PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Opticparadox

Well seeing as in how i keep getting conflicted opinions from all the shops around here, Im hoping someone can enlighten me. Its my first tank with saltwater (29 Gallon Biocube), Im more into it for the corals anemones etc. But i do want 2 clowns in the tank. My favorite is a maroon but ive been told No to 2 of them in the tank due to aggression and size. So ive settled on a Snowflake and Percula. Now my wife has a thing for the bicolor dottyback Being 23 weeks pregnant im not one to say no. 50% of the shops say Dont put the bicolor in the tank its to aggressive i need to go with royal gramma. Then the other 50% say go with the bicolor not the royal.So any help or personal opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

LFS are there to sell fish and it is rare for one to tell you not to buy a fish even if it is not a good idea. Clownfish, even the least aggressive, will want to own about 25-30 gallons once they are sexually mature, bonded, and mating. The most aggressive, and GSM qualify for that, will want to control much more tank space. All dottybacks are aggressive, the least aggressive is P. fridmani, the orchid dottyback. What we want, and what will work, are not always compatible. The larger the tank, the greater the behavioral mix options.

[Opticparadox]

Originally Posted by snorvich

LFS are there to sell fish and it is rare for one to tell you not to buy a fish even if it is not a good idea. Clownfish, even the least aggressive, will want to own about 25-30 gallons once they are sexually mature, bonded, and mating. The most aggressive, and GSM qualify for that, will want to control much more tank space. All dottybacks are aggressive, the least aggressive is P. fridmani, the orchid dottyback. What we want, and what will work, are not always compatible. The larger the tank, the greater the behavioral mix options.

So in short you think 1 clown would be better. But clowns aside even if i where to go with one, I dont understand how i can get such conflicting storys from the reef shops about the bicolor and royal gramma. Just confusing for a newbie. But ill have to read up a little more while the tank is still cycling.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Opticparadox

So in short you think 1 clown would be better. But clowns aside even if i where to go with one, I dont understand how i can get such conflicting storys from the reef shops about the bicolor and royal gramma. Just confusing for a newbie. But ill have to read up a little more while the tank is still cycling.

A single clown will eventually become female even absent a male. So with a very aggressive species, that will still be a problem. LFS will sell or try to sell what they have. Reading is an excellent idea.

[Opticparadox]

Originally Posted by snorvich

A single clown will eventually become female even absent a male. So with a very aggressive species, that will still be a problem. LFS will sell or try to sell what they have. Reading is an excellent idea.

Appreciate some of the info Snorvich. Sometimes i have to just step away from the shops to try to get some unbiased opinions. Im loosing tons of sleep trying to cram as much as possiable so i dont loose a ton of money on my new found love.

[schatzi]

please evaluate for a 125 reef tank.

Fish already in the tank are:

1 Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)
4 Blue/Green Reef Chromis (Chromis viridis)
1 One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1 Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhitus armatus)
1 Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema)


Would like to add:

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
Lamarck's Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarck)
Green Mandarin (Synchiropus Splendidus)
Yellow Tang (Zebrasomah flavescens)
And also a couple of fairy or flasher wrasse


thanks for the input.

[Ryand63]

29 AGA standard tank. 25lbs LR, 40 lbs LS. No sump, skimmer being bought next week or two. Currently have 1 cleaner shrimp, 1 bangaii cardinal and 1 misbar clown. Would like:
1 flame angel
1 Hilfrechi firefish

If they are both ok, which would you add last?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by schatzi

please evaluate for a 125 reef tank.

Fish already in the tank are:

1 Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)
4 Blue/Green Reef Chromis (Chromis viridis) will most likely become one or at most two
1 One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1 Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhitus armatus) precludes shrimp
1 Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) aggressive


Would like to add:

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
Lamarck's Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarck)
Green Mandarin (Synchiropus Splendidus) once tank is at least 9 months mature
Yellow Tang (Zebrasomah flavescens) I am not a fan because they are aggressive, but if you do, it must be the last fish introduced
And also a couple of fairy or flasher wrasse requires a mesh top as they jump


thanks for the input.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Ryand63

29 AGA standard tank. 25lbs LR, 40 lbs LS. No sump, skimmer being bought next week or two. Currently have 1 cleaner shrimp, 1 bangaii cardinal and 1 misbar clown. Would like:
1 flame angel
1 Hilfrechi firefish

If they are both ok, which would you add last?

both are fine, flame angel last but remember that firefish jump so a mesh top or equivalent is required (not egg crate which does not work

[CRC88]

I have a 90gal RR tank with a old 30g as my sump, of which about 8 gallons are a refugium with LR and macro algae.

Current inhabitants:
1 Scopas Tang
1 Blue/Green Mandarin
2 Ocellaris Clowns
1 BiColor Blenny
1 Flame Angelfish
1 Foxface

1 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Tuxedo Urchin
5-10 Snails (Nasarius, Astrea, etc)


I would eventually be interested in getting...
1 Bangaii Cardinal
1 Yellow Goby
1 Cleaner Shrimp

My concerns are that the Bangaii and the Mandarin would compete for pods and I don't want my Mandarin to starve. I've had him for just over a year now and have become quite attached to him. He eats frozen on occasion, but I haven't even seen him be interested in anything but pods since the early days.

Also, can I get a second cleaner shrimp? I would ideally like one that interacts with the fish a bit more. Plus I think the pairing would look cool!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by CRC88

I have a 90gal RR tank with a old 30g as my sump, of which about 8 gallons are a refugium with LR and macro algae.

Current inhabitants:
1 Scopas Tang
1 Blue/Green Mandarin
2 Ocellaris Clowns
1 BiColor Blenny
1 Flame Angelfish
1 Foxface

1 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Tuxedo Urchin
5-10 Snails (Nasarius, Astrea, etc)


I would eventually be interested in getting...
1 Bangaii Cardinal
1 Yellow Goby
1 Cleaner Shrimp

My concerns are that the Bangaii and the Mandarin would compete for pods and I don't want my Mandarin to starve. I've had him for just over a year now and have become quite attached to him. He eats frozen on occasion, but I haven't even seen him be interested in anything but pods since the early days.

There would be no competition between the mandarin and the Bangaii but be SURE to get a tank raised Bangaii as your odds of success are greater

Also, can I get a second cleaner shrimp? I would ideally like one that interacts with the fish a bit more. Plus I think the pairing would look cool!

Probably, yes. I have introduced second and third cleaner shrimp with no problem, but I have also had them fight.

[Msmith2813]

I have a 55g tank with a 20g sump, 150 protien skimmer, 50lbs live rock, 35lbs live sand. The tank has finished cycling and is now time for stocking. I've never had a saltwater tank so your help would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking of stocking the tank with the following:

1 (maybe 2) ocellaris clownfish
1 blue tang ( 2 in now. Will be moved to a large tank within a year)
1 diamond watchman goby
3 blue/green chromis
And maybe a dwarf angel
Along with my cleaning crew of a few shrimp and snails

What do you think of this stocking list? And in what order should I introduce them to the tank?
Thank you so much!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Msmith2813

I have a 55g tank with a 20g sump, 150 protien skimmer, 50lbs live rock, 35lbs live sand. The tank has finished cycling and is now time for stocking. I've never had a saltwater tank so your help would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking of stocking the tank with the following:

1 (maybe 2) ocellaris clownfish
1 blue tang ( 2 in now. Will be moved to a large tank within a year) The reef central recommended tank size for hepatus tangs is 240 gallons. It is an undesirable strategy to assume you can re-home fish.
1 diamond watchman goby
3 blue/green chromis will become one or at most two
And maybe a dwarf angel
Along with my cleaning crew of a few shrimp and snails

What do you think of this stocking list? And in what order should I introduce them to the tank?
Thank you so much!

[Denzil]

I'm planning on the following build below of which I have only purchased a 20L tank (for fuge/sump) and the stand to go with it for $20:

Display Tank: 20L (possibly rimless)
Lighting: 2 x Kessil A150W; if I can do just one A150W, I might do it but I'm worried about complete coverage; night lighting?
Controller: I'm thinking of building my own controller using a Raspberry Pi but that's still very much in the brainstorming stage. Ideally, it should be fully capable like the Aqua Controller Apex system but cheaper; lights, temperature, pH, ORP.
Filtration: ~20-25 lbs base rock to be aquascaped and seeded with ~15-25 live rock to achieve at least a 1.5" sandbed, fuge/sump
Overflow: glass-holes.com 700 gph kit at one back corner of the tank
Return: plumbed through the back of the tank, opposite side of the overflow
Powerheads: 2 x Vortech MP10s or other alternatives/suggestions?
Canopy/cover: Unknown at this point. I may either fabricate a canopy to match the stand or fabricate a polypropylene mesh screen with a feeding/access window (potentially optional). I think this is really dependent upon the heat dissipation of the A150Ws.

Fuge/Sump:
Need to purchase the acrylic to create the baffles and assemble it
4-6" of Live sand
Live rock rubble
Chaeto
Red Bush Algae
Skimmer - SeaClone SCPS 100, Tunze Nano 9002, or Precision Marine RL100. My stand only supports a height of 19.25" within the stand where the fuge/sump will reside. I'm looking for an in-sump system (preferably).
Lighting - looking for suggestions
Pump - to not exceed the overflow kit, so something less than 700 gph including head loss. Suggestions?
Misc. schedule 40 piping, valves, bulkheads, etc.

Livestock:
1 x Helfrichi Firefish
1 x Sixline Wrasse
1 x True Percula Clownfish
Open to other suggestions

CUC:
5 x Nassarius
1 x Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab
1 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab
1 x Blood Red Fire or Peppermint Shrimp
Do you think I'll have enough bio load to support this CUC? I'm open to other additions/subtractions.

Corals (still learning a lot here):
Zoas
Duncan
Open to other additions

Anyway, that's what I'm currently planning right now. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Denzil

Livestock:
1 x Helfrichi Firefish
1 x Sixline Wrasse
1 x True Percula Clownfish
Open to other suggestions

Your tank is not large enough for three fish especially if one is a sixline wrasse. If you are planning on any firefish, you will need a top as they jump

CUC:
5 x Nassarius
1 x Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab hermit crabs will kill your snails for their shells
1 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab
1 x Blood Red Fire or Peppermint Shrimp
Do you think I'll have enough bio load to support this CUC? I'm open to other additions/subtractions.

Corals (still learning a lot here):
Zoas
Duncan
Open to other additions

Anyway, that's what I'm currently planning right now. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[Denzil]

Would the Helfrichi and True Percula do or is that still too much? Will the Nassarius and Blood Red Fire or Peppermint shrimp be enough as the CUC? I'm just trying to figure out what other alternatives that I have.

Thanks in advance!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Denzil

Would the Helfrichi and True Percula do or is that still too much?

Should be fine

Will the Nassarius and Blood Red Fire or Peppermint shrimp be enough as the CUC? I'm just trying to figure out what other alternatives that I have.

I would have snails as well.

Thanks in advance!

[listerofsmeg]

Can I keep a pair of blue throat triggers in a 180gal, with to clowns, a lawnmower blenny, a bangaii cardinal, a orange shoulder tang juvenile, a NASo tang jouvinile and a coral beauty?

[College Fishman]

90gal with 100lbs of rock work.

Current stock is
5 aStrea snails
12 dwarf blue legs
(getting more snails latter today)

And 1 Clarkie clownfish

I plan on getting:
1 - Tomini tang
1 - kole yellow eye tang
2-3 - firefish
1 - lawn mower blenny (or gobie, idk y'all know what time talkin about haha)

Does that sound okay?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by listerofsmeg

Can I keep a pair of blue throat triggers in a 180gal, with to clowns, a lawnmower blenny, a bangaii cardinal, a orange shoulder tang juvenile, a NASo tang jouvinile and a coral beauty?

A naso tang requires a larger tank long term. Generally full grown triggers, even the less aggressive ones, can kill fish and CUC.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by College Fishman

90gal with 100lbs of rock work.

Current stock is
5 aStrea snails
12 dwarf blue legs will kill snails
(getting more snails latter today)

And 1 Clarkie clownfish

I plan on getting:
1 - Tomini tang your tank is not large enough for two tangs, even these which are on the less aggressive side
1 - kole yellow eye tang
2-3 - firefish only a male + female at most and tank must be covered as they jump
1 - lawn mower blenny (or gobie, idk y'all know what time talkin about haha)

Does that sound okay? as noted

[edsbeaker]

Hi,
I'm trying to decide if it is OK to add another fish to a tank with a possible bully.

About 3 weeks ago I added a multicolor angelfish to my 75G reef with 30G sump, and the next day a flame angelfish. The multicolor angel harassed the flame angel relentlessly causing many of his fins to be chewed up horribly. The flame angel is out of the tank and safe. I was wondering, though, if this aggression is more likely due to the fish added being another angel or if this fish is just a bully and will go after anything I may add to the tank? He is fine with all other inhabitants showing no other aggression at all.

I know this question may not have a definitive answer but am interested in your thoughts and advice. I've kept multiple dwarf angels in tanks in the past with no problems, so this caught me off guard. This is my first multicolor, though.

Fish inhabitants:
Royal Gramma
Midas Blenny
Flame Hawkfish
Red Banded High Fin Goby
2 Booyah buckshot clownfish
Multicolor angel
2" Hippo tang- (I realize the size issue with the tank, but for now he is in there)

My first choice would be to try another variety of dwarf angel, if possible. Otherwise a wrasse, (the tank is covered), Any thoughts?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by edsbeaker

Hi,
I'm trying to decide if it is OK to add another fish to a tank with a possible bully.

About 3 weeks ago I added a multicolor angelfish to my 75G reef with 30G sump, and the next day a flame angelfish. The multicolor angel harassed the flame angel relentlessly causing many of his fins to be chewed up horribly. The flame angel is out of the tank and safe. I was wondering, though, if this aggression is more likely due to the fish added being another angel or if this fish is just a bully and will go after anything I may add to the tank? He is fine with all other inhabitants showing no other aggression at all.

I know this question may not have a definitive answer but am interested in your thoughts and advice. I've kept multiple dwarf angels in tanks in the past with no problems, so this caught me off guard. This is my first multicolor, though.

Fish inhabitants:
Royal Gramma
Midas Blenny
Flame Hawkfish
Red Banded High Fin Goby
2 Booyah buckshot clownfish
Multicolor angel
2" Hippo tang- (I realize the size issue with the tank, but for now he is in there)

My first choice would be to try another variety of dwarf angel, if possible. Otherwise a wrasse, (the tank is covered), Any thoughts?

Multiple dwarf angels are possible in a 75 gallon tank. Normally, it is ideal to introduce them together since once established, the first introduced feels it owns the ecological niche. I have had multicolors and they tend to be a bit on the aggressive side especially if there first.

[edsbeaker]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Multiple dwarf angels are possible in a 75 gallon tank. Normally, it is ideal to introduce them together since once established, the first introduced feels it owns the ecological niche. I have had multicolors and they tend to be a bit on the aggressive side especially if there first.

Thanks, Steve. I won't try another dwarf angel, but in your experience are the multicolors aggressive towards other non-angels if I want to add another fish?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by edsbeaker

Thanks, Steve. I won't try another dwarf angel, but in your experience are the multicolors aggressive towards other non-angels if I want to add another fish?

Not to others not in the same ecological niche. No grazers, otherwise, should be ok.

[McCabe0930]

We are setting up a 36x36x26 tank looking to add Led's either Ecotech Radion or AI Vega or Sol. We want to have a reef tank, we will have a mud refugium and vortex protein skimmer. 135lb++ live rock from tampa bay rocks
Corals to include:
Sponge, Gorgonians, Star Polyps, Bubble Tip Anemone, Pagoda Cup, Mushrooms, Leathers, Zoanthids, Montipora, Plate Corals and maybe a welso

Inverts to include:
3 Cleaner shirmp, 2 serpent stars, 2 tiger tail cucumbers, 3 peppermint shrimp, 62 mexican turbo snails, 20 nassarius snails, 135 blue leg hermits, 1 urchin, maxima clam, porcelin crab, 1 arrow crab, refuge starting with 2000 pods to seed from reefs2go.com

Fish to include:
Foxface, Midas Blenny, 4 Pearly Jawfish, Pair Clownfish occelaris, Pair Green Mandarin, 2 Neon Gobys, Yasha Goby, Wheelers Goby, Royal Gamma, 3 Firefish, Forktail Blenny, and Barnacle Blenny


Any input or suggestions are welcome.