Help me choose fish!

[Kmax45]

Hi! I'm new to these forums but not new to saltwater tanks, although its been nearly a decade since I last had one. I am setting up a 45 gallon (36"x12"x24") tank with sand as the substrate and live rock only. I compiled a list of potential fish (I'm going for color, relatively inexpensive and not too difficult in the event I go on vacation and need someone else to maintain things for a a week or so) but would like input of which ones/how many of each AND in what order they should be introduced.

Oscellaris clown
Pink spotted watchman goby
Clown goby (citrinis)
Blue spotted puffer
Purple dotty back
Zebra barred dart fish
Coral beauty angel
Yellow striped cardinal fish
Blue green chromis
And maybe a damsel (One that won't harass the others too much?)

I like the idea of having a shrimp or two like a scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp or a banded coral shrimp. Is that feasible with a puffer?

Are there others you would recommend?

A HUGE thanks in advance!

 

[3FordFamily]

With that type of puffer a large shrimp may be possible.

Zebra barred dart fish get pretty large surprisingly that also may be a lot of fish for your tank but if skimming for more than 50 gallons it may be doable

 

[whosurcaddie]

The Purple Dotty can be very aggressive.

I'm surprised a Midas Blenny isn't on your list. I would swap the Dotty with the Midas.

 

[Kmax45]

The Purple Dotty can be very aggressive.

I'm surprised a Midas Blenny isn't on your list. I would swap the Dotty with the Midas.

Thanks for that suggestion! I do like the look of that blenny.

What general order should these fish be added? Are there some that should definitely be added first or last?

 

[whosurcaddie]

If your going to get a damsel get a yellow tail they seem to be a little less aggressive than other species. I would add the coral beauty and damsel last.