Critique stocking list for my 210g....please

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

210g display - SPS/Clam - open top - on the open side as far as rockwork

Already have to transfer from old 120g.
1. 3" male swallowtail angel
2. 2-1" ocellaris clowns

Want to add:
1 male & 7 females -- either Lyretail, or, Dispar
midas blenny
male blonde naso tang

and then if i can:
red sea sailfin tang
brazilian flameback angel


thoughts please....

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

bump......

 

[SDguy]

I'll only comment on the anthias...if you go with dispar, make sure they are healthy and eating. They can be fickle. Lyretails are hardier, but more aggressive. Definitely just one male. There have been several posts lately indicating bartlett can do more than one male in a large tank. Maybe something to consider, as the males are quite striking.

How about a partner for the swallowtail?

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

female swallow is not very good looking to me....
...so you would go with bartlett's?...i wasn't aware that lyretails were aggressive to the point where it could be a problem?

 

[SDguy]

It's really just personal taste. I prefer that fancy look with the pointed snout, so I like bartlett, dispar, etc. Lyretails don't have that. Also, I've always had really good success with bartlett. They are bullet proof, IME. And finally, the idea that some females will change into males, giving several with male coloration in one tank, is very appealing to me.

Lyretails, especially from certain regions, can have very intense colors, so that is a plus for them. They are also very hardy. The pecking order can be very mean, however, so make sure you don't get any "runt" females, as they can waste away from the aggression.

Finally, get all at the same time. Easier on the pecking order.

How long have you had the swallowtail? I've read several posts where a single male will turn back into a female. Not sure if this was species specific though.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

not long....maybe 2 months. didn't know that, i'll have to read up a little more on the swallowtail.

 

[NexDog]

Lyretails aren't that aggressive. I have 5 and they are awesome. They stay high in the water and add activity and colour. My single green chromis schools with them.

They bicker between themselves sometimes but nothing bad really. I mean, they're a family, of course they going to squabble.

Great choice for first time Anthias owners. Not as pretty as others that have pink as they are orange but still a pretty fish. Had no problems getting them to eat. I've heard many reports of multiple fish turning male in Bartlett schools which can be a problem. My Lyretails are all still female so no idea on that point with them yet.

I don't think Naso's belong in aquariums less than 10 foot long.

 

[Amphiprion]

IME, compared to practically all the other commonly available species, P. squamipinnis is definitely one (if not THE) most aggressive species.

 

[NexDog]

Yea, my lil Lyretails beat on my tangs something rotten.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

i thought you said they only bicker amongst the family?

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7244586#post7244586 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E-A-G-L-E-S
I thought you said they only bicker amongst the family?

Yeah, I think, and agree, amphiprion was referring to them being aggressive towards each other, not so much other fish (unless we're talking firefish and other perpetually nervous fish)

 

[Amphiprion]

You are correct, sir.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

ohhh.....but i also was wondering why nexdog put they only squable with the family and then he put they harass his tangs?

 

[Amphiprion]

They may to an extent. It depends upon the type of tank, etc. too. It also boils down to a fish's individual preference. Some tangs chow down on planktonic foods--err, most do for that matter--and Pseudanthias can recognize them as a potential competitor. To an extent, most of the fish we have have overlapping preferences, etc., so an occasional squabble (a quick chase, lunge, or open mouth) can be quite common and little cause for concern.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

so what would you guys advise...which type and how many males/females?
thanks alot - matt

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7244729#post7244729 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amphiprion
They may to an extent. It depends upon the type of tank, etc. too. It also boils down to a fish's individual preference. Some tangs chow down on planktonic foods--err, most do for that matter--and Pseudanthias can recognize them as a potential competitor. To an extent, most of the fish we have have overlapping preferences, etc., so an occasional squabble (a quick chase, lunge, or open mouth) can be quite common and little cause for concern.

Or, I think maybe he was just being sarcastic?

Matt - You've got a nice sized tank, lightly stocked...I'd say it's entirely up to you. Dispars are the most delicate of the three we discussed. I vote bartlett.

 

[Amphiprion]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7244740#post7244740 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E-A-G-L-E-S
so what would you guys advise...which type and how many males/females?
thanks alot - matt

I personally like and recommend P. bartlettorum, not only because they tend to be one of the most peaceful amongst themselves, but because they are very hardy (well, maybe not like P. squamipinnis). But, then again, I am biased--I am sure SDguy is as well.

 

[jda]

I would get a female swallowtail. Males have been known to change back to females without a female present.

Check this out (about half way down):
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/hcs3/index.php

 

[yoboyjdizz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7243918#post7243918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NexDog

I don't think Naso's belong in aquariums less than 10 foot long.

agree with nexdog don't think naso would be agood choice seen full grown naso make a 300 gallon look small but i think at 8 foot tank is suitable for them..also i think your list is fine with plenty of room to spare any other fish you might be interested in?

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

open to suggestions......