FOWLR stocking suggestions for newbie

[kelso1980]

I have had a reef tank for 10+ years with very few fish experience. Usually just a few clown fish or a goby or two.

I'm setting up a FOWLR tank for my husband's aunt who recently lost her son. She needs a new hobby, has always loved salt water and her son loved fish so she is very excited about the idea.

I have enough left over equipment that I can pretty much set it up for free, but I'm wondering about what fish to plan for. It's a 55G corner tank w/ a sump (probably 10G) w/ a skimmer for 100G.

There will be T5's over the tank but i dont anticipate her getting into corals for years, if at all. I will probably put some GSP's, mushrooms and other softies in there.
(so get to the question already...)

WHAT FISH SHOULD I PLAN TO GET HER??

I would love to put in a bunch of blue/green chromis for color and movement. I would also love a puffer or something kinda big and cool or maybe a trigger - I've never had these because they're not reef safe.
I dont want anything high maintenance either.

So what is a good stocking list with all of these requirements?
Thanks in advance!

 

[AlexS95]

You won't be able to have triggers or puffers in that size tank, unless you get small 'Toby' puffers.

 

[dzfish17]

For this situation I would go with small fish that are appropriate for a 55g tank... pair of clowns (not maroons), royal gramma, yellow coris wrasse, and a dwarf angel (flame or coral beauty). Keep it simple and lightly stocked... less water changes.

 

[viggen]

I wouldn't do a puffer, tank is to small

Similar situation with triggers, even the smaller varieties will outgrow that tank

I would do what is suggested above.... clowns, dwarf angel etc. You could easily fit a hawk fish in there, awesome personality one of the best in the hobby & they would be fine in this size tank.

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

I would really suggest a dwarf angel. They are really colorful. Tobys are REALLY pretty but may cause problems if she ever decided to add corals. You might think about a yellow clown goby. They are really cute too and most fish will leave them alone.

 

[SDguy]

What are the dimensions of the tank? If it's truly a FOWLR, get some really non-reef safe fish. Think about some of the smaller, hardy butterflies like pearlscale or blackback.

 

[kelso1980]

all good ideas! Thanks! I love the hawk fish. they really do have a great personality.