stocking a 36-gallon tank

[storm9]

My 36 gallon is coming in February hopefully, and I've started thinking about my initial stocking plan. I'm planning to start with a fowlr setup and then transition to a reef tank later on.

For now, I'm thinking of getting 2 black ocellaris clowns and 1 flame angel. I'd also love to get a clown goby, but that's not a priority - more of a nice-to-have.

This is my first saltwater tank, so I'm basically clueless. I've heard some mixed reviews about flame angels - will mine be okay?

[coral8]

Your stocking plan looks solid to me. I'm curious, what's made you hesitant about the flame angel? One thing to consider is that they can be prone to nipping at corals, specifically colt polyps.

[axonify]

If you decide to go with this plan, adding the clown goby first would be a good idea since it's generally the most peaceful of the three. This will give it a chance to settle in before the other fish are introduced.

As for the flame angel, the main concern is its potential to nip at the coflake polyps, but that's about it.

[storm9]

Considering downsizing to a 30 gallon. Will my initial stocking plan still work for the long haul, or should I reconsider the goby or maybe even the angel?

[coral8]

Still good to go with those in a 30G

[axonify]

You'll still be fine with that stocking in a 30G.

[storm9]

I'm thinking of getting coflakes down the line, so I want to know if there are any specific types the angel tends to go after. Losing a $75 coflake to nipping wouldn't be ideal.

[coral8]

Angels tend to target the more fleshy coflakes, you know, the soft ones, but honestly, I wouldn't put it past them to go after the hard ones too.

[storm9]

The more I read about flame angels, the more I'm starting to have doubts. I'm looking for a small, reef-safe fish that's pretty active and has some red or orange to it - any suggestions?

[coral8]

I'd suggest checking out the flame cardinal or firtideflow. They tend to hover more than swim, but you'll usually see 'em out in the open.