Stocking Ideas/Opinions for 42g

[EuphyllinOHk]

Longtime reader, first-time poster. After getting my feet wet in freshwater, I've recently bought a secondhand Reefer XL 200 G2+ (24"L x 21"H x 22.6"W, DV 42g, SV 53g), as my first saltwater tank. I have a soft stocking list in my head that I want to firm up so that I can make some decisions about the rock scape, amongst other things -

2x Clowns
1x Watchman Goby + Shrimp
1x Lawnmower/Tailspot Blenny
1x Pink Streaked Wrasse
1x Royal Gramma
1x Springeri Damsel

Ideally, I would introduce them in the order that they are listed with 3-5 weeks between them. It is my understanding that I ought to be aware of the territory these fish claim before I introduce something that may fight for that space. It seems that I can't completely eliminate the possibility of that, but my goal is to scape the rock in such a way that I can create enough opportunities to avoid that.

My questions to the community are how low risk is this list and are there any alternatives that I'm not thinking of that would sub in and be fun to keep? Also, does this seem overstocked at all? I'm not entirely sure what "overstocked" looks like in a marine tank, I don't have a good read on stocking limits as far as bioload goes.

 

[Reef Wizard]

Longtime reader, first-time poster. After getting my feet wet in freshwater, I've recently bought a secondhand Reefer XL 200 G2+ (24"L x 21"H x 22.6"W, DV 42g, SV 53g), as my first saltwater tank. I have a soft stocking list in my head that I want to firm up so that I can make some decisions about the rock scape, amongst other things -

2x Clowns
1x Watchman Goby + Shrimp
1x Lawnmower/Tailspot Blenny
1x Pink Streaked Wrasse
1x Royal Gramma
1x Springeri Damsel

Ideally, I would introduce them in the order that they are listed with 3-5 weeks between them. It is my understanding that I ought to be aware of the territory these fish claim before I introduce something that may fight for that space. It seems that I can't completely eliminate the possibility of that, but my goal is to scape the rock in such a way that I can create enough opportunities to avoid that.

My questions to the community are how low risk is this list and are there any alternatives that I'm not thinking of that would sub in and be fun to keep? Also, does this seem overstocked at all? I'm not entirely sure what "overstocked" looks like in a marine tank, I don't have a good read on stocking limits as far as bioload goes.

I think thats a great list. The only one I would be concerned about is that damsel. BUT the clowns might keep him in his place especially if they are a pair. The gramma might be low on totem pole as far as aggression goes

 

[littlefoxx]

Looks good to me!

 

[EuphyllinOHk]

I think thats a great list. The only one I would be concerned about is that damsel. BUT the clowns might keep him in his place especially if they are a pair. The gramma might be low on totem pole as far as aggression goes

It's funny reading about people's opinions on marine fish behaviors. There seems to be a window of variability in how aggressive they can be, and like us, they only seem to get grumpier with age. I've read, enough times to be concerned, that the gramma's can get cranky and aggressive. I've also read that the Springeri Damsel is relatively peaceful, despite its cousins' reputations.

Guessing who is the exception and who is the rule gets easier over time. Every differing opinion keeps me from falling into the trap of reading only the ones that I want to buy into, so I appreciate the input.

 

[Reef Wizard]

It's funny reading about people's opinions on marine fish behaviors. There seems to be a window of variability in how aggressive they can be, and like us, they only seem to get grumpier with age. I've read, enough times to be concerned, that the gramma's can get cranky and aggressive. I've also read that the Springeri Damsel is relatively peaceful, despite its cousins' reputations.

Guessing who is the exception and who is the rule gets easier over time. Every differing opinion keeps me from falling into the trap of reading only the ones that I want to buy into, so I appreciate the input.

With the Royal Gramma there is a bit of a ID issue most of the time people confuse the royal gramma with the royal dottyback which is more aggressive. Keep that in mind as well The grammas I have witnessed seem to be more timid and tend to hide from more assertive fish

However each fish has a personality much like we do


Royal Dottyback

Royal Gramma