reef tank 2.0
Member
When purchasing a fish of any kind..... is it better to go with a 1" fish or a 3" fish?
Does it matter?
Does it matter?
Purchasing size
- Thread starter reef tank 2.0
- Start date
scooter31707
New member
IMO it does matter depending on the type of species of fish. IMO, butterflies and angels come to mind of being a certain size to have a good chance of survival. They said certain fish doesn't adapt well to captivity at a certain size or it's hard to get them eating at a certain size. Just have to decide on what fish you want do some good research on it and go from there.
+1...what he said!
reef tank 2.0
Member
Would you go for 1 or 3 inches when it comes to a two spot Bristletooth tang?
reef tank 2.0
Member
I only have two baby clowns (1-2") in the tank right now
scooter31707
New member
I would go towards the bigger size of that range, 2.5 -3. On that note I would not add the tang in there now. I am assuming you will be adding more fish in the 130 gallon. There could be a chance once the Tang gets establish, he may not welcome any newcomers.
reef tank 2.0
Member
I will definitely have a rather long period in between purchases so the tang could possibly get established by the time I get the next inmate.
How do you determine when and what to buy? I don't have a stocking list right now, but I am comparing the fish I have with the ones I want and go from there. Making sure everyone is compatible with each other.
How do you determine when and what to buy? I don't have a stocking list right now, but I am comparing the fish I have with the ones I want and go from there. Making sure everyone is compatible with each other.
scooter31707
New member
This is what I did. I first you have to decide if you are going to keep a reef tank or a FOWLR. Then I went to www.liveaquaria.com and look at fish and read what their characteristics, behaviors, tank size, and feeding requirements were while my display and quarantine tanks was cycling. After I decided which fish I wanted, I choose the order from least aggressive to aggressive being added last. I purchase 2 fish and quarantine them for 8 weeks. After the 8 weeks were over they went into the DT and I purchase 2 more, so on and so on. It's best to come up with a list that you want, starting with the fish that you just have to have and post the list on the forum and experts will let you know good or bad.
What scooter did as far as coming up with a draft stocking list prior to any purchasing is how we approached it as well (which is also why we ended up doubling our system size... guess it was a good thing we did it when we did rather than after!). The nice thing about having a stocking list from the beginning is you don't get three fish in and realize you have found your must have fish only to have something it can't be with. Now, out stocking list has been revised a couple times; however, it evolves around the list and if a change doesn't fit the bill it simply isn't done. It makes it a lot easier to know when to stop as well. When you have an open ended approach with no guide to stocking your tank you will be more likely to overstock. LiveAquaria has a lot of great info on fish and it can truly help you to make informed decisions and figure out what order to go in.
I agree that the Bristletooth needs to be pushed back to the later end of your list to help reduce issues with new additions. An example is firefish are shy fish that are not aggressive eaters. This type would want to be placed closer to the beginning. A six line wrasse or flame angel can come with a lot of attitude from the beginning and want to be placed later in the list. Once you have your list I am sure people would be more than happy to help you figure out best order as well as if there are any conflicting choices.
I agree that the Bristletooth needs to be pushed back to the later end of your list to help reduce issues with new additions. An example is firefish are shy fish that are not aggressive eaters. This type would want to be placed closer to the beginning. A six line wrasse or flame angel can come with a lot of attitude from the beginning and want to be placed later in the list. Once you have your list I am sure people would be more than happy to help you figure out best order as well as if there are any conflicting choices.
