Thoughts on stocking list for 75g FOWLR tank

[tom9d]

Howdy folks,

I'm in the prep process for my first marine aquarium (75g, FOWLR) and was hoping for some input on my stocking list. I've looked through these forums and countless other sites, I've read a book on marine aquariums cover-to-cover and this past weekend I visited a LFS to get their take...but there is so much conflicting information.

- Black oscellaris clownfish, mated pair
- Royal gramma
- Indigo hamlet*
- Yellow tang
- Blue-headed wrasse
- Dwarf lionfish*

...I drew a blank on the indigo hamlet when I visited the store and haven't gotten a response on my email to them about it yet, so I have no idea if this fish makes sense with the other. Thoughts on that?

...when I mentioned to the guy at the store that I'd love to have a lionfish, but suspect it would be too much for that tank, he said a dwarf lionfish would be fine, and I wouldn't have to worry about it being too big for years, unless I overfeed it. Thoughts?

...any other thoughts or suggestions on the list? Much appreciated, guys.

-Tom

[tom9d]

...to clarify, I don't even have a tank yet. I'm picking up my tank on Sunday. By prep process, I mean I'm doing all my research and whatnot.

I'm thinking about doing a DIY stand, and I still need to figure out my sump situation and get all the plumbing and stuff done. And of course, there's the sand, live rock, CUC and all that good stuff. But like I said, doing my homework in advance.

[Kmoriarty]

The only problem i see with the stocking list is the lionfish. Even a small one will grow and eventually need a bigger tank (probably). Also, from what i understand, lions will eat anything that can fit in their mouths. That means your gramma and clowns could become food pretty quickly.

[tom9d]

Hmmm...thanks for the response. It seems like a lion would be a bad move given the other fish I want in the tank. I guess I let the guy at the store convince me it would be ok (he wasn't pushing me on it, so it seemed reasonable).

What if I added a butterfly fish instead of the lion? Any species of butterfly that are suitable for a beginner and would work with the above list?

[Kmoriarty]

Butterflywould be a wonderful addition! My tank is too small for one (40 gallons) but I've always wanted one. Aside from personal preference I think they're all beautiful so that's up to you.
Keep in mind though that if you get a butterfly you can never convert to a reef tank. They all eat coral polyps except the copperbanded butterfly. He's not the easiest fish to acclimate to feeding though. Butterflies are not very hardy generally too so make sure your tank is fully established with lots if live rock before he's added. Good luck! Make sure you pics up as you go!

[tom9d]

Thanks, and will do!

Very excited to pick up my tank this weekend.