stocking a reef tank

[SP1187]

greetings.

I'm in the planning/purchasing phase of a 150 Tall ( 48"x24"x30" ) reef tank.
I had a reef tank 20+ years agobut so much has changed in the hobby, and my memory isn't so good, I don't remember what and when I added to that tank.

Long term my intent is to have a mix of non-photo, softies, sps & lps, inverts, and fish.

current fish wish list is:
4-5 Bicolor Chromis Damsel
4-5 Anthias
3 Bangai Cardinal
2 Royal Gramma
1-2 Gobies ( undecided Four Wheel Drive, Yellow Watchman, Randalli)

current invert wish list is:
CUC: assorted snails and hermits
crabs ( Porcelain Anenome Crab, Trapezia Pocillopora/Acropora Crab)
shrimp (Cleaner, Pistol)
urchin (spiny)

so after the tank cycles what are suggestions for adding live stock?
And I know it's a gradual add so as not to over load the system.
I know the CUC, but after that?
fish only?
hardier corals?
inverts?
a combination of?

thanks
Mike

[RedStangGA]

Originally Posted by SP1187

greetings.

I'm in the planning/purchasing phase of a 150 Tall ( 48"x24"x30" ) reef tank.
I had a reef tank 20+ years agobut so much has changed in the hobby, and my memory isn't so good, I don't remember what and when I added to that tank.

Long term my intent is to have a mix of non-photo, softies, sps & lps, inverts, and fish.

current fish wish list is:
4-5 Bicolor Chromis Damsel
4-5 Anthias
3 Bangai Cardinal
2 Royal Gramma
1-2 Gobies ( undecided Four Wheel Drive, Yellow Watchman, Randalli)

current invert wish list is:
CUC: assorted snails and hermits
crabs ( Porcelain Anenome Crab, Trapezia Pocillopora/Acropora Crab)
shrimp (Cleaner, Pistol)
urchin (spiny)

so after the tank cycles what are suggestions for adding live stock?
And I know it's a gradual add so as not to over load the system.
I know the CUC, but after that?
fish only?
hardier corals?
inverts?
a combination of?

thanks
Mike

If it's been 20 years, definitely start with the hardier corals first. There are a fantastic selection of zoa's and paly's that are easy to care for. LPS like frogspawn and hammer add color and movement in addition to being easy tot take care of as well. A hardier SPS would be a basic monti cap. As you add corals, mainly LPS and SPS, make sure you start testing your calcium, alk, and mag for frequently.

As for fish, none on your list look overly aggressive to me so just take it slow. I'd add a goby/pistol first, followed by the cardinal's, the chromis, the anthias(depending on type, if aggressive then add last), and then the royal gramma's last as I've read where they can be aggressive. This also allows you to build up the bio load slowly vs adding in 5 chromis or anthias to begin.

Wait on the urchin as it will need a more established tank so it can eat. Other inverts should be able to add at your leisure.

My own personal opinion is that the best coral food is fish poo so I would add a few fish before adding corals but that's certainly not necessary, just a personal preference. Good luck!