Stocking List and Recommendations for Nyos Opus 440

[Devilfish]

Hello everyone, I have been planning a reef tank for the last ten years but my circumstances just didn’t really allow for it (U.S. Navy). Deployments are no longer an issue so I finally decided to pull the trigger. I just purchased a Nyos Opus 440 and have been getting everything set up. I have had this stocking list for a while (I over analyze most things) but wanted to run this list by people with more experience to make sure I don’t run into any unforeseen issues. This list is also in the order I would likely introduce the fish with the Dragonet and Tilefish significantly down the road.

I am open to suggestions. I have thought about adding a few larger fish, though my main concern is keeping everyone one peaceful and as stress free as possible. It seems a lot of the larger herbivores can tend to be bullies. Also let me know if this is too many fish. I take constructive criticism really well.

Common Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)
Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi)
Banggai Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni) x 2
Radial Filefish (Acreichthys radiatus)
Royal Gramma Basslet (Gramma loreto)
Pink Margin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus) x 3
Yellow Prawn Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)
Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
Purple Tilefish (Hoplolatilus purpureus)

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and give feedback.

 

[Reef Wizard]

Hello everyone, I have been planning a reef tank for the last ten years but my circumstances just didn’t really allow for it (U.S. Navy). Deployments are no longer an issue so I finally decided to pull the trigger. I just purchased a Nyos Opus 440 and have been getting everything set up. I have had this stocking list for a while (I over analyze most things) but wanted to run this list by people with more experience to make sure I don’t run into any unforeseen issues. This list is also in the order I would likely introduce the fish with the Dragonet and Tilefish significantly down the road.

I am open to suggestions. I have thought about adding a few larger fish, though my main concern is keeping everyone one peaceful and as stress free as possible. It seems a lot of the larger herbivores can tend to be bullies. Also let me know if this is too many fish. I take constructive criticism really well.

Common Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)
Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi)
Banggai Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni) x 2
Radial Filefish (Acreichthys radiatus)
Royal Gramma Basslet (Gramma loreto)
Pink Margin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus) x 3
Yellow Prawn Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)
Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
Purple Tilefish (Hoplolatilus purpureus)

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and give feedback.

I think the list looks good maybe a little crowded but most fish stay smallish. Just be aware of the Damsel it can be a jerk. The Dragonet is more experienced fish and will need lots of pods to eat and or get one that is confirmed to eat frozen.

If you do add a larger fish some peaceful ones would be Bristletooth tang and maybe a onespot foxface both should be relatively peaceful. But you may want to shorten your current stock some. I wouldnt get too many more fish and maybe one large center piece fish

 

[Devilfish]

I think the list looks good maybe a little crowded but most fish stay smallish. Just be aware of the Damsel it can be a jerk. The Dragonet is more experienced fish and will need lots of pods to eat and or get one that is confirmed to eat frozen.

If you do add a larger fish some peaceful ones would be Bristletooth tang and maybe a onespot foxface both should be relatively peaceful. But you may want to shorten your current stock some. I wouldnt get too many more fish and maybe one large center piece fish

Thanks Reef Wizard.

I won’t add more than a couple fish at a time and will separate additions by a few weeks at least. I don’t plan on adding the mandarin for at least 6 months maybe longer.

I had looked at both of those fish before but they seemed a little large for my tank. I’ll take another look at them.

Thank you for the suggestions!

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

with a 4 foot tank you can start thinking larger wrasses. Thats what I would do. Maybe 1-2 larger fish.

I have the 3 foot long one and it’s really nice. I really wish they came with at least a mesh lid- nothing fancy.

Also- a 4 foot tank really needs a 15g top off if you will be away for over a week unless someone does your water for you while you are away.

I plan to upgrade to 440 in a few years

 

[Devilfish]

Hi Chris, thank you for the info.

I did purchase a Red Sea DIY kit for the lid since it looks like I will likely have a few jumpers. I’ll also keep the larger ATO in mind.

My stocking list has changed a little and probably will continue to until I get all set up. Right now it looks like this:

Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) Banggai Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni) x2
Radial Filefish (Acreichthys radiatus)
White Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella albofasciata)
Resplendent Anthias (Pseudanthias pulcherrimus) X4
Yellow Prawn Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)
Royal Gramma Basslet (Gramma loreto)
White Tail Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus flavicauda)

I should probably remove a few things to keep from being overstocked but I can’t decide on what to give up.

I have thought about substituting something for one of the Halichoeres wrasses a few times but I would really like to keep fan worms and other ornamental inverts so that probably wouldn’t work. Any suggestions on the wrasse?

Good luck on your upgrade.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

there are a number of wrasses that could fit the bill - literally dozens that get pretty big too.
I love the tang idea. You need one centerpiece fish in a triple digit gallon tank.

One thing I want to see with these Nyos tanks is a perfect fitting lid. Doesn’t have to be fancy at all, just adequate. I look every week for someone that is moving and getting rid of a 440. I really want it.

How is your build coming along?

 

[Devilfish]

there are a number of wrasses that could fit the bill - literally dozens that get pretty big too.
I love the tang idea. You need one centerpiece fish in a triple digit gallon tank.

One thing I want to see with these Nyos tanks is a perfect fitting lid. Doesn’t have to be fancy at all, just adequate. I look every week for someone that is moving and getting rid of a 440. I really want it.

How is your build coming along?

I have been looking for a lid as well. For now I'm going to go the DIY route.

I have everything ready to go. we have been remodeling the kitchen and the tank will be in the same area so I have been holding off until there isn't anymore drywall dust, adhesive fumes, and painting in the area. I can't wait to get started.

I made my rock about 6 months ago. It has been soaking in water ever since slowly bringing the PH down. It has been ready for a couple months now. I have kept it in the dark, added some bottled bacteria and a pinch of fish food every so often. I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make but I guess we will see.

As soon as everything is done, and the tank is set up, I plan on making an order from Tampa Bay Saltwater for live sand and some premium rubble rock.