PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

I have a 37 gallon tank

A lot of live rock, maybe 40 to 50lbs
Live sand averaging about 1.5 inches around the tank
Just added a 12 gallon sump, right now its the berlin method but I want to convert and add a small refugium
AquaC Urchin Protein Skimmer
Heater
AquaIllumination Hydra with Director Module

I have 2 oscellaris clowns
I banded goby
1 sixline wrasse this will limit other fish that can be added because it is aggressive towards similars

A couple Polyps and Mushrooms

What would be my next option for fish? I'm not concerned about fish that would get big in a few years and I would happily upgrade my tank.

 

[oseymour]

So If I was supposed to get rid or trade the wrasse, what would be my other options/choices?

I have 2 oscellaris clowns
I banded goby
1 sixline wrasse - this will limit other fish that can be added because it is aggressive towards similars

A couple Polyps and Mushrooms

What would be my next option for fish? I'm not concerned about fish that would get big in a few years and I would happily upgrade my tank.

 

[snorvich]

So If I was supposed to get rid or trade the wrasse, what would be my other options/choices?

As those who follow this thread know, I do not provide recommendations for a variety of reasons. However, I am always ready to analyze any stocking plan provided you supply tank size, maturity and fish inhabitants.

 

[smilonas]

Ok, a couple years back Tin Whistler posted his proposed list (below) and I really like it. Wondering if I could swap a few things and still be ok.

First, I have a 200gal 96 x 24 x 20 1 1/2" sand bed with 70gal sump that has been up and running this time for almost a year. I currently have only live rock, a few standard small fish and cuc. Waiting for my new LED fixtures before I add anything else.

From the fish list below, I would skip the powder brown tang, red mandarin and probably carpenter wrasse(s) and would like to add 3 anthius. I know there are several species so looking for advice on if it is doable and if so, which type and how many would be ok.

Thanks!
Stacy

Tank will be a 180 Gallon mixed reef (6x2x2), Fuge will be a 40 breeder filled with rock, sump size is unknown, but I'm guessing around 20 gallons of water between the different sections there. Lid will be made of ¼" mesh, and tight fitting to keep the wrasses in the tank.

I had a hard time coming up with this list as there's so many fish I like, many of which are either too big, or too aggressive for a majority of what I'd like to keep. I'm also torn on whether this is too many fish or not, but I think it's a good mix of mostly peaceful fish that'll do well together.

Everything below is listed in order they will be introduced into the tank, and everything will be QT'd for a minimum of 6 weeks before being introduced into the tank.

Fish
1 x Wetmorella albofasciata (White Banded Possum Wrasse)
2 x Paracheilinus carpenteri (Carpenter Flasher Wrasse) M/F combo of course
3 x Sphaeramia nematoptera (Spotted Cardnalfish)
2 x Amphiprion ocellaris (Ocellaris Clownfish)
1 x Cryptocentrus cinctus (Yellow Watchman Goby)
1 x Chromis cyaneus (Blue Reef Chromis)
1 x Ctenochaetus strigosus (Kole Yellow Eye Tang)
1 x Gramma loreto (Royal Gamma Basslet)
1 x Pterosynchiropus splendidus (Red Mandarin) waiting at least 10 months after the cycle
1x Acanthurus japonicus (Powder Brown Tang) Adding last due to aggressiveness

I think your fish list is excellent, you will have room, biocapacity and copepods for a pair of red mandarins.

Inverts
2 x Thor amboinensis (Sexy Anemone Shrimp)
1 x Lysmata debelius (Blood Red Fire Shrimp)
1 x Lybia Tesselatta (Pom Pom Crab)
2 x Neopetrolisthes ohshimai (Porcelain Anemone Crab)
1 x Alpheus bellulus (Tiger Snapping Shrimp) will be added alongside the Goby, QT'd separately though
1 x Entacmaea quadricolor (Rose Bulb Anemone) waiting 1 year to afford better lights/mature tank
1 x Heteractis crispa (sebae Anemone)

You might consider a pair of alpheus soror pistol shrimp; they are non commensal but interesting and gorgeous

Clean Up Crew [not listed in order]
2 x Elysia crispate (Lettuce Sea Slug)
1 x Mespilia globulus (Blue Tuxedo Urchin) pretty but a bit of bulldozer with corals and rock structures. Urchins in general are like that
1 x Strombus alatus (Fighting Conch) I would increase this number to 3
5 x Nassarius sp. (Nassaarius Snail)
5 x Turbo fluctuosa (Turbo Snail)
5 x Cerithium sp. (Cerith Snail)
5 x Astraea phoebia (Spiny Star Astrea)
10 x Nerita sp. (Nerite Snail)

In general, VERY well thought out

 

[snorvich]

Ok, a couple years back Tin Whistler posted his proposed list (below) and I really like it. Wondering if I could swap a few things and still be ok.

First, I have a 200gal 96 x 24 x 20 1 1/2" sand bed with 70gal sump that has been up and running this time for almost a year. I currently have only live rock, a few standard small fish and cuc. Waiting for my new LED fixtures before I add anything else.

From the fish list below, I would skip the powder brown tang, red mandarin and probably carpenter wrasse(s) and would like to add 3 anthius. I know there are several species so looking for advice on if it is doable and if so, which type and how many would be ok.

Looks good and I vaguely recall his list despite doing literally thousands of these. The anthias I am partial to are carberryi and resplendent, both of which should be available. Anthias do best if fed multiple times per day. Ideally get all females (they will sort it out) and probably 7-9

Thanks!
Stacy

 

[dylanshow]

New tank set up?

New tank set up?

Can I start out a tank (20g) with a friends water and 5 gallons of fresh water? Adding some of his live coral and water should allow me to skip the cycling process correct? Also, canI even start out with a 20gal tank? I really want a SW reef tank, but don't have money for a 55 gal tank or larger. I just want to keep a couple docile and colourful fish and some corals, mushrooms, and anemones.

After I start, I was going to add two ocellaris clownfish, a peppermint shrimp, and a sexy shrimp to have them as cleaners... maybe a goby?

My house thermometer is at 66, so I'd probably need a heater, or will the LED lights heat the water enough for me? I am getting a filter pump, and a motion wave pump for anemones. Planning on 1.5-2 inches of live sand and 4lbs (20% of the volume as lbs?) of live rock.

Do I need a refugium if I do 5/10 gallon water changes every 2 weeks?

 

[snorvich]

Can I start out a tank (20g) with a friends water and 5 gallons of fresh water? Adding some of his live coral and water should allow me to skip the cycling process correct? Also, canI even start out with a 20gal tank? I really want a SW reef tank, but don't have money for a 55 gal tank or larger. I just want to keep a couple docile and colourful fish and some corals, mushrooms, and anemones.

After I start, I was going to add two ocellaris clownfish, a peppermint shrimp, and a sexy shrimp to have them as cleaners... maybe a goby?

My house thermometer is at 66, so I'd probably need a heater, or will the LED lights heat the water enough for me? I am getting a filter pump, and a motion wave pump for anemones. Planning on 1.5-2 inches of live sand and 4lbs (20% of the volume as lbs?) of live rock.

Do I need a refugium if I do 5/10 gallon water changes every 2 weeks?

This thread is only about marine fish compatibility. Two clownfish really need a slightly larger tank. The rest of your questions will get lots of answers if you start a separate thread in New to the Hobby.

 

[Tzwizzle]

60g cube with 20g fuge, 60lbs of live rock, in sump skimmer.

1x Pygmy angel
1x royal gramma
1x starry Blenny
1x harptail Blenny
1x ocellaris clown
1x starcki damsel
1x 3"ish wrasse
1x Orange Stripe goby


I'd like to add more smallish fish if possible. Perhaps a few small chromis of different types?

 

[snorvich]

60g cube with 20g fuge, 60lbs of live rock, in sump skimmer.

1x Pygmy angel marginal in this sized tank; with another herbivore (blennies) it needs a larger tank
1x royal gramma
1x starry Blenny multiple blenny in a small tank will not get along
1x harptail Blenny
1x ocellaris clown
1x starcki damsel aggressive towards algae eaters
1x 3"ish wrasse species?
1x Orange Stripe goby


I'd like to add more smallish fish if possible. Perhaps a few small chromis of different types?

multiple chromis will become one over time, especially in a small tank

 

[Tzwizzle]

revised

revised

Revised list for 60g.

1x Royal gramma
1x Ocellris clown
1x starcki damsel
1x orange strip goby
1x Longfin fairy wrasse OR McCoskers Flasher wrasse

 

[snorvich]

Revised list for 60g.

1x Royal gramma
1x Ocellris clown
1x starcki damsel
1x orange strip goby
1x Longfin fairy wrasse OR McCoskers Flasher wrasse

The flasher wrasse will be less aggressive but otherwise fine

 

[grizzly123]

Stocking List

Stocking List

240 Gallon 6 foot tank, 90 Gallon Sump, Mixed Reef Tank.

Tank now contains:
a pair of skunk cleaner shrimp
A pair of blood red fire shrimp
6 pepermint shrimp
Assorted snails

Want to add:
1M 1F Nemarteleotris decora Purple Firefish
1 Ptereleotris heteroptera Blue Gudgeon Dartfish
1 Wetmorella tanakai Pygmy Wrasse
1 Wetmorella albofasciata White Banded Possum Wrasse
1 Wetmorella nigropinnata Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse
1 Gramma loreto Royal gramma
1M 4F Nemanthias carberryi Carberryi Anthias
5 Pseudanthias pulcherrimus Resplendent Anthias
1 Paracheilinus mccoskeri McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
1 Cirrhilabrus exquisitus Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
1 Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse
5 Sphaeramia nematoptera Spotted Cardinalfish
1M 1F Pterapogon kauderni Banggai Cardinalfish
1M 1F Genicanthus bellus Bellus Angelfish
1 Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis Chevron Tang
1 Gobiodon atrangulatus Clown Goby, Green
1 Ophioblennius atlanticus Red-lipped Blenny
1 Ecsenius bicolor Bicolor Blenny
1 Cryptocentrus cinctus Yellow Prawn Goby paired with Pistol Shrimp
1 Ctenogobiops tangaroai Tangaroa Goby paired with Pistol Shrimp
1 Stonogobiops nematodes Hi Fin Red Banded Goby paired with Pistol Shrimp
1M 1F Synchiropus splendidus Spotted Mandarin
2 Alpheus soror Bullseye Snapping Shrimp

Thank You in advance for your dedication and providing this service.

 

[snorvich]

240 Gallon 6 foot tank, 90 Gallon Sump, Mixed Reef Tank.

Tank now contains:
a pair of skunk cleaner shrimp
A pair of blood red fire shrimp
6 pepermint shrimp
Assorted snails

Want to add:
1M 1F Nemarteleotris decora Purple Firefish IF you can sex them, that is fine, otherwise you are likely to end up with only one
1 Ptereleotris heteroptera Blue Gudgeon Dartfish
1 Wetmorella tanakai Pygmy Wrasse
1 Wetmorella albofasciata White Banded Possum Wrasse
1 Wetmorella nigropinnata Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse
1 Gramma loreto Royal gramma
1M 4F Nemanthias carberryi Carberryi Anthias
5 Pseudanthias pulcherrimus Resplendent Anthias
1 Paracheilinus mccoskeri McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
1 Cirrhilabrus exquisitus Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
1 Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse
5 Sphaeramia nematoptera Spotted Cardinalfish
1M 1F Pterapogon kauderni Banggai Cardinalfish
1M 1F Genicanthus bellus Bellus Angelfish males are difficult shippers and a pair must be added concurrently
1 Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis Chevron Tang
1 Gobiodon atrangulatus Clown Goby, Green
1 Ophioblennius atlanticus Red-lipped Blenny
1 Ecsenius bicolor Bicolor Blenny
1 Cryptocentrus cinctus Yellow Prawn Goby paired with Pistol Shrimp
1 Ctenogobiops tangaroai Tangaroa Goby paired with Pistol Shrimp
1 Stonogobiops nematodes Hi Fin Red Banded Goby paired with Pistol Shrimp two shrimp gobies may or may not work in a six foot tank
1M 1F Synchiropus splendidus Spotted Mandarin
2 Alpheus soror Bullseye Snapping Shrimp these are non-commensal

Thank You in advance for your dedication and providing this service.

 

[derrickclark]

I still have to start from scratch. My tank hasn't been delivered for a week now. Im waiting on it before buying fish. But thanks a lot for this useful reference.

 

[snorvich]

I still have to start from scratch. My tank hasn't been delivered for a week now. Im waiting on it before buying fish. But thanks a lot for this useful reference.

Whenever you are ready . . .

 

[SFish]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask but how many fish can I put in a 55 gallon tank? I want to run a reef tank with live rock and sand. I will use a refugium(20 gal) with a protein skimmer and UV light.

 

[snorvich]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask but how many fish can I put in a 55 gallon tank? I want to run a reef tank with live rock and sand. I will use a refugium(20 gal) with a protein skimmer and UV light.

That question is unanswerable. Depends on the behavior and other characteristics of the fish.

 

[SFish]

There must be some kinda guide line as to about how many and what size. I want to have peaceful fish if that helps. How would some know? What just add fish and hope for the best? There must be a better way then that. I could come up with a list of fish I like if that works better.

 

[snorvich]

There must be some kinda guide line as to about how many and what size.

Actually, there isn't. It is, however, a commonly asked question for folks who are new to the hobby. And is the reason I have answered more than ten thousand of these type questions. I never provide recommendations or suggestions because it is important that each person develop the skills to research what fits their environment. However, fish behavior and mutual compatibility is not easily researched, hence the popularity of this thread. I will always be happy to reanalyze assuming you provide tank size, and stocking plan in total.

I want to have peaceful fish if that helps. How would some know? What just add fish and hope for the best? There must be a better way then that. I could come up with a list of fish I like if that works better.

The purpose of this thread is to provide an analysis of the long term compatibility of fish with each other and with the environment you are providing. Many people go to an online vendor, such as Dr. Foster and Smith Live Aquaria (one of our sponsors) and use the Marine Fish catalog as a source of information. And some people just wing it, but that can get expensive if the fish are not compatible. I always analyze assuming a peaceful tank is the desired outcome.

 

[SFish]

My tank size is 55 gal. Not sure what you mean by stocking plan in total. I'm more then willing to look up info on fish but at what point do I stop. Let's say I find 15 fish that work well together how do I if I to many? Is it best for me to make a list and see if you think I have to many fish or can add more?