PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Sorry snorvich. I copied and pasted from my reef fishes thread and I didn't grab the title.

It's a 5ft oceanic 156 gal (60 x 24 x 25)

it will start out being a mixed reef. i have mainly lps right now with a tyree toadstool,neon sinularia,purple gorg, zoas, and some rics for softies. i also have some easier to keep sps (4 different montis, birdsnest, and one unknown acro) but eventually my goal is sps with a few lps and maybe a softie or two.

No clams

Originally Posted by bhsgk View Post
This is my first draft of the possible fish that I want in the tank I am in the process of setting up.

Tank size? Tank length? Corals? Clams? In a 5 foot tank, there are definitely some limitations for certain active fish

I would take the anthias and/or blue throat trigger off this list first before any others. I do not plan on having any inverts in this tank other than an anemone if I ever find one I like enough. The rock work will be very open, islands with some hiding places. The fish with the asterisk are in my current 40 breeder.

Angel: In this sized tank, two of these would work
Genicanthus bellus (Bellus)
Genicanthus melanospilos (Swallowtail)
Genicanthus watanabei (Watanabei)
Pygoplites diacanthus (Regal) Red sea collected is easier if obtainable; otherwise difficult; not coral safe

Anthias:
Pseudanthias bartlettorum - 3, 5 or 7 (Bartlett)

Butterfly:
Chelmon rostratus (Copperband)** not clam safe; not safe for some corals

Goby:
Elacatinus oceanops (Neon)** short lived
Valenciennea puellaris (Diamond Sand Sifter)**

Tang:
Ctenochaetus strigosus (Yellow Eye Kole)

Trigger:
Xanthichthys auromarginatus (Blue Throat Trigger) I would skip this given the number of largish active fish above

Wrasse: wrasses are prolific jumpers, you will need 1/4 inch mesh topping
Cirrhilabrus jordani (Flame) males are difficult shippers; introduce before any other wrasses if you are going to try a male
Cirrhilabrus laboutei (Labouti)
Cirrhilabrus lineatus (Lineatus) introduce early
Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis (Rhomboid) introduce early
Halichoeres chrysus (Yellow "Coris")**
Macropharyngodon bipartitus (Blue Star)
Macropharyngodon meleagris (Leopard)**

 

[Dissy]

Ok.. Let's see how this goes:

55 gallon, bare bottom, skimmer rated for 100 gallon, 30lbs live rock, 30lbs base.

Fuzzy Dwarf Lion (negotiable - want something different in the tank)
Bluespot Longspine Urchin
Whitetail Bristletooth Tang
Mandarin (already have - she can hang where she is for awhile before moving - eats frozen, still gets supplemental pods just because)
Tuxedo Urchin
Some type of hardy Butterfly fish (Saddled?)
3-5 Pajama Cardinals

(none of this is set up yet so I have lots of time to plan/research)

 

[snorvich]

Ok.. Let's see how this goes:

55 gallon, bare bottom, skimmer rated for 100 gallon, 30lbs live rock, 30lbs base.

Fuzzy Dwarf Lion (negotiable - want something different in the tank) I do not provide analysis of predator tanks
Bluespot Longspine Urchin
Whitetail Bristletooth Tang needs larger tank
Mandarin (already have - she can hang where she is for awhile before moving - eats frozen, still gets supplemental pods just because) Needs larger tank for long term survival
Tuxedo Urchin
Some type of hardy Butterfly fish (Saddled?) what species? A saddled needs a much larger tank
3-5 Pajama Cardinals

(none of this is set up yet so I have lots of time to plan/research)

 

[Dissy]

Not looking for a predator tank - reading actually indicated the fuzzy dwarfs can be relatively peaceful with the right tank mates (nothing smaller and/or aggressive), and well fed. Actually left the Fu off, because it was the most aggressive of the smaller lions. Not so?

As for the Butterfly.. Double saddle? Black and white? I like the general shape and coloring, but don't want something that's going to perish if you look cross-eyed at it, and these seemed somewhat hardy.

 

[snorvich]

Not looking for a predator tank - reading actually indicated the fuzzy dwarfs can be relatively peaceful with the right tank mates (nothing smaller and/or aggressive), and well fed. Actually left the Fu off, because it was the most aggressive of the smaller lions. Not so?

They eat live fish. As such it is a predator.

As for the Butterfly.. Double saddle? Black and white? I like the general shape and coloring, but don't want something that's going to perish if you look cross-eyed at it, and these seemed somewhat hardy.

Recommended tank size is much larger than you are providing. In general butterfly fish require larger tanks.

 

[Wozzo]

I've reworked my list.
Would you evaluate it for me, please. Besides the fish-to-fish interaction, I'm concerned about any negative interaction between the proposed fish and the current inverts.

Much Thanks!

DT: 75 g w/140 LR + 40 LS, 4x54 T5HO’s w/4 moons, 2 Hydor Koralia 1400’s
Sump: 20 g sump/refuge w/10 LS, Chaeto + AquaC EV-180 external skimmer
Params: sp 1.024, temp 78-80, ph 8.1-8.2, alk 8.7 dkh, Ca 440 ppm, Mg 1440 ppm

In the DT:
Chromis atripectoralis
Amphiprion percula –(paired)
Gramma loreto
Ctenochaetus binotatus -size 3 ½”

Lysmata amboinensis 2"
Lysmata wurdemanni 3"
Turbo fluctuosa 1"-2"
Nassarius sp 3/4"-1"
Mixed SPS & LPS


Proposed additions:
2 Nemateleotris decora –(pair)
2 Paracheilinus mccoskeri –(M +F pair)
1 Serranus tortugarum
1 Halichoeres biocellatus

 

[snorvich]

I've reworked my list.
Would you evaluate it for me, please. Besides the fish-to-fish interaction, I'm concerned about any negative interaction between the proposed fish and the current inverts.

Much Thanks!

DT: 75 g w/140 LR + 40 LS, 4x54 T5HO’s w/4 moons, 2 Hydor Koralia 1400’s
Sump: 20 g sump/refuge w/10 LS, Chaeto + AquaC EV-180 external skimmer
Params: sp 1.024, temp 78-80, ph 8.1-8.2, alk 8.7 dkh, Ca 440 ppm, Mg 1440 ppm

In the DT:
Chromis atripectoralis
Amphiprion percula –(paired)
Gramma loreto
Ctenochaetus binotatus -size 3 ½”

Lysmata amboinensis 2"
Lysmata wurdemanni 3"
Turbo fluctuosa 1"-2"
Nassarius sp 3/4"-1"
Mixed SPS & LPS


Proposed additions:
2 Nemateleotris decora –(pair) only if a male plus female for long term survival
2 Paracheilinus mccoskeri –(M +F pair)
1 Serranus tortugarum some risk with the shrimp above if the shrimp are on the small side
1 Halichoeres biocellatus more than moderate risk with the shrimp above

You have several fish that are prolific jumpers so you will need a closed top tank with 1/4 inch mesh

 

[Elimav]

I have an 80 gal reef tank with some SPS, zoas, LPS, BTA, 2 skunk shrimp, snails, and a shallow sand bed.
Thinking of:
1 Chalk bass X 2
2 onyx clown X 2
3 indigo dotty back
4 brachiosaurus blenny
5 Banggai X 2
6 white tail bristletooth tang
7 McCosker's flasher wrasse
8 pearly jawfish
9 eventually a mandarin.

I'm thinking of replacing the dotty back with a royal gramma. Will it get along with the chalk bass?

 

[Seakrait]

120. 48x24x25. Narrowed it down to scopas, tomini, kole, or white tail bristletooth. What are my possibilities here? 1 of each? Multiple of one species? 1 tang only for this size tank? The next choice will be a 5 inch sandbed with a colony of yellowhead jawfish or a trio of McCulloch's dottybacks with normal sand depth. Tank is in the floor dry. There will be a minimum of a 55g fuge and a 55g sump. Most likely other algae tanks plumbed in on each side of it.

 

[snorvich]

I'm thinking of replacing the dotty back with a royal gramma. Will it get along with the chalk bass?

Good decision as the dottyback would not get along with a flasher wrasse.

 

[snorvich]

120. 48x24x25. Narrowed it down to scopas, tomini, kole, or white tail bristletooth. What are my possibilities here? 1 of each? Multiple of one species? 1 tang only for this size tank? The next choice will be a 5 inch sandbed with a colony of yellowhead jawfish or a trio of McCulloch's dottybacks with normal sand depth. Tank is in the floor dry. There will be a minimum of a 55g fuge and a 55g sump. Most likely other algae tanks plumbed in on each side of it.

Each of the three tangs is behaviorally similar. But I would only do one in a 48 inch long tank.

 

[bhsgk]

thanks for the input snorvich!

 

[RAMMD]

Snorvich,
I just wanted to thank you for your help with the stocking of my 220g mixed reef. I'm no where near complete because I'm taking things very slowly but my fish thus far have been model citizens and are looking absolutely beautiful.

My next question:
My 140g has cycled about 1 month ago and has a snail only clean up crew. I have intentions of making it a semi aggressive mixed reef and want to make sure this is possible before proceeding. As far as the tank specs, it has 2 radion xr30w pro LED's, 2 vortech MP 40 pumps, sump with refugium, sump has macros and additional live rock, UV sterilizer..... 220# of 6-7 year old LR and a 3-4 sand bed. The only inverts are snails, no shrimp, hermits, crabs, etc...I have intentention for easier corals such as torch, mushrooms, toadstools, colony polyps, starburst polyps, and hammers.

My question is that I wouldliketo add over the next few months the following fish....
1. A pair of yellow stripe maroon clowns
2. Flame hawkfish
3. Harlequin tusk
4. Indigo hamlet
5. And possibly a foxface

If this is possible and do you have a stocking order. I know that everyone hates the idea of upgrading tanks to accommodate fish but I just purchased a 300g intended for a passive mixed reef that I could change if needed, an empty 220g that doesn't fit in the intended space, and a 100g that is empty as well. I have future intentions for these tanks but not for the near future. Thank god I have a wife that is addicted to saltwater aquariums and uses them as showpiece furniture in the basement and hearth room.....ie I'm a very lucky man!

Once again, thank you for your assistance on the matter!!

RAMMD

 

[Kessler]

Hey Steve, here's an updated list!
40 breeder, 20 long sump.

2x true perc
1x Firefish
1x Neon goby
1x orange spotted goby
1x royal gramma
1x tailspot blenny
1x Scooter Blenny
1x Flame Angel

I know that the scooter blenny is fairly difficult since they eat pods, but I was able to train one to eat frozen before, so I hoping to either do that or find a trained one.

Thanks again!

 

[Cowlesdc]

Hey all,

Just want to make sure my setup can handle my planned load.

29 G All in one
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5ppm
pH 8.2
Temp 81 -79

15 snails -mixed
8 hermits
1 Clump macro algae

Going in soon
1 - Peppermint or fire shrimp
1 - green star coral
1 - candy cane coral

Future plans
1- zoa
1- mushroom
1 - Clown
1 - Fire fish
1 - green clown golby

Possibly
1 - Skunk Shrimp
1- star fish

What do yo all think?

Any subtractions or additions?

As a newbie to saltwater I can use all the advice I can get, and I dont really trust my LFS.

Thanks in advance,

 

[snorvich]

Snorvich,
I just wanted to thank you for your help with the stocking of my 220g mixed reef. I'm no where near complete because I'm taking things very slowly but my fish thus far have been model citizens and are looking absolutely beautiful.

My next question:
My 140g has cycled about 1 month ago and has a snail only clean up crew. I have intentions of making it a semi aggressive mixed reef and want to make sure this is possible before proceeding. As far as the tank specs, it has 2 radion xr30w pro LED's, 2 vortech MP 40 pumps, sump with refugium, sump has macros and additional live rock, UV sterilizer..... 220# of 6-7 year old LR and a 3-4 sand bed. The only inverts are snails, no shrimp, hermits, crabs, etc...I have intentention for easier corals such as torch, mushrooms, toadstools, colony polyps, starburst polyps, and hammers.

My question is that I wouldliketo add over the next few months the following fish....
1. A pair of yellow stripe maroon clowns
2. Flame hawkfish
3. Harlequin tusk
4. Indigo hamlet
5. And possibly a foxface

should be ok, but note that Harlequin Tusks do eat small fish

If this is possible and do you have a stocking order. I know that everyone hates the idea of upgrading tanks to accommodate fish but I just purchased a 300g intended for a passive mixed reef that I could change if needed, an empty 220g that doesn't fit in the intended space, and a 100g that is empty as well. I have future intentions for these tanks but not for the near future. Thank god I have a wife that is addicted to saltwater aquariums and uses them as showpiece furniture in the basement and hearth room.....ie I'm a very lucky man!

Once again, thank you for your assistance on the matter!!

RAMMD

 

[snorvich]

Hey Steve, here's an updated list!
40 breeder, 20 long sump.

2x true perc
1x Firefish
1x Neon goby
1x orange spotted goby
1x royal gramma
1x tailspot blenny
1x Scooter Blenny not really a blenny, but all eat frozen; long term, survival is more likely in a larger tank
1x Flame Angel

I know that the scooter blenny is fairly difficult since they eat pods, but I was able to train one to eat frozen before, so I hoping to either do that or find a trained one.

Thanks again!

 

[snorvich]

Hey all,

actually this thread is only answered by Reef Central Staff

Just want to make sure my setup can handle my planned load.

29 G All in one
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5ppm
pH 8.2
Temp 81 -79

15 snails -mixed hermits kill snails, usually it is best to do one or the other
8 hermits
1 Clump macro algae

Going in soon
1 - Peppermint or fire shrimp
1 - green star coral
1 - candy cane coral

Future plans
1- zoa
1- mushroom
1 - Clown species?
1 - Fire fish
1 - green clown golby

Possibly
1 - Skunk Shrimp
1- star fish will starve in this sized tank

What do yo all think?

Any subtractions or additions?

As a newbie to saltwater I can use all the advice I can get, and I dont really trust my LFS.

Thanks in advance,

 

[SKurj]

Ok

40g Long (same footprint as 55g std), mixed reef, not many corals, few snails and a few tiny hermits. Running 18 months

Current fish:
2 black snowflake clowns
1 neon goby
1 hector's goby
1 fox face (I know he will out grow the tank)

Looking to add:
1 Yellow watchman

and
1 Royal Gramma
1 Green Chromis

or the YWG and
1 Leopard wrasse
1 possum wrasse

Can mix and match too if it would be a better fit.

 

[snorvich]

Ok

40g Long (same footprint as 55g std), mixed reef, not many corals, few snails and a few tiny hermits. Running 18 months

Current fish:
2 black snowflake clowns
1 neon goby
1 hector's goby
1 fox face (I know he will out grow the tank) It is difficult for me to see you purchase common fish when you do not have a proper environment

Looking to add:
1 Yellow watchman no problem

I cannot suggest that additional fish would do well in this sized tank

and
1 Royal Gramma
1 Green Chromis

or the YWG and you would have too many copepod eaters in a small tank (you already have one)
1 Leopard wrasse
1 possum wrasse

Can mix and match too if it would be a better fit.