Stocking suggestions

d9sccr

Premium Member
So I have a 28g NC and I'm looking for some suggestions to put in it. I tend to like the rare but not necessarily expensive fish (yes I know those tend to go hand in hand). Right now, I have only a mystery wrasse and a few peppermint shrimp in it. I also have a yasha hase/pistol combo on order. So, I'm looking for 1-2 more fish. I was considering a pair of picassos, but I have a bioload concern over that. Fwiw, I'm running a tunze 9002 on the tank. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be great
 
So I have a 28g NC and I'm looking for some suggestions to put in it. I tend to like the rare but not necessarily expensive fish (yes I know those tend to go hand in hand). Right now, I have only a mystery wrasse and a few peppermint shrimp in it. I also have a yasha hase/pistol combo on order. So, I'm looking for 1-2 more fish. I was considering a pair of picassos, but I have a bioload concern over that. Fwiw, I'm running a tunze 9002 on the tank. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be great
A pair of Picassos shouldn't be a problem. Why the "bio-load" concerns? A functional, established bio-filter in a 28 gal tank should be able to handle it easily; or is the tank very new?
 
The tank is pretty new and I'm still dialing things in. I have no problem waiting a while, just planning my next few fish. I'm concerned mainly bc I've always extremely understocked an aquarium and don't really know how far I can "push" it. I really would like another pair of picassos though
 
Well "pushing it" means that your margin for error is reduced. I suggest that this is not a good thing. Generally, I agree with MrTuskfish.
 
I just didn't know if that would be pushing it..none of them really have that high of bioloads I don't think, but I just wanted to make sure. Also, do you think there would be a space issue? The mystery swims all around the tank and is generally what I consider a water column fish. I'm wondering if the addition of 2 picassos could cause issues w this.

If I don't go w the picassos, anymore ideas?
 
I just didn't know if that would be pushing it..none of them really have that high of bioloads I don't think, but I just wanted to make sure. Also, do you think there would be a space issue? The mystery swims all around the tank and is generally what I consider a water column fish. I'm wondering if the addition of 2 picassos could cause issues w this.

If I don't go w the picassos, anymore ideas?
I just realized: you are referring to Picasso Clowns, not Triggers, right?
 
A yellow or a blue assesor could be fine.;-)

For the clownfish, take a loo on the black-ice semi-snowflake from ORA, I own a pair and they are really gorgeous.
 
A red elongated pseudochromis could also be fine. They are really pacific (probably the only one pseudo with this beaviour) and really pretty. One of my fav in my tank. Pretty ''rare'' and not really expensive.
 
The tank is pretty new and I'm still dialing things in. I have no problem waiting a while, just planning my next few fish. I'm concerned mainly bc I've always extremely understocked an aquarium and don't really know how far I can "push" it. I really would like another pair of picassos though

Just curious. Are you really concerned about ammonia/nitrite or nitrates? Aerobic bacteria, that converts ammonia/ nitrite then nitrate multiplies incredibly fast. Almost any method of culturing this friendly bacteria will handle a lot more fish than many people realize. I often tend to overstock and can never remember seeing an ammonia problem in an established tank. Breeders often have so many juvis "growing out" in a tank that you can't see the back wall. Nitrates are another issue; but in moderate amounts, say <60ppm, are harmless to most fish. IMO & IME: assuming you have enough LR, you can easily keep several more smaller fish in your tank without worrying. Just test your water as you go and you'll be fine. I really think most concerns over "bio-load' are really unnecessary; as long as basic fishkeeping rules are followed. If you like the Picasso clowns; I can't imagine any reason why they wouldn't thrive in your tank. They are tank bred, so generally very hardy.
 
A pair of clowns, once sexually mature, will command about 30 gallons of water space. Any other fish is likely to be harassed.
 
A pair of clowns, once sexually mature, will command about 30 gallons of water space. Any other fish is likely to be harassed.

That was my concern..I may have to part ways w something along the way then. Thanks for the input everyone
 
That was my concern..I may have to part ways w something along the way then. Thanks for the input everyone

If the clowns are put in last, and are still quite small, I think you'll be OK. Most mated pairs of home-grown clowns are sold as soon as they pair up and well before they are full grown. IMO & IME; Perculas are more territorial than they are aggressive (although they sure aren't wussy) and if they are introduced into an occupied tank; they will probably find and defend a territory. But, as with everything in this hobby, no guarantees on anything.
 
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