PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Fish Biscuit View Post
I know, I was hoping you'd throw me an idea I can't think of anything else & shrimp eaters are out since I'm still planning on sexy shrimp down the road.

Well, then I'll go with the possum wrasse next in hopes that gets the helfrichi out more & do a tailspot blenny instead of the gold midas blenny since I'm sticking with the gold assessor.

Either of the two wrasses would work well.

Am I asking for trouble if after everything else goes in to add a juvenile pair of ocellaris clowns last? Most likely since I'm stocking fish very slow it would be sometime next year before they go in.

Not initially. However two juveniles will sexually differentiate, bond, and eventually mate. At which point they will be on the aggressive side toward about 20 gallons of tank space.

I really need a bigger tank or a good 12 step program.

Perhaps both? However that is true for many of us. How is your horse?[/QUOTE]

I'm going to do both the possum & the pink streaked wrasse, figured I'd let the possum get in there first & get established.

I'll pass on the pair of clowns since I'm going to lose half the tank down the road. I might contemplate a single occ. clown last in hopes that it stays male if I pick a little bugger. If it turns female would I still have aggression without a mate?

I probably do need the bigger tank & a 12 step program for lots of other reasons. The horse is good, he's got a short summer vacation since work is busy. As long as the meals keep coming it doesn't seem to bother him Thanks for asking & give your pups a pet & a cookie for me.

A single clown will turn female over time. She will be aggressive although perhaps not quite as much so as a bonded, mated pair.

 

[kelp47]

Revised list

Revised list

Originally Posted by kelp47 View Post
I'm finally ready to post my fish wish list. I'm working on my 75 gallon build, and while I'm not quite ready to purchase my fish, I'd like to go ahead and start this part of the planning process. Here are the specs: 75 gallon mixed-reef, 48x18x21 with about 2 inches of sand. I plan to have a good balance of swimming room and rock (probably about 50 lbs). Fish are important to me, so I want plenty of swimming room and open substrate, but will be sure to have plenty of hiding places in the rockwork. Also, this is kind of a peninsula-style tank, so there will be swimming room and open substrate on both sides of the tank. I have an Alpha 170 protein skimmer in a 40 gal sump. I plan to have a fuge to provide beneficial nutrients to my reef inhabitants.

My list seems long, but I only plan to have one of each of these, with the exception of one or two of them as noted. To get a better idea of how they would fill the tank, I've grouped them by "lifestyle", according to my reference book.

Active swimmers
Bartlett's Anthias
Redbelted Anthias
Reticulated Dascyllus
Flasher wrasse (haven't chosen species, but they all seem the same, behaviorally speaking)
Blackline Fang Blenny
Kole Tang

Substrate Only one shrimp/goby for long term stability

Wheeler's shrimp goby
Randall's shrimp goby
Yellownose shrimp goby

Among rock/coral
Yellow assessor
Ocellaris clownfish (possibly a pair if not a problem with tankmates)
Coral goby (haven't chosen species, but they all seem the same, behaviorally speaking)
Cleaner goby (haven't chosen species, but they all seem the same, behaviorally speaking) short lived

Others
Bluedot goby (group of 5) these will deplete your sand bed of beneficial organisms then starve plus they will create constant sand storms. I do NOT recommend these fish
Pajama cardinal
Firefish introduce early

I guess my main concern is the number of gobies. I have intentionally chosen the shrimp gobies that are supposed to be the most peaceful ones. My reference book even states that one of them is willing to share a burrow with other gobies. But I wanted some feedback from "the real world." My tank will be right in the middle of my living room, so I really would like to have a nice, peaceful tank without having to worry about watching too much agression.

I'm finally going to pick up some livestock today! Hopefully they'll have a firefish in stock since this was recommended as my first inhabitant. (Otherwise I guess I'll just get a piece of coral.) I do want to run over this fish list again though, with a few changes.

1) My package of live sand from the gulf came with a big surprise hitchhiker--a seaweed blenny. So I already have one inhabitant. He has been in my tank for over two months and is doing great.

2) I'll go with only one shrimp/goby pair, just not sure which goby yet.

3) I see you do not recommend a cleaner goby. What about a captive-bred neon goby? I read they have better survival rates since they do not depend entirely on cleaning other fish. I'm not stuck on it, but thought I check into the possibility.

4) I'll ditch the bluedot gobies and see if I can find a more suitable group later on.

Thanks!!

 

[Fish Biscuit]

In terms of clownfish aggression which would be worse, a pink streaked clown or the ocellaris?

I know I can't do a mandarin or scooter in this size tank. Is this tank too small to sustain a single pipefish as well? Between the tank & sump I would say there is a good 60# of LR at least.

I'm done for now, time to leave work & go see my noble steed.

 

[snorvich]

I'm finally going to pick up some livestock today! Hopefully they'll have a firefish in stock since this was recommended as my first inhabitant. (Otherwise I guess I'll just get a piece of coral.) I do want to run over this fish list again though, with a few changes.

1) My package of live sand from the gulf came with a big surprise hitchhiker--a seaweed blenny. So I already have one inhabitant. He has been in my tank for over two months and is doing great.

2) I'll go with only one shrimp/goby pair, just not sure which goby yet.

3) I see you do not recommend a cleaner goby. What about a captive-bred neon goby? I read they have better survival rates since they do not depend entirely on cleaning other fish. I'm not stuck on it, but thought I check into the possibility.

4) I'll ditch the bluedot gobies and see if I can find a more suitable group later on.

Thanks!!

I strongly recommend against Reticulated Dascyllus as it will be a PITA. Neon gobies are excellent fish but only live about 1.5 years. You cannot have more than one shrimp goby.

 

[snorvich]

In terms of clownfish aggression which would be worse, a pink streaked clown or the ocellaris?

A. ocellaris is the least aggressive of the clownfish

I know I can't do a mandarin or scooter in this size tank. Is this tank too small to sustain a single pipefish as well? Between the tank & sump I would say there is a good 60# of LR at least.

Sorry, but refresh my mind with your complete fish plan? My memory sucks after doing thousands of these. (although I do remember a fair amount about you, I cannot remember your stocking)

I'm done for now, time to leave work & go see my noble steed.

 

[Aesl1982]

220 gallon. 6x24x30. I have a medium naso small blue hippo. Small yellow tang. Wyoming white. Snowflake. Black and white clown. Fox face. Am I maxed out or can I add more fish. Thinking of a Achilles tang

 

[snorvich]

220 gallon. 6x24x30. I have a medium naso small blue hippo. Small yellow tang. Wyoming white. Snowflake. Black and white clown. Fox face. Am I maxed out or can I add more fish. Thinking of a Achilles tang

Unfortunately, in a six foot tank, long term, your tangs will need a larger (longer) tank. I would not advise adding an additional tang. With four clowns, two will likely survive long term.

 

[kelp47]

I strongly recommend against Reticulated Dascyllus as it will be a PITA. Neon gobies are excellent fish but only live about 1.5 years. You cannot have more than one shrimp goby.

Got it. Thanks again for good advice!

 

[Fish Biscuit]

Hi Steve,

Here's the complete stocking list, 40 B, 60# LR at least, sump & skimmer

Currently have:
Randall Goby - need to replace the pistol, lost from old age
Helfrishi Firefish
Peppermint & Fire Shrimp
Snails
Hermits - they showed up without invitation

Planned Additions:
Possum Wrasse
Pink Streaked Wrasse
Gold Assessor
Single Ocellaris clown - maybe, not sure & would be last
Pipefish - is this possible or too many pod eaters, figured a single would be best to sustain over a pair

I'd love a mandarin or a scooter but I know the tank is too small to keep one going & even if it eats frozen too I don't think it's worth the chance.

 

[palmerit]

My tank is a freshly cycled 90g with 2 true perc clowns that were added 7 days ago.

My desired fish list:
2 clowns - already have them
3-5 blue reef chromis
1 one-spot foxface
1 kole tang

I already know the fish list will work. My question is:
Since it is a newly cycled tank, I want to add fish slowly and wait for the biofilter to stabilize. So I'm questioning the order in which I should add them to keep the aggression levels down?

 

[snorvich]

Hi Steve,

Here's the complete stocking list, 40 B, 60# LR at least, sump & skimmer

Currently have:
Randall Goby - need to replace the pistol, lost from old age
Helfrishi Firefish
Peppermint & Fire Shrimp
Snails
Hermits - they showed up without invitation

Planned Additions:
Possum Wrasse
Pink Streaked Wrasse
Gold Assessor
Single Ocellaris clown - maybe, not sure & would be last
Pipefish - is this possible or too many pod eaters, figured a single would be best to sustain over a pair

I'd love a mandarin or a scooter but I know the tank is too small to keep one going & even if it eats frozen too I don't think it's worth the chance.

Sorry, a pipefish would not be feasible.

 

[snorvich]

My tank is a freshly cycled 90g with 2 true perc clowns that were added 7 days ago.

My desired fish list:
2 clowns - already have them
3-5 blue reef chromis
1 one-spot foxface
1 kole tang

I already know the fish list will work. My question is:
Since it is a newly cycled tank, I want to add fish slowly and wait for the biofilter to stabilize. So I'm questioning the order in which I should add them to keep the aggression levels down?

Actually, there are some issues with the fish list. The general rule is most aggressive last, most passive first.

 

[palmerit]

Snorvich, that is exactly my question. In which order should I introduce them?

 

[Fish Biscuit]

Sorry, a pipefish would not be feasible.

That's what I figured but thought it might be worth double checking. Thanks again

 

[snorvich]

Snorvich, that is exactly my question. In which order should I introduce them?

Since you "already know the fish list will work" I am not sure how I can help you. But let me suggest: only put in one chromis since the aggression of the dominant one will kill off the remainder of them in the long run, don't put any algae eating grazers in your tank for about 9 months. And any tang must be the last fish added.

 

[palmerit]

Since you "already know the fish list will work" I am not sure how I can help you. But let me suggest: only put in one chromis since the aggression of the dominant one will kill off the remainder of them in the long run, don't put any algae eating grazers in your tank for about 9 months. And any tang must be the last fish added.

It appears as though my saying "I already know the fish list will work" has triggered some kind of reaction in you. For that, I'm not sure what the cause is. However, When I had my last 90, this is the fish list I had, and it worked great. So, I *do* know the fish get along. Being my second 90, I'd like to think I'm a little more knowledgable, and conscientious of the lives I'm responsible for keeping. As such, I'm simply looking for the best order in which to introduce the fish. For that, I'll thank you for the advice on introducing the Kole Tang last.

As for the comment about only having 1 chromis, I can't say I have ever heard that before, or agree with it. It directly contradicts my previous experiences with this fish, or anything Ive ever read about it. In fact, directly from the liveaquaria site: "A shoaling fish, Blue Chromis should be maintained together in a group" (Source: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1634+113&pcatid=113) So.. I guess I'm curious as to what experience/information/source you have, that contradicts this information? Any insight would be much appreciated, preferably without some condescending tone. I do have some experience, I have done quite a bit of research, AND I'm posting here in an attempt to do things "the right way" and I don't think a vitriolic response is particularly helpful to anyone on the forum.

 

[snorvich]

It appears as though my saying "I already know the fish list will work" has triggered some kind of reaction in you. For that, I'm not sure what the cause is. However, When I had my last 90, this is the fish list I had, and it worked great. So, I *do* know the fish get along. Being my second 90, I'd like to think I'm a little more knowledgable, and conscientious of the lives I'm responsible for keeping. As such, I'm simply looking for the best order in which to introduce the fish. For that, I'll thank you for the advice on introducing the Kole Tang last.

As for the comment about only having 1 chromis, I can't say I have ever heard that before, or agree with it. It directly contradicts my previous experiences with this fish, or anything Ive ever read about it. In fact, directly from the liveaquaria site: "A shoaling fish, Blue Chromis should be maintained together in a group" (Source: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1634+113&pcatid=113) So.. I guess I'm curious as to what experience/information/source you have, that contradicts this information? Any insight would be much appreciated, preferably without some condescending tone. I do have some experience, I have done quite a bit of research, AND I'm posting here in an attempt to do things "the right way" and I don't think a vitriolic response is particularly helpful to anyone on the forum.

Do a search on Reef Central and you will find numerous threads about Chromis diminishing over time, especially in smaller sized tanks. You are in no way obligated to take my advice or even listen to it. This thread is for those who wish to receive it but I suspect you will do better posting for general comment in the Reef Fish Forum. . Best of luck.

 

[backpackhunter]

While it will be a long time before everything is up and running , but i like to plan and work out details....
I'm building my dream tank, 8x3x3 with 180g sump, 75g refurg, 55g surge tanks(x2) 90g with 55g sump QT , 25g cube transfer tanks(x2) etc
This will start out as a FOWLR, and slowly move to a full SPS tank, with LED's

I want a heavy bio-load, but will have equipment to handle it.
Water change will average 15-20% a month

Emperor Angle
French Angle

Black Angle
Golden Angle

Purple Tang
Kole Yellow Eye Tang
Achillies Tang
Yellow Tang x3


Plus a lot of small little fish

 

[backpackhunter]

^^^
A couple wrasse (unsure)
Clown fish x2
Shole of Anthias (9-11?) (1male)
And a school of very small fish (max size 2") x21
Jaw fish
Dragnet
Dart fish

 

[snorvich]

While it will be a long time before everything is up and running , but i like to plan and work out details....
I'm building my dream tank, 8x3x3 with 180g sump, 75g refurg, 55g surge tanks(x2) 90g with 55g sump QT , 25g cube transfer tanks(x2) etc
This will start out as a FOWLR, and slowly move to a full SPS tank, with LED's

I want a heavy bio-load, but will have equipment to handle it.
Water change will average 15-20% a month

Emperor Angle Long term coexistence of these two angels is unlikely at best in this sized tank since as adults both want to be boss. Either one is fine in a eight foot tank
French Angle

Black Angle
Golden Angle

Purple Tang four tangs in an eight foot tank will probably work, but multiple zebrasoma tangs is problematic unless added concurrently
Kole Yellow Eye Tang
Achillies Tang
Yellow Tang x3


Plus a lot of small little fish

It is not a bioload issue, it is a behavior issue due to territorial imperatives caused by occupying the same ecological niche