Thoughts on this stocking list?

[NeoClown]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to reefing. My tank just finished cycling (IM20), and was wondering what others thought of the following stocking list.

 

1 goby/shrimp pair to start

2 O. Clowns a few weeks later

And not sure on the 4th. I want something that will swim in the water column if possible.

 

Royal Gramma

Wrasse

Swissguard

 

Thoughts??

[jamescon85]

royal grammas are cool, although they can be shy and can hide a lot in rocks. I have a six line who is always swimming, sometimes sticks to the rocks othertimes hes at the top of the tank, although people have said they can get aggressive. I would go for a midas blenny, my favourite fish by far, never stops swimming he is everywhere and very peaceful

[NeoClown]

Thanks jamescon85. I do like the Midas Blenny but not sure if the tank would be large enough for it. I will also have a goby in there first so not sure if it will pick on it. Maybe not if the Blenny is small when introduced last.

[NeoClown]

So after visiting the lfs the other day, here are my options.

 

A.

1x goby/shrimp pair

2x O. clowns

1x firefish

 

B.

1x goby/shrimp pair

2x O. clowns

1x Six line wrasse

 

C.

1x goby/shrimp pair

2x O. clowns

1x Royal Gramma

 

Thoughts anyone?

[NeoClown]

No other opinions? Anyone?

[SeventyTimes7]

Look into a tailspot. Fun little fish

[DocReef]

I like A. I've had both a six line and a royal gramma get aggressive on me in the past. My six line wiped out my entire tank. I have a Helfrichi firefish now with a clownfish and it is very peaceful and is always out swimming.

 

Just be careful with the pistol shrimp though, make sure you don't leave any small frags/coral on the sand bed, they like to pull things into their holes. Also make sure your rock is stable as they can really disrupt the sand bed. Good luck

[NeoClown]

Thanks Seventy and gerber. I really appreciate the response and help.

 

BTW, should the firefish (or tailspot) be added before or after the clowns?

[PiscesFish]

The firefish are pretty timid and so are tailspots, so i recommend adding them either before or at the same time.

[OpFor]

Apparently I have an anomaly in my tank. Ive got two purple firefish that are peaceful together. One is more dominant than the other, but they dont fight and actually seem to preferr swimming close to each other. They also apparently share a bolt hole. I cant tell if they are a pair, or two females though. So I might have gotten lucky in that repect, if they were two males there may have been more fighting.

[Pseudoshrub]

Stay away from Royal Gamma if you plan on getting invertebrates (i.e. your pistol shrimp). I had one that would tear the antennae off my peppermint shrimp. They're pretty territorial towards their own kind and inverts. I've read that some people have no problem with royal gammas but I would say its a gamble.

 

 

I would also say steer clear of the pistol shrimp because you won't see them much but you'll hear them plenty. "click click click" goes their six shooters. I have them in my tank, rarely ever see them but hear them all the time.

[anizato]

if you get a firefish get a Helfrichi, I have one and he is super badass! he mainly stays in the MIDDLE of the tank, so he is like a center piece.

2 Clowns, go for some that are already hosting an anemone, some collectors have beautifully incredible colored anemones that are paired to unbelievable combinations of Clownfish Species (onyx, snowflakes, etc)

I once had a Wheeler Goby and a Randall Pistol Shrimp, the colors and attitudes are very impressive, they symbiosis is something really unique. but that is just my opinion.

You should look at the White Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella Albofasciata)

Also, Blennies are good for adding personality and keeping your algae in control (;

[NeoClown]

Thanks for the help everyone. Looks like I'll be going with the firefish. The Helfrichi is an awesome looking fish. I might go with the regular firefish or purple firefish.