Stocking list for a new 46 gallon bow

NC Frank

I believe I will finally be setting up the new tank this weekend (and will be asking some questions in a build thread).

I am starting to think about a stock list for the 46 gallon. I believe that I can cheat a bit and introduce one or two smaller specimens that would eventually outgrow the tank as we will be moving in 6 to 9 months and I already have a drilled 125 gallon tank and stand that I will be picking up the necessary equipment for over the next few months. There will be some soft corals (mostly mushrooms).

No fish will be introduced to the tank until early January at the earliest. I would imagine that I could stock 6 or 7 small fish.

Definite Stock List:

2 False Perc clowns (may substitute with other clowns)
1 Diamond Goby

Probable stock list
1 6 line wrasse or similar

Possible tank mates
1 Flame or coral beauty angelfish
1 either small yellow or blue hippo tang (if possible - I may opt until I am ready to setup the 125).
1 purple firefish
1 royal gramma
1 small damsel
X pajama cardinals

Other suggestions would be appreciated

wake49

The false Percs are a good choice, also True Percs (that's what I have) are a great addition. I also have a variation of the Diamond Goby, my LFS called it a "Velentia Goby". Very haPpy with that fish.

About the 6-line. Very nice looking fish, but VERY aggressive. I had one in a 46 bow that chased multiple fish right out of the tank. Much better suited for a larger tank to establish its territory.

The Flame or Coral Beauty Angel should be fine; be cautious if you are planning corals, because they can nip at polyps.

Firefish and Gramma are fine. Damsels can also be mean fish, so be aware. The PJ Cardinals are a good addition, I personally prefer the Bangaii Cardinal.

Wait for the 125 to put the Tangs in. They grow to about 75% of their adult size in the first year. These small quarters can be compromise the fish's immune system and inhibit their growth. They are better off in a larger tank from the start.

NC Frank

Thanks Wake... new stock list. I am leaning towards the Bangaii cardinals now. Took the tang off the list until I can setup the 125 (will put one yellow and one hippo when the 125 is established). I will also hold off on the 6 line wrasse until the larger tank is established.

Definite Stock List:

2 False Perc clowns (may substitute with other clowns)
1 Flame or coral beauty angelfish
1 Diamond Goby


Possible tank mates

1 purple firefish
1 royal gramma
1 small damsel
Bangaii cardinals
1 yellow watchman goby


Other suggestions would be appreciated. What do you guys think of a smaller hawkfish or will this be an issue with the gobies? A flame hawk would have to be the last fish added I would imagine and I would have to stay away from smaller shrimp. Don't know if I want to chance it though.

wake49

The Long-Nose Hawkfish is also a nice looking fish, but yeah, can be a nuisance to shrimp and the such.

There are a whole lot of wrasses that would work in a 46 gallon. Look up the Mystery Wrasse, Flasher Wrasse or Fairy Wrasse. Also check out Blue Reef Chromis, and Psuedochromis, Dottybacks...

willieturnip

Have you seen a Potters Angelfish? Marvelous things and a bit less cliche than a flame angel.

What about a Red Stripe Angelfish?

Both are pygmy angels and "reef safe with caution" whatever that means.

Pasfur

The Red Stripe Angel is more commonly sold as the Eibli's Angel, or Centropyge eibli. It is a wonderful beginners fish and very personable for a Centropyge species.

NC Frank

I like the red stripe angelfish. I may go with that over the other two.

I need some sort of center piece fish. I was going to put a hippo tang in the tank but decided to wait until the 125 is setup and running after I move.

NC Frank

Current Stock list:
1 false perc clown
1 black false perc clown

About to be added:
1 Diamond Goby - currently in QT

I think the next fish I want to add is a clown fairy wrasse. I have my eyes on one that is eating like a champ at the local LFS. I will not bring him home until the diamond goby is added. Anybody think that this particular wrasse would be a good addition?

terryap

I think it is an excellent addition, pasfur recommened it to me, gorgeous little fish, unfortunately they aren't popular here.....but I can get a flasher wrasse at a decent price, but they are not as colorful, but some wrasse require a large aquarium...what type are you looking at?

NC Frank

A Clown Fairy Wrasse. They have a seemingly healthy one at my LFS that I am having them hold while I do some research and get the Pasfur seal of approval.