Going over my stock list

[gio28]

Hi everyone, I have a 36 gallon bowfront (which I plan to make a reef tank very soon) with a 10-15 gallon sump. I made this stock list keeping in mind that my bowfront has more height and less length than typically sized tanks (its 30" long, and 21" high), so the fish I chose are smaller and will reach no larger than 4" so they have more room to swim ( I hope this makes sense haha). I figured that as long as the fish I choose are not cramped...the extra water volume provided by the sump might allow me to keep one or two more fish. Lastly, I tried to go for a variety of different personalities and colors to liven up my tank.

 

With all that said here is the list:

 

Currently in the tank:

-1 misbar clown

-1 firefish (I plan to get him a buddy soon since I heard they do better in pairs)

 

What I want to add:

-1 flame hawk (I have no shrimp)

-1 flameback angel (only 3" and from many experienced aquarist's opinions, the least likely to nip at corals)

-then either a wrasse or blenny to top the list off...I cant decide yet.

 

I would appreciate any suggestions on your favorite wrasses or blennys as well as feedback on (IYO) if this stock list would be ok together and in my size of a tank. Thanks!

[Gatotsu77]

While I'm not certain all hawkfish are territorial, I finally caught the falco hawkfish I'd had for months today, as it was harrassing and incessantly attacking a new fish I'd added to my tank. They do have a fun personality, and while it was one of two fish I had in my tank it did great,(it seemed to like my starry blenny... the two were practically inseparable) but once I brought home a foxface, it showed its territorial side. As best I understand, t adding the least territorial fish to your tank first, and slowly working your way towards the more aggressive inhabitants is recommended, but I've not personally had much experience with this. I will say though, clowns can be quite territorial as well. (my gf had a pair of black clowns that we ultimately sold, because the female would attack our hands any time we were working on the tank)

 

As far as blennys, I can vouch for the starry blenny (comparable to a lawnmower blenny) being a very entertaining fish. Mine is still a bit shy, but has been perched out in the open much more often since getting him. Definitely want to keep some nori on hand if you go for a blenny, as algae in the tank alone may not be sufficient.

[gio28]

thanks for the reply.

 

I figure it would be best to add the hawk or angel last then since those two can typically be classified as "semi aggressive"... as you pointed out with your hawk.

 

as for my clown...I can't vouch for his aggressiveness having only added a pair firefish after him so far. but when i added the firefish he was overly friendly lol, trying to swim with them everywhere that it eventually caused one of them to jump through the netting lid on my tank. Now that the lids better im hopefully gonna add another so the lone firefish has a buddy again.

[revaltion131]

I would suggest reconsidering the firefish with that stock. They are easily intimidated and it could be spooked into jumping or scared into hiding, afraid to come out and eat and slowly starving. The flame hawk and flameback angel are the two fish that would be the primary aggressors. If the firefish is a must, I would change these two fish.

[gio28]

I would suggest reconsidering the firefish with that stock. They are easily intimidated and it could be spooked into jumping or scared into hiding, afraid to come out and eat and slowly starving. The flame hawk and flameback angel are the two fish that would be the primary aggressors. If the firefish is a must, I would change these two fish.

good point. I already have one in my tank so idk what to do since it would be almost impossible to catch...I prefer the hawk and angel over the firefish though.