My opinion, sharks and rays are all too large for a 200. Many hobbyist say minimum size being 500+ and preferably rounded (though some rays “may” be able to be kept in a smaller size) consider the adult size when it comes to a tank. A coral cat gets to be about 27” adult size so consider tank width too. (Another option is also freshwater stingrays as they don’t grow huge and bala and/or iridescent “sharks” get good size as adults).
Getting back to saltwater, with butterflies, just be sure to know the diet (some are strict corallivores and can be hard to keep in captivity). Large angels would make a great centerpiece. Large angels can be complicated sometimes with inverts and certain corals though. Or even something like a Harlequin Tusk.
Puffers can be a fun addition, however again can be complicated with many inverts. Also many can get quite large and “may” eat smaller fish if given the opportunity.
If you want color and activity, it would take some research but a variety of fairy wrasses may be an option and you have pretty much the rainbow to select from (some types of wrasses don’t get along with others though).
Could also do a couple tangs, they’re active and come in a variety of colors (yellow, convict, powder blue, naso, etc.) Again consider adult size as some adults get too large for a 200 too.
Just some thought
My opinion, sharks and rays are all too large for a 200. Many hobbyist say minimum size being 500+ and preferably rounded (though some rays “may” be able to be kept in a smaller size) consider the adult size when it comes to a tank. A coral cat gets to be about 27” adult size so consider tank width too. (Another option is also freshwater stingrays as they don’t grow huge and bala and/or iridescent “sharks” get good size as adults).
Getting back to saltwater, with butterflies, just be sure to know the diet (some are strict corallivores and can be hard to keep in captivity). Large angels would make a great centerpiece. Large angels can be complicated sometimes with inverts and certain corals though. Or even something like a Harlequin Tusk.
Puffers can be a fun addition, however again can be complicated with many inverts. Also many can get quite large and “may” eat smaller fish if given the opportunity.
If you want color and activity, it would take some research but a variety of fairy wrasses may be an option and you have pretty much the rainbow to select from (some types of wrasses don’t get along with others though).
Could also do a couple tangs, they’re active and come in a variety of colors (yellow, convict, powder blue, naso, etc.) Again consider adult size as some adults get too large for a 200 too.
Just some thoughts.
Thank you. We decided were probably not gonna go with a shark or stingray. Were leaning more towards reef lobster with lots of fish, inverts, and corals. I kept reading and re-researching over and over about sharks and rays one site would 150 gallons for them and another would 180 minimum. Others would say 300 minimum. Thats why I came to get real people with more experience. What about the brown heniocus butterfly? I've seen the harlequin tusk mentioned on different sites I have not looked it up yet but I will. Might not get a puffer love there personality. We love the relationship that clowns have with anemones and the relationship a pistol shrimp has with a goby. We want a tank that can have that. In my 75 gallon I have a carpenter's flasher wrasse he has a lot of personality.