Help complete my fish selection

I don't have a sump with this tank, so my 110 is it. Live Rock (actually mostly DIY rock now well seeded) and my DSB do most of the work along with a HOB filter. I only do water changes when my nitrates start showing up on my test kit. With the current bio-load I haven't registered any ammonia, nitrite or nitrate in 6 months. I confirmed my results at the lfs twice. I basically add PH 8.2 to my top off water and watch my ph readings. I add calcium and trace elements, but not much currently because I don't have any coral. The tank pretty much takes care of itself besides stirring the sand and topping it off.

My plan is to add the fish slowly and see how it starts effecting my nitrate levels. When I start seeing low readings of nitrate, that's when I'm done stocking. And I will do water changes as needed.

As far as the DSB, I choose this route because the tank is tall and I couldn't reach the bottom otherwise. I plan on moving and rebuilding the tank in a couple of years, so hopefully I won't have have any crash issues before then. I've read that this is mostly an issue after 4-5 years.

Thoughts on all this?

 

Stocking slowly and testing the relevant values sounds like an excellent plan. I can not speak to DSB because honestly I am not a fan of them but some people swear by them. I think sumps are the must better option to DSB, but you have what you have.

I will add this though, when stocking slowly my tanks reached an equilibrium. No matter the intervention the addition of that one extra fish usually resulted in it's demise or the demise of next weakess fish. Even if the tank could rationally hold another fish, once I reached that point no intervention could change it. All parameters were well within check, no obvious problems and that addition of one more fish always put it over. You will know when you reach that point. You sound like you are doing the research and have a decent handle on husbandry.

 

Thanks! I tend to research too much, but research doesn't always reflect reality. That's why I'm now turning to experienced keepers to help me see what I may be missing. Thanks again and hopefully in the future I'll gain confidence and experience so I can help others on this board.

DSB: I have no complaints so far. If the tank wasn't 30" tall I don't think I would have considered it.

 

Firefish might be a good choice and would look good. I was previously warned against them though since they can be timid fish for my current stock.

 

timid? i think they should be fine. as for the ocellaris get a black and white one so they can pair up because BW looks cool lol. Maybe get like 2-3 firefish 8)