Newbie looking for stocking input

[Bost0109]

Hello,
I am well versed in freshwater aquariums but this is my first attempt at a FOWLR saltwater set-up. It will start as a 40 gallon breeder with a 20 gallon long DIY sump underneath ( with Refugium and protein skimmer compartments). I have tons of questions, but two main ones at the moment:

1. Working stocking list
- 1 x black and white clownfish
- goby/ pistol shrimp pair
- 1 x six lined wrasse
- 2 x Kauderns cardinals

Will this likely be a reasonable stocking or will this be too much for the system to handle?

2. Lighting- I would like to grow coralline algae in the tank. Wondering if 36" t5 HO ( 1 actinic and 1 10,000k bulb for a total of 72 watts ) would be sufficient?

[bribo12]

That's a bit under stocked IMO but that's not an issue . Coraline will grow under most lighting. The 2 bulb t5 will be fine and you can probably grow some soft corals under that as well.


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[Bost0109]

Maybe I could add an orchid dotty back to the stocking list?


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[aaaaaalicia]

You're in good shape with that community, I agree that you are under stocked. You could afford to add a few more guys 😊


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[Bost0109]

Bump.


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[bribo12]

I'd be careful with the dottyback and 6 line together in that size tank


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[Mattyfelts]

id add another clown.

[Bost0109]

Clown instead of dotty back? Would I have to add both clowns at the same time? What about long-nosed hawk fish instead? I love the movement of clowns, but since it will be my first addition to the tank, I am assuming I wouldn't want to place both in at the same time. Thoughts?


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[Mattyfelts]

i always thought clowns were happier in a pair but its up to you.

[bribo12]

I'd put them both in at the same time


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[TheTodd]

I love Long Nose Hawks. Very interesting personalities.


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[aaaaaalicia]

Flame Hawks and Spotted Hawks are funny characters, too 😄


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