How many fish can i put in my 50 gallon aquarium

chrlstnsurf · 03/13/2012, 03:08 PM

I recently set up my first 50 g aquarium, right now i have 2 clowns, a valentine puffer, lawnmower blenny, 2 peppermint shrimps, and a reef lobster i was wondering what would be the safe limit on stocking this tank?

Toddrtrex · 03/13/2012, 03:28 PM

To Reef Central

What type of clowns?

Reef or fish only tank?

chrlstnsurf · 03/15/2012, 02:31 PM

reef

chrlstnsurf · 03/15/2012, 02:32 PM

they are percula clowns

tangtang clown · 03/15/2012, 02:37 PM

Welcome Jaaaaaay Tony! You have one bad A$$ setup. I would take it slow and only add fish and coral accordingly. Listen to what Brandon says. He is a good guy and will lead you in the right direction.

tangtang clown · 03/15/2012, 02:47 PM

I know you mentioned wanting a Yellow tang.
I also know that you want to upgrade in the future.
If you are going to upgrade, I would look into getting the smallest yellow tang you can find. This way you can watch it grow and move it to a bigger tank later.
Just a thought.

chrlstnsurf · 03/15/2012, 02:55 PM

i dont want a tang to big for my tank im working on my coral set up first i think

Sugar Magnolia · 03/15/2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangtang clown

I know you mentioned wanting a Yellow tang.
I also know that you want to upgrade in the future.
If you are going to upgrade, I would look into getting the smallest yellow tang you can find. This way you can watch it grow and move it to a bigger tank later.
Just a thought.

I would strongly suggest not doing this. Many people intend to upgrade only to have life get in the way and the upgrade never happens. Buy fish that are suitable for the tank you have now. No tang is suitable for a 50 gallon tank.

ken1977 · 03/15/2012, 07:22 PM

7 maximum. No tangs, they'll get sick in smaller tanks (I have a 50g too) the tang will feel like its in prison. I didn't believe it until I tried it and it wasn't pretty.

chrlstnsurf · 03/16/2012, 08:13 AM

so does the 2 pepperment shrimp and reef lobster count as 3 of my fish? or is that another category

MBVette · 03/16/2012, 08:18 AM

It all depends on what kind of fish. Gobies who stay on the bottom dont take up much space. Get fish that swim at different levels of the fish tank

Peter T · 03/16/2012, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrlstnsurf

so does the 2 pepperment shrimp and reef lobster count as 3 of my fish? or is that another category

Inverts do not take up much bioload and can actually help keep your tank cleaner as they scavenge uneaten food and fish waste. I'm not too familiar with reef lobsters' dietary and feeding habits though.

However, I really do not go by the fish per gallon because it depends all on your stocking and tank dimensions. A 50g aquarium that is long and wide generally will be able to accommodate more fish than a tall and narrow tank because of more usable space.

Personally, with your stocking I would keep it at 4 fish because the puffer and blenny produces quite a bit of waste. My lawnmower blenny would literally poop himself every time I go to the tank from excitement and anticipation of more food. And my blue spotted puffer is such a messy eater he gets food everywhere. But if you really want more fish, I believe you can still squeeze in one more fish pretty easily. I personally wouldn't because I like low bioload tanks.

chrlstnsurf · 03/20/2012, 09:09 AM

thanks for the input, i might get rid of the puffer he seems pretty behaved but he makes me nervous around my frags id rather not take the risk.

03/13/2012, 03:08 PM	#1
chrlstnsurf Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charlotte Posts: 18	How many fish can i put in my 50 gallon aquarium I recently set up my first 50 g aquarium, right now i have 2 clowns, a valentine puffer, lawnmower blenny, 2 peppermint shrimps, and a reef lobster i was wondering what would be the safe limit on stocking this tank?

03/13/2012, 03:28 PM	#2
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	*To Reef Central* What type of clowns? Reef or fish only tank? __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

03/15/2012, 02:37 PM	#5
tangtang clown Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The DUB, NC Posts: 2,711	Welcome Jaaaaaay Tony! You have one bad A$$ setup. I would take it slow and only add fish and coral accordingly. Listen to what Brandon says. He is a good guy and will lead you in the right direction. __________________ Mind over chatter.

03/15/2012, 02:47 PM	#6
tangtang clown Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The DUB, NC Posts: 2,711	I know you mentioned wanting a Yellow tang. I also know that you want to upgrade in the future. If you are going to upgrade, I would look into getting the smallest yellow tang you can find. This way you can watch it grow and move it to a bigger tank later. Just a thought. __________________ Mind over chatter. Last edited by tangtang clown; 03/15/2012 at 02:56 PM.

03/15/2012, 07:22 PM	#9
ken1977 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 706	7 maximum. No tangs, they'll get sick in smaller tanks (I have a 50g too) the tang will feel like its in prison. I didn't believe it until I tried it and it wasn't pretty. Last edited by ken1977; 03/15/2012 at 07:33 PM.

03/15/2012, 02:31 PM	#3
chrlstnsurf Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charlotte Posts: 18	reef

03/15/2012, 02:32 PM	#4
chrlstnsurf Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charlotte Posts: 18	they are percula clowns

03/15/2012, 02:55 PM	#7
chrlstnsurf Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charlotte Posts: 18	i dont want a tang to big for my tank im working on my coral set up first i think

03/16/2012, 08:13 AM	#10
chrlstnsurf Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charlotte Posts: 18	so does the 2 pepperment shrimp and reef lobster count as 3 of my fish? or is that another category

03/16/2012, 08:18 AM	#11
MBVette Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Haymarket, VA Posts: 327	It all depends on what kind of fish. Gobies who stay on the bottom dont take up much space. Get fish that swim at different levels of the fish tank

03/20/2012, 09:09 AM	#13
chrlstnsurf Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charlotte Posts: 18	thanks for the input, i might get rid of the puffer he seems pretty behaved but he makes me nervous around my frags id rather not take the risk.