What else would you add to 40b reef?

[Spkarim]

Hi,

Looking for stocking ideas!
So far have

2 clownfish
1 bangaii cardinal
1 royal gramma

What else would you consider? Looking for something colorful. Maybe add a shrimp/goby pair?

 

[Mike N]

Absolutely add a shrimp/goby pair. Maybe toss a few blue reef chromis in there.

 

[Kobin]

Wrasses that are small enough for a 40B are a good choice too. I have a yellow coris in my 45g that's super active and has a great personality. Always scouting the rocks looking for any pests. They color up nicely when transitioning from female to Male as well. You would need a decently sized sandbed too if you were to keep some species of wrasses and most gobies

 

[Jesterrace]

Wrasses are a good addition but IMHO any Halichoeres (ie Yellow, Red-Lined, Melanurus) shouldn't go into a tank less than 4 feet long for the long term. They get too big and are very active.

For a 40 breeder this guy would be top of my list:

 

[Spkarim]

Thanks for suggestions. I have a lid that I could use, but has openings at the back so jumpers may be a problem.

What do you think about maybe a coral beauty?

Are they generally reef safe? I know most resources say reef safe with caution.

 

[nickkohrn]

This summer, Reef Hobbyist Magazine had an article about Greenblotch Parrotfish, which I found fascinating. They are wrasse-like and consume algae, like tangs do, albeit not as aggressively.

I emailed Philipp at KP Aquatics, and he was surprised by the article, so he was scrambling to get some in stock due to the increased demand. They aren't the flashiest fish, but the article helped me learn that they have desirable traits and behaviors.

 

[Jesterrace]

Thanks for suggestions. I have a lid that I could use, but has openings at the back so jumpers may be a problem.

What do you think about maybe a coral beauty?

Are they generally reef safe? I know most resources say reef safe with caution.

Coral Beauty IMHO needs a bit more space than a 3 foot tank can offer long term. I have one in my 90 gallon and he is pretty active and uses every bit of it. All pygmy and dwarf angels are a gamble with corals but CBs tend to have a bit better odds of success than many of the others. Mine did take some exploratory nibbles at my wall hammer but clearly didn't like the taste (saw him spit out the little bit it got and swim off) and has since left it alone and it definitely hasn't suffered because of it. I do believe that one can increase their odds of success with pygmy and dwarf angels by waiting to add it until after the tank is well established with algae growing as they often start out by grazing around the tank. Feed daily with a small piece of Seaweed/Nori and keep them well fed (ie 2x daily with a mixed diet like LRS Reef Frenzy). Not a guarantee mind you, but it does increase your chances of success IMHO.

I would actually recommend a pygmy angel (aka Cherubfish) for your tank. Stays small and tends to have better odds of success with reefs (once again not a guarantee).

Here is an example of one with a fun personality:

 

[Jesterrace]

Thanks for suggestions. I have a lid that I could use, but has openings at the back so jumpers may be a problem.

What do you think about maybe a coral beauty?

Are they generally reef safe? I know most resources say reef safe with caution.

As for the jumper issue, you could add some screen for the areas with holes. I did it on my old 36 gallon bowfront lid and it worked well when I had my Melanurus, Goby, and Dartfish in there (all notorious jumpers).