Tank Stocking

[Kiel'thalin]

I have some problems deciding on some fish. I currently have a 46G w/ 55lbs Live rock. My tank now has the following livestock added in this order:
(3) Green Chromis
(1) Lawnmower Blenny
(1) Green Mandarin
(1) Ocellaris Clown (In Quarantine)
(1) Regal Tang (<2") (In Quarantine)
I am going to keep the Clown and the Regal Tang is going to be returned/exchanged once he is better. Both are at the LFS in there own quarantine tank (been there a week already). It is going to be 3-4 weeks before I make my next purchase and need some insight on what to get to replace my Tang. I thought I could be happy with him, in which I am, but he is not going to be happy in the long run in my tank. My Mandarin is doing well, I still have to feed him live brine for now. I want one more fish to complete my tank and want something not aggressive and completely reef safe. I do not want to chance an Angel, what could I get that is a colorful swimmer to complete this tank?

 

[thor32766]

wow, i just wanted to say good job. You have started the hobby out on the right foot. actually saying your tang wouldnt be happy in there in the long run. good job!

 

[Kiel'thalin]

It was a impulse decision to get the tang in the 1st place. He was so small and cute. Now he is starting to grow and I put a ruler on the outside of the tank and was was amazed how little room he would have when he reaches his full size.

 

[Kiel'thalin]

After looking around at all sorts of different fish, I concluded that my option to better benefit my mandarin is to get a Herbivore Swimmer (not bottom dweller). That only leaves the Tang and Foxface Varieties? Is there any other variety of fish that is strictly a herbivore in nature such as the Tangs/Foxfaces. With the foxfaces, am I running into the same problem with tangs needing lots of room?

 

[ktrandc]

What about some anthias for color?

 

[Serioussnaps]

no you have no room for anthias ina 46G...horrible idea i mean just horrible....hmmmm herbivorous...you have a lawnmower so that is out of question...bicolor blenny maybe if it will get along with the lawnmower....6 line wrasse...royal gramma......so many to choose from

 

[Kiel'thalin]

I am more interested in something that won't eat all the pods up (one day I want to stop supplementing my mandarin). Will the Six-Line eat them all up going in and out of the rocks hunting pods? I am thinking about returning my 3 chromis and just having the:
Lawnmower Blenny
Clown
Mandarin
Then when something comes along that will work I will get it. Just need some ideas on what that would be. I wish it was a tang or foxface.

 

[Rob Martin]

The Manadarin will demolish the pod population in that tank (IMO)so you will have to supplement anyway.You are lucky that he will eat other foods,some Mandarin's feed exclusivley on pods.
Rob.

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

Tank is too small for any Tang or Foxface....I am a bit confused What do you mean your Clown and Tang are at the lfs in qt? Have you had them in your tank yet? If not, I would not bring home the Tang since he cannot stay with you permanently...
And as far as qt at the LFS...Unless they are in a tank that has its own filtration system, its no qt... in most LFS, the tanks are plumbed together so if one fish has ich...the whole system is at risk

I would just get another Clown...they do better in pairs... After that, I'd say your tank is full

 

[Kiel'thalin]

Yes, the Tang and the Clown are at the LFS in a Tank that is a Stand Alone (has its own Filtration). They are the only fish in that tank, they have probably 8-10 tanks setup like that for treatment situations. Thanks for the help.