250G stocking advice?

[michael_in_nc]

I am in the middle of upgrading my system to 250G (7ft length). I'm planning on setting up a reef system, but I really like fish, too, so I'm trying to balance the two. I'm leaning towards more LPS corals, inverts, and fish. I would like to try some more borderline reef safe fish to accomplish this goal. So, I'm looking to get some feedback. Here are my initial thoughts...

Tangs: (One of my favorites & now I've got a tank able to really handle them appropriately).
- Sailfin (red sea)
- Yellow Tang
- Naso Tang (tank size may be an issue here)
- Yellow Belly Hippo
- Powder Blue

- Not sure how many of the tangs I'd be able to get together in a tank this size. My biggest concern would be the aggressiveness of the Powder Blue?

Anthias: Haven't narrowed this one down yet, but I think these are great reef fish.

Clowns: A pair of Maroons.

Gobies: Clown

Blenny: Lawnmower.

Dwarf Angel: Either a flame, lemonpeel, or a singapore.

Angel: Imperator.

Butterfly: Pakistani. I know this is a risk, but these look to be more reasonable to attempt in a reef? any other suggestions?

wrasse: six-line?

These are the ones I'm considering at the moment, but I'm still trying to work out the bioload and compatability issues.

I'm really trying to plan this out to achieve my overall goals rather than just adding fish / corals along the way. I'd really appreciate any inputs, especially from people with similar setups...

Thanks!

 

[Cahooligan]

i wouldnt trust angels with lps. they will be very very hard to get out of a 250 after they start nipping corals

 

[michael_in_nc]

I know the angels and butterfly are risks. I'm still trying to weigh that. I have seen several people doing that here on RC, trying to decide if I really want to risk it.

 

[SDguy]

Hmmm, if it were me, I'd pass on the naso and the blue hippo (and probably the sailfin if you are going to have such a large angel in there).

I've never kept maroon clowns when they are breeding, but have heard they can be an issue? Might want to ask some people in the clownfish forum.

My pakistani loves mushrooms (and heaven knows what else - he's in a FOWLR). I think it would be more than just "risky"... maybe look into pyramid or zoster butterflies. I recently saw a pair of zosters at a LFS.. they were very nice looking fish!

6lines are just mean. Plenty of gorgeous fairy wrasses for you to choose from instead.

Fairy wrasses and anthias can fill up a tank quickly, without causing the tension and possible aggression of trying to mix many large territorial fish like tangs.

JMO, HTH.

 

[michael_in_nc]

SDguy, thanks for all the inputs.

I have read about the pyramids and they seem like a better reef choice. I'm not familiar with the zoster. I will look those up. I really like the Pakistani's, but I'll probably switch that one out for something safer.

I like several different wrasses. I didn't realize the 6-lines were so aggressive. I'd look at switching that one, too.

I think the Tangs will be the tough call for me. That's one of my favorite families. Are the large angels & tangs typically tough to deal with together?

 

[Brickyardgreg]

If your interested in keeping Lps I'd scrap the angel idea and just add another tang you like. With most angels they will go after Lps. Catching an angel in a 240 full of rock and Lps doesn't seem fun.

 

[JamesJR]

-I'd pass on the naso. The powder blue can be unpredictable. Definitely make it one of your last additions.

-anthias are great. I like pink lyretails myself.

-maroon clowns are nasty aggressive. I would get something else. I personally like perculas and ocellaris. There are some beautiful larger species like Chrysopterus and allardi's that are gorgeous. A little harder to find and more delicate but worth it.

-Singapores are pretty tough to keep. I've had good luck with coral beauties, flames and african flamebacks.

-love the imperator. Risky but worth it. If you want a reef safe angel look into geniacanthus angels.

-would never trust a pakistani butterfly. Zoster butterflies or schooling bannerfish may be okay.

If you are wanting to go reef but want to keep fish that might be risky you might consider going with hardier corals and keep really expensive and rare varieties out of the tank. I would also consider having a seperate quarantine tank for corals so they can rest and be in good health when you add them to minimize nipping.

 

[michael_in_nc]

Naso is too big for this tank or does not fit well with the tank goals? Just trying to understand the concerns.

I have had a pair of maroons before. The female was aggressive (went after my hand every time I was in the tank). I'm open to other clowns, like the ocellaris.

The imperator is the only fish I actually own at the moment. I got it as a juvenile that was changing. He's getting close to adult coloration now and is in too small a tank. I could take him back to the LFS, but I'd rather try him in the new tank. I plan to put him in QT until I get the display more established and try and keep his aggression down with my desired additions.

I will drop the Pakistani and look at the Zoster based on the multiple feedback.

I'd be open to adjusting the LPS coral list to support the balance of fish and reef environment. Any suggestions on the corals (LPS, softie, etc.)? I was also assuming that clams were out with my risky fish list. I think they tend to be the first targets.