34g. - stocking question

[tsturetsky]

i am beginning to stock a 34g tank. i already have a reef tank set up, so i want to stock the 34 with fish that i can not put in reef. i put a small trigger in over the weekend who seems to be doing fine. i was thinking of adding a dwarf lion, a small puffer, and some kind of dwarf angel.

any ideas about my idea? does this sound like it would work?

should i stock 1 at a time and let acclimate for a while, or could i do all at once?

are there other fish that would work out better?

all guidance is appreciated.

 

[Torno]

Hello and welcome to reefcentral! I will do my best to assist you. Now, as you know, a 34 gallon tank isn't very large, (but also not considered "nano"), however, it is the perfect size for a nice assortment of fish. First off, can you tell me what trigger you currently have in the tank? Unfortunately, because of its capability of reaching a rather large size as an adult, you won't be able to keep it comfortably in there forever. I'm not positive of the growth rate of triggers though, so it may be okay for a while.

So, considering you're going to keep the trigger for a while, I wouldn't get a dwarf lion unless you sacrifice either the small puffer, or dwarf angel. Reason being: I used to have a small toby puffer in a tank that size, then added a dwarf lion and within minutes of it being in the tank, the puffer had knipped at all of its long spines and split them off of its back completely! It not only stressed out the lion, but also made it look rather unattractice and scrawny. Any of the small toby puffers would be fine in your tank, such as the valantini puffer, or white spotted puffer. Just be sure you don't house any ornamental shrimp with them, as it'll soon become a rather expensive treat!

You could house any of the dwarf angels in there too, remember the one-to-a-tank rule though, too. A favorite among many is the flame angel, eiblii angel, and coral beauty angel. Did you have any particular ones in mind?

In order to let your bio-logical filter keep up with the load you would be putting on it, I would stock your tank 1-2 fish at a time over the period of a week or two. Remember too that it's best to add aggressive fish last, to let the more timid ones establish their own territories and feel comfortable in their new home.

If it's not too late to take back the trigger, as it will outgrow the tank soon, you could certainly add more fish. Just remember though that if you would decided to take the dwarf lion route that they can and will swallow smaller fish whole, so be careful on your selection!

I hope I was of some help to you!
Neil

 

[tsturetsky]

Thank you for the info.

it is a picasso trigger fish.

so i will probably get the dwarf lion and a small puffer, but leave the angel out.

would that be all that could go in the tank, or is there any other additions that could be made?

 

[Monkeyfish]

Sharpnose puffers may harass the lion by nipping its fins. All other puffers will outgrow that tank rather quickly. The Picasso trigger is one of the most aggressive triggers and will quickly outgrow that tank. In addition, due to the small amount of space it may also attack any additions to the tank.

Go with a dwarf lion OR a small puffer/toby such as valentinni or blue spot. If you do get the lion remember that it will eat anything that fits into its mouth including its tankmates.

IMO you should bring the trigger back or get a bigger tank.

 

[tsturetsky]

if i get the dwarf lion what other tank mates could i get it in that size tank?

 

[Torno]

I do agree with MonkeyFish. You should take back the trigger: don't wait until you're too attatched to it and its the size of the tank that it's in!

A 34 gallon tank could house a dwarf lion and a dwarf angelfish, along with maybe some of the larger sand gobys. Just be sure to either get the lion small, or the fish big. A recommended dwarf lion is the fu manchu lion because it only reaches about 4" in captivity. However, the dwarf fuzzy, dwarf lion, and others do seem to be a bit more active.