tank-mate suggestions...

[coralreefnewb]

thus far I determined that I should like to get, rather must have (if at all possible):

- Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
- Spotted Cleaner Shrimp
- Yellow-line Goby
- Neon Goby

and with an open mind for, if any are strongly recommended:

- Yellow Sea Cucumber
- Fighting Conch
- Snails (any kind stand-out in particular?)
- Hermit Crab (Blue-leg, Red-leg, Zebra?)
- Blue-streak Cleaner Wrasse
- Shrimp (Banded Coral, Pedersen's, Blood Red?)
- Crab (Emerald, Sally Lightfoot?)
- Starfish! (do any starfish help sift sand or clean algae?)

For the necessary tank-mates of my choice, what kind of coral do you recommend? (i.e... eg... soft, or whatever... any specific species suggestions would be greatly appreciated!) are any types of anemones tolerable? How many of each species of fish or nonfish do you recommend? And what is a minimum tank size for atleast one coral and/or anemone and the four creatures mentioned above? Is a taller tank advised?

 

[eckrynock]

If you are seriously considering the Hawaiian cleaner, please read this article: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm The gobies and shrimp will be fine. I think the skunk cleaner shrimp are some of the best cleaners. Always busy, especially when the fish warm up to them. Your other list is good. A lot of people do not like hermits and I'm starting to side with them. Here's a good thread to read on snails: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=748495 All crabs are opportunistic? feeders so if there's not enough food on the menu, snail will become part of their diet. I would pass. I love my fighting conchs. Pass on the coral banded shrimp, stick with the skunk and blood reds. With these animals, any corals are fine. If this is the potential 40 gal. in you "Current tanks" list, I would pass on an anemone with corals. My .02.

 

[coralreefnewb]

new layout help!

new layout help!

About how large of a tank is recommended for a stock of:

- Cleaner Wrasse (want a hawaiian, but that's no good)
- Neon Goby (and/or a yellow-lined goby)
- Skunk Shrimp (although, I'd prefer a spotted shrimp)
- Fighting Conch??? (i would want a money cowrie, but not all are as pretty as some i've seen... what inhibits the growth on the shell? how can I assure my cowrie would have that pretty growth?)

and how many of each is recommended for pet morality?

Which reef is the hardiest and easiest to maintain?

Which methods are most cost efficient? Deep sand and whatnot?