Time between each fish add

[jiminy_crime]

Been away from reefing for a decade and have settled in life a bit and had a desire to get back into it.

Decided to do a smaller tank (36g bow front) and want to do a small reef tank. Tank has been cycled a month and have 20lbs of live rock (cured). The tank has a skimmer(Remora), Current Orbit Marine LED(23 watts), preset heater at 78, power heads (1,300 gph) and and emperor 350.

Been reading up but haven't seen what an optimal amount of time is between fish, coral and invert introductions should be.

Currently have a small fairy wrasse that is eating well and swims through the tank a lot. Have 2 emerald crabs, brittle star fish, chocolate chip star fish(I know, not reef safe...did this to suffice my 3 and 5 year old and not add too much bio...will trade later when I begin to add corals).

Any help on time between introductions and suggestions on additions? I do want to add a pair of clowns and a BTA.....but I am months away from that addition. Any suggestion on 1 or two more small fish I could add or a soft but hardy coral to add?

Much love and thanks!

 

[DrewHaus]

A pair of clowns would make a great addition. The fair wrasse is going to get too big for your tank. Sixline wrasses stay smaller and would be okay in that tank.

Other fish that I like (would go well with the clowns):
Tailspot blenny
Chalk bass
Firefish
Diamond goby (provided you have an established sand bed)

I would add fish slowly (at least a week or two), test your water to make sure your system can handle the increased bioload before adding the next fish.

 

[jraker]

you should wait around a month or two, so the nitrifying bacteria can process the ammonia that your fish produce. you can put pretty much as many corals as you want in the tank. a royal gramma would be a nice addition, or maybe some sort of blenny or goby.

as coral goes, get what appeals to you. most corals are pretty hardy as long as your parameters are stable (calcium, magnesium, alkalinity).

 

[jiminy_crime]

As for corals, I used to have star polyps and really liked them. Also like pulsing Xenia. Would either of these be a good place to start some additions?

 

[jraker]

yes, they would be great. just be aware that xenia can spread like wildfire.

for example:

 

[Silly clownfish]

For timing between additions, since I prefer to QT each fish individually (unless I was getting a pair of something), so that spaces them ay least 6 weeks apart (my regimen is 2 week TTM, w/ prazi, followed by another 4 weeks of observation). That allows the fish who was added to the tank last to have plenty of time to find their niche - physically and socially.

once a tank is fully stocked, it can be years between additions.