Some Stocking Advice.

[Servillius]

I currently have a firefish, a threadfin cardinal, and a small ocellaris in my 57g reef. I'm trying to decide on what else belongs in there (and yes, I plan on letting it get fully established before adding any more fish.

The tank has a very open rock structure. It has about 80 x volume flow and so far has excellent water quality.

Here are some of my preferences... clearly they would all be overkill if they went in together. Narrowing the list to something beautiful and healthy is the trick.

A group of 6-8 threadfins, orange stripe, or red cardinals.
A potter's pair (this is definitely highest on my list of wants).
A copper banded butterfly.
A group of Anthias. Clearly some need a bigger tank, but there are others that seem to be suited to a 60g.
Some other butterfly.
If anyone knows of a trio of tangs that would work well in this environment, I'm open to the suggestion (but expect the tank is too small).

All ideas and suggestions are very welcome.

 

[cubsFAN]

I say no on the copper banded, anthias, and tangs. The Potters pair would probably be better off in a 75 imo, but might work. A single Potters might be a better choice. Personally I dont' trust centropyge in reef tanks. I don't have any experience with the smaller cardinals, but 8 more fish in a 57 with 3 fish already sounds like too many to me. The cardinals are more passive and would be less likely to freak out your fire fish. I'm not sure how many, but I think it would be cool to have some more threadfins in there.