Order of introduction (and some other questions)

Lindsay1126

New member
So I have had my 29 gallon quarantine cycling for 4 weeks (it should be done is a few days!) as I finish up my my 120 gallon build. I am trying to narrow down my fish list, and what i want to add first. So I know you should do most peaceful to most aggressive, but I wanted to double check with you all that this was a good order.

1. Firefish (can I have 2 or just one)
2. Banngai cardinal (it says it doesn't like conspecies, does that mean no pajamas?)
3. Either dispar anthias or blue/green chromis (any advise or tips on either appreciated)
4. Wyoming white clownish (can I get 2, without issue)
5. Orchid dottyback
6. Coral beauty or flame angel
7. Bristletooth tomni tang

For cleanup I have wanted some peppermint shrimp, a skunk cleaner shrimp, nassarius snails, trochus snails.

Anything else I should consider??

** I am not sure how many cleaners to start with as I get different numbers depending on source. I can't imagine having 120 snails in my display tank. Any advise or tip would be great as this is my first reef tank. (I have been keeping fish for over 6 years though).
 
I won't comment on everything, but you might want to consider a royal gramma over the orchid dottyback. They look nearly identical, and the royal gramma will likely be a better citizen in your tank. Dottybacks can be aggressive.
 
I won't comment on everything, but you might want to consider a royal gramma over the orchid dottyback. They look nearly identical, and the royal gramma will likely be a better citizen in your tank. Dottybacks can be aggressive.
I had read that same thing about dottbacks, but for some
Reason people kept saying orchids we're different. I saw it on a few VLOGs and a few forum pages. You said you won't say anything else, have i overstocked? I don't want to be that person.
 
My orchid dottyback is totally peaceful. I don't keep any fish that lives in her territory, though.

I don't know anything about angels or tangs, but if you want a pair of clowns/a female clown, I'd introduce them last/close to last. A female clown is the tank boss.

As for snails and clean up crew, start with a few and add more later if needed.

Good luck.
 
Personally, I don't like the cardinals as they really do not swim, at least IME. The orchid dottyback is a laid back fish. Least aggressive of the other dottybacks. It will also help if you can find a captive breed one. With the peppermint shrimp, are you planning to have coral? I have had bad luck with them in a tank with coral. They would tear open the coral looking for food and they ate my hammer, torch, and acans. Something to think about. Yes you could do 2 clowns. I would get one larger than the other and introduce at the same time, if you can't already fine a bonded pair.
 
Yes I am going to have corals. I am starting with softies and LPS. That stinks about the cardinal. They are just so pretty, IMO. Does my order look ok? Any opinions on antias vs chromis? Anything else I could consider?

Thanks for the tip on the peppermint shrimp.
 
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