Ideas for stocking a 90 gallon reef

[_ld99]

Hey people I'm starting up a 90 gallon reef and wanted to hear some opinions on the fish I want to put in. I was thinking a snowflake eel, fuzzy dwarf lionfish, and possibly a maroon clown depending on the size. What other fish would make good matches that are colorful? Thanks !

 

[SoloChromis]

The key is to get something aggressive enough to roll with the punches the maroon clown dishes out, docile enough to allow the lion to feed and not pick on his finnage, and large enough to not run the risk of becoming eel chow one day... definitely a challenge, but there are definitely options. A smaller species of tang would work (yellow, kole, tomini, chevron etc.), a dwarf angel (flame, coral beauty, cherub, Potter's etc.), or maybe a larger blenny such as a lawnmower or starry would make personable additions. Good luck in whatever you choose :beer:

 

[_ld99]

The key is to get something aggressive enough to roll with the punches the maroon clown dishes out, docile enough to allow the lion to feed and not pick on his finnage, and large enough to not run the risk of becoming eel chow one day... definitely a challenge, but there are definitely options. A smaller species of tang would work (yellow, kole, tomini, chevron etc.), a dwarf angel (flame, coral beauty, cherub, Potter's etc.), or maybe a larger blenny such as a lawnmower or starry would make personable additions. Good luck in whatever you choose :beer:

I really like the way the coral beauty looks. I was more worried about it eating corals. Ive read about many people that have kept them with no problem. All about the particular fishes temperament I guess. I think I'm going to take the chance and get the coral beauty. But no rush! Thanks for the response.

 

[scooter31707]

I would be very careful of a Maroon in that size tank. They are PITAs, very aggressive, IMO.

 

[PirateToast]

Im assuming by "reef" you mean coral only? Inverts won't be safe with those partners.

 

[_ld99]

Im assuming by "reef" you mean coral only? Inverts won't be safe with those partners.

Yes just corals if I end up getting those fish. A different list I have put together is one spot foxface, mimic tang(iffy because of tank size), and the maroon clown(possibly yellow stripe). That would allow me to have a wider variety of cleanup crew, etc. If you guys don't think this will work, any other fish recommendations are welcome.

 

[_ld99]

I would be very careful of a Maroon in that size tank. They are PITAs, very aggressive, IMO.

I know, it sucks because they are my favorite looking clowns. Main reason I chose them is because that they are bigger than other clowns so they would be less prone to being eaten by the snowflake eel and lionfish.

 

[scooter31707]

I know, it sucks because they are my favorite looking clowns. Main reason I chose them is because that they are bigger than other clowns so they would be less prone to being eaten by the snowflake eel and lionfish.

Very true and you won't have to worry about it messing with the Lion and Eel, but all other fish could be subject to aggression, depending on pick of fish. As mention above, One-Spot Foxface and a Kole would be a nice addition.

 

[_ld99]

whelp, my 90 gallon has a bunch of bubbles in the silicone between the peices of glass when i fill it up. Time to spend $400 on a brand new one. Yet another setback. Better to be safe than sorry imo.

 

[Sean.G]

I have seen some seabae or clarkii clowns that were pretty huge (maroon sized... 4-5 inches) They would be a little less aggressive but may also work....

with that fish list though, I would be tempted to add a little puffer