50gal FO Tank Mate Help

[tjohnson27209]

Hey guys/gals I'm sorta new to posting a lot on these forums but i've decided to try my hand at a FOWLR system. I've kept a nano reef in the past so i know what to expect and I work at a saltwater fish store. I need help getting a few ideas for a 50gal hex tank. I'm thinking of 2 fish I def. want dwarf bicolor angel and a yellow coris wrasse. Mainly those 2 for algae and possible flatworm/bristle worm control. Anyways what do you guys think would be good tank mates for those 2 guys and in what order would you introduce them? I'm looking for uncommon/passive fish that dont have too much yellow in them as the bicolor and coris wrasse will already have that taken care of. Thanks in advance!!!
-Tyler

 

[namxas]

One thing to consider is that your tank is a hex, so even tho your water volume seems OK for a busy fish like the wrasse, there isn't really going to be enuff swimming room. IIRC, a "std" 55 gal hex is something like 25" x 24", whereas a std. 55 rectangle is 48" long, so as you can see, even tho your volume is the same, the actual footprint is about half. Now consider that your tank decor/LR is going to be taking up some of, or much of that swimming space.

For a hex-shaped tank, I think you're going to be a lot more limited in your stocking plans (smaller and/or less active fish) as you'll definitely need to take swimming room vs. a fish's habits into consideration.

HTH

 

[tjohnson27209]

yes i have thought about the swimming room issue...one way i planned on trying to make it more comfortable for the more active swimmers was to drill holes into the rock and use acrylic rods to make a high column. So basically the rock footprint would only be in the center with everything moving upwards. I also planned on getting small fish too i have seen small coris wrasses' come into our fish store about 2" and they were some of the healthiest fish i've ever seen. Thanks for the input. What type of fish-only type fish would you put into a hex tank that are unusual?
-Tyler

 

[tjohnson27209]

Seriously nobody has any ideas on this issue???
-Tyler

 

[palmer373]

nano fish go to LA and look under there 'Nano Fish' section.

 

[tjohnson27209]

I've looked on there and most of those are gobies and I'm looking for more free swimmers. I just didnt know if any of the more advanced people on here knew of any fish that arent usually on online websites lists. I have access to workplaces order list of fish so i can basically get anything i want. I just wanted some ideas from other people.
-Tyler

 

[namxas]

That footprint would make a nice SH setup, but that's not what you're after.

I'd say look into one of the dwarf lionfish species such as Dendrochirus brachypterus (fuzzy dwarf) or D. zebra (dwarf zebra). They would appreciate the rock pillar you plan for your decor, esp if you provide some overhangs. They end up becoming like little piscine canines, coming to greet you whenever they see you.

I'd add the wrasse last if you're dead set on one as it will be the most boisterous fish in the tank.

HTH

 

[palmer373]

i was going to mention a dwarf lion lol. try that with a wrasse if you want and some filler fish.

 

[tjohnson27209]

Not too into lionfish...looking more for docile and active swimmers for my tank. How do you guys feel about mixing a bicolor with a Caribbean Pygmy Angel?
-Tyler