Stocking a new SH tank - Suggestions welcome!

[andythorntonjr]

I have in mind a mix of coral/inverts/SH for my tank which is currently cycling, but I wanted to get some blank ideas from others who have already got established tanks. Below are pictures of the current tank setup, but to summarize:

50 gallon display with overflow drilled in the back left going into the sump 20 gallon tank below. Have a model 7 pump for the sump return coming out in the back right of the tank. Two Maxijet powerheads in the tank currently for flow; one in the front right (Maxi 1200) and one under the overflow box (Maxi 600). The right side of the tank has the liverock blocking it off in part to be a 'high flow' region, in case I need any coral for a higher flow and to lessen the sump's flow to the bulk of the tank. Remora Aqua C skimmer in the bottom with a heater (neither turned on yet). I have an extra MiniJet 404 and a MaxiJet 900 I can toss in if needed down the road. Still weeks away from any live additions, so the big question is... what would you stock it with? Planning on 1-2 pair of sea horses (erectus probably), with possible other fish/coral/inverts. Open to suggestions! Want to see how close to my own ideas established keepers go.


Thanks!

 

[Peka]

Honestly, I would just put the seahorses in and enjoy them. If later on down the line you want a goby or mandarin you can add it. That tank has so many possibilities.... I would put some macro algae, some xenia and some leathers in there... (and of course, sun corals because I am addicted to those) ... good luck, let us know what you decide on....

 

[Franco724]

3 words; macro, macro, macro! Sun corals are up there too!

 

[andythorntonjr]

Heh, sounds right in line with what I was thinking as well. Currently thinking some sun coral (of course!), some fans, polyps and leather. Maybe add a Pearly Jawfish and maybe a couple Firefish (to get the tank started); maybe the mandarin down the road after the sea horses. Also thinking a sponge or two, feather dusters and a blue or orange sea star eventually. Then of course the sea horses themselves. Was thinking some caluerpa in the sump. What types of macro would you suggest for the main tank given the above additions? I know I'll have to trim the macro in the main tank more than in the sump, but... I'm open to the possibility!

 

[namxas]

If you're going with SH, I'd add them first to get them settled and eating for you without the distraction of tankmates that may compete with them for food and space.

As for macro...this pic is already out there, but it's better than a description:

 

[andythorntonjr]

Wow, awesome tank picture namxas! Just the right mix of colors and texture I was thinking of to boot. The only question though would be what all macros are in that picture? I recognize some of them already, but not all.

 

[wdt2000]

Not sure if it will be a problem or not, but I know I have to watch my tank that has a mag drive pumps in the sump as it really seems to add heat. Not a problem alone but when you add more pumps for skimmers and flow it can really raise the temp quickly compared to other pumps.

That said I love my mag drives.

 

[andythorntonjr]

The tank is already running a little high, which for cycling purposes is okay right now. I'm planning on getting a chiller to drop the temp down to the 72-73 range once I'm ready to really start adding stuff. Also going to put in a good (QUIET) closed loop, just not sure on either the Eheim 1262 or a Quiet One 4000 for the loop.


So figure once the skimmer and all is going, plus the closed loop... the temp will be up, but a good chiller will more than compensate

 

[namxas]

Actually, the tank pictured is running on a Mag 7 for the mains, and a Mag 5 for the CL returns. There's also a MJ1200 with a 1/4" LL "Y" that comes over the O/F wall to add additional surface agitation. Of course, the tank is chilled and runs at 74*F.

The macro in question is:

Caulerpa racemosa (green grape)
Botryocladia sp. (red grape)
Pink galaxia (pretty rare)
The red stringy stuff (I forget the name) was the "penny macro" from John Maloney @ Reefcleaners.org
There is also a stand of Codium (not in photo).

IME, the SH love the bushy, more dense macro like the "penny" macro and Chaetomorpha as they tend to become harbors for pods. it's pretty funny to see a SH dive into the macro head first while chasing them.

 

[loganbug3]

I would include some Pulsating Xenia:fun4: (I Love Those!)

 

[atbathompson]

Where can I buy Caulerpa racemosa and botryocladia sp?? Love the pic! Looks great, hopefully one day mine can look as good

Actually, the tank pictured is running on a Mag 7 for the mains, and a Mag 5 for the CL returns. There's also a MJ1200 with a 1/4" LL "Y" that comes over the O/F wall to add additional surface agitation. Of course, the tank is chilled and runs at 74*F.

The macro in question is:

Caulerpa racemosa (green grape)
Botryocladia sp. (red grape)
Pink galaxia (pretty rare)
The red stringy stuff (I forget the name) was the "penny macro" from John Maloney @ Reefcleaners.org
There is also a stand of Codium (not in photo).

IME, the SH love the bushy, more dense macro like the "penny" macro and Chaetomorpha as they tend to become harbors for pods. it's pretty funny to see a SH dive into the macro head first while chasing them.