Possible (Angel/Butterfly) Stocking Plans for a Macroalgae Setup

[NewMacroalgaeSETUP]

Hi! Like the title states, I currently have a UNS [ 90U ] - 35.43 x 22.04 x 22.04" - 74.5 Gallons that I am planning to set up as a macroalgae aquascape (heavily inspired by the tigahboy tanks on this forum). I currently have 9 species of macroalgae that I have collected, but I am open to suggestions on new species/varieties and where to get them. (Unfortunately I live in CA so all caulerpa species are banned )... Back on topic; I currently also have a banggai cardinal from one of my previous setups. I am looking for suggestions on possible small angelfish/butterfly species that can work in a macroalgae dominated setup that traditionally wouldn't be kept in a reef tank due to their tendency to nip at corals. Since this tank will have macroalgae and no corals, I want to try keeping an angelfish or butterfly in this setup, that could comfortably exist in this environment. (I do have some prior experience with butterflyfish as I have kept Copperband and Threadfin Butterflyfish in the past, however my only experience with angelfish is flame). Rare/unique/nice suggestions welcome as a close friend of mine works closely with wholesalers, so sourcing shouldn't be an issue. Thanks alot in advance!!!

 

[zwalter38]

Not a suggestion for an angel or butterfly. But as for the macros. MosaicMacros has a ton of different options and they are constantly adding new ones and restocking older ones. I’ve had great luck with them myself and would highly recommend. You can even filter for non caulerpa species on their website.

 

[Subsea]

I would leave Butterfly fish out of my ornamental seaweed tank.

I run a 55G macroalgae tank with no fish: peppermint shrimp is apex predator, along with ornamental sponges & seaweeds

 

[NewMacroalgaeSETUP]

MosaicMacros has a ton of different options and they are constantly adding new ones and restocking older ones. I’ve had great luck with them myself and would highly recommend.

Thanks! I've checked them out and they seem to be great! I have placed an order.

 

[NewMacroalgaeSETUP]

Any other suggestions for stocking? As I said, I really do want to keep a butterfly or angel in this tank as it usually isn't possible in classic reef setups. On another note, I have started building the aquascape and I have left quite a few caves for a potential dwarf angel and a negative space portion for swimming room for a butterfly

 

[zwalter38]

Depending on your invert ideas I’ve always thought about getting a green spotted puffer but they can be known to eat corals. They are typically brackish but can be transitioned to full salt like mollies. As for angel I don’t really know why you wouldn’t be able to keep whatever dwarf angel you wanted. I don’t really know much about butterfly’s other then they can be difficult to feed.

 

[NewMacroalgaeSETUP]

Thanks a ton! I'll look into the green spotted puffer. I am trying to put species in this tank that I haven't been able to keep as I usually keep reef aquariums. My local LFS has a multibar angelfish that is in great condition, but I don't know if it would be possible to house a butterfly alongside it. I am a huge fan of butterflyfishes, and I do have quite a bit of experience with them, however finding one that can live in a tank this size is turning out to be quite the challenge. I would appreciate it if anyone chimed in with some specific butterfly species

 

[NewMacroalgaeSETUP]

Bump! I am still looking for possible butterfly ideas as butterflies are my favorite fish, but I don't know of any that can fit in this tank size. #reefsquad

 

[i cant think]

Hi! Like the title states, I currently have a UNS [ 90U ] - 35.43 x 22.04 x 22.04" - 74.5 Gallons that I am planning to set up as a macroalgae aquascape (heavily inspired by the tigahboy tanks on this forum). I currently have 9 species of macroalgae that I have collected, but I am open to suggestions on new species/varieties and where to get them. (Unfortunately I live in CA so all caulerpa species are banned )... Back on topic; I currently also have a banggai cardinal from one of my previous setups. I am looking for suggestions on possible small angelfish/butterfly species that can work in a macroalgae dominated setup that traditionally wouldn't be kept in a reef tank due to their tendency to nip at corals. Since this tank will have macroalgae and no corals, I want to try keeping an angelfish or butterfly in this setup, that could comfortably exist in this environment. (I do have some prior experience with butterflyfish as I have kept Copperband and Threadfin Butterflyfish in the past, however my only experience with angelfish is flame). Rare/unique/nice suggestions welcome as a close friend of mine works closely with wholesalers, so sourcing shouldn't be an issue. Thanks alot in advance!!!

Im a bit late to the thread but I just have a couple questions before I give you options:
1. What’s the price limit? I’m assuming probably not into the 4 digit range.
2. Do you have an FTS of the tank? It’ll help give more of a visual way for me (and other people) to help you
3. Do you have any other plans for stocking? Inverts? Fish? Softies (I would strongly recommend considering Macros and softies as it can look insane when you have both?.

 

[MONTANTK]

Bump! I am still looking for possible butterfly ideas as butterflies are my favorite fish, but I don't know of any that can fit in this tank size. #reefsquad

Burgessi butterfly are one of my favorites and should do well in a tank this size

 

[JoJosReef]

I've considered a similar tank (also for mangroves) for an angel and butterfly. My thoughts were a Biota golden angelfish ($$$), a Biota multibar angel, and a pearlscale butterfly and/or a dotdash punctato butterfly, along with a valentini puffer, watchman/pistol pair, and maybe a starry blenny (once the macros are grown in).

 

[UNS_Parker]

I've considered a similar tank (also for mangroves) for an angel and butterfly. My thoughts were a Biota golden angelfish ($$$), a Biota multibar angel, and a pearlscale butterfly and/or a dotdash punctato butterfly, along with a valentini puffer, watchman/pistol pair, and maybe a starry blenny (once the macros are grown in).

I got a Biota multibar for my R90S, and I love it so far. Not shy at all and already eating pellets and mysis.

 

[JoJosReef]

I got a Biota multibar for my R90S, and I love it so far. Not shy at all and already eating pellets and mysis.

That seems like a picture-worthy fish!!*


* We want to see your multibar angel :-)

 

[UNS_Parker]

That seems like a picture-worthy fish!!*


* We want to see your multibar angel :-)

She was being a bit camera shy with the white lights on haha. Super cool fish!

 

[JoJosReef]

She was being a bit camera shy with the white lights on haha. Super cool fish!

Such a cool fish. Top of my list when I get an angel-ready tank.