Stocking 72g Advice wanted

Jehender · 09/14/2016, 10:31 AM

I am in the planning/research phase of setting up my first saltwater tank and would like some advice on stocking. I am thinking of getting a 72g and am trying to figure out my options before I invest. I've been looking at fish and these are the ones that interest me so far.

Clownfish
Diamond watchman goby
Coral beauty or flame angel
Blue reef chromis
Cardinal fish
Royal gramma basslet
Azure damselfish
Yellowtail damselfish
Blue/green reef chromis

Of this list, what would work in this tank size? How many of each type would be best? What order should I stock? Anything else I need to consider?

I'm also planning CUC with shrimp, crab, & snails. After the fish are established and I am comfortable with the tank, I will probably add a few small corals, but only easy low light options. This tank will primarily be a fish focus, but I wouldn't mind coral recommendations as well.

thegrun · 09/14/2016, 02:48 PM

Clownfish One or two, but if you get a pair they will be more territorial. That said I like to have a breeding pair.
Diamond watchman goby Good choice
Coral beauty or flame angel They can get a little aggressive in a 70 gallon tank and there is a good chance it will nip or even destroy corals, particularly as it matures. One only if you choose to keep one
Blue reef chromis Good choice, but one only. In smaller tanks they tend to kill each other off until only one is left
Cardinal fish Good choice
Royal gramma basslet Good choice. They can get a little territorial, but the other fish will learn to leave it's den alone
Azure damselfish Questionable, particularly if you go with the clowns and/or the chromis. They are usually on the less aggressive side compared to other Damsels, but still can be problematic
Yellowtail damselfish Questionable, see comments on the Azure, but slightly more aggressive.
Blue/green reef chromis I would only keep either a blue/green or a blue, but not both

In general I would try to limit the list to a total of six or seven fish on your list, particularly if you plan on keeping some of the more demanding corals.

09/14/2016, 10:31 AM	#1
Jehender Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 1	Stocking 72g Advice wanted I am in the planning/research phase of setting up my first saltwater tank and would like some advice on stocking. I am thinking of getting a 72g and am trying to figure out my options before I invest. I've been looking at fish and these are the ones that interest me so far. Clownfish Diamond watchman goby Coral beauty or flame angel Blue reef chromis Cardinal fish Royal gramma basslet Azure damselfish Yellowtail damselfish Blue/green reef chromis Of this list, what would work in this tank size? How many of each type would be best? What order should I stock? Anything else I need to consider? I'm also planning CUC with shrimp, crab, & snails. After the fish are established and I am comfortable with the tank, I will probably add a few small corals, but only easy low light options. This tank will primarily be a fish focus, but I wouldn't mind coral recommendations as well.

09/14/2016, 02:48 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Clownfish One or two, but if you get a pair they will be more territorial. That said I like to have a breeding pair. Diamond watchman goby Good choice Coral beauty or flame angel They can get a little aggressive in a 70 gallon tank and there is a good chance it will nip or even destroy corals, particularly as it matures. One only if you choose to keep one Blue reef chromis Good choice, but one only. In smaller tanks they tend to kill each other off until only one is left Cardinal fish Good choice Royal gramma basslet Good choice. They can get a little territorial, but the other fish will learn to leave it's den alone Azure damselfish Questionable, particularly if you go with the clowns and/or the chromis. They are usually on the less aggressive side compared to other Damsels, but still can be problematic Yellowtail damselfish Questionable, see comments on the Azure, but slightly more aggressive. Blue/green reef chromis I would only keep either a blue/green or a blue, but not both In general I would try to limit the list to a total of six or seven fish on your list, particularly if you plan on keeping some of the more demanding corals.