Order of fish introduction

[sassyfrassy]

Currently only have 65g set up, but will hopefully be setting up 30 fuge and 20g sump soon (when husband builds stand). I currently have a 3" tomato clown that I rescued, which I may or may not keep depending on what you think. Other fish I want: tompot or similar blenny, watchman goby, african flameback or chrub angel, royal gramma, pajama cardinal, and 2 ocelaris clowns (if I don't keep tomato), 2 firefish, and flame hawkfish? Please give advice on compatibility of fishes listed and order they should be introduced. Thanks!

Oh one more thing - is it better to get fish from LFS or order online (better variety)?

 

[Beaun]

The angel should definitly be last. The clowns second to last if they are paired up or adult, but if you get them early and young then they can go in sooner and not be territorial. I have a cherub angel in my 65 and it is the king of the tank, any new introduction has a high probability of being slightly harassed for a while, but after a day it will leave it along, it really depends on the fish. The Gramma will want a cave to its own, so earlier rather than later is probably best for this fish, but the angel might kick it out of its "home" when it is introduced.

 

[sassyfrassy]

I had a gramma before and it made it's home in a large barnacle shell. What about the blenny and watchman? I know both are bottom dwellers and territorial - should they be put in at the same time in the hope they'll each find their nitch and one not claim the whole bottom? What do you have in your tank?

 

[saix88]

Those tomato clowns will get real mean, so I would suggest taking them out. If you plan on having shrimp, make sure they are large and don't come out in the open or else the flame hawk will constantly try to eat it.

 

[AuroraDrvr]

Here's the order I would introduce. The first three can all be added at the same time, if so desired. Just make sure the watchman is decent size when you purchase it. Otherwise, it might get lost/killed in the mix. Also, use a QT. It would be really easy to just disconnect the planned refugium and put a couple cycled airstone filters in there. Then once you have all the fish in the display, rehook it back up.

Watchman Goby
Pajama Cardinal (I would do a pair)
Firefish
Royal Gramma
Tompot Blenny
Flame Hawkfish
Cherub/Flameback Angelfish

 

[jda]

I would introduce them in the order that you can find quality, disease free specimens that are active and aggressively eating.