Group of Wrasses?

[jsharp13]

I'm interested in getting a small group of Wrasses for my 120 gallon. Looking for some advice on a few things, and hoping someone can help.

Currently in the tank are just 2 blennies. A lawnmower and a black sailfin. They get along well. Also, a lot of snails and a few pieces of coral.

I will be adding 2 True Percula clownfish in a couple of weeks. They are currently in quarantine.

I would like to add 4 (ish) Wrasses. I am especially interested in McCosker's Flasher, Yellowfin flasher, and/or Tono's Fairy, but am open to other suggestions

Here are my questions:
-I have a 20 gallon quarantine. Will it be ok to keep all 4 in there for 6 weeks? Or should I do 2 groups? Research seems to indicate it is better to add them all at once.
-Looking for a group that will "school". Research says I should go for 1 male and 3 females to keep the male colorful and flashing. True?
-Is it better to have 4 of the same kind or 4 different kinds?

My tank is covered, by the way.

In case it matters, future residents will include:
Royal Gramma Basslet
Mimic Lemon Peel Tang
Two Spot Bristletooth Tang
Green Mandarin

Thanks!

 

[evolved]

I would like to add 4 (ish) Wrasses. I am especially interested in McCosker's Flasher, Yellowfin flasher, and/or Tono's Fairy, but am open to other suggestions

A fine plan, but skip the Tono's; too aggressive with those flashers (one of the most aggressive Cirrhilabrus).
You'll find this helpful: http://www.3reef.com/threads/all-about-reef-safe-wrasses.122261/

-I have a 20 gallon quarantine. Will it be ok to keep all 4 in there for 6 weeks? Or should I do 2 groups? Research seems to indicate it is better to add them all at once.

Provided you keep tabs on water quality and keep up on the water changes, you could QT all at once.
Adding some later is fine, provided you use an acclimation box upon introduction to the DT.

-Looking for a group that will "school". Research says I should go for 1 male and 3 females to keep the male colorful and flashing. True?
-Is it better to have 4 of the same kind or 4 different kinds?

"Schooling" isn't really a thing in a 120, so I'd move away from that thinking.
I don't bother with pairs/trios anymore; females always tend to transition to male eventually, regardless of a conspecific male's presence.
Individual males of different species will get you the same flashing behavior.

My tank is covered, by the way.

Good (Hopefully with 1/4" mesh)

Green Mandarin

In which case, stick to Paracheilinus and Cirrhilabrus wrasses, as they won't out-compete a mandarin for food.

 

[snorvich]

A fine plan, but skip the Tono's; too aggressive with those flashers (one of the most aggressive Cirrhilabrus).
You'll find this helpful: http://www.3reef.com/threads/all-about-reef-safe-wrasses.122261/


Provided you keep tabs on water quality and keep up on the water changes, you could QT all at once.
Adding some later is fine, provided you use an acclimation box upon introduction to the DT.


"Schooling" isn't really a thing in a 120, so I'd move away from that thinking.
I don't bother with pairs/trios anymore; females always tend to transition to male eventually, regardless of a conspecific male's presence.
Individual males of different species will get you the same flashing behavior.


Good (Hopefully with 1/4" mesh)


In which case, stick to Paracheilinus and Cirrhilabrus wrasses, as they won't out-compete a mandarin for food.

Excellent advice all around. I used to try for females of the same species but that did not work out well in the long run. With a mandarin, I would avoid leopard wrasses.