PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by walt13

Steve- I was wondering your thoughts on a latticed butterfly (C. rafflesi) for a 55 fowlr. Current tankmates pair mating false percs, yellowtail blue damsel, green chromis, snowy blennie and a claudia wrasse (H. claudia). percs are not very aggressive and stay in their 5 gallon area. I lost a flame hawk recently to a powerhead. One of the bext fish I have owned.
I was at a lfs looking for a replacement flame and or a dwrf angel. they had quite a few latticed butterfly's and bicolor angels. No flame hawks but I am really liking the latticed butterfly. I had a bicolor angel yrs ago and always wished I had not traded it in. I read a few threads and latticed and am leaning towards the butterfly. LA has both right now and for the cost of the butterfly at the lfs I could order the butterfly and the hawk.
So would the latticed butterfly do well in a 55? Or stay with getting the bicolor angel?
Thanks! have a great weekend!
Walt

Chaetodon rafflesi is an excellent butterfly fish but remember it is not reef safe as it is somewhat of an omnivore. Excellent aiptasia eater, however. I personally would prefer the butterfly over the angel as I happen to think they are a gorgeous fish. They normally would require a 70 gallon tank or thereabouts but you may be ok if you do not have too many other fish. They would tend to eat frozen such as mysis but live blackworms would also be appreciated by almost any butterfly fish.

[walt13]

Steve- Thanks. I feed frozen mysis, NLS pellets, prime reef, spirulina, nori. I have read butterfly's also like shaved clams, scallops and other seafood. I will try and find black worms.
The latticed are stunning if one is eating great I will add him otherwise order from LA.
Thanks again,
Walt
ps starry blennie not snowy.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by walt13

Steve- Thanks. I feed frozen mysis, NLS pellets, prime reef, spirulina, nori. I have read butterfly's also like shaved clams, scallops and other seafood. I will try and find black worms.
The latticed are stunning if one is eating great I will add him otherwise order from LA.
Thanks again,
Walt
ps starry blennie not snowy.

I have five butterfly fish (350 gallon tank) who eat: Roggers Frozen food out of a mesh clip, live blackworms, PE + Hikari mysis, Nutramar. Any or all of these foods will do well for you too.

[walt13]

If all goes well I will have a 350 or so some day.

[wurking_girl]

Still in the planning stages, but I'm striving for an Indo-Pacific reef biotope that highlights several of the interesting symbiotic/commensal relationships seen in ocean ecosystems. I'm currently planning for a 48" x 24" x 21 or 24" (100-120g) display tank with a 30 g sump/refugium - live rock aquascaped into 2 islands, 2-3" substrate. (I could manage a 60" long tank in the space, but I was hoping to keep it a bit smaller...)

Because I'd like to plan the tank around the intended occupants, I'm giving thought to stocking up front and I'd appreciate your input while I can still make some changes to my plan:

-2 clownfish with anemone (prefer less feisty ocellaris or percs...but would also like to stay with tank-raised BTA and avoid issues with some of the other anemones)
-Shrimp/goby pair (not sure which yet...)
-2 clown gobies with SPS coral
-Kole tang as a grazer

-a couple of tridacna clams (maybe with a wrasse for parasite control, if not too disruptive)
-mixed corals, featuring primarily LPS
-assorted indo-pacific shrimps (cleaners)
-porcelain or other coral crabs (filter-feeders only)
-snails, serpent stars, and other clean-up crew

Down the road, I'd like to add a grouping of bright cardinalfish or Carberryi anthias as open swimmers...

If I don't get the wrasse for parasitic snail control, I'm also wondering about adding a blenny or mandarin later on - how do these substrate-dwellers get along with shrimp gobies? And with clams/LPS??

I also really like the Copperbanded butterflyfish, but that would depend if I could find a healthy, well-adjusted candidate... As this is likely to be risky with the planned corals/clams, I'm hoping I'll get over this once the tank is up and running!

I look forward to your input and suggestions, including how going from a 48" to 60" tank might impact the plan.

Thanks!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by wurking_girl

Still in the planning stages, but I'm striving for an Indo-Pacific reef biotope that highlights several of the interesting symbiotic/commensal relationships seen in ocean ecosystems.

Having spent nearly 2000 hours under water in this part of the world, what you are doing is very appealing to me. Should be a fascinating tank

I'm currently planning for a 48" x 24" x 21 or 24" (100-120g) display tank with a 30 g sump/refugium - live rock aquascaped into 2 islands,

I love the aquascaping plan. Minimalist with islands is very interesting

2-3" substrate. (I could manage a 60" long tank in the space, but I was hoping to keep it a bit smaller...)

If you are thinking LPS, I would suggest 24 inches tall rather than 21 inches for better lighting control. I also suggest you investigate LED lighting with controllable color and intensity

Because I'd like to plan the tank around the intended occupants, I'm giving thought to stocking up front and I'd appreciate your input while I can still make some changes to my plan:

-2 clownfish with anemone (prefer less feisty ocellaris or percs...but would also like to stay with tank-raised BTA and avoid issues with some of the other anemones)

Be sure to research which anemone/clowns go together (Clownfish by Joyce Wilkerson)

-Shrimp/goby pair (not sure which yet...)
-2 clown gobies with SPS coral

The only issue there is they perch and often damage SPS corals especially if there are fewer corals to select from

-Kole tang as a grazer

Excellent fish for this sized tank

-a couple of tridacna clams (maybe with a wrasse for parasite control, if not too disruptive)
-mixed corals, featuring primarily LPS
-assorted indo-pacific shrimps (cleaners)

If you are careful selecting your fish, you could have a large variety of shrimp, not just cleaners. I love watching shrimp. Also look at Alpheus soror (pistol shrimp), I have a mated pair in one of my tanks and they are interesting and gorgeous

-porcelain or other coral crabs (filter-feeders only)
-snails, serpent stars, and other clean-up crew

Down the road, I'd like to add a grouping of bright cardinalfish or Carberryi anthias as open swimmers...

Apogon parvulus are superb cardinals which actually do shoal. I have a mixture of carberryi and evans anthias and they are excellent but require multiple feedings per day

If I don't get the wrasse for parasitic snail control, I'm also wondering about adding a blenny or mandarin later on - how do these substrate-dwellers get along with shrimp gobies? And with clams/LPS??

Mandarins or other dragonnets (such as a scooter blenny) get along fine with all mentioned. But wait until the tank is on the mature side as they are primarily copepod feeders.

I also really like the Copperbanded butterflyfish, but that would depend if I could find a healthy, well-adjusted candidate... As this is likely to be risky with the planned corals/clams, I'm hoping I'll get over this once the tank is up and running!

Copperbands are risky with clams and LPS corals. Also difficult fish to acclimate

I look forward to your input and suggestions, including how going from a 48" to 60" tank might impact the plan.

Well larger is always better for many reasons other than cost.

Thanks!

[chrismck97]

New 75 gallon with 20l sump soon and have know idea how many fish i can have. I have a skimmer rated for 180gallons

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by chrismck97

New 75 gallon with 20l sump soon and have know idea how many fish i can have. I have a skimmer rated for 180gallons

It depends. There is no way to answer that question. If you provide a plan, I can give you feedback.

[UnusualSuspect]

I have a 36 bow and am looking for suggestions as to how I might "finish it up". I'm nearing the maximum bio-load that I want to go to, so want to be careful - the next guy(s) in might be the last. From my freshwater days, I don't like an overstocked tank.

I'm also trying to avoid "McTank" - so looking for something at least a bit unusual.

With a 36 bow being just bigger than some nano tanks and just smaller than a 40 breeder, the choices of fish are somewhat limited.

Current residents (all juveniles):
3 blue-green chromis (yes, I've heard the chromis speech)
a six-line wrasse
a Steinitz goby/pistol shrimp pair
a two-spot blenny

A perc or ocellaris clown would be giving in to the "McTank" concept, but what else is left for this size tank? (My granddaughters would probably love it if I put Nemo in the tank - bah! - let 'em get their own tanks...)

Looking for an interesting/colorful "showpiece" fish (or pair), that would get along well in a small, peaceful community reef. My wife thinks it needs to be blue.

[anpetey]

Hello! I have been in saltwater tank for about a year with a 14 gallon biocube which currently has one sixline wrasse, a fire shrimp, and a RBTA, but I recently aquired a 55 gallon tank that has just finished cycling. So I am starting to compile a list of livestock that I could put in and I figured I could get some input

55 gallon, 4ft long
20 gallon refugium with skimmer and LR
2 inch sandbed, roughtly 75-85 pounds of LR (I don't know the exact amount as I got the tank from a family friend)
4x25w t5's

Possible stocking list:

-Assorted snails and hermits
-2 Fire shrimp
-1-2 tuxedo urchins
-maybe a small sea star in the future

-Coral Beauty
-Green Manderine Dragonett, possibly a pair (once the tank is old enough)
-Maybe a single clown (ocellaris, reg or b/w), or maybe a pair (I had a pair in my biocube and I got rid of them because they became overly territorial of their nem in such a small tank, so I'm still not sure it I want them again lol)

I was thinking of getting some schooling fish because I think their movements are so much fun to watch, I love Anthias (either Ignitus, Disbar, or Lyretail), but would 1 male and 2 female be alright in a 55 gallon? I know they need a lot of room but my rock work is set up to have a lot of room for swimming I had thought about 3 chromis but I'm not sure how much I like them yet.

I also am trying to find another good "perching" fish, something that would tend to flit around the rock work more than the water column. Maybe some Gobies or Dottybacks (are dotties aggressive)?

Also would a smaller tang species be okay? Like a kole or Bristletooth?

I am open to idea's, and would love some active, peaceful, and colorful fish that occupy all the different area's in my tank! I am also trying to make sure my livestock is reef safe or mostly reef safe as I want coral also.

[anpetey]

I forgot to add, I might be considering moving my sixline wrasse to the 55 gallon, but would he out compete a Manderin for food, if so I will probably keep him in the 14, he seems to enjoy swimming in and out of all the caves and holes in my rock

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by UnusualSuspect

I have a 36 bow and am looking for suggestions as to how I might "finish it up". I'm nearing the maximum bio-load that I want to go to, so want to be careful - the next guy(s) in might be the last. From my freshwater days, I don't like an overstocked tank.

I'm also trying to avoid "McTank" - so looking for something at least a bit unusual.

With a 36 bow being just bigger than some nano tanks and just smaller than a 40 breeder, the choices of fish are somewhat limited.

Current residents (all juveniles):
3 blue-green chromis (yes, I've heard the chromis speech)so I won't give it to you again
a six-line wrasse may become aggressive
a Steinitz goby/pistol shrimp pair
a two-spot blenny

A perc or ocellaris clown would be giving in to the "McTank" concept, but what else is left for this size tank? (My granddaughters would probably love it if I put Nemo in the tank - bah! - let 'em get their own tanks...)

Looking for an interesting/colorful "showpiece" fish (or pair), that would get along well in a small, peaceful community reef. My wife thinks it needs to be blue.

If it must be blue, I might go for an assessor which is an interesting smallish fish that is quite peaceful. There are blue damsels but they bring attitude along with their vibrant coloration

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by anpetey

Hello! I have been in saltwater tank for about a year with a 14 gallon biocube which currently has one sixline wrasse, a fire shrimp, and a RBTA, but I recently aquired a 55 gallon tank that has just finished cycling. So I am starting to compile a list of livestock that I could put in and I figured I could get some input

55 gallon, 4ft long
20 gallon refugium with skimmer and LR
2 inch sandbed, roughtly 75-85 pounds of LR (I don't know the exact amount as I got the tank from a family friend)
4x25w t5's

Possible stocking list:

-Assorted snails and hermits
-2 Fire shrimp
-1-2 tuxedo urchins they tend to knock things over
-maybe a small sea star in the future Most sea stars would starve but you might look at some of the nonpredator stars

-Coral Beauty nice fish but on the aggressive side
-Green Manderine Dragonett, possibly a pair (once the tank is old enough) with a productive refugium one is doable, a pair is iffy
-Maybe a single clown (ocellaris, reg or b/w), or maybe a pair (I had a pair in my biocube and I got rid of them because they became overly territorial of their nem in such a small tank, so I'm still not sure it I want them again lol) Clowns will become territorial but that is aggravated in small tanks

I was thinking of getting some schooling fish because I think their movements are so much fun to watch, I love Anthias (either Ignitus, Disbar, or Lyretail), but would 1 male and 2 female be alright in a 55 gallon?

Three would be fine but I would suggest resplendant

I know they need a lot of room but my rock work is set up to have a lot of room for swimming I had thought about 3 chromis but I'm not sure how much I like them yet.

I am not wild about these fish and they do not school, often not even shoaling

I also am trying to find another good "perching" fish, something that would tend to flit around the rock work more than the water column. Maybe some Gobies or Dottybacks (are dotties aggressive)?

Dottybacks except the orchid dottyback (P. fridmani) are pretty aggressive, some of the cleaner gobies are interest and beautiful

Also would a smaller tang species be okay? Like a kole or Bristletooth? Not in that sized tank and especially not with a dwarf angel that is a grazer

I am open to idea's, and would love some active, peaceful, and colorful fish that occupy all the different area's in my tank! I am also trying to make sure my livestock is reef safe or mostly reef safe as I want coral also.

All mentioned are reef safe except the coral beauty which will have a mind of its own

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by anpetey

I forgot to add, I might be considering moving my sixline wrasse to the 55 gallon, but would he out compete a Manderin for food, if so I will probably keep him in the 14, he seems to enjoy swimming in and out of all the caves and holes in my rock

the sixline would not be a good idea if you want a mandarin

[Jlobo]

Yellow clown goby. Only other inhabitants will be a peppermint shrimp and dwarf feather duster eventually.

[anpetey]

Thank you for the input! I think my six line will stay in the biocube, and there will be no tangs for me!

So if my proposed list of fish is:

-Coral Beauty
-Green Mandarin Dragonet (after my pod population is highly established)
-3 Anthias
-One black and white clown
-A small goby or Royal gramma

Would that be too many fish for my tank?

Also may I ask why you recomend the Resplendent Anthias? I really like the anthias in general but I am trying to find the hardiest, beginner safe species so I'm just curious. I am very fond of the Lyretail, and can get them easily from my LFS.

Also would the Coral Beauty be okay to add first or would it become to territorial? Would it be a better Idea to add the smaller goby or gramma first or another fish altogether?

[Josh_Canada]

hi everyone, intresting stocking you guys are looking at.

i was thinking something close to this in my 50 gallon tank with 30 gallon sump/fuge (55lbs. LR and 2" SB:

1. flasher wrasse
2. occelaris clownfish
1. randalls shrimp goby
1. royal gramma
1. Coral Banded Shrimp

i was also planning on a few smaller (possibly halloween) hermits and nassarius snails.

Any response is appretiated

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Jlobo

Yellow clown goby. Only other inhabitants will be a peppermint shrimp and dwarf feather duster eventually.

I am not sure what your question is. ?????

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by anpetey

Thank you for the input! I think my six line will stay in the biocube, and there will be no tangs for me!

So if my proposed list of fish is:

-Coral Beauty
-Green Mandarin Dragonet (after my pod population is highly established)
-3 Anthias
-One black and white clown
-A small goby or Royal gramma

Would that be too many fish for my tank?

I think you should be fine, but go slowly to allow biocapacity to establish itself

Also may I ask why you recomend the Resplendent Anthias? I really like the anthias in general but I am trying to find the hardiest, beginner safe species so I'm just curious. I am very fond of the Lyretail, and can get them easily from my LFS.

Yes, they are easily obtained, but in my opinion too often result in male conversions and warfare

Also would the Coral Beauty be okay to add first or would it become to territorial? Would it be a better Idea to add the smaller goby or gramma first or another fish altogether?

Since a coral beauty is a grazer, you need to establish an algae base and that comes from a more mature tank

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Josh_Canada

hi everyone, intresting stocking you guys are looking at.

i was thinking something close to this in my 50 gallon tank with 30 gallon sump/fuge (55lbs. LR and 2" SB:

1. flasher wrasse
2. occelaris clownfish
1. randalls shrimp goby
1. royal gramma
1. Coral Banded Shrimp

i was also planning on a few smaller (possibly halloween) hermits and nassarius snails.

Any response is appretiated

All should be fine but I dislike Coral banded shrimp as they can take fish. Cleaner shrimp work much better.

[wurking_girl]

Thanks for the input, Steve! I'm just a shallow-water snorkeler, but I would really like to model my tank after some of the...I guess you'd call it 'rubble zone'... areas I've seen, with small mounds of coral dotted on the sand, just teeming with life.

I haven't heard of Alpheus soror before - just looked them up and they are beautiful... I see they are pistol shrimp that don't pair with gobies. I'll definitely check them out. I'd like to have some anemone shrimp as well.

And I'm definitely planning on LED lighting; I'll look into your suggestions.

Appreciate your time and expertise...

[elabar]

I have a 75 gallon with a 30 gallon sump/fuge. My skimmer is a Aqua Euro 135, my lights is T5 ho 4 bulb. I have a pair of black and White clowns, longnose hawk, goby, a dot and dash wrasse. I have a Tomini Tang that I am going to remove as he is picking on my wrasse and hawkfish. I am looking to replace tang with a leporad wrasse and possibly another wrasse, what are your thoughts on this. Thank you.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by elabar

I have a 75 gallon with a 30 gallon sump/fuge. My skimmer is a Aqua Euro 135, my lights is T5 ho 4 bulb. I have a pair of black and White clowns, longnose hawk, goby, a dot and dash wrasse. I have a Tomini Tang that I am going to remove as he is picking on my wrasse and hawkfish. I am looking to replace tang with a leporad wrasse and possibly another wrasse, what are your thoughts on this. Thank you.

Tangs can be ornery, but I am surprised that he is picking on a hawkfish since they do not occupy the same ecological niche. Leopard wrasses require a mature tank as they tend to eat copepods. They are difficult to establish, but once established are very hearty. Paracheilinus lineopunctatus is an excellent flasher wrasse. Depends on what kind of wrasse, another wrasse is possible. But I would not get a lined wrasse such as a sixline.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by wurking_girl

Thanks for the input, Steve! I'm just a shallow-water snorkeler, but I would really like to model my tank after some of the...I guess you'd call it 'rubble zone'... areas I've seen, with small mounds of coral dotted on the sand, just teeming with life.

I haven't heard of Alpheus soror before - just looked them up and they are beautiful... I see they are pistol shrimp that don't pair with gobies. I'll definitely check them out. I'd like to have some anemone shrimp as well.

And I'm definitely planning on LED lighting; I'll look into your suggestions.

Appreciate your time and expertise...

Your desired biotope is similar to areas in the Lembeh strait in North Sulawesi Indonesia or Milne Bay Papua New Guinea, specifically an area called Dinah's Beach which is perhaps the best 22 foot deep dive in the world. Amazing life of every conceivable type. Fascinating areas to dive or observe in aquaria. Keep us posted on progress! If you go LED, be sure they are controllable for color and intensity.

[elabar]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Tangs can be ornery, but I am surprised that he is picking on a hawkfish since they do not occupy the same ecological niche. Leopard wrasses require a mature tank as they tend to eat copepods. They are difficult to establish, but once established are very hearty. Paracheilinus lineopunctatus is an excellent flasher wrasse. Depends on what kind of wrasse, another wrasse is possible. But I would not get a lined wrasse such as a sixline.

The tang was picking on him for around a week every other day and then stopped. The Wrasse has been not stop just charging at him, I have them split up but I'm not going to keep a fish that is going to keep picking on the others. Before I get the leopard I am going to get my refuge going with some pods so the tank will be well stocked before he is added. The tank has been running since Aug of last year but the sump was just added this weekend. Any other Flashers you would recomend, do i need to worry about male and females?