PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Hey, Thanks for the reply.

First on your comment:


None of my fish were purchased at Petco. They are however the only place I have found in my area which provide a 14 day guarantee on the fish with an accompanying water sample. If they had a bad reputation of their fish dying why would they have a policy such as this? Might it put them out of business? Here take another free fish, it only cost us $25, good thing we sold you the previous one for $40, oh the one died too, it must be our fault, here is another one, see ya soon...

My question was in the nature of; can 2-3 blue hippos get along together in the same tank, hoping for that kind of advice.

With regards to "requiring" a minimum of 8 foot long tank for a Blue Hippo and those kinds of recommendations; Let's start with info available from most tank manufactures, the largest percentage of reef hobbiest are running a 50G and the two of the most common fish are the Blue Hippo and the Clown, I have a feeling you've been living in a GIANTIC aquarium a bit too long there buddy. My 420G DAS by your definition would still be too small.



Sure a Hippo tang needs alot of space, in fact he REALLY needs to be in the ...OCEAN....... however, if you put him in a tank he just wont get as big, which is why my 3 inch long, 12 month old, Blue Hippo, cruising across this 48" long tank takes him a little while.

It's just my opinion, but I think you should really consider the validity of your audience on these responses, if they are coming here for your advice would they really be spending $8-10k on an 8 foot long 240g, that's not a typical variation in this hobby. Average is in the high range of $2.5-5k/tank, which I am guessing is the typical visitor on this forum who very likely currently has or has had a blue hippo and a clown and a 50G tank or had something very close to that in the past.

Appologies for digressing. Thanks for your hard work replying to everyone.

I think, that it would be best to get help from another aquarist and a different thread. While this is not a discussion thread, I advocate quarantining all fish no matter what the source

 

[SilverAvia]

Thank You

Thank You

i just wanted to give you a heartfelt thank you for all the help you've given me and other's here in this thread and in others. I really apprechiate it!

:thumbsup::dance::love2::bounce3::celeb3::fish2:

 

[snorvich]

i just wanted to give you a heartfelt thank you for all the help you've given me and other's here in this thread and in others. I really apprechiate it!

:thumbsup::dance::love2::bounce3::celeb3::fish2:

Thanks. Always a pleasure and feel to check back whenever you have a marine fish compatibility question. Also, in your other thread I put a suggested order of introduction. Go slowly, it will help your biological filter adjust to new additions.

 

[bwhite33]

Hi Steve,

do you advise on CUC compatibility?

 

[snorvich]

Hi Steve,

do you advise on CUC compatibility?

In general, I favor snails (having various functions) over crabs since they will kill snails for their shells. I personally try to have a large variety of functions within the snail types selected including fighting conchs, nassarius snails, ceriths, etc. I also like various safe types of shrimp including cleaners since they will eat excess fish food and are excellent scavengers. (But they do nothing for parasite control contrary to popular expectation). However I do not answer CUC questions on this thread as it is limited to Marine Fish Compatibility.

 

[bwhite33]

Thanks

 

[topcat31]

I have been cycling my 45g tank with 46 pounds of live rock for 6 weeks. I am running a tunze filter and protein skimmer. My thoughts on fish were
2 tank bred Ocellaris
1 yellow coral Goby
1 Banggai Cardinal
1 blue tang
as well as some soft corals
unsure about a clean up crew. I do like the peppermint shrimp or a flame lobster

thanks in advance
Joanne

 

[snorvich]

I have been cycling my 45g tank with 46 pounds of live rock for 6 weeks. I am running a tunze filter and protein skimmer. My thoughts on fish were
2 tank bred Ocellaris
1 yellow coral Goby
1 Banggai Cardinal
1 blue tang this fish requires a much larger tank
as well as some soft corals
unsure about a clean up crew. I do like the peppermint shrimp or a flame lobster flame lobsters are not reef/fish safe

thanks in advance
Joanne

 

[joshyross70]

Is there any species of wrasses that would work in a 34 gallon?

 

[snorvich]

Is there any species of wrasses that would work in a 34 gallon?

Sure. However best would be for you to research wrasses and requirements at one of our sponsor's sites at here.

 

[joshyross70]

Ok how about this list for my 34 reef

1 helfrichi firefish (already in QT)
1 blue reef chromis
1 black snowflake clown
1 christmas wrasses or vroliks wrasses

 

[Vesper6]

55 gallon reef (4 months old, corals doing well). Currently has one occupant: clownfish.

Considering this stocking list:
Clownfish (present)
5 Black Axil Chromis
Carpenter's flasher wrasse
Firefish
Yellow Candy Hogfish
Royal Gramma Basslet


Thanks!

 

[snorvich]

Ok how about this list for my 34 reef

1 helfrichi firefish (already in QT)
1 blue reef chromis
1 black snowflake clown
1 christmas wrasses or vroliks wrasses

either wrasse would need a slightlky larger tank

 

[snorvich]

55 gallon reef (4 months old, corals doing well). Currently has one occupant: clownfish.

Considering this stocking list:
Clownfish (present)
5 Black Axil Chromis chromis may diminish over time
Carpenter's flasher wrasse in this sized tank may intimidate firefish
Firefish introduce first
Yellow Candy Hogfish not shrimp safe
Royal Gramma Basslet

no issues except as noted


Thanks!

 

[DolphinzFan]

Tank is a 180 gal (72x24x24), with @200 lbs LR, 3" sand bed

Has 45 gal sump, and 40 gal refugium

Current fish:
Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish
Snowflake Clownfish
Royal Grumma
Yellow Tang
Yellow Belly Blue Hippo
Coral Beauty Angelfish

CUC:
Cleaner shrimp
Diamond Watchman Gobie
Lawnmower Blenny
Snails, and crabs


Wanting to add:
Rusty Angel
Blonda Naso Tang
Kole Tang
Saddleback Butterfly
5? Blue/Green Chromis (not sure how many)
Blue spotted puffer

CUC:
2nd Cleaner Shrimp
Bi-Color Blenny

Tank has Zoas, and mushrooms

 

[stealthspy589]

My Tank
ISN'T STARTED, getting equipment, about to go pick up base for to start cycling. I'm doing a 12 week cycle
55 Gallon 4'x12"x20"
50-60lb's of base rock.
Aquascaping will have lots of crevices and a few caves, maybe a couple shelfs. Generally eye appealing with lots of hiding spaces basically.
My goal is a diversity of colorful fish, peaceful, moderately easy care FOWLR. Later on I might add a few soft corals but that will be much later after the tank matures.

I have 140 lb's of reef sand that I scored on craigslist for $35. It looks like a terrific multi grain sand. Since I have SO much idk what size bed to make but I'm leaning towards a DPS like 3-4 inchs.

Filter: I'll be purchasing a Reef Octopus BH 2000 Hang-on back Skimmer.
Lighting: I'll be purchasing a 48" T5 216w 2x10k Days & 2xBlues & Moonlight LEDs with a built in timer.


FISH:
2x False Percula Clownfish
2-5 Green Chromis
1x Blue Hippo Tang
1x Banggai Cardinal Fish
1x Blue Neon Gobby
3x Royal Gramma
3x Emerald Crabs
5x Astraea Turbo Snails
1-2 Boxing/Pom Pom Crabs

1x ?Reef Lobster? I read it's a great addition to a peaceful tank but I can't find much info on it. Help?


Later when the tank's maturity is relevant I'll be aiming towards getting a BTA & the Percula pair so they are introduced at the same time.

Some species I couldn't find a whole lot of info but if something on that list wouldn't be compatible please let me know.


I've done hours and hours of thread surfing here I've learned so much so far. I can't wait to start, but I still have a lot of learn and review. Haha

Cheers!

 

[joshky]

I have a 40B with a 29g sump, I may or may not run a skimmer, I haven't entirely decided one way or the other. (not about costs, wanting to try natural filtration methods) I was thinking a xenia fuge (with LR in it as well for pod production) and maybe an ATS. (not sure if having both would be redundant) I'm still considering my options and once I start to change things in my tank I will look into this further. (currently running a low bioload with mainly corals -- will give my current fish a new home when I'm ready to change)

(currently - it seems to change...) my ideal stock would be:
(female) Blue Star Leopard Wrasse (I'm aware this isn't entirely ideal, but if I have to buy pods weekly to keep it I will do so)
Candy Basslet
Blue Dot Jawfish
(5x) Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (I would love them to school, but I'm aware they may not school/shoal at all)

I'd possibly consider Red Spot Glass Cardinalfish instead of the Yellowstriped (since they are smaller), but they aren't nearly as nice to look at so I don't know... I've also read that Yellowstriped are the easiest to keep in groups, but maybe I'm just using that bit to justify my liking of them more.

I'm also curious if any of the fish listed might compete the leopard wrasse for pods? I have done some research and I fear the jawfish may be a competitor? If that's the case I can do without it. If the Candy Basslet isn't a competitor and the Jawfish is, I would probably want to add another Basslet. Maybe a Yellowtail Reef Basslet, or Swissguard? Can you mix conspecifics?

Last but not least, if you can answer, I would absolutely love the order I should buy the fish. I was thinking Cardinalfish school first, then the leopard wrasse, then candy basslet, and then the jawfish since it's got a reputation for being a bit territorial. If I don't get the jawfish and do two basslets, should they be introduced at the same time? (I would assume so)

[edit]
I've read that you've noted the Blue Dot Jawfish prefers lower temperatures, what range do you recommend? I currently keep my temperature at around 77-78.

 

[snorvich]

Tank is a 180 gal (72x24x24), with @200 lbs LR, 3" sand bed

Has 45 gal sump, and 40 gal refugium

Current fish:
Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish
Snowflake Clownfish
Royal Grumma
Yellow Tang an establsihed yellow tang is unlikely to allow another tang to be introduced, especially in a six foot tank
Yellow Belly Blue Hippo these get pretty mean once mature, especially in a six foot tank
Coral Beauty Angelfish

CUC:
Cleaner shrimp
Diamond Watchman Gobie
Lawnmower Blenny
Snails, and crabs


Wanting to add:
Rusty Angel
Blonda Naso Tang really needs a longer tank
Kole Tang an establsihed yellow tang is unlikely to allow another tang to be introduced, especially in a six foot tank
Saddleback Butterfly
5? Blue/Green Chromis (not sure how many) will become one over time
Blue spotted puffer not invert safe

CUC:
2nd Cleaner Shrimp
Bi-Color Blenny

Tank has Zoas, and mushrooms

 

[snorvich]

My Tank
ISN'T STARTED, getting equipment, about to go pick up base for to start cycling. I'm doing a 12 week cycle
55 Gallon 4'x12"x20"
50-60lb's of base rock.
Aquascaping will have lots of crevices and a few caves, maybe a couple shelfs. Generally eye appealing with lots of hiding spaces basically.
My goal is a diversity of colorful fish, peaceful, moderately easy care FOWLR. Later on I might add a few soft corals but that will be much later after the tank matures.

I have 140 lb's of reef sand that I scored on craigslist for $35. It looks like a terrific multi grain sand. Since I have SO much idk what size bed to make but I'm leaning towards a DPS like 3-4 inchs.

Filter: I'll be purchasing a Reef Octopus BH 2000 Hang-on back Skimmer.
Lighting: I'll be purchasing a 48" T5 216w 2x10k Days & 2xBlues & Moonlight LEDs with a built in timer.


FISH:
2x False Percula Clownfish
2-5 Green Chromis will become one over time
1x Blue Hippo Tang needs a much larger, longer tank
1x Banggai Cardinal Fish
1x Blue Neon Gobby
3x Royal Gramma very territorial and your tank is unlikely to be large enough for more than one
3x Emerald Crabs
5x Astraea Turbo Snails
1-2 Boxing/Pom Pom Crabs

1x ?Reef Lobster? I read it's a great addition to a peaceful tank but I can't find much info on it. Help? not fish or reef safe


Later when the tank's maturity is relevant I'll be aiming towards getting a BTA & the Percula pair so they are introduced at the same time. clownfish may or may not associate with an anemone

Some species I couldn't find a whole lot of info but if something on that list wouldn't be compatible please let me know.


I've done hours and hours of thread surfing here I've learned so much so far. I can't wait to start, but I still have a lot of learn and review. Haha

Cheers!

 

[snorvich]

I have a 40B with a 29g sump, I may or may not run a skimmer, I haven't entirely decided one way or the other. (not about costs, wanting to try natural filtration methods) I was thinking a xenia fuge (with LR in it as well for pod production) and maybe an ATS. (not sure if having both would be redundant) I'm still considering my options and once I start to change things in my tank I will look into this further. (currently running a low bioload with mainly corals -- will give my current fish a new home when I'm ready to change)

(currently - it seems to change...) my ideal stock would be:
(female) Blue Star Leopard Wrasse (I'm aware this isn't entirely ideal, but if I have to buy pods weekly to keep it I will do so) they will also eat PE mysis; but much better in a larger tank with sufficient copepods. Buying copepods would be much more expensive than buying a larger tank. But leopard wrasses are NOT a good beginner fish!
Candy Basslet
Blue Dot Jawfish needs cooler temperatures for long term viability.
(5x) Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (I would love them to school, but I'm aware they may not school/shoal at all)

I'd possibly consider Red Spot Glass Cardinalfish instead of the Yellowstriped (since they are smaller), but they aren't nearly as nice to look at so I don't know...

however apogon parvulus will come much closer to the schooling effect you are seeing. But they are more difficult

I've also read that Yellowstriped are the easiest to keep in groups, but maybe I'm just using that bit to justify my liking of them more. they are definitely easier

I'm also curious if any of the fish listed might compete the leopard wrasse for pods? I have done some research and I fear the jawfish may be a competitor? If that's the case I can do without it. If the Candy Basslet isn't a competitor and the Jawfish is, I would probably want to add another Basslet. Maybe a Yellowtail Reef Basslet, or Swissguard? Can you mix conspecifics? no, especially in a small tank

Last but not least, if you can answer, I would absolutely love the order I should buy the fish. I was thinking Cardinalfish school first, then the leopard wrasse, then candy basslet, and then the jawfish since it's got a reputation for being a bit territorial. If I don't get the jawfish and do two basslets, should they be introduced at the same time? (I would assume so)

the leopard wrasse should be introduced first; any jawfish can be introduced any time; basslet last. Candy basslets, by the way, are not inexpensive

[edit]
I've read that you've noted the Blue Dot Jawfish prefers lower temperatures, what range do you recommend? I currently keep my temperature at around 77-78.

They are collect in the gulf of cortez and would do best in the 72-75F temperature range