Reef & Vertebrate Safe Tank - Stocking Questions - Help Appreciated
- Thread starter r0cksteady
- Start date
r0cksteady
New member
Thanks everyone thats fantastic feedback.
Could you please help me then in selecting the crabs & shrimp. I am going for the most variety and colour in my lists but would love it if you could help me in getting it down to something you feel more "friendly" and "realistic". Thanks again for all your time.
As far as all my setup goes Im well read when it comes there and am spending the money in all the right areas so Im not too concerned there. Thanks
As far as eels go can anyone comment if they have had sucsess with any eels of any kind NOT eating or disturbing small fish n shrimp etc?
Also I know this is a silly question but can someone tell me what a small fish is? It seems there isn't necessarily a distinct number in size so what is the general rule. Under 2 inches? 3 inches?
Coming from a fresh water background Im comparing everything to Neon Tetras lol so a clown fish is not small to me
Could you please help me then in selecting the crabs & shrimp. I am going for the most variety and colour in my lists but would love it if you could help me in getting it down to something you feel more "friendly" and "realistic". Thanks again for all your time.
As far as all my setup goes Im well read when it comes there and am spending the money in all the right areas so Im not too concerned there. Thanks
As far as eels go can anyone comment if they have had sucsess with any eels of any kind NOT eating or disturbing small fish n shrimp etc?
Also I know this is a silly question but can someone tell me what a small fish is? It seems there isn't necessarily a distinct number in size so what is the general rule. Under 2 inches? 3 inches?
Coming from a fresh water background Im comparing everything to Neon Tetras lol so a clown fish is not small to me
r0cksteady
New member
Ive updated my list from some additional feedback in the n00b section thought I would post an update on the list for your review.
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANYOU EVERYONE!
This is great, im also getting a lot of great messages from other n00bs who are taking great interest in what im compiling from your experiences so please continue to pick at my list where you see fit.
Ive now updated the list with everything you have said. Please review if you have the time. Many thanks again. I promise that I will contribute one day with my own knowledge and Ill be sure to share photos ect as I go along.
One thing to note is that as I live in Australia (Melbourne) most likely there are going to be things im not going to have access to due to import restrictions and what not. Basically im trying to piece together through everyones experience and knowledge what the best REEF, VERTEBRATE and FISH safe setup I can get then work it down on availability. Thanks again.
Tank Details:
5ft (5ft x 2ft x 3ft) = 224 US Gallons (187 UK Gallons) or 850 Litres
100 Kg (220 lbs) of Live Rock
60 Kg (133 lbs) of Coral Sand Substrate
Lighting - SunSun 2 x 250W Metal Halide Reflector 20K + 2 x 54W T5HO + Moonlight 7 LED
Protein Skimmer - Undecided
Heater - 2 x 300 Watt Jager Eheim
Filter - Sump with pump.
Power Heads - 4 x Hydor Koralia
PLEASE POST ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU FEEL VALID OR ANY TROUBLE YOU SEE I MAY EXPERIENCE.
FISH
CLOWNFISH
1 x Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 x Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris var)
DAMSELFISH
4 x Blue Reef Chromis (Blue Reef Chromis) - non agressive
DRAGONETS (Add later after tank is established)
1 x Green Mandarinfish (Pterosynchiropus splendidus, Synchiropus splendidus)
1 x Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus)
GOBIES, DARTFISH AND JAWFISH
1 x Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus)
1 x Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
1 x Purple Tilefish (Hoplolatilus purpureus) OR Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)
1 x Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) - CAN BE PURCHASED WITH PISTOL SHRIMP ALREADY PAIRED
Blennies
1 x Jewelled Rockskipper \ Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
1 x Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) OR 1 x Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)
1 x Tube Blenny (Acanthemblemaria)
CARDINALFISH
2 x Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
TANGS AND SURGEONFISH
1 x Chevron Tang (Chevron Tang)
1 x Tomini Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
TRIGGERS
1 x Bluechin Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
WRASSE (ADD FIRST AFTER INVERTEBRATES)
2 x Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella sp)
1 x Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Exquisite Fairy Wrasse)
2 x Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Filamented Flasher Wrasse)
1 x Five Bar Wrasse (Psuedochellinus mysterii)
EELS - NEED HELP!
I would love to have 1 or 2 eels if possible though I am fully aware that they will eat my small fish and vertebrates as such Im not going to list an eel but it would be great if anyone who has had sucess or knows of a great placid or tiny eel could comment. Otherwise I will leave eels off the list *sigh*.
INVERTERBRATES
STAR FISH (Add later)
1 x Blue Starfish (Linckia laevigata)
1 x Orange Sea Star (Echinaster sp)
SHRIMP
1 x Pedersons Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes pedersoni)
2 x Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni)
1 x Spotted Anemone Shrimp
2 x Hinge-beak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes spp)
2 x Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
20 x Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
1 x Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus sp) - CAN BE PURCHASED WITH WATCHMAN GOBY ALREADY PAIRED
Crabs (MUST ADD EMPTY SHELLS FOR THEIR GROWTH)
10 x Purple Porcelain Crabs OR Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes ohshimai)
1 x Emerald Crab (Mithrax sculptus)
30 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
1 x Left-handed Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
4 x Red Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
4 x Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab (Coenobiata species)
4 x Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
SCALLOPS & OYSTERS - (Add later after tank is established / Need more experience before attempting)
2 x Electric Flame Scallop (Lima sp)
2 x Flame Scallop (Lima scabra)
1 x Paguriste scadenati
SEA CUCUMBERS
1 x Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber (Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber)
SEA SLUGS & NUDIBRANCHS
1 x Lettuce Sea Slug (Tridachia crispata)
CLAMS (Add later after tank is established, Need to be up high near lights)
2 x Crocea Clam (Tridacna crocea)
1 x Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima)
1 x Squamosa Clam (Tridacna squamosa)
SNAILS
10 x Bumble Bee Snail (Pusiostoma sp)
10 x Mexican Red Foot Snail (Norrisia norrisii)
20 x Nassarius Snails (Nassarius sp)
20 x Banded Trochus Snail (Trochus sp)
10 x Turbo Snail (Turbo sp)
CORALS
HARD CORALS
1 x Artichoke/Button Coral (Scolymia sp)
1 x Bird's Nest Coral (Seriatopora sp)
1 x Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia sp)
1 x Green Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sp)
1 x Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)
1 x Cat's Paw/Club Finger Coral (Stylophora sp)
1 x Daisy/Flowerpot Coral (Alveopora sp)
1 X Elegance Coral (Cataphyllia sp)
1 x Lobophyllia Brain Coral (Lobophyllia sp.)
1 x Plate/Disk Coral (Fungia sp)
MUSHROOM CORALS
3 x Ricordea Mushroom Coral (Ricordea yuma) - Different colours
SOFT CORALS
1 x Acalycigorgia Sea Fan (Acalycigorgia sp)
1 x Clove/Glove Poly (Clavularia sp)
ANEMONES (Need to be 12" apart, Need more advice on best way to get the established so they dont wander)
2 x Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) - Different Colours
FAN WORMS \ FEATHER DUSTERS (ANNELIDS)
1 x Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus sp)
1 x Cluster Duster (Bispira brunnea)
1 x Dwarf Colored Feather Duster (Bispira sp)
1 x Hard Tubeworm (Protula bispiralis)
1 x Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sp)
MACROALGAE
1 Chaetomorpha Algae - Aquacultured (Chaetomorpha sp) OR 1 X Sea Grape (Botryocladia sp)
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANYOU EVERYONE!
This is great, im also getting a lot of great messages from other n00bs who are taking great interest in what im compiling from your experiences so please continue to pick at my list where you see fit.
Ive now updated the list with everything you have said. Please review if you have the time. Many thanks again. I promise that I will contribute one day with my own knowledge and Ill be sure to share photos ect as I go along.
One thing to note is that as I live in Australia (Melbourne) most likely there are going to be things im not going to have access to due to import restrictions and what not. Basically im trying to piece together through everyones experience and knowledge what the best REEF, VERTEBRATE and FISH safe setup I can get then work it down on availability. Thanks again.
Tank Details:
5ft (5ft x 2ft x 3ft) = 224 US Gallons (187 UK Gallons) or 850 Litres
100 Kg (220 lbs) of Live Rock
60 Kg (133 lbs) of Coral Sand Substrate
Lighting - SunSun 2 x 250W Metal Halide Reflector 20K + 2 x 54W T5HO + Moonlight 7 LED
Protein Skimmer - Undecided
Heater - 2 x 300 Watt Jager Eheim
Filter - Sump with pump.
Power Heads - 4 x Hydor Koralia
PLEASE POST ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU FEEL VALID OR ANY TROUBLE YOU SEE I MAY EXPERIENCE.
FISH
CLOWNFISH
1 x Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 x Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris var)
DAMSELFISH
4 x Blue Reef Chromis (Blue Reef Chromis) - non agressive
DRAGONETS (Add later after tank is established)
1 x Green Mandarinfish (Pterosynchiropus splendidus, Synchiropus splendidus)
1 x Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus)
GOBIES, DARTFISH AND JAWFISH
1 x Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus)
1 x Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
1 x Purple Tilefish (Hoplolatilus purpureus) OR Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)
1 x Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) - CAN BE PURCHASED WITH PISTOL SHRIMP ALREADY PAIRED
Blennies
1 x Jewelled Rockskipper \ Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
1 x Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) OR 1 x Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)
1 x Tube Blenny (Acanthemblemaria)
CARDINALFISH
2 x Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
TANGS AND SURGEONFISH
1 x Chevron Tang (Chevron Tang)
1 x Tomini Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
TRIGGERS
1 x Bluechin Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
WRASSE (ADD FIRST AFTER INVERTEBRATES)
2 x Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella sp)
1 x Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Exquisite Fairy Wrasse)
2 x Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Filamented Flasher Wrasse)
1 x Five Bar Wrasse (Psuedochellinus mysterii)
EELS - NEED HELP!
I would love to have 1 or 2 eels if possible though I am fully aware that they will eat my small fish and vertebrates as such Im not going to list an eel but it would be great if anyone who has had sucess or knows of a great placid or tiny eel could comment. Otherwise I will leave eels off the list *sigh*.
INVERTERBRATES
STAR FISH (Add later)
1 x Blue Starfish (Linckia laevigata)
1 x Orange Sea Star (Echinaster sp)
SHRIMP
1 x Pedersons Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes pedersoni)
2 x Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni)
1 x Spotted Anemone Shrimp
2 x Hinge-beak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes spp)
2 x Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
20 x Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
1 x Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus sp) - CAN BE PURCHASED WITH WATCHMAN GOBY ALREADY PAIRED
Crabs (MUST ADD EMPTY SHELLS FOR THEIR GROWTH)
10 x Purple Porcelain Crabs OR Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes ohshimai)
1 x Emerald Crab (Mithrax sculptus)
30 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
1 x Left-handed Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
4 x Red Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
4 x Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab (Coenobiata species)
4 x Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
SCALLOPS & OYSTERS - (Add later after tank is established / Need more experience before attempting)
2 x Electric Flame Scallop (Lima sp)
2 x Flame Scallop (Lima scabra)
1 x Paguriste scadenati
SEA CUCUMBERS
1 x Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber (Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber)
SEA SLUGS & NUDIBRANCHS
1 x Lettuce Sea Slug (Tridachia crispata)
CLAMS (Add later after tank is established, Need to be up high near lights)
2 x Crocea Clam (Tridacna crocea)
1 x Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima)
1 x Squamosa Clam (Tridacna squamosa)
SNAILS
10 x Bumble Bee Snail (Pusiostoma sp)
10 x Mexican Red Foot Snail (Norrisia norrisii)
20 x Nassarius Snails (Nassarius sp)
20 x Banded Trochus Snail (Trochus sp)
10 x Turbo Snail (Turbo sp)
CORALS
HARD CORALS
1 x Artichoke/Button Coral (Scolymia sp)
1 x Bird's Nest Coral (Seriatopora sp)
1 x Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia sp)
1 x Green Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sp)
1 x Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)
1 x Cat's Paw/Club Finger Coral (Stylophora sp)
1 x Daisy/Flowerpot Coral (Alveopora sp)
1 X Elegance Coral (Cataphyllia sp)
1 x Lobophyllia Brain Coral (Lobophyllia sp.)
1 x Plate/Disk Coral (Fungia sp)
MUSHROOM CORALS
3 x Ricordea Mushroom Coral (Ricordea yuma) - Different colours
SOFT CORALS
1 x Acalycigorgia Sea Fan (Acalycigorgia sp)
1 x Clove/Glove Poly (Clavularia sp)
ANEMONES (Need to be 12" apart, Need more advice on best way to get the established so they dont wander)
2 x Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) - Different Colours
FAN WORMS \ FEATHER DUSTERS (ANNELIDS)
1 x Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus sp)
1 x Cluster Duster (Bispira brunnea)
1 x Dwarf Colored Feather Duster (Bispira sp)
1 x Hard Tubeworm (Protula bispiralis)
1 x Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sp)
MACROALGAE
1 Chaetomorpha Algae - Aquacultured (Chaetomorpha sp) OR 1 X Sea Grape (Botryocladia sp)
H2OLUVSME
Premium Member
I have had good luck keeping emerald crabs, CBS, and a pistol shrimp together. Ive also had a good luck keeping a pistol with cleaner shrimp, blood shrimp, and porcelain crabs. Ive always had the hermits (next tank wont have any) and snails along with them as well.
The main thing to consider is the CBS isnt going to tolerate many other inverts, but they are cool enough to have, even on their own. I have on in my 75, and had a pair in in a past 29, and loved them, despite the fact I could only keep emerald crabs and the pistol with them.
I would stear clear from the peppermint shrimp based on the fact that the only thing I ever saw mine eat was coral food. Once the coral would get ahold of the food (passing or spot fed) the shrimp would proceed to rip it out (sometimes taking coral flesh as well) so it could get an easy meal. I had this problem with one of my cleaner shrimps as well, but atleast it ate other foods or scavenged on its own sometimes. I never had the problem wiht the fire shrimps as they werent bold enough to come right out in front of me, even to get food. I dont have experience with the other shrimps you have listed, but would assume you may run the same risk.
Most crabs will do this as well (hermit or otherwise) so keep that in mind when selecting quantities. I havent had that problem with emeralds (feed mostly on vegetation) or porcelains (filter feeders), but have witnessed it on numerous occasions with hermits (of all types) and any other crab Ive kept. The red reef hermits seems to be the least destructive of the hermits, but they are still clumsy and take the path less travelled, even if its over a prized coral
r0cksteady
New member
Ive reduced the amount of cleaner shrimp as per your recommendation is there anything else I could/should improve on?
r0cksteady
New member
Hmm Ive updated this list as per your info but I need help then in what numbers you would consider for a 224 US Gallon tank as far as ratio goes.
Sorry If im asking to be spoon fed I'm just nervous about making huge mistakes when I can play it safe.
All my species selection have come from www.peteducation.com as I have found their site easy to browse \ search with simple pics and info.
Tank Details:
5ft (5ft x 2ft x 3ft) = 224 US Gallons (187 UK Gallons) or 850 Liters
100 Kg (220 lbs) of Live Rock
60 Kg (133 lbs) of Coral Sand Substrate
Lighting - SunSun 2 x 250W Metal Halide Reflector 20K + 2 x 54W T5HO + Moonlight 7 LED
Protein Skimmer - Undecided
Heater - 2 x 300 Watt Jager Eheim
Filter - Sump with pump.
Power Heads - 4 x Hydor Koralia
PLEASE POST ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU FEEL VALID OR ANY TROUBLE YOU SEE I MAY EXPERIENCE.
FISH
CLOWNFISH
1 x Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 x Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris var)
DAMSELFISH
4 x Blue Reef Chromis (Blue Reef Chromis) - non agressive
DRAGONETS (Add later after tank is established)
2 x Male/Female Pair of Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus) OR 2 x Male/Female Pair of Green Mandarinfish (Pterosynchiropus splendidus, Synchiropus splendidus) - Need lots of fauna ie. Copepods to eat.
GOBIES, DARTFISH AND JAWFISH
1 x Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus) - (Add later after tank is established)
1 x Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
1 x Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)
1 x Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Blennies
1 x Jewelled Rockskipper \ Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
1 x Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) OR 1 x Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)
1 x Tube Blenny (Acanthemblemaria)
CARDINALFISH
2 x Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
TANGS AND SURGEONFISH
1 x Chevron Tang (Chevron Tang)
1 x Tomini Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
TRIGGERS
1 x Bluechin Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
WRASSE (ADD FIRST AFTER INVERTEBRATES)
2 x Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella sp) - Need lots of fauna ie. Copepods to eat.
1 x Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Exquisite Fairy Wrasse)
2 x Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Filamented Flasher Wrasse)
1 x Five Bar Wrasse (Psuedochellinus mysterii)
1 x Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)
EELS - NEED HELP!
I would love to have an eel if possible though I am fully aware that they will eat my small fish and vertebrates as such Im not going to list an eel but it would be great if anyone who has had sucess or knows of a great placid or tiny eel could comment. Otherwise I will get 1 x Convict Blenny AKA Engineer Goby
(Pholidichthys leucotaenia)
INVERTERBRATES
STAR FISH (Add later)
1 x Blue Starfish (Linckia laevigata)
1 x Orange Sea Star (Echinaster sp)
SHRIMP
1 x Pedersons Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes pedersoni)
1 x Spotted Anemone Shrimp
2 x Hinge-beak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes spp)
2 x Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
4 x Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
1 x Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus sp)
Crabs (MUST ADD EMPTY SHELLS FOR THEIR GROWTH)
10 x Purple Porcelain Crabs OR Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes ohshimai)
1 x Emerald Crab (Mithrax sculptus)
30 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
1 x Left-handed Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
4 x Red Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
4 x Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab (Coenobiata species)
4 x Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
SCALLOPS & OYSTERS - (Add later after tank is established / Need more experience before attempting / Need to feed DTs Phytoplankton)
2 x Electric Flame Scallop (Lima sp)
2 x Flame Scallop (Lima scabra)
1 x Paguriste scadenati
SEA CUCUMBERS
1 x Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber (Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber)
SEA SLUGS & NUDIBRANCHS
1 x Lettuce Sea Slug (Tridachia crispata)
CLAMS (Add later after tank is established, Need to be up high near lights)
2 x Crocea Clam (Tridacna crocea)
1 x Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima)
1 x Squamosa Clam (Tridacna squamosa)
SNAILS
10 x Bumble Bee Snail (Pusiostoma sp)
10 x Mexican Red Foot Snail (Norrisia norrisii)
20 x Nassarius Snails (Nassarius sp)
20 x Banded Trochus Snail (Trochus sp)
10 x Stomatella Limpet Snail (Margarites pupillus)
CORALS
HARD CORALS
1 x Artichoke/Button Coral (Scolymia sp)
1 x Bird's Nest Coral (Seriatopora sp)
1 x Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia sp)
1 x Green Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sp)
1 x Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)
1 x Cat's Paw/Club Finger Coral (Stylophora sp)
1 x Daisy/Flowerpot Coral (Alveopora sp)
1 X Elegance Coral (Cataphyllia sp)
1 x Lobophyllia Brain Coral (Lobophyllia sp.)
1 x Plate/Disk Coral (Fungia sp)
MUSHROOM CORALS
3 x Ricordea Mushroom Coral (Ricordea yuma) - Different colours
SOFT CORALS
1 x Acalycigorgia Sea Fan (Acalycigorgia sp)
1 x Clove/Glove Poly (Clavularia sp)
ANEMONES (Need to be 12" apart, Prefer less air flow, Need more advice on best way to get the established so they dont wander)
2 x Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) - Different Colours
FAN WORMS \ FEATHER DUSTERS (ANNELIDS)
1 x Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus sp)
1 x Cluster Duster (Bispira brunnea)
1 x Dwarf Colored Feather Duster (Bispira sp)
1 x Hard Tubeworm (Protula bispiralis)
1 x Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sp)
MACROALGAE - Also put in sump with live sand as refugium to feed herbivores when low in fauna on main tank.
1 Chaetomorpha Algae - Aquacultured (Chaetomorpha sp) OR 1 X Sea Grape (Botryocladia sp)
Sorry If im asking to be spoon fed I'm just nervous about making huge mistakes when I can play it safe.
All my species selection have come from www.peteducation.com as I have found their site easy to browse \ search with simple pics and info.
Tank Details:
5ft (5ft x 2ft x 3ft) = 224 US Gallons (187 UK Gallons) or 850 Liters
100 Kg (220 lbs) of Live Rock
60 Kg (133 lbs) of Coral Sand Substrate
Lighting - SunSun 2 x 250W Metal Halide Reflector 20K + 2 x 54W T5HO + Moonlight 7 LED
Protein Skimmer - Undecided
Heater - 2 x 300 Watt Jager Eheim
Filter - Sump with pump.
Power Heads - 4 x Hydor Koralia
PLEASE POST ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU FEEL VALID OR ANY TROUBLE YOU SEE I MAY EXPERIENCE.
FISH
CLOWNFISH
1 x Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 x Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris var)
DAMSELFISH
4 x Blue Reef Chromis (Blue Reef Chromis) - non agressive
DRAGONETS (Add later after tank is established)
2 x Male/Female Pair of Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus) OR 2 x Male/Female Pair of Green Mandarinfish (Pterosynchiropus splendidus, Synchiropus splendidus) - Need lots of fauna ie. Copepods to eat.
GOBIES, DARTFISH AND JAWFISH
1 x Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus) - (Add later after tank is established)
1 x Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
1 x Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)
1 x Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Blennies
1 x Jewelled Rockskipper \ Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
1 x Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) OR 1 x Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor)
1 x Tube Blenny (Acanthemblemaria)
CARDINALFISH
2 x Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
TANGS AND SURGEONFISH
1 x Chevron Tang (Chevron Tang)
1 x Tomini Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
TRIGGERS
1 x Bluechin Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
WRASSE (ADD FIRST AFTER INVERTEBRATES)
2 x Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella sp) - Need lots of fauna ie. Copepods to eat.
1 x Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Exquisite Fairy Wrasse)
2 x Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Filamented Flasher Wrasse)
1 x Five Bar Wrasse (Psuedochellinus mysterii)
1 x Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)
EELS - NEED HELP!
I would love to have an eel if possible though I am fully aware that they will eat my small fish and vertebrates as such Im not going to list an eel but it would be great if anyone who has had sucess or knows of a great placid or tiny eel could comment. Otherwise I will get 1 x Convict Blenny AKA Engineer Goby
(Pholidichthys leucotaenia)
INVERTERBRATES
STAR FISH (Add later)
1 x Blue Starfish (Linckia laevigata)
1 x Orange Sea Star (Echinaster sp)
SHRIMP
1 x Pedersons Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes pedersoni)
1 x Spotted Anemone Shrimp
2 x Hinge-beak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes spp)
2 x Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
4 x Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
1 x Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus sp)
Crabs (MUST ADD EMPTY SHELLS FOR THEIR GROWTH)
10 x Purple Porcelain Crabs OR Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes ohshimai)
1 x Emerald Crab (Mithrax sculptus)
30 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
1 x Left-handed Hermit Crab (Calcinus laevimanus)
4 x Red Reef Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
4 x Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab (Coenobiata species)
4 x Scarlet Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati)
SCALLOPS & OYSTERS - (Add later after tank is established / Need more experience before attempting / Need to feed DTs Phytoplankton)
2 x Electric Flame Scallop (Lima sp)
2 x Flame Scallop (Lima scabra)
1 x Paguriste scadenati
SEA CUCUMBERS
1 x Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber (Sand Sifting Sea Cucumber)
SEA SLUGS & NUDIBRANCHS
1 x Lettuce Sea Slug (Tridachia crispata)
CLAMS (Add later after tank is established, Need to be up high near lights)
2 x Crocea Clam (Tridacna crocea)
1 x Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima)
1 x Squamosa Clam (Tridacna squamosa)
SNAILS
10 x Bumble Bee Snail (Pusiostoma sp)
10 x Mexican Red Foot Snail (Norrisia norrisii)
20 x Nassarius Snails (Nassarius sp)
20 x Banded Trochus Snail (Trochus sp)
10 x Stomatella Limpet Snail (Margarites pupillus)
CORALS
HARD CORALS
1 x Artichoke/Button Coral (Scolymia sp)
1 x Bird's Nest Coral (Seriatopora sp)
1 x Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia sp)
1 x Green Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sp)
1 x Candy Cane Coral (Caulastrea furcata)
1 x Cat's Paw/Club Finger Coral (Stylophora sp)
1 x Daisy/Flowerpot Coral (Alveopora sp)
1 X Elegance Coral (Cataphyllia sp)
1 x Lobophyllia Brain Coral (Lobophyllia sp.)
1 x Plate/Disk Coral (Fungia sp)
MUSHROOM CORALS
3 x Ricordea Mushroom Coral (Ricordea yuma) - Different colours
SOFT CORALS
1 x Acalycigorgia Sea Fan (Acalycigorgia sp)
1 x Clove/Glove Poly (Clavularia sp)
ANEMONES (Need to be 12" apart, Prefer less air flow, Need more advice on best way to get the established so they dont wander)
2 x Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) - Different Colours
FAN WORMS \ FEATHER DUSTERS (ANNELIDS)
1 x Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus sp)
1 x Cluster Duster (Bispira brunnea)
1 x Dwarf Colored Feather Duster (Bispira sp)
1 x Hard Tubeworm (Protula bispiralis)
1 x Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sp)
MACROALGAE - Also put in sump with live sand as refugium to feed herbivores when low in fauna on main tank.
1 Chaetomorpha Algae - Aquacultured (Chaetomorpha sp) OR 1 X Sea Grape (Botryocladia sp)
r0cksteady
New member
Hi All,
Thank you for all your wise advice and I take everything people say on board and have then been reading a few books and other web pages cross checking the info to make sure there is a general concensis. So far I havent had anyproblems doing such and these forums have been the absolute best source of information I could ever want.
Do you all feel my tank is still over populated in the sense of fish and corals? The bad thing (though good depending on how you look at this) is that because everything is so expensive its not humanly possible to take my list to the store and go "When can you have it all delivered?" lol.
So because of that I dont feel I will hit my bio-limit for quite some time as each week I will add something new but probably only 1-2 items.
Once I get a general "tick" so to speak of approval from you guys that everything on my list seems reasonable and theres no major "YOU CANT DO THAT!" then I need help in figuring out what order to add things.
Obviously "after" the cycling with live rock period is finished you add the clean up crew (cuc) but after that am I best to add all corals (whether that be a period of months or years) and THEN start to add fish or for every coral I add can I then add a fish?
Do you guys have any general opinions or guidelines for that?
Thank you for all your wise advice and I take everything people say on board and have then been reading a few books and other web pages cross checking the info to make sure there is a general concensis. So far I havent had anyproblems doing such and these forums have been the absolute best source of information I could ever want.
Do you all feel my tank is still over populated in the sense of fish and corals? The bad thing (though good depending on how you look at this) is that because everything is so expensive its not humanly possible to take my list to the store and go "When can you have it all delivered?" lol.
So because of that I dont feel I will hit my bio-limit for quite some time as each week I will add something new but probably only 1-2 items.
Once I get a general "tick" so to speak of approval from you guys that everything on my list seems reasonable and theres no major "YOU CANT DO THAT!" then I need help in figuring out what order to add things.
Obviously "after" the cycling with live rock period is finished you add the clean up crew (cuc) but after that am I best to add all corals (whether that be a period of months or years) and THEN start to add fish or for every coral I add can I then add a fish?
Do you guys have any general opinions or guidelines for that?
petoonia
HereWeGoAgain...
I think he only wants 1 pair of mated Manadarins.
I thought your tank was only 120 US Gallons. Sorry about that. You have plenty of room. The list you have looks pretty good. Like you said you might not be a ble to get everything on your list, or you might go the store and find something that you love. So I would be prepared for changes to the list, and I would try to read about a wide variety of fish so you dont make any impulsive purchases when your at the fish store, or dont get talked into anything that isnt suitable for your tank, by a not so honest fish salesman.
Your doing this the right way. Keep asking questions, and learning as much as possible. You are going to wind up with a gorgeous tank.
I thought your tank was only 120 US Gallons. Sorry about that. You have plenty of room. The list you have looks pretty good. Like you said you might not be a ble to get everything on your list, or you might go the store and find something that you love. So I would be prepared for changes to the list, and I would try to read about a wide variety of fish so you dont make any impulsive purchases when your at the fish store, or dont get talked into anything that isnt suitable for your tank, by a not so honest fish salesman.
Your doing this the right way. Keep asking questions, and learning as much as possible. You are going to wind up with a gorgeous tank.
r0cksteady
New member
Wow thanks, positive encouragement is also appreciated
I went into the LFS today and they said if I only buy 4 damselfish I may have trouble with them fighting each other until there is only one. He recommended that I get 10 or more so they act more like a school. Whats your opinion on this?
Thanks again for all your help everyone.
I went into the LFS today and they said if I only buy 4 damselfish I may have trouble with them fighting each other until there is only one. He recommended that I get 10 or more so they act more like a school. Whats your opinion on this?
Thanks again for all your help everyone.
r0cksteady
New member
Another question I was speaking to the LFS about cover glass on reef aquariums and he mentioned that he has heard its not recommended that you use cover glass on a reef tank due to the metal halides though he did admit he wasn't 100% sure.
What would be the risk ive I DID have cover glass?
You see I have a dear pet which is the family cat and whilst im happy for him to enjoy looking at the fish im not keen on him trying to drink out of the tank or swing at things.
Also im having thoughts about making it eel proof further down the track and obviously cover glass is a large part of that.
What would be the risk ive I DID have cover glass?
You see I have a dear pet which is the family cat and whilst im happy for him to enjoy looking at the fish im not keen on him trying to drink out of the tank or swing at things.
Also im having thoughts about making it eel proof further down the track and obviously cover glass is a large part of that.
H2OLUVSME
Premium Member
Look into some egg crate. Its light, cheap, plastic material used to direct light downward. You can get it from Lowes or HD and cut it to size. It wont allow your cat in, or jumping fish out, but it will allow heat to dissapate.
I run a tnak right now with a glass lid and I have heat troubles. Its only got PC lighting over it.
I run a tnak right now with a glass lid and I have heat troubles. Its only got PC lighting over it.
petoonia
HereWeGoAgain...
Personally I would skip the damsels/chromis. You could add a couple, if you really like them. Even with 10 they still might pick each other off. Thats alot on your bio load as well. If you really want a schooling fish why dont you look into Cardinals, or maybe Anthias. I dont have any experience with these two types of fish so I would ask around and see what other people think.
I also use glass tops, and I have heat issues as well. I have to have a fan constantly blowing on the sump to keep the temp down, and I have T5 lighting. I do think tanks should be covered to keep the fish in, and curious pets out. From what I've heard egg crate seems to be the best option.
I also use glass tops, and I have heat issues as well. I have to have a fan constantly blowing on the sump to keep the temp down, and I have T5 lighting. I do think tanks should be covered to keep the fish in, and curious pets out. From what I've heard egg crate seems to be the best option.
r0cksteady
New member
Have removed the damsels, thanks for the asisstance in refining my list. I think im getting close to a realistic ammount now, next few steps will be seeing whats available to me locally.
If I got cover glass to avoid small kids trying to feed fish\ give fish drinks and to also make eel proof if I go down that path, should I look at getting a chiller or do I just need to be more "aware" of the temperature regularly upon implementing?
If I got cover glass to avoid small kids trying to feed fish\ give fish drinks and to also make eel proof if I go down that path, should I look at getting a chiller or do I just need to be more "aware" of the temperature regularly upon implementing?
r0cksteady
New member
OK Cool thanks thats what I needed to hear. I may not go for a cover glass but I just want to understand the impact of that line of thought. Cheers
petoonia
HereWeGoAgain...
I've never been to Australia, but I've always assumed the climate was very hot. You may want to add a chiller to your list. It is definitely something to look into.
Something else you might want to look into in the future is a generator, especially if you have power outages frequently. They are expensive, but definitely worth it if you lose power for a day or two.
Something else you might want to look into in the future is a generator, especially if you have power outages frequently. They are expensive, but definitely worth it if you lose power for a day or two.
r0cksteady
New member
Different parts of Australia have different holes in the ozone layer. lol.
In Melboure we are really cold in the winter and really hot in the summoer we tend to have the extremes but not to the point of snow or droughts either way my house is air conditioned and heated if I got into any serious issues.
I think in the 5 years ive lived in my place ive only had 1 power outage so im not too concerned, i do have an old petrol powered generator that makes lots of noise worst case scenario.
In Melboure we are really cold in the winter and really hot in the summoer we tend to have the extremes but not to the point of snow or droughts either way my house is air conditioned and heated if I got into any serious issues.
I think in the 5 years ive lived in my place ive only had 1 power outage so im not too concerned, i do have an old petrol powered generator that makes lots of noise worst case scenario.
