What should I Stock?

[ReefyCane]

Hi All,

Now that I got my tank parameters where they should be and my CUC is working to get everything under control my thoughts are shifting to what kind of stock I want to put into my tank. I know I will probably get a peppermint or coral banded shrimp (after a month or two of course), but I was wondering your thoughts on fish.

I want to get a pair of clowns for sure, but also a goby of some sort and possibly a blenny. Is there any specific order you would add these?

Also, when can I start adding some corals??

I know patience is key here and that's why I am asking. I plan on putting in a fish and then waiting 2-3 weeks before adding another and so on.

Thanks,
~RC

 

[Oscarsdad608]

What size tank do you have? I would stay away from the coral banded shrimp. They can kill other inverts and be mean little bastards.

 

[Piggy]

As for fish add peaceful ones first then the more aggressive ones. What size tank you have will have a impact on which fish you can get.

 

[ReefyCane]

I have a 30 gallon tank!

Thanks for the advice on the coral banded shrimp!

~RC

 

[Piggy]

You'll have to stick with the smaller fish. Clowns,firefish,royal gramma, gobies to just give you a idea. Stay away from damsels.

 

[Bifferwine]

Adding the goby or blenny first would be the way I'd go. Be careful because most gobies will jump. So make sure you don't have an open top tank.

 

[reeffreak]

I would skip the Coral Banded Shrimp and go with a Skunk Cleaner or Fire Shrimp instead.Those two are peaceful and beneficial scavengers where a Banded can become aggressive boogers.Some people have witness them going after small fish although I had one for over 5 years and it never went after mine.Its risky so the choice is up to you.

I would do the clowns or blenny first.The goby(if its a sand sifter)should wait until your tank matures 6 months.They will consume fauna(copepods,worms) that live in the sand.Disclaimer 1:Sand sifting gobies consume fauna(copepods,worms,micro-organisms) that live in the sandbed.The fauna helps in removing microalgae and detritus so I'm not a fan of any of the sand sifting gobies.Consider one of the gobies that have a symbotic relation with a pistol shrimp instead.Disclaimer 2:Because blennies have a similar shape as gobies,they may not get along...especially in a 30g.

Usually a month after the cycle is the best time to add your first corals.Mushrooms,zoanthids and many other soft corals make first additions.There are a few hardy LPS like Frogspawn that are super hardy as well.Research there hardinest,light requirement,flow,maintenace and of course what you prefer then go from there.