Stocking a 40 breeder

[jerzeedevl]

Being new to the hobby, I'm looking for some suggestions for my first reef tank stocking list. I have a spider crab, hermit crabs, and snails right now. I'll probably go with the cliche clownfish but what else could I have? I have an eshopps rs100 sump with a SCA302 protein skimmer.

 

[AiredaleReef]

A six line wrasse would be on my list. Great little fish with plenty of personality.

 

[IPT]

yeah, the wrasses are great. People might scoff at them but I think the yellow tail damsels are quite attractive. SOme of the ones like the domino's can be pretty aggressive but I have found the yellow tails to be pretty mellow.

 

[IowaReefer]

If you are going with either the six line wrasse or any damsel, add them LAST. Both fish can be unbearable bullies to new fish. Also, what kind of crab do you have, exactly? Some species get quite large and carniverous, while others remain smaller and more docile.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

If you are going with either the six line wrasse or any damsel, add them LAST. Both fish can be unbearable bullies to new fish.

+1. They can even turn on established fish. My new six line wrasse bosses my clarkii (yes the fish that gets bad rep) clownfish...and the wrasse was added after clowns.

 

[jerzeedevl]

Ugh the domino is aggressive??? He looked so cool at the LFS but that would explain why they had them all separated. The crab I got is an arrow crab. He's so cool to watch. What about a royal gamma? Would she do well with a clown?

 

[jerzeedevl]

Oh another question. Can I add one clownfish and then a second clownfish at a later date or should I get them both at the same time?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Oh another question. Can I add one clownfish and then a second clownfish at a later date or should I get them both at the same time?

You can. I've done it before but safer to get them at the same time.

 

[jerzeedevl]

Thanks!

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

A royal gramma would be a nice addition.

 

[ViktorVaughn]

If you are going to get a wrasse, I'd stay away from the sixline and get a small fairy or flasher wrasse. In my opinion, even the drabbest looking fairy or flasher looks way better than a six line. The two I have are non stop swimmers and have great personalities and aren't aggressive like six lines can be. Damsels are pretty nice looking cheap fish but unless they are going into a fairly large tank they will be little terrors. I think it was sk8r who posted a nice write up on damsels and their aggression in relation to tank size and aquascape.

 

[Booboobear259]

Ugh the domino is aggressive??? He looked so cool at the LFS but that would explain why they had them all separated.

Many fish at the LFS look cool but can be very agressive or can grow very large always do research on the fish that you are looking at before you get it to make sure that it is a good idea to get the fish