PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Hi Snorvich, thank you for your time. You're doing a great thing here.
Slowly stocking a 500g FOWLR (5'x5' footprint) with ~180g sump, it's been running 3 years.

Large tanks have different rules so in come cases I am not sure of your outcome especially given tank dimensions

Currently holds:
Coris gaimard
Heniochus
Coral beauty
Flame angel
Cinnamon clown
Tank-raised ocellaris
Neon blue velvet damsel
2x Sergeant majors
2x Yellow damsels
Fiji blue devil
Black and gold chromis adult
Undulated trigger (feel free to ignore, I have a spare 100g tank set up and running for that one if/when needed)

A gorgeous but incredibly aggressive fish.


I plan on adding over the next couple years:
Naso literatus You have the gallonage but not the tank length for this fish with your tank dimensions.
Thalassoma trilobatum Unsure if this will work
Queen angel
French angel

Are the two large wrasses ok together?

I do not know for sure, but I would guess it is ok

And the large angels? If the queen angel can't be housed with a french angel, would a passer or blue angel be better? Any advice or warning is appreciated.

Passers are incredibly aggressive once past the juvenile stage, blue angels and queen angels cannot mix. If you introduce both desired angels as juveniles it will probably work. But these are large fish once mature so caution is advised. Remember large fish in a 500 gallon would be better if it were a long tank.

 

[patm09]

I have a 7wk old 34g Solana. Aqua C remora HOB filter, 35lbs live rock, 25lbs of sand, going to be running a media box with filter floss, chemi pure elite, and purigen. Right now I have 1 peppermint shrimp, 9 dwarf red legged hermits, a few astrea, cerith and nerite snails.

Would like to add

2 True Percs
1 Midas Blenny
1 Orange Spotted Watchmen Goby (paired with pistol shrimp)
1 Mandarin

Can I keep any kind of sea star?

I also want to have lps corals.

Thanks!

 

[snorvich]

I have a 7wk old 34g Solana. Aqua C remora HOB filter, 35lbs live rock, 25lbs of sand, going to be running a media box with filter floss, chemi pure elite, and purigen. Right now I have 1 peppermint shrimp, 9 dwarf red legged hermits, a few astrea, cerith and nerite snails.

Would like to add

2 True Percs Once sexually mature, will take over the the tank
1 Midas Blenny
1 Orange Spotted Watchmen Goby (paired with pistol shrimp)
1 Mandarin Unless you have the ability to spot feed this fish multiple times per day, it will starve and die

Can I keep any kind of sea star? No, it will starve. If you are talking brittle stars, exercise extreme caution as some can take fish

I also want to have lps corals. No fish so far would contra indicate LPS.

Thanks!

 

[MojaveReefer]

Snorvich Thanks for taking the time to do this.

I have a 180g 6x2x2(LxWxH) with a 60 gallon sump under construction, should be completed and ready to cycle by the end of November at the latest. I wanted you to review my list so I can make changes if need be.

Posted in order of addition

1.
3 Blue/Green Chromis

2.
2 Ocellaris Clowns

3.
2 Bangai Cardinals

4.
1 Starry Blenny

5.
1 Kole Tang
1 Scopas Tang

6.
3 McCoskers wrasses (1 male, 2 felmales)

7.
1 Purple Tang

I have not decided on a time line for the additions as of yet. Of course it will be slow to allow for the bacteria to adjust to the new bioload each time. Please give me your critique so I can adjust/cut the list if need be. Thanks again.

 

[snorvich]

Snorvich Thanks for taking the time to do this.

I have a 180g 6x2x2(LxWxH) with a 60 gallon sump under construction, should be completed and ready to cycle by the end of November at the latest. I wanted you to review my list so I can make changes if need be.

Posted in order of addition

1.
3 Blue/Green Chromis Hopefully these fish are not going to be used to cycle the tank; a raw shrimp in pantyhose works better

2.
2 Ocellaris Clowns

3.
2 Bangai Cardinals must be M/F pair

4.
1 Starry Blenny

5.
1 Kole Tang
1 Scopas Tang

6.
3 McCoskers wrasses (1 male, 2 felmales)

7.
1 Purple Tang This is the most aggressive of the tangs, so adding it last is essential.

I have not decided on a time line for the additions as of yet. Of course it will be slow to allow for the bacteria to adjust to the new bioload each time. Please give me your critique so I can adjust/cut the list if need be. Thanks again.

Pretty good list and excellent order

 

[MojaveReefer]

Thanks for the review, the Chromis will definitely not be added til after the cycle, that would be cruel. Do I have room for more fish, or am I stretching it as it is? I would like to add a yellow tang and possibly a couple more small fish if it would not put the bioload near the threshold of the tank.

 

[snorvich]

Thanks for the review, the Chromis will definitely not be added til after the cycle, that would be cruel. Do I have room for more fish, or am I stretching it as it is? I would like to add a yellow tang and possibly a couple more small fish if it would not put the bioload near the threshold of the tank.

I definitely do not recommend a yellow tang with a purple tang. 4 tangs in that sized tank would be really pushing it since all are grazers. But a couple of small fish would work fine. You should be sure they do not conflict with the remainder of your plan.

 

[MojaveReefer]

Yeah I figured on the tangs.

the smaller fish would be

2 Purple Firefish
1 Royal Gramma
1 Yellow Watchman Goby with a pistol shrimp

 

[snorvich]

Yeah I figured on the tangs.

the smaller fish would be

2 Purple Firefish Must be a pair for long term survival; do not believe what you see at a LFS with a bunch in a 40 gallon waiting to be sold. Look for two hanging out together as best chance at a pair. I would move them to a much higher place on introduction order
1 Royal Gramma
1 Yellow Watchman Goby with a pistol shrimp

Also, with three tangs, a protein skimmer is desirable.

 

[MojaveReefer]

Thank you again, I will be running a skimmer.

I'll find a place for each of those additions in the order, just wanted to be sure they'd be ok on the bioload. I only want to be at about 65%-70% of what the tank can handle.

 

[snorvich]

Thank you again, I will be running a skimmer.

I'll find a place for each of those additions in the order, just wanted to be sure they'd be ok on the bioload. I only want to be at about 65%-70% of what the tank can handle.

Which is highly desirable for a lot of reasons. I feel you will be about at your target.

 

[alaska clowns]

My tank is 65 gallons -
I was wondering..... I have a pair of ocellaris clowns, a royal gramma, a midas blenny -
I'm looking for fish that won't pester my clowns .
Longnose hawkfish looks neat, and I'd like to try getting a pair - would they be peaceful toward my clowns?

 

[bundybear1981]

Hey Steve,
I have revised my stock list and would like to know if these guys would be compatible with each other (list is also in my proposed stocking order)

2 perculas (tank raised)
1 One spot foxfish
1 Dispar Anthias
1 Flame Angel
1 Mandarin (in about 6 to 12 mths, fuge is running now with healthy pod growth)


Tank Details
70 gal display tank (48"x18"x20")
45 gal sump (48"x15"x18") (inc. 24 gal refug w/calerpa + LR)
4x T8 lights (2x marine blue, 1x tropical, 1x sunlight)
UV steralizer
Aquaone Protein Skimmer G220
660 gph powerhead and 600 gph mag pump

Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!
Jason

 

[snorvich]

Hey Steve,
I have revised my stock list and would like to know if these guys would be compatible with each other (list is also in my proposed stocking order)

2 perculas (tank raised)
1 One spot foxfish
1 Dispar Anthias
1 Flame Angel Not coral safe
1 Mandarin (in about 6 to 12 mths, fuge is running now with healthy pod growth)

Looks good to me

Tank Details
70 gal display tank (48"x18"x20")
45 gal sump (48"x15"x18") (inc. 24 gal refug w/calerpa + LR)
4x T8 lights (2x marine blue, 1x tropical, 1x sunlight)
UV steralizer
Aquaone Protein Skimmer G220
660 gph powerhead and 600 gph mag pump

Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!
Jason

 

[snorvich]

My tank is 65 gallons -
I was wondering..... I have a pair of ocellaris clowns, a royal gramma, a midas blenny -
I'm looking for fish that won't pester my clowns .
Longnose hawkfish looks neat, and I'd like to try getting a pair - would they be peaceful toward my clowns?

A long nose hawkfish will ignore your clowns but pairing them is not so easily done

 

[radksa]

Steve,
Wanted to say this is an amazing thread, I've learned a lot, and you've save me many headaches already. I was hoping you could comment on my stocking lists. I have no fish yet, and these lists are completely theoretical at this point, I have no issue with revisions. The first tank is not set up yet, the second two are set up.

Plans reef tank 90 gallon, 40 gallon sump/refugium, skimmer rated for 150 gal.:

1. Carpenters flasher wrasse x 1
2. Yellow clown goby x 2
3. McCoskers flasher wrasse x 1
4. Linespot flasher wrasse x 1
5. Yellowheaded jawfish x 2 (if the tank is not big enough for 2, 1 will be fine)
6. Percula clownfish x 2
7. Royal gramma x 1
8. Black cap basslet x 1
9. Striped blenny x 1
10. Mandarin dragonet x 1 (only after 6mos. to a year, proper pod population, etc.)

assorted snails for cuc, no crabs.

Planning on a variety of lps and some soft coral.

The order of introduction can be modified if need be. I think everything is reef safe, if not, please let me know and I will revise accordingly.

Plans fowlr 40 gallon/no sump:

1. Black occelaris clownfish x 2
2. Lawnmower blenny x 1
3. Coral beauty x 1 (unless it nips at anemones)
4. Bubble tipped anemones x 2



35 hex fowlr/no sump:

1. Percula clownfish x 1
2. Yellowheaded jawfish x 1
3. Tailspot blenny x 1
4. Orchid dottyback x 1

These two tanks were my first set ups, I have learned a lot since putting them together. If the lack of sumps is truly a problem and I am setting myself up for failure, let me know and I will alter my plans, but if I can be successful, I would like to keep them up. Both tanks have skimmers set up and running rated for 75 gal. The 40 gal. has a small variety of soft coral and lps frags that will be moved to the 90 gal. when set up. They have done very well, all labs in both tanks look great. Interested in you thoughts, thank you very much.
Scott

 

[_Mackus_]

Great thread, thanks for the advice.

This is my current plan for a 125 gallon tall reef tank (~150 lb live rock) w 30 gallon sump/fuge. I currently have a 29 gallon w just two oscellaris clowns and a few inverts (urchin, brittle star, a few snails) that will be joining the new tank once it cycles. The old 29 gallon will then be converted to my new QT tank for all of the new purchases.

Grouped in order of intended purchase/QT

2 oscellaris clowns (already have)

3 banggai cardinals
1 flame angel

1 yellow foxface

3 lyretail anthias

1 kole tang

1 green mandarin (once copepod population builds up)

Plus corals, clean-up-crew and a few other assorted inverts. Would I have any more room to add fish if all of those above are compatible? Thanks

 

[snorvich]

Steve,
Wanted to say this is an amazing thread, I've learned a lot, and you've save me many headaches already. I was hoping you could comment on my stocking lists. I have no fish yet, and these lists are completely theoretical at this point, I have no issue with revisions. The first tank is not set up yet, the second two are set up.

Plans reef tank 90 gallon, 40 gallon sump/refugium, skimmer rated for 150 gal.:

1. Carpenters flasher wrasse x 1
2. Yellow clown goby x 2
3. McCoskers flasher wrasse x 1
4. Linespot flasher wrasse x 1
5. Yellowheaded jawfish x 2 (if the tank is not big enough for 2, 1 will be fine)
6. Percula clownfish x 2
7. Royal gramma x 1
8. Black cap basslet x 1
9. Striped blenny x 1
10. Mandarin dragonet x 1 (only after 6mos. to a year, proper pod population, etc.)

I think the stocking list is fine. Obviously a producing refugium would be desirable for the mandarin

assorted snails for cuc, no crabs.

Planning on a variety of lps and some soft coral.

All fish are LPS safe

The order of introduction can be modified if need be. I think everything is reef safe, if not, please let me know and I will revise accordingly.

With one exception, flasher wrasses have similar personalities (8 line flasher wrasse from the Red Sea) so order is not critical. But these are prodigious jumpers so you need a mesh top with 1/4 inch holes

Plans fowlr 40 gallon/no sump:

1. Black occelaris clownfish x 2
2. Lawnmower blenny x 1
3. Coral beauty x 1 (unless it nips at anemones)
4. Bubble tipped anemones x 2

Should be fine


35 hex fowlr/no sump:

1. Percula clownfish x 1
2. Yellowheaded jawfish x 1
3. Tailspot blenny x 1
4. Orchid dottyback x 1

Should be fine as long as you do not pair the clown


These two tanks were my first set ups, I have learned a lot since putting them together. If the lack of sumps is truly a problem and I am setting myself up for failure, let me know and I will alter my plans, but if I can be successful, I would like to keep them up. Both tanks have skimmers set up and running rated for 75 gal. The 40 gal. has a small variety of soft coral and lps frags that will be moved to the 90 gal. when set up. They have done very well, all labs in both tanks look great. Interested in you thoughts, thank you very much.
Scott

While I prefer sumps (oxygen content of the water is better), small tanks can do without them.

 

[snorvich]

Great thread, thanks for the advice.

This is my current plan for a 125 gallon tall reef tank (~150 lb live rock) w 30 gallon sump/fuge. I currently have a 29 gallon w just two oscellaris clowns and a few inverts (urchin, brittle star, a few snails) that will be joining the new tank once it cycles. The old 29 gallon will then be converted to my new QT tank for all of the new purchases.

Grouped in order of intended purchase/QT

2 oscellaris clowns (already have)

3 banggai cardinals Are you trying to pair them? Remember that 3 is not a stable number with this fish species. You can have one or a M/F pair
1 flame angel

1 yellow foxface

3 lyretail anthias

1 kole tang

1 green mandarin (once copepod population builds up)

Plus corals, clean-up-crew and a few other assorted inverts. Would I have any more room to add fish if all of those above are compatible? Thanks

I feel the list is compatible, but no large fish should be added. Several small fish can be considered as long as they play well together

 

[TylerHaworth]

I'll go ahead and throw my desires out there for my new SPS tank build

120 DT, 75 Sump, 29 Fuge.

Picasso Percula Pair
Lyretail Anthias 1M 2F
Mandarin
Diamond Goby
Bellus Angelfish
Wrasse (Mystery probably - Lineatus if I feel froggy)
Purple Tang