How many at first?

[Dollarbill]

I have a 180 tank. Ive finally cycled it and added a brittle star and 2 tiny hermit crabs last night. They are all doing great so far. Can i add more to the tank or is it not a good idea to add to much to soon? Mybe a couple more crabs and 1 or 2 fish? Thank you for your help. db

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

you can add quite a few inverts to the tank without causing a panic. where you want to take your time is when adding fish. i would only add 1-2 fish every month to let the bacteria catch up

 

[Randall_James]

Brittle star as in little white guy or as in Green Serpent start? The green guy is great at eating excess food waste but in time will grow large enough to go after your fish.

What you added would not do much in a tank that large and I do not see why you can not add fish if the cycle is complete. I like the idea of adding fish slowly but you need to add them in the correct order. That is tough to do unless you have your "Fish List" done. You do not "have" to make a fish list but it does a couple things. It allows you to order the addition, shop for the right animals, discourages impulse buys.

At any rate congrats!! adding the first fish is a fun moment and especially in a tank that large, you feel good about getting him out of that tiny display and into a tank with some elbow room.

 

[Dollarbill]

Yes, it is the green serpant star. His disc is a bit bigger than a quarter. I cant wait till the LFS opens!

 

[Randall_James]

If possible work on your final stocking list so you do not go adding some fish that will be a terror on everyone that comes in after him. There are work arounds (moving rocks etc) that work but is a lot easier to plan from the start. I sure wish I had a fresh 180 to stock

Serpent should be ok for now but as he gets larger, you will sense when he is at a size that is dangerous to the other fish hopefully. They do such a great job of eating large meaty stuff that gets by the fish, I hate to do without one.

 

[Dollarbill]

My problem is im not sure what is real compatible with what yet. Once again ill have to probably learn the hard way.($$$) Well its 9:30am here. Time to go to breakfast and then LFS! Thank you for your help! Ill name the first fish in, after you! db

 

[Randall_James]

Do not forget the photos!

 

[Dollarbill]

Ok, Im back! I got a bi-color angel and 2 engineer gobies. Was going to get crabs too but 2 stores were fresh out! I was gonna name the bi color ang. after you but the gobies went in first. So now its "Randal and James" the engineer gobies! You got 2 instead. haha. Ill get working on the photos soon too. db