First fish after cycling a 100 gal?

[GunnarH]

This is my third tank, and I'm trying to do things "correct" this time. That is, go slow and not kill any livestock or create more work for myself.

I have an IM Nuvo EXT 100 gal tank with a shallow substrate bed (1-2") and lots of Marco rock. I dosed Microbacter Start XLM and inorganic nitrogen and let the tank sit for two weeks while I monitored ammonia and nitrite levels. I'm satisfied the tank is fully cycled.

Lights are off and will remain off for at least 2 more months while the tank builds microfauna. There is some ambient light in the room, of course, but no direct sunlight.

Starting this weekend I'll be slowly dosing phytoplankton and Microbacter Clean, and I'll also seed the tank with pods.

I'd like to add a fish or two to help with building that microfauna. Not clowns, though. I already have a pair in a smaller tank, and they're going to be moved over to the 100 gal once it's ready to also accept their favorite anemones.

So, no clowns. What's another good choice for a first fish in a new tank? Needs to be peaceful/non-aggressive. I don't want any problems when I add more fish later.

Suggestions?

 

[Sdbuehler1]

Nice tank! I have the same one and it has been great. The most peaceful fish in my tank are:

Fire fish
Pajama cardinals
Royal gramma
Chromis - peaceful to other fish but not with each other unless you feed them well
Banggai cardinals
One spot foxface - he is big but the first one to hide when he is scared
Starry blenny

I regret adding my clowns first as they have become the bullies to any new additions. Having an anemone would help with the aggression but I don’t have space for one.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I would suggest a pink streaked wrasse. It may help with pest control and it's peaceful. Wish I would have gone with one over my six line. (had I only known) lol

 

[cale0721]

I would suggest a pink streaked wrasse. It may help with pest control and it's peaceful. Wish I would have gone with one over my six line. (had I only known) lol

Love them! They can be difficult to find sometimes unfortunately.

 

[littlefoxx]

A trio of chromis might be good! Hardy and active, wont have issues with other fish. They can fight among themselves but they would be a goof first fish!

 

[PharmrJohn]

I need to first say EXCELLENT on your cycling plan. It's slow and steady. You should pretty much minimize (or even avoid) the ugly stage doing this the way you're doing it. My only suggestion is that once you get an idea of what your fish population is going to look like, have a plan on what to add first, second, third.....all the way to last. I also highly recommend you pay attention to what your livestock can do for the tank in a utilitarian aspect. I'm not saying to have EVERY fish perform a task, just consider that fish can be a vital part of your CUC if approached properly. Anyway.....Just an idea! Nice tank BTW! Beautiful!