Initial Stock List - Review & Comment

[PoggiPJ]

I am planning to stock my 180 soft coral (leathers, mushrooms, zoas) tank which has been left fallow (except for BTAs, 2 skunk cleaners, 1 peppermint shrimp) for about 6 weeks now. It is teeming brittle stars and pods. I would appreciate some feedback on the following potential tankmates, from the following perspectives...

• compatibility - would just one of each of these fish be compatible?
• multiples - are any of these fish candidates for having more than one?
• bioload - how many are too many for a 180?

I would plan to add all of the fish together (assuming availability)

The intended stock list....

Strawberry Basslet
Swallowtail Angel
Midas Blenny
Lemon Peel Angel
Splendd Dottyback
Canary Blenny
Yellow Tang
Six Line Wrasse
Powder Blue Tang
Naso Tang​

Any thoughts?

 

[Toddrtrex]

I personally wouldn't trust a lemonpeel with any corals, mainly the zoas.

If you are referring to Naso lituratus/elegans, I would skip it -- would prefer a longer tank.

Could see if you could get a male/female for the swallow tail.

 

[sandwi54]

lemonpeel angel - my favorite dwarf angel and i have one, but it's definitely not reef safe. actually, almost no dwarf angels are reef safe.

swallowtail angel - this is reef safe. it'd be great to get a pair of male and female. they are not hard to find so shouldn't be a problem.

sixline wrasse - this is a very aggressive wrasse. having this wrasse pretty much rules out any possibility of having any other peaceful wrasse. there have also been cases where the 6-line kills other species of fish. i would consider getting some other peaceful wrasses that are very good looking too.

yellow tang - no problem here

powder blue tang - i have one too and it'll fit in your 180 nicely. it's however very aggressive and should be the last one on your stocking order.

naso tang - you will eventually need a bigger tank for it. i have a pair in my 225g but i will need to upgrade my tank a couple of years down the road when they hit around 10".

 

[PoggiPJ]

Thank you - I definitely hear both of you on the Naso, lemon peel and the six-line.

The updated stock list....

Strawberry Basslet
Swallowtail Angel male/female
Midas Blenny
Splendd Dottyback
Canary Blenny
Yellow Tang
Powder Blue Tang

Do you think I could do 3 midas blenny, yellow tangs, or strawberry basslets in a 180?

I have an automatic water changer that runs daily, so I don't think the quantity is too high. but I'm a good listener

 

[MrTuskfish]

I noticed the fallow tank; are you just getting over a parasite outbreak? In any case, I assume you'll usu a QT religiously. IMO, the 3 YTs would probably work, especially if introduced at the same time. Weird thing about tangs, especially Zebrasoma genus,they often do just fine in groups of 3+. But just two is a constant war. I've kept 3 Purples, same genus as yellows, for about 5 years (in a 240); had 3 in a 240 for 8-9 years before having to move. Expect some minor squabbles, but nothing major. I've seen groups of YTs at lfs many LFS, but never just two.

 

[PoggiPJ]

Mr Tusk, I'm glad you asked the quarantine question - i'm going to make it the topic of a separate post. Thank you for your experience with the tangs

 

[roni]

another fish to consider if you want 3 of something yellow: the pyramid butterfly.

 

[snorvich]

I would be concerned about any dottyback (pseudochromis) except possibly P. fridmani. I answered your quarantine post as well.

 

[PoggiPJ]

I would be concerned about any dottyback (pseudochromis) except possibly P. fridmani. I answered your quarantine post as well.

That's too bad to hear. That Splendid Dottyback is beautiful.

 

[Ooulophilia]

I agree with snorvitch - while beautiful, the splendid pseudo is going to cause you headaches.

I personally would add a handful of small fish for movement - I suggest talbots damsels.

 

[PoggiPJ]

Ok, so this is the updated list. I do like the idea of adding multiple small fish for movement.

Strawberry Basslet
Swallowtail Angel male/female
Midas Blenny
Canary Blenny
Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)
Yellow Tang
Powder Blue Tang
Talbot's Damsels

 

[Reefing Newbie]

If you wanted more movement(not sure if you can fit them) but a group of anthias(resplendents are good) would work well.