New 46g Help Please.

[wrongshui]

I just got my 46gal vertical back, after about a year... my friends shop had been maintaining it... as I had to move a few times. I hadnt gotten too far beyond cycling when I had to move to begin with, but now... its all cycled up and thriving.

I have a few questions though...

How many fish 1-1.5" should this tank have in it? Also... I REALLY love inverts... especially banded cleaner. (I've heard they're good for bristleworms, is this true? I just noticed one today).

Below is what I have now:

2 x what I believe are false percula, currently an inch each, they are newly tankmates (about 36 hrs now).
1 x sixline
1 x purple blennie (i forgot the name).

1 x horseshoe crab
2 x skunk cleaner shrimp.

I'd love to cycle in a 2 more fish over the next 3-6 months... and maybe 2-4 more shrimp including a banded cleaner.

Is 6-7 small fish too many for this system? Also... I've never really seen a rule of thumb for inverts. Not sure at all how many is too many in this situation.

Sorry for the long post, thanks for the help... glad to have my tank back!!!

 

[zoomfish1]

Couple of thoughts, first that horseshoe crab is really funny to watch, but not too good for a tank your size. They get over a foot round. They tend to make more of a mess than not.

Second, what are your cleaner shrimp living on. Not many parasites there with only 4 small fish. Anyway, you could add a couple more fish over the next few months provided you have enough rock, sand, skimmer, etc... to filter out the bioload.

I don't have shrimp, so I really know nothing about their upkeep. I may have mis-spoke about the cleaner shrimp.

Aand, congrats on finally getting your tank back. AND, welcome to RC.

 

[Im Lon 2]

wrongshui

To Reef Central


What kind of fish do you want to add? How often do you do Water changes, and do you have a sump or skimmer?

As far as inverts I don't see a problem adding more. The Cleaner doesn't need parasites to live, it should be eating when you are feeding the the fish as well.. Mine use to eat out of my hands.

I agree with Zoomfish on the horseshoe crab, even though fun to watch they will grow really fast and they also eat the good stuff in the sand bed.

 

[wrongshui]

Hi guys, thanks for the quick replys...

I do not have a sump or skimmer... I just have a canister filter, and my coralife 20k mh light. Unfortunately, there is no room for a sump or skimmer, as the stand is fit for the vertical tank, and room is limited around it.

I literally JUST got the tank back a few days ago... but looking at around monthly water changes, unless the water tests dictate otherwise.

In regards to the fish, I'd like to get something active and interesting... not too large, no more than 2" or so, and something that wont grow much bigger. (due to the size of my tank).

I'd love to get a goby with a pair of pistol shrimp as well. I think that'd be a blast to watch them get along.

The horseshoe we couldnt find to take out, and he comes up and dances everyonce in a while, his shell is no bigger than an inch at the moment... Im going to keep tabs on him, and give him back when he gets bigger though...

Thanks again.