tanks with similar looking fish, but did not give any idea as to how small their idea of 'small' is. Grammas may be the same way with similar looking fish. I figured Mandarins look different enough that it wouldn't be a problem if true, but I can't say for sure. Can anyone vouch for hostility between any of these species?

I plan to have plenty of caves for territories, and I tried to pick fish that are distinctly different colors/patterns in the event that helps. Do I need to strike anyone from my list?

If aggression is likely between my gobies, blennies, and fire fish, will adding them together in one batch help minimize territorial disputes, much like adding tangs together? How would you order the addition of these fish, assuming they came in batches? Thoughts?

Blessings

 

[DrkNMighty]

Is there a reason you are wanting two of most of those fish? Unless you can confirm it is one male and one female I would be hesitant. I’m not sure how much success you will have with two grammas in the tank yet alone along with two dottybacks. Same thing for the watchmen and starry blennies but one of each should be fine. Banggais should be fine and could possibly do more than two. Mandarins will be fine with one male and one female and I would probably add them towards the end so you have times for pod population to establish. Clownfish I would do towards the end as they can be very territorial.

Of course, all fish are different so you never know exactly how they will act. You can try adding two of each but I would have a backup plan for if you have any aggression that can’t be resolved.

 

[Tamberav]

Skip the dottybacks.


Most of those fish will fight if not a m/f pair but I assume that is your plan?

 

[Wandering Albatross]

Is there a reason you are wanting two of most of those fish? Unless you can confirm it is one male and one female I would be hesitant. I’m not sure how much success you will have with two grammas in the tank yet alone along with two dottybacks. Same thing for the watchmen and starry blennies but one of each should be fine. Banggais should be fine and could possibly do more than two. Mandarins will be fine with one male and one female and I would probably add them towards the end so you have times for pod population to establish. Clownfish I would do towards the end as they can be very territorial.

Of course, all fish are different so you never know exactly how they will act. You can try adding two of each but I would have a backup plan for if you have any aggression that can’t be resolved.

I have a vendor finally that is willing to take a very special request to do everything in his power to ensure male/female sets (not as bonded pairs per se). Observation of spawning behavior is a big part of this setup, and while they cannot be forced to spawn, they need the opportunity in this case. I have accepted the possibility of them not getting along though.

 

[Wandering Albatross]

Skip the dottybacks.


Most of those fish will fight if not a m/f pair but I assume that is your plan?

That is 100% the plan yes, though I know some will be tricky to sex at a young age.

Is there any way I can buffer potential dotty back aggression? I've heard mixed reviews, depending on tank size, scape, feeding, and tank mates. I heard orchids were the least territorial of the dotties.

 

[DrkNMighty]

I have a vendor finally that is willing to take a very special request to do everything in his power to ensure male/female sets (not as bonded pairs per se). Observation of spawning behavior is a big part of this setup, and while they cannot be forced to spawn, they need the opportunity in this case. I have accepted the possibility of them not getting along though.

I would just backup plans when aggression gets out of hand. I think it’s going to be quite difficult to identify a male and female of each of those. In a tank that size it will also be difficult to capture any troublemakers if that is the route you have to take.

 

[Wandering Albatross]

Any other recommendations or warnings on a good order to add these guys?

 

[Wandering Albatross]

Bump

 

[Wandering Albatross]

On a related note, how many fish of this size and type would be okay in a 150g? Would 20 be okay? Average sizes 3-4”.