What are some of the best fish for new tanks?

[Zionas]

Hi all, I would like to know what are some of the best fish for new tanks. That means they can thrive in a new system, aren’t demanding when it comes to feeding or water quality. On the other hand, which type of fish / species need seasoned tanks at least a couple months or more in age?


I was wondering if these species of fish on my stocking list need a seasoned tank to thrive:

-Yellow Watchman Goby (x2)

-Royal Gramma (x1)

-Ocellaris Clownfish (x2)

-Marine Betta (x1)

-Flame Hawkfish (x1)

-Longnose Hawkfish (x1)

-Pajama Cardinalfish (x5)

-One Spot Foxface (x1)

-Flame Angel (x1)

-Yellow Tang (x1)

-Yellow Eye Kole Tang (x1)

-Most wrasses / Hogfish (x1)


Maybe:

-Longfin Bannerfish (x1)


Thanks.


My ideal parameters (I will strive for these starting from Day One):

Salinity 1.025-1.026

Alkalinity 10.0-11.0 dKH

pH 8.20-8.30

Ammonia (NH3) - 0

Nitrites (NO2)- 0

Nitrates (NO3)- 5 to 10 ppm

Temperature 78-80 degrees F (25.5-26.6 degrees C)

Lighting cycle- 11AM to 11 PM

Feeding- 11AM (lights on) and 6PM (twice a day, Moderate feedings).

 

[Miller535]

Your tank size would be helpful. On your list I would for sure say clownfish, hands down. It's best to add slow. One or two fish at a time. Then I would say yellow watchman gobie. Most of your other fish I would say let your tank mature for a little bit.

 

[Zionas]

My tank size is 183 gallons. 6’ long, 2.3’ wide, 1.8’ tall. Custom built.


Phase One:

x2 Yellow Watchman Gobies

x1 Royal Gramma




Phase Two:

x2 Ocellaris Clownfish- Captive Bred

x1 Marine Betta



Phase Three:

x1 Long Nose Hawkfish

x1 Flame Hawkfish



Phase Four:

x5 Pajama Cardinalfish



Phase Five:

x1 One Spot Fox Face


Phase Six:

x1 Flame Angel


Phase Seven:

x1 Yellow Tang

x1 Yellow Eye Kole Tang


Phase Eight:

x1 Two Spot Hogfish

 

[Miller535]

That is a large tank so you should be fine. I would recommend that you switch some of your phases around due to the temperment of these fish. Roya Gramma can sometimes be tank bullies, so I would recommend buying your other small fish first, then the royal gramma. I would also recommend buying the foxface before any other large fish because they stress very easy and do not handle being picked on well. I have never had any hawkfisfish or a betta so I can not speak of those.

 

[Miller535]

Also I am assuming this is a new tank, it is always cool when people post build threads on here. So I would encorage you to do that. Should be an awesome tank.

 

[Zionas]

Yeah thanks for the encouragement! Marine Bettas are the slowest among the large fish on my list. At first, cryptic, needs a cave. Lazy fish despite the size. It’s a completely new tank, my first time ever in the hobby. Where would you suggest I add the Royal Gramma? Maybe add it alone and have a 9th phase?
Will keep you guys posted once the virus situation stabilizes a bit and I can finally start my tank.



Sizes of the Fish:

x2 Yellow Watchman Gobies (4-5cm)

x1 Royal Gramma (3-4cm)

x2 Ocellaris Clownfish (one 3cm, one 4cm to make sure larger one becomes female)

x1 Marine Betta (8-10cm)

x1 Flame Hawkfish (4-5cm)

x1 Long Nose Hawkfish (5-6cm)

x5 Pajama Cardinalfish (3-4cm)

x1 One Spot Foxface (8-10cm)

x1 Flame Angel (5-7cm)

x1 Yellow Tang (8-10cm)

x1 Yellow Eye Kole Tang (8-10cm)

x1 Two Spot Hogfish (4-5cm)


*I will try to get all my large fish at around the same size to minimize bullying. Yellow Tang and Kole Tang will go in at the same time. All 5 PJ Cardinals will go in at the same time.

 

[Miller535]

Yeah, that would probably work. And I look forward to seeing the tank.

 

[Zionas]

I certainly will show you all once I have it up and running. With the rate things are going, may not be until late summer / early fall though. Sigh.