Hi Steve,
You helped me out with my stocking list earlier for my 150 gallon (and I thank you most sincerely - your help was invaluable). I wanted to run my current list and proposed additions past you and see your thoughts.
Tank: 150 gallon, 48 long, 30 high, 24 wide with 30 gallon sump/refugium. Mixed reef. 1/4 inch mesh cover, as I have several "jumpy" species.
Current Fish:
- Scopas Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) x1 (as a side note, when I first posted in this thread years ago, you said that a Scopas would be fine - I note that in more recent responses you now list the fish as "marginally acceptable" for a 150 gallon. I am curious as to the change in acceptability) I prefer longer tanks for this fish; it is not a gallonage issue. They tend to be a bit hyper in shorter tanks
- Jawfish, Yellowhead (Opistognathus aurifrons) x2 excellent fish but another jumper
- McCosker's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus mccoskeri) male x1
- Wheeler's Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris wheeleri) x1, paired with a yellow pistol
- Macneill's Assessor Basslet (Assessor macneilli) x1
- Gold Assessor Basslet (Assessor flavissimus) x1
- Leopard Puffer (Canthigaster leoparda) x1 Not invert safe
- Matted Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus) x1
Desired Fish:
- Stippled Clingfish (Gobiesox punctulatus) x2 (currently in quarantine, do not have to be put in the display if this is inadvisable) I have no clue since I have not kept them; I do know they are carnivores.
- Green Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus) x2, mated (previously had a pair for over two years, they recently died of unknown causes. Both fish were fat and well fed in this tank)
should be fine
I am considering an Anthias trio (Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), male and two females) but am uncertain if this is the best choice for my tank size and if there would be any compatibility issues.
Anthias do best if fed multiple times per day
I am also interested in a Gold Spotted Rabbitfish (Siganus punctatus), but I suspect that a 4 foot tank may not be sufficient, and that there may be issues with the Scopas Tang since they are both herbivores. This particular Scopas has been in the tank for three and a half years and has not shown any signs of aggression when new tank mates have been added.
I personally would not do this with the scopas tang currently established; but it may work out
I welcome commentary on my existing live stock as well as on my proposed additions.
As always, thanks so much for everything you do for the hobby!