Stocking plan for 57 gallon

[RaymondNoodles]

I am setting up a new 57 gallon mixed reef tank. It should be cycled soon and I am working on the stocking plan together. I am thinking these 9-10 fish would be too many for a 57 gallon but so far these are my favorites. I tried to put them in order of stocking (first to last, peaceful to aggressive) based on my research.

2-3 Pajama Cardinals
2 Ocellaris clownfish
Firefish
Diamond goby
Yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp
Tailspot blenny
Wrasse (Scarlet pin stripe, Melanurus, pink-streaked, yellowfin flasher, filamented flasher, yellow, 6 line)

Tank dimensions: 36" long x 24" wide x 16" tall
Sandbed: 2" Fiji Pink with a liberal amount of rock work, caves, etc

Is this a good order? Would you eliminate any? Thanks. I included a couple pictures of the scape to get an idea for hiding places, caves, etc.

 

[Zach B]

Sounds like a good lineup! Are you going to decide on one wrasse from the listed species? Best of luck

 

[RaymondNoodles]

That would be an butt load of wrasses! Haha yes just one. I don’t have any personal experience with them, only what I’ve read but there are a lot of varieties.

 

[Zach B]

That would be an butt load of wrasses! Haha yes just one. I don’t have any personal experience with them, only what I’ve read but there are a lot of varieties.

Ok cool lol I'm sure others have more experience with wrasse than myself. However I think you'll be ok with the rest of your choices Best of luck. I will be following your build!

 

[RaymondNoodles]

Thanks! @Zach B

I still need to start a build thread on R2R but in the meantime here’s the link to my nano reef journal.

Heinz 57

It’s a 57 gallon tank and I happen to enjoy ketchup. So what if I like ketchup on my hot dog. This will be my second saltwater aquarium. My first is nearing 1yr old - a 20 gallon mixed reef with 2 fish, softies and a few LPS. Overall I would say it’s been a challenge but one that I’ve enjoyed, de...

www.nano-reef.com

 

[i cant think]

I am setting up a new 57 gallon mixed reef tank. It should be cycled soon and I am working on the stocking plan together. I am thinking these 9-10 fish would be too many for a 57 gallon but so far these are my favorites. I tried to put them in order of stocking (first to last, peaceful to aggressive) based on my research.

2-3 Pajama Cardinals
2 Ocellaris clownfish
Firefish
Diamond goby
Yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp
Tailspot blenny
Wrasse (Scarlet pin stripe, Melanurus, pink-streaked, yellowfin flasher, filamented flasher, yellow, 6 line)

Tank dimensions: 36" long x 24" wide x 16" tall
Sandbed: 2" Fiji Pink with a liberal amount of rock work, caves, etc

Is this a good order? Would you eliminate any? Thanks. I included a couple pictures of the scape to get an idea for hiding places, caves, etc.

Avoid the scarlet pin stripe and six line wrasses, these can be highly aggressive as they mature. Also avoid the flashers as their high activity level will cause them to get injured in a 36” tank. The Pink Streak may be a perfect choice though however I am just a tad biased to them as seen with my new article haha.
The Diamond Goby will need a deeper sand bed to thrive in the longrun unless you are willing to feed 4-6 times a day. The Watchman is a great choice though - just make sure the rock structure is stable.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

@i cant think thank you for the info and great article! The pink streaked wrasse sounds like a good option. I’m going to see if my LFS has them or can get them.

I will consider adding more sand for a diamond goby.

The rock structure is very stable. Spent a lot of time on it. A couple of the larger pieces I suspended above the sand bed about 2 inches with acrylic rods. The rest are sitting flat on the glass and balanced. It took me many hours.

I really appreciate the input!

 

[RaymondNoodles]

Avoid the scarlet pin stripe and six line wrasses, these can be highly aggressive as they mature. Also avoid the flashers as their high activity level will cause them to get injured in a 36” tank. The Pink Streak may be a perfect choice though however I am just a tad biased to them as seen with my new article haha.
The Diamond Goby will need a deeper sand bed to thrive in the longrun unless you are willing to feed 4-6 times a day. The Watchman is a great choice though - just make sure the rock structure is stable.

I think I am sold on the Pink Streaked wrasse. Would you agree with this stocking order? Sounds like perhaps the wrasse should be moved up the list as it may be less aggressive than some of the others, such as the clownfish.

3 Pajama Cardinals
2 Ocellaris clownfish
Firefish
Diamond goby
Yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp
Tailspot blenny
Pink Streaked Wrasse

 

[i cant think]

I think I am sold on the Pink Streaked wrasse. Would you agree with this stocking order? Sounds like perhaps the wrasse should be moved up the list as it may be less aggressive than some of the others, such as the clownfish.

3 Pajama Cardinals
2 Ocellaris clownfish
Firefish
Diamond goby
Yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp
Tailspot blenny
Pink Streaked Wrasse

Add the Pink Streaked first, these are better in peaceful environments with absolutely no risk of aggression when establishing. Once established they can withstand a quite a bit of aggression.

 

[kevgib67]

I can’t think is right about adding pink streaked first. This has nothing to do with aggression but I would add the diamond watchman gobie last. The sand has to have enough biodiversity developed in order to sustain it’s nutritional needs. Even my local lfs had me wait an additional 2 months from when I went in to purchase it for this reason. That being said he/she is the biggest pig at feeding time. Also I didn’t see a lid on your tank. Clowns can be jumpers especially when chased and diamond watchman gobies are notorious jumpers. Good luck, I’ll be following. Also love your rock scape.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

I can’t think is right about adding pink streaked first. This has nothing to do with aggression but I would add the diamond watchman gobie last. The sand has to have enough biodiversity developed in order to sustain it’s nutritional needs. Even my local lfs had me wait an additional 2 months from when I went in to purchase it for this reason. That being said he/she is the biggest pig at feeding time. Also I didn’t see a lid on your tank. Clowns can be jumpers especially when chased and diamond watchman gobies are notorious jumpers. Good luck, I’ll be following. Also love your rock scape.

Thank you and yes I am going to wait until the substrate is at least somewhat mature to add the watchman goby and diamond goby. I ordered a lid and it should be here soon. Will aim to add the pink streaked wrasse first and I’m currently inquiring with LFS for availability.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

Thoughts on adding the yellow watchman goby first and the pink streaked wrasse second?

 

[kevgib67]

I don’t see a problem.