Too many gills?

Would this be overstocked for a 85 gal DT (100+ with Sump/Fuge) FOWLR? I will be running an AquaC EV-180, Carbon and GFO with an "Extremely Strong" CuC from John over at ReefCleaners.org.

3 Banggai Cardinal's -OR- 5 Green Chromis
1 Red Mandarin Dragonet
1 Flame Hawkfish
1 Blue Spotted Puffer
1 Whipfin Fairy Wrasse -OR- McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
2 B&W Ocellaris Clown's
1 Kole Tang

1 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Peppermint Shrimp

I plan on starting this weekend with either the Banggai's or Chromis, then waiting a while (Feb.) for the next additions. The Dragonet and Clowns will be last in, as I will wait for my system to mature enough for the Mandrain and an Anemone to be sustained (2012).

What order should the remaining stock go in at? The wife wants the Puffer and Hawkfish, so one of those needs to go in by Feb. ;D Would any of these fish be better/bad to add before others?

 

Puffer going to eat your shrimp?

 

Are you asking or telling? I'll just hit him in the snout with a rolled up newspaper if he messes with a shrimp. ;D I've read both ways...depends on the fish and feeding habits. That is a wait and see issue.

 

Well for starters - your equipment looks GREAT!!! With that skimmer you can go toward the "heavier" load of stocking when the tank is fully mature!

I would say you have a pretty good list going there.

The clowns do not have to wait until last as they do not actually NEED an anemone. They are great when they are in there with clowns - but you hit the nail on the head in that it will be long until you can safely house a nem'. It should also be added that there is no harm in waiting on the clowns until you have the nem. But again, there is not promise that they will even host it. But that's for another thread.

Also important that you already realize a young tank cannot/should not house a mandarin.


Next as for order of stocking, it is generally advised to add from least to most aggressive, this way the more aggressive fish come into a tank where everyone's territory is already established, minimizing the territorial aggression usually displayed by these fish.

I'd say it sounds like you have done due diligence and you are on your way!!

I think you stocking list can be obtained over a long enough period of time (say at least 12 months).

Good luck!!!!

 

I have been toying with the option of buying the tank raised clowns with nem. I have seen quite a few online, though a bit pricey. Thanks for your comments and advice.

 

Stock looks good for that tank size since most of those stay on the small side & your equipment is good. I had a blue spot puffer for a bit, he didn't bother my cleaner or harlequin shrimp, was a cool fish, but are 50/50 with inverts/corals. Love the Flame Hawks, mine unfortunately jumped even though they normally don't. I'm going to get another one soon so hilarious to watch.

Good idea on the mandarin, I luckily have one that eats frozen and isn't ORA. What type of nem are you thinking of getting? I have 3 BTA's in my tank and my two clown host them all.