Fish List & Order of Acclimation

[FishDad2]

I'm in the process of breaking down my 225 gallon reef tank and converting it to fish-only. I have the list of fish I want to keep and am looking for guidance regarding the list (potential issues, etc.) and my planned acclimation plan.

Given that some fish are more aggressive/timid than others I want to do my best to add things in a logical fashion that will give them all the greatest chance for success. So, here's the plan...start at the top, adding some things I already own, and working my way down the list. Note the 2 week periods between additions to allow the last addition(s) to settle in before introducing any new critters.

ADD (from existing stock):
Bangaii Cardinal
Longspine Cardinal
Serpent Stars (2)
Rose BTA

Acquire:
Copperband Butterfly
acclimate for 2 weeks before adding more fish

Heniochus Butterfly
Latticed Butterfly
acclimate for 2 weeks before adding more fish

Blue Girdled Angelfish
acclimate for 2 weeks before adding more fish

Royal Gramma
Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse
Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse
Ocellaris Clown
Citrinis Goby
acclimate for 2 weeks before adding more fish

ADD (from existing stock):
Yellow Tang
Lyretail Anthias (2 x female)
Six-Line Wrasse

Acquire:
Flame Angel

Again, it's a 225 gallon tank with live rock, a large sump, refugium, DSB and a protein skimmer. So, fairly large main tank with a considerable volume of "extra" water and good water quality.

Thoughts? Concerns? Questions?

Following is an old picture of the tank just to give you an idea of the space...most of the coral has been sold and I will be removing a big chunk of the rock to create an open reef with more swimming space in it. Unused rock will be added to the sump and refugium...remainder (if any) will be sold.

 

[TNTtropical]

What are the dimessions of the tank?

 

[FishDad2]

72"L x 30"H x 24"D

 

[FishDad2]

And while we're at it...

When I came up with the fish list I'd planned to sell the Rose BTA but recently I've been leaning toward keeping it. The question is how it will fare with the angels, butterflies and other new inhabitants on the list.

Keep it or should it go?

 

[savemyreef]

I would avoid putting the sixline back in especially if you want to add more wrasses later. Unless your sixline is a exception, most turn into trouble in a tank.

 

[FishDad2]

Interesting about the six-line...it has been a model citizen in the tank for several years thus far.

 

[reefsandrotts]

I have rbta in my fowlr with butterflies and a pair of emperor angels no problems with anyone picking at them.

 

[FishDad2]

Very cool about the rbta...thank you!

Anyone have any thoughts about the fist list or acclimation plan?

 

[Ryan2013]

If you add that gobie to a tank that big, you may never see him again until your next breakdown lol. Gobies and live rock in a big tank....they seem to evaporate. I had a yellow watchmen and orange diamond goby in my 125 and i saw them about once a week. But who knows they are cool and could be a great addition to your tank.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

When you say "acclimate for two weeks," what do you mean? Just wait for two weeks before adding another?

You should quarantine all new fish for around 6 weeks before introducing them in your DT. If you use a 20 long, you should be able to quarantine 2-3 fish at a time.

Your fish list and order look ok. I would put the flame in before the yellow tang (introduce it last).

I am not sure whether the latticed butterflyfish will go after your BTA as it is a known coral eater.

 

[FishDad2]

Good points. The acclimation period is post-quarantine...2 weeks in the DT before anything else can be added. I'm actually thinking perhaps 4 weeks for the CBB to settle in as that's the most difficult fish on the list to keep and most likely to be stressed by the introduction of tankmates.

Will take another look at the latticed butterfly. Perhaps a substitution is on order. Suggestions?

 

[FishDad2]

Perhaps the Auriga or Tear Drop to replace the Latticed Butterfly on the list....hopefully spare the rbta from being picked at.

Thoughts?