Tank stocking advise

[PGriff]

I have written a few threads here asking for some advice and everyone has been very helpful. I intend to do one of those build thread once my tank is totally finished but I thought for this question I'd post a couple to give you all an idea of what I'm working with. lol

I have a 40 gal breeder with a 20 gal sump. My first saltwater aquarium. I started cycling my trank on the 23rd with Dr. Tims and it' is going on schedule. (waiting for the Nitrates to spike Pic below) I think at this rate it should be done around a week from now... give or take. So, I thought would throw this out here and see what you all think.

My end result, as far as stocking, I was thinking around.

5 Fish
maybe 2 Shrimp
3 Hermit crabs in the DT 2 in the sump
Around 5 or 6 corals

And I also want to run some chaeto in my refugium.

The question i have is, which should i stock first? Initially i thought fish.. But being an ecosystem that feeds on itself, both literally and figuratively, which would be best for a freshly cycled tank?

All i can really add is i want the first fish to be Domino Clown fish, a pair. I'm told they are really hardy and they acclimate better as a set, the rest will be determined by their temperment.

Maybe you all can give some advice on how i should stock my tank? lol

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Looks like a nice set up. As you mentioned wait for the cycle to finish. Stay away from coral in my option until you tank starts showing some consistent numbers.

A fish and some clean up crew would be good start. The fish will get the tank going up, and cleanu crew is always good.

My opinion, stay away from the damsel. I love them but they can be aggressive, they can get fairly big for a damsel, and I have seen them fan the sand to mark their territory so to speak.

I like fire fish to start, usually fairly peaceful and hardy. They do hide, but good star. But that’s me, I have an addiction to them:)

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Oh, you can start a build thread now if you want.

Edit, and don’t put that milk into the sump in you pix:)

 

[Jekyl]

More crabs and equal snails

 

[Jekyl]

2 cleaner shrimp may be overkill too. Unless you're doing a different variety

 

[Matt Carden]

I had 2 Peppermint Shrimp that I haven't seen in a week or two. The only thing I can think of that could have killed them is my Hermits.

 

[Jekyl]

Add your clown pair first and a few days later the cuc. Then wait a month or more

 

[PGriff]

Oh, you can start a build thread now if you want.

Edit, and don’t put that milk into the sump in you pix:)

LOL yeah, the milk jug is actually to replace evaporation. lol The blue 5 gal bucket I have there is acting as my ATO reservoir and I'm Using the milk jug to fill the sump, for now. I still have a few things I want to get done. I was going to put an acrylic lid with holes in it on top but I've been sorta talked out of it because of the gas exchange, but I need something to cover the top because of my light. I'm afraid it'll get knocked into the tank. lol I have a few more days before I get that far. lol

Question then. Should I wait to put the Chaeto in until I have the fish ready?

 

[PGriff]

More crabs and equal snails

I've read somewhere 1 cleanup crew per gal but man that's a lot of crab and snails? lol

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I would hold off on cheato, but I’m not 100% sure. I have not had a new tank for years so have not tried it.

Cheato is going to need nutrients and light to feed of off. The t ankl being newer I do not think you would have enough to support it at this time, but not super sure. We’ll see what other think

 

[PGriff]

I would hold off on cheato, but I’m not 100% sure. I have not had a new tank for years so have not tried it.

Cheato is going to need nutrients and light to feed of off. The t ankl being newer I do not think you would have enough to support it at this time, but not super sure. We’ll see what other think

That's what I was worried about.