Need some input

I have a tank that I am in the process of either taking it down, or going in a new direction with. In the past it has always been ran as a mixed reef, but I'm thinking of going in more of the biotope area.

LIVESTOCK PLANS

• photosynthetic gorgs
• rics / yumas
• assorted macros
• rock anemone(s)
• chalk basslets (3-4 maybe)
• mandarin pair
• pearly jawfish
• dragon pipes (pair)
• assorted inverts. (crabs , shrimp, etc.)

SYSTEM INFO

• Tank : 48x21x20
• Sump : 40b with 20g fuge
• Skimmer : SC S150
• Return : Quite One 6000 (manifold for reactors)
• Flow : 2x Tunze 6025 / 2x Jebao WP25
• Reactors : BRS single / NextReef SMR1
• Lighting : 4x54w T5HO or 48" LED (or run both)
• RODI : Spectrapure 90gpd 4 stage

Tank has been running in its current spot for almost a year, but the system is about 5 years old. So I guess what I'm asking is, will someone tell me that this is a good idea and put the peer pressure on me to do it. Tank is currently running, and ready to go, all I need to do is place the livestock order.

(all other coral that were in this tank, have a new home with my daughter)

I did however keep the mandarin that was already in it, with this idea in mind.

 

Any other suggestions are totally welcome

 

Tank isn't big enough for a pair of mandarins or a group of chalk basslets.

Are you familiar with the care of jawfish?

The pipefish will need a separate tank as they are best kept as a species only tank.

If I had to guess, it seems like you're going for a Caribbean biotope?

 

You have too many fish choices that require a large population of pods. I just do not think a 90 gallon will pull it off.

I like your choices very much but the pipe fish and the mandarins will be in constant competition for food, I would choose one pair or the other.

Jaw fish, another hard fish to keep long term secondary to dietary needs.

What bio-type area specifically are you going for, Caribbean type I am assuming?

Remember rock anemones put all fish dwelling in their zone at risk of being eaten.

I am sure with a little refining you'll be able to create a nice biotope.

How available or willing are you to target feed fish everyday?

 

I truly appreciate the responses, and I want to do the right thing which is why I am asking .

 

Id say to still skip the pipes. Keep in mind accepting frozen is a supplement to eating pods. Mandarins have evolved to live on pods. Their metabolism is designed for constant grazing on pods. One large feeding a day does not substitute for this. They'll still go hunting pods all throughout the day. The fact that mandarins can take prepared/frozen should be used as a back up safety net incase they decimate all your pods. Never rely solely on them eating frozen.

That being said, you could set up a new tank with Gorgs macros and sea grasses just for pipefish.

 

Look at this tank

http://www.3reef.com/threads/jakes-50-gallon-seahorse-tank.139438/

I have always thought is was a really nice biotope. Great macros with Sea horses with Blennies.

I have never had the Chalk Basslet, I have heard they are pretty passive, I am not sure how aggressive an eater they are.

Royal Gramma is another fish you might consider, if you get lucky you can try a grouping of them.