PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Ok, I'll keep the 2 fairy wrasses.

check with me on behaviors before purchase

I currently have a glass lid keeping everyone in. I'm going to replace it with clear netting.

I am concerned with air circulation with a glass lid but remember 1/4 inch holes in the netting

Could I do a Kole Tang or Purple Tang instead of the 2 Anthias?

a kole tang would be preferred

The cube is 36x36, but 50" on the diagonal. Sorry for all the questions. You are providing a great service.

Thanks. I just want everyone in the hobby to be successful with a stress free tank(s)

 

[ReefShrink]

Hi Steve,

I am getting my new 105 gallon (48x24x20) tank set-up. The rest of the equipment is listed in my signature. Just got the sand and salt water in the DT. This weekend I will be aquascaping with BRS rock that I have finished curing/cooking. QT tank has been cycling and ammonia is at 0 and nitrites still need to come down, but it should be ready to receive fish soon. Will be going with a predominantly SPS tank and some LPS/softies.

The stocking plan is to stick with smaller fish that would be suitable for nano tanks, so that my tank gives theses smaller fish a lot more room and hopefully happiness. This also allows me to keep a few more fish than if I went with bigger fish.

Initial stocking list is simple:
Chromis x 3-5
Anthias x 3-5
Percula clowns x 2

Future additions:
Mandarin dragonet (of course after tank has established a large and and stable copepod population)
Gobies (undecided which ones)
Perhaps a Tang or two

I have two questions:
1. Which of three first ones would you recommend I start with first?
2. For the chromis and anthias, I want them to hopefully school, but any advice on how many of each I should get for my tank set-up?

TIA!

 

[snorvich]

Hi Steve,

I am getting my new 105 gallon (48x24x20) tank set-up. The rest of the equipment is listed in my signature. Just got the sand and salt water in the DT. This weekend I will be aquascaping with BRS rock that I have finished curing/cooking. QT tank has been cycling and ammonia is at 0 and nitrites still need to come down, but it should be ready to receive fish soon. Will be going with a predominantly SPS tank and some LPS/softies.

The stocking plan is to stick with smaller fish that would be suitable for nano tanks, so that my tank gives theses smaller fish a lot more room and hopefully happiness.

excellent idea!

This also allows me to keep a few more fish than if I went with bigger fish.

Initial stocking list is simple:
Chromis x 3-5 chromis are coming in in poor health; I would forego those at this time but even if healthy, they would almost inevitably reduce their number to one or at most two
Anthias x 3-5 multiple anthias require a larger tank, one would work, however
Percula clowns x 2

Future additions:
Mandarin dragonet (of course after tank has established a large and and stable copepod population)
Gobies (undecided which ones)
Perhaps a Tang or two one of the bristletooth family would work, two would not

I have two questions:
1. Which of three first ones would you recommend I start with first? always most peaceful first, most aggressive last
2. For the chromis and anthias, I want them to hopefully school, but any advice on how many of each I should get for my tank set-up? those fish will not school or shoal in this size tank

TIA!

 

[ReefShrink]

Hmmm... I must have misread that anthias were suitable for smaller tanks. I was wrong! Most need atleast 125 gallons. So that leaves me with the chromis and the clowns. I know that the chromis are more peaceful than the clowns.

1. Is the poor health of the chromis a seasonal issue?
2. I know the clowns are hardy enough for a new tank, but what about the chromis?
3. Are gobies hardy enough to be the first fish in a new tank?

 

[snorvich]

Hmmm... I must have misread that anthias were suitable for smaller tanks. I was wrong! Most need atleast 125 gallons. So that leaves me with the chromis and the clowns. I know that the chromis are more peaceful than the clowns.

1. Is the poor health of the chromis a seasonal issue? we do not know
2. I know the clowns are hardy enough for a new tank, but what about the chromis? no fish should be used to cycle a tank; after the tank is cycled, clownfish or gobies will work
3. Are gobies hardy enough to be the first fish in a new tank?

 

[snorvich]

1) So the black ocell is sort of like an albino one they can sell for more because its different haha
3) I purchased what I believe to be a skunk shrimp. Are they ok with gobies? Im looking at the diamond watchman goby.

those shrimp do not form a commensal relationship with gobis

new questions for compatibility in a 55gallon reef tank.
7) Will wrasse and chromis be ok together? They are both schooling fish? So I should pick one or the other? Or would 3 wrasse/chromis be good with 3 cardinals.

neither will school. wrasse do not school or shoal even in large tanks

8) Harlequin Shrimp requires starfish for food exclusively
9) Spiny Blue lobster not reef safe

Thanks again.

 

[Constantine]

Tank Info: 55 gallon, 4” sand bed and 60+ lbs live rock. (all old and well established 5 years) Stage 4 with UV canister filter 250 gph, Prizm protein skimmer HOB, hydor 425 powerhead, 2- 65w PC & 2-65w blue actinic lights.

Current live stock: 1 blue damsel (came with the tank ), 2 young Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Urchin, 1 brittle star, 4 hermits, 2 nessarius snails, 3 larger snails always on glass, 12 mushroom, 1 toadstool leather.

Future tank goal: I want a poor mans/ beginner reef with a couple more soft coral like pulse xenia, GSP, and maybe an LPS like frog spawn.

Stocking: I would like to add 2 firefish and 1 royal gramma. Are there any issues with these or conflict with my goal? (assuming I make the damsel behave) Also, would a dwarf angel fit in with those types of coral?

Thanks so much!

 

[rlpardue]

I'm contemplating the purchase of a cool set of fish: there are 3 female fairy wrasses at the LFS in quarantine (w/ copper) right now waiting for me to pick 'em up. They could be one of at least 3 different species; one of which is Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis (yellow-finned fairy wrasse). One of them is about 1 & 1/2", one is about 1 & 1/4", and one is about 1". They seem to follow each other around, tentatively picking at the LR in the tank. My question is primarily about how they will react together once in my tank.

Tank info:
-75g with ReefOct 150g skimmer, large sump, refugium with 12 mangroves, sand bed and chaeto.
-MP40, Koralia (1050g/hr), and a couple of MJ1200s for flow
-corals are predominantly SPS frags, with some Xenia species, frogspawn and chalices as well.
-2x250w MH + 2x 46-inch T5s

Fish: 1 very small Naso tang (I'm moving into a larger tank soon), 2x Tiger Wardi gobies, 2x banggai cardinals, 2x yellow banana wrasse (incorrectly referred to as yellow coris - one is a male and one is a very small female), 1 pygmy wrasse, 1 very fat cleaner wrasse.

How will the 3 fairy wrasses act socially over time? Will the large one become male while the other 2 remain female? Or will the big one kill each smaller one when they begin to transition to males?

 

[telijah]

I have a 40 gallon fowlr with about 40lbs of rock, currently only have two percula clowns.

My lfs posted on facebook that they're overstocked on yellow clown gobies and are selling them for $5 each. Would these be OK with my other two clowns? Was thinking of getting one. However, not sure if it will be good since I do not have corals.

 

[snorvich]

Tank Info: 55 gallon, 4" sand bed and 60+ lbs live rock. (all old and well established 5 years) Stage 4 with UV canister filter 250 gph, Prizm protein skimmer HOB, hydor 425 powerhead, 2- 65w PC & 2-65w blue actinic lights.

Current live stock: 1 blue damsel (came with the tank ), 2 young Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Urchin, 1 brittle star, 4 hermits, 2 nessarius snails, 3 larger snails always on glass, 12 mushroom, 1 toadstool leather.

Future tank goal: I want a poor mans/ beginner reef with a couple more soft coral like pulse xenia, GSP, and maybe an LPS like frog spawn.

Stocking: I would like to add 2 firefish and 1 royal gramma. Are there any issues with these or conflict with my goal? (assuming I make the damsel behave)

Biggest issue is the damsel, more for the royal gramma than the firefish. Firefish jump, so you need a closed top.

Also, would a dwarf angel fit in with those types of coral?

Yes, with what you mentioned but meaty LPS would be a risk

Thanks so much!

 

[snorvich]

I have a 40 gallon fowlr with about 40lbs of rock, currently only have two percula clowns.

My lfs posted on facebook that they're overstocked on yellow clown gobies and are selling them for $5 each. Would these be OK with my other two clowns? Was thinking of getting one. However, not sure if it will be good since I do not have corals.

one would be fine, two or more not fine.

 

[snorvich]

I'm contemplating the purchase of a cool set of fish: there are 3 female fairy wrasses at the LFS in quarantine (w/ copper) right now waiting for me to pick 'em up. They could be one of at least 3 different species; one of which is Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis (yellow-finned fairy wrasse). One of them is about 1 & 1/2", one is about 1 & 1/4", and one is about 1". They seem to follow each other around, tentatively picking at the LR in the tank. My question is primarily about how they will react together once in my tank.

If they are a male and two females, they will get along fine. However I am skeptical of any LFS's quarantine. A non-therapeutic dosage for less than a month is worthless.

Tank info:
-75g with ReefOct 150g skimmer, large sump, refugium with 12 mangroves, sand bed and chaeto.
-MP40, Koralia (1050g/hr), and a couple of MJ1200s for flow
-corals are predominantly SPS frags, with some Xenia species, frogspawn and chalices as well.
-2x250w MH + 2x 46-inch T5s

Fish: 1 very small Naso tang (I'm moving into a larger tank soon), 2x Tiger Wardi gobies, 2x banggai cardinals, 2x yellow banana wrasse (incorrectly referred to as yellow coris - one is a male and one is a very small female), 1 pygmy wrasse, 1 very fat cleaner wrasse.

I hate hearing that you have a Naso tang of any species in less than an 8 foot tank.

How will the 3 fairy wrasses act socially over time? Will the large one become male while the other 2 remain female? Or will the big one kill each smaller one when they begin to transition to males?

The key question is "Are they of different sizes?". If so the odds are in your favor

 

[Shoryureppa]

Hi! I've always been confused about tank capacity as there are so many variables. I would like to know if I am close or over capacity.Lastly, equipment criticism and honest feedback would be great.

Tank - 120 Gallon Oceanic Tech
Sump - 40 Gallon Breeder
Eheim 1262 return pump
4 inch DSB
2 x MP40
SWC 160 Skimmer
Phosban reactor 150 x 2 running GFO and Carbon
30 gallon refugium lit opposite DT
150 lbs live rock

Fish:

Flame wrasse harem - 1M 4F
Pink Streaked wrasse pair
Yellow and Blue Assessor
1 common clownfish
1 Yasha Goby
1 Tanaka Pygmy Wrasse
1 Choati leopard wrasse

So the question is am I over stocked? I was looking to add a pygmy angel, and a long nose butterfly fish and call it a day. Also, Should I upgrade the skimmer to work with the bioload? Nitrates and Phosphates are 0, No cyano or algae except macro. Please critique and thank you so much in advance.

 

[ridleywr24cb]

my stock wishlist

my stock wishlist

250 gallon tank with hang on back filter and skimmer. No sump. Heres my list please help. Humu trigger. Clown fish. Christmas wrasse.blue tang. Emperor angel. Harlequin tusk. Cardinal pj. Firefish red.

 

[N008R33F3R]

You could. You need to develop a good quarantine protocol (see my blog for an example). But that is a fairly expensive start to your stocking plan. Have you, perchance, discussed your interests with Kevin?

So I took your advice and I spoke to the man with the plan...As from what I gathered from Obi Wan himself I added my cuc today and am currently quarantining

1 catalina goby
1 firefish purple
1 court jester goby

Will be adding some orange/green zoas and possibly some candy cane corals tomorrow on my day off.

The man with the plan said I need to start off slow and cheap just in case something crashes being my tanks so new....:thumbsup:

:hmm1::strooper:

 

[snorvich]

Hi! I've always been confused about tank capacity as there are so many variables. I would like to know if I am close or over capacity.Lastly, equipment criticism and honest feedback would be great.

Tank - 120 Gallon Oceanic Tech
Sump - 40 Gallon Breeder
Eheim 1262 return pump
4 inch DSB
2 x MP40
SWC 160 Skimmer
Phosban reactor 150 x 2 running GFO and Carbon
30 gallon refugium lit opposite DT
150 lbs live rock

Fish:

Flame wrasse harem - 1M 4F
Pink Streaked wrasse pair
Yellow and Blue Assessor
1 common clownfish
1 Yasha Goby
1 Tanaka Pygmy Wrasse
1 Choati leopard wrasse

So the question is am I over stocked? I was looking to add a pygmy angel, and a long nose butterfly fish and call it a day. Also, Should I upgrade the skimmer to work with the bioload? Nitrates and Phosphates are 0, No cyano or algae except macro. Please critique and thank you so much in advance.

Unfortunately, it is not algorithmic and as much art (behavioral compatibility) as science (relative metabolism which affects biocapacity). You are not currently overstocked but it is desirable not to infringe on the wrasses desire for copepod consumption so the refugium is essential. Choati require peaceful tank mates but your desired additions should be fine. In this thread, I only comment on marine fish compatibility as opposed to equipment. But superficial analysis of that seems fine.

 

[snorvich]

250 gallon tank with hang on back filter and skimmer. No sump. Heres my list please help. Humu trigger. Clown fish. Christmas wrasse.blue tang. Emperor angel. Harlequin tusk. Cardinal pj. Firefish red.

Sorry, I do not comment on aggressive fish tanks. You have fish which jump so it is best if you have a tightly covered tank.

 

[snorvich]

So I took your advice and I spoke to the man with the plan...As from what I gathered from Obi Wan himself I added my cuc today and am currently quarantining

1 catalina goby requires cool temperatures not normally found in reef aquaria without a chiller
1 firefish purple prolific jumper requires a tight top
1 court jester goby

Will be adding some orange/green zoas and possibly some candy cane corals tomorrow on my day off.

The man with the plan said I need to start off slow and cheap just in case something crashes being my tanks so new....:thumbsup:

:hmm1::strooper:

Kevin is able to provide superb advice

 

[Shoryureppa]

Unfortunately, it is not algorithmic and as much art (behavioral compatibility) as science (relative metabolism which affects biocapacity). You are not currently overstocked but it is desirable not to infringe on the wrasses desire for copepod consumption so the refugium is essential. Choati require peaceful tank mates but your desired additions should be fine. In this thread, I only comment on marine fish compatibility as opposed to equipment. But superficial analysis of that seems fine.

Thanks Steve! I figured you of all people would know. A lot of people who try to give me advice at the LFS(not the employees) keep tangs in a 65 gallon tank and argue that it's ok because its small.

Sorry about the equipment rant. I've read the equipment threads and got conflicting opinions so I didn't bother.

Thanks again!

 

[snorvich]

Thanks Steve! I figured you of all people would know. A lot of people who try to give me advice at the LFS(not the employees) keep tangs in a 65 gallon tank and argue that it's ok because its small.

Sorry about the equipment rant. I've read the equipment threads and got conflicting opinions so I didn't bother.

Thanks again!

The whole equipment thing is highly subjective and it is unclear to me that there is a correct position.