PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[jlymner]

I have a 46 gal bow front with a 15 gal sump, lots of live rock and sand (fine) been running for a few months with 2 clown fish, a peppermint shrimp, a red leg hermit, two turbo snails... about a doz soft corals (mushrooms, zoes, xina, kenia trees) I'm thinking I need more clean up crew.. working on getting a skimmer.

Ideally I'd like to add three or so Banggai Cardinal and breed them... any thoughs? currently have some problems with slime algae... been doing 10 gal water changes weekly and turned the lights off a few days.. (4 t5)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Ryand63

Meaning that they share the common swmiming space in the tank? Just making sure I understand. Would a single Anthias of the species listed be ok?

No, it is not a swimming space issue although for some tangs that would be an issue. A flame angel and any tang are both "grazers" and if either perceives encroachment, there can easily be a problem. In a larger tank, the tang will perceive there is more "grazing territory". The recommended space for any anthias is normally 75 gallons; you are marginally acceptable there. But for the larger, less than peaceful anthias, it could be a problem.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by jlymner

I have a 46 gal bow front with a 15 gal sump, lots of live rock and sand (fine) been running for a few months with 2 clown fish, a peppermint shrimp, a red leg hermit, two turbo snails... about a doz soft corals (mushrooms, zoes, xina, kenia trees) I'm thinking I need more clean up crew.. working on getting a skimmer.

Ideally I'd like to add three or so Banggai Cardinal and breed them... any thoughs? currently have some problems with slime algae... been doing 10 gal water changes weekly and turned the lights off a few days.. (4 t5)

Three Banggai cardinals will become either two or one depending on if you are lucky enough to introduce a male plus female. Be sure to get tank raised rather than wild caught. They are, however easy to breed.

[Ryand63]

Originally Posted by snorvich

No, it is not a swimming space issue although for some tangs that would be an issue. A flame angel and any tang are both "grazers" and if either perceives encroachment, there can easily be a problem. In a larger tank, the tang will perceive there is more "grazing territory". The recommended space for any anthias is normally 75 gallons; you are marginally acceptable there. But for the larger, less than peaceful anthias, it could be a problem.

O, Ok I understand. New Proposal for fish:

Just a reminder: 55 AGA, 1 clown, 1 bangaii cardinal, 1 flame angel

Like to add: 1 of the SMALLER Anthias such as fathead, squareback or barltett
1 Butterfly fish (either latticed or racoon)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Ryand63

O, Ok I understand. New Proposal for fish:

Just a reminder: 55 AGA, 1 clown, 1 bangaii cardinal, 1 flame angel

Like to add: 1 of the SMALLER Anthias such as fathead, squareback or barltett
1 Butterfly fish (either latticed or racoon)

should be fine although less than recommended tank size for either.

[crabbyreef]

Tank Specs:

90 gallon (Regular)/Bare bottom /30 Gallon Sump/ Bubble Magus N7 Skimmer /~95 lbs Dry Rock/ Vertex Illumina 36" SR260 LED's

Considering I just started fishless cycling this tank it's fairly premature to be talking fish however I was wondering if someday this tank would support a female Japanese Swallow Tail or a Male Bellus Angelfish? My focus will be SPS and LPS corals but a marquee fish such as one of these would definitely enhance the display. I was considering one of the "reef-safe" angels as a possibility.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Mike
Ohio

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by crabbyreef

Tank Specs:

90 gallon (Regular)/Bare bottom /30 Gallon Sump/ Bubble Magus N7 Skimmer /~95 lbs Dry Rock/ Vertex Illumina 36" SR260 LED's

Considering I just started fishless cycling this tank it's fairly premature to be talking fish however I was wondering if someday this tank would support a female Japanese Swallow Tail or a Male Bellus Angelfish? My focus will be SPS and LPS corals but a marquee fish such as one of these would definitely enhance the display. I was considering one of the "reef-safe" angels as a possibility.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Mike
Ohio

90 gallons is not really sufficient for any Genicanthus. In any case, Male Genicanthus, for whatever reason, seem to ship poorly and be less than hardy.

[MrShroomy]

Hello Snorvich, I have read most of the pages in this thread and just wanted to thank you for spending so much of your time answering questions. I am planning my first saltwater tank a 120g reef tank (60x18x26). I plan on having a sump with a protein skimmer and refugium. In the display I plan on having a 2-3 inch sand bed and around 150 pounds of live rock in the display and sump. Going to start with a FOWLR and move my way into corals. I plan on mostly sps and maybe some lps. I would also like to have clams and an anemone when the tank has matured. All fish will be quarantined and I will have a screen on my tank.

Would like to add:
yellow tang (last)
cheveron tang
diamond watchman gobby
maroon clownfish
pair of leopard wrasse (m+f when tank has matured)
dusky wrasse

what are your thoughts on chromis other than blue/green? Are there any to watch out for? How am i doing on the bioload? Would a trio of anthias or flasher wrasse work?

Clean up crew:

Nassarius Snail 15?
Cerith Snail 15?
Peppermint Shrimp 1-3?

Anything else for a clean up crew? I'm not sure about the numbers for my cleanup crew so any help there would be appreciated. Thanks again!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by MrShroomy

Hello Snorvich, I have read most of the pages in this thread and just wanted to thank you for spending so much of your time answering questions. I am planning my first saltwater tank a 120g reef tank (60x18x26). I plan on having a sump with a protein skimmer and refugium. In the display I plan on having a 2-3 inch sand bed and around 150 pounds of live rock in the display and sump. Going to start with a FOWLR and move my way into corals. I plan on mostly sps and maybe some lps. I would also like to have clams and an anemone when the tank has matured. All fish will be quarantined and I will have a screen on my tank.

Would like to add:
yellow tang (last) very territorial, may preclude additions later
cheveron tang excellent
diamond watchman gobby
maroon clownfish very aggressive, I recommend a different species such as A. percula or A. ocellaris
pair of leopard wrasse (m+f when tank has matured) doable, but normally not recommended for new to the hobby
dusky wrasse

what are your thoughts on chromis other than blue/green? Are there any to watch out for?

there seem to be problems with chromis coming in sick at the moment, I recommend against for that reason but even if they were healthy, they usual winnow down until just one is left

How am i doing on the bioload? Would a trio of anthias or flasher wrasse work? flasher wrasses or peaceful anthias would work

Clean up crew:

Nassarius Snail 15?
Cerith Snail 15?
Peppermint Shrimp 1-3?

Anything else for a clean up crew? I'm not sure about the numbers for my cleanup crew so any help there would be appreciated. Thanks again!

[CAPSLOK]

Setting up a 40g breeder, 20g sump/fuge, skimmer, FOWLR.

Current:
-1 female percula clown
-1 neon blue goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
-1 flagtail goby (Amblyeleotris yanoi)
-1 candy pistol shrimp (Alpheus randalli)
-Nassarius / cerith snails

Would like to add:
-1 flame angel (Centropyge loriculus) - (added last)
-1 Punctato butterfly (Chaetodon punctatofasciatus) or Lemon butterfly (Chaetodon miliaris) if tank size is appropriate
-1-2 pearly jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) ideally, should have deeper sand along with rock rubble
-1 fighting conch
-2 peppermint or cleaner shrimp
-Additional snails

Alternate:
-1 royal gramma (Gramma loreto) - instead of the butterfly if it isn't a good choice

this is the better option, either butterfly, especially with company would do better in a larger tank. Otherwise, fine except with comment provided

-

Do you mean basically to skip the butterfly due to the angel being a browser as well? I was only thinking of one butterfly if appropriate. I had not had any luck finding min tank sizes for those little butterflies.

I was planning to use some LR as a "terrace" of sorts to create a 3-5" sandbed on a smaller portion of the tank, so the jawfish could have a deeper portion without having a DSB in the entire tank. This area would also have LR rubble and shells and such for them to utilize. Hoping it works out in reality as I have it pictured in my mind.

Thank you again, it is much appreciated.
~Becky

[MrShroomy]

So both the cheveron and the yellow would work? I had hoped adding the yellow tang last would help with the aggression. As for the leopard wrasses I planned on adding them when I had more experience.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by MrShroomy

So both the cheveron and the yellow would work? I had hoped adding the yellow tang last would help with the aggression. As for the leopard wrasses I planned on adding them when I had more experience.

I am always reluctant to advocate for multiple tangs which include a yellow. So, I cannot say for sure that it will work, it is more "possibly will work".

[crabbyreef]

Just another case of my LFS guy saying "Sure a 90 is large enough for one." Disappointed but better safe than sorry.

Thanks,

Mike

[jlymner]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Three Banggai cardinals will become either two or one depending on if you are lucky enough to introduce a male plus female. Be sure to get tank raised rather than wild caught. They are, however easy to breed.

I was planning on tank raised

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f.../BanggaiRescue

[Orangeman1515]

I am planning on adding these fish
Lawnmower Blenny
2 small Ocellaris tank bred clowns
Flame Angel
Half black mimic tang

is that the proper order to add them, and do you foresee any problems? I would like maybe 2 more small fish, but don't want to overstock my tank. I now have 50 lbs of Manado live rock, plenty places to hide. I also have 10 astrea snails, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 emerald crab, and 10 blue leg hermits. My tank completed its cycle 1 month ago and the diatom bloom outbreak came and went a few weeks ago.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Orangeman1515

I am planning on adding these fish
Lawnmower Blenny
2 small Ocellaris tank bred clowns
Flame Angel
Half black mimic tang

is that the proper order to add them, and do you foresee any problems? I would like maybe 2 more small fish, but don't want to overstock my tank. I now have 50 lbs of Manado live rock, plenty places to hide. I also have 10 astrea snails, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 emerald crab, and 10 blue leg hermits. My tank completed its cycle 1 month ago and the diatom bloom outbreak came and went a few weeks ago.

That should work out fine. I do not trust emerald crabs and in fact do not like any crabs as they are opportunistic feeders. Hermit crabs will kill snails.

[Orangeman1515]

thanks for the quick reply. do you feel that is the proper amount of fish for my size tank and setup or would I b able to add some sort of fairy wrasse also? if so, where would the wrasse fall into the lineup?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Orangeman1515

thanks for the quick reply. do you feel that is the proper amount of fish for my size tank and setup or would I b able to add some sort of fairy wrasse also? if so, where would the wrasse fall into the lineup?

you will have additional bioload capability. Just make sure there is no "personality incompatibility". Most flasher or fairy wrasses would fit in with a few exceptions.

[Good2Go]

46 gallon bow, aquaC remora skimmer, canister filter with carbon/bio media, 45 lbs live rock, mixed reef. Tank is 4 months old. No sump or fuge.

Current inhabitants:
3x green chromis (which will eventually become one I believe you will say)
cleaner shrimp
a few dwarf hermits and a few snails

As appropriate I would like to add:
Firefish
Royal Gramma
White banded possum wrasse
Midas blenny

I do not have a LFS nearby, I'm considering ordering online. This would be affordable if I can order multiple fish under one shipping charge.

How many and which of these fish would be compatible in a 10 gallon QT, if any?

Thank you.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Good2Go

46 gallon bow, aquaC remora skimmer, canister filter with carbon/bio media, 45 lbs live rock, mixed reef. Tank is 4 months old. No sump or fuge.

Current inhabitants:
3x green chromis (which will eventually become one I believe you will say) correct
cleaner shrimp
a few dwarf hermits and a few snails

As appropriate I would like to add:
Firefish
Royal Gramma
White banded possum wrasse
Midas blenny

The fish list is fine, any two could be quarantined concurrently

I do not have a LFS nearby, I'm considering ordering online. This would be affordable if I can order multiple fish under one shipping charge.

How many and which of these fish would be compatible in a 10 gallon QT, if any?

Thank you.

[Red_Ant]

Please see the updated planned list for my new 135 gallon 36x36x24 rimless tank. It will be LPS dominate reef tank. Thanks in advance.

1. Yellow watchman goby (with pistol shrimp)
2. Royal gramma basslet
3. Bi-color blenny or Midas blenny
4. 2 snowflake clowns
5. 2 different fairy wrasses (open to compable options)
6. 2 watanabei angels
7. Mandarin dragonet (I have 100 gallon basement sump/refugium for pods, would add at the earliest 6 months from now)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Red_Ant

Please see the updated planned list for my new 135 gallon 36x36x24 rimless tank. It will be LPS dominate reef tank. Thanks in advance.

1. Yellow watchman goby (with pistol shrimp)
2. Royal gramma basslet
3. Bi-color blenny or Midas blenny
4. 2 snowflake clowns
5. 2 different fairy wrasses (open to compable options)
6. 2 watanabei angels first, these are swimmers and really need a larger/longer tank, secondly introducing two Genicanthus of the same species is not trivial from a compatibility perspective, thirdly the male Genicanthus are difficult shippers
7. Mandarin dragonet (I have 100 gallon basement sump/refugium for pods, would add at the earliest 6 months from now)

[kaxt]

I have a 30 gallon that has 2 occ clowns in it. I want a randalls goby and pistol shrimp, but I also would like a banggai cardinal or two. Is that too many fish in a 30? If not, is it better to have 1 or 2 cardinals?

Thanks

[cherubfish pair]

Okay, 50 gallon tall tank. Setup for over a year, loaded with all the proper equipment (lotsa light, skimmer, reactors, circulation, you name it). A few corals and a lot of caves.

Currently have all 5 between one and two inches:

fireball angel
royal grama
sixline wrasse
ocellaris clown
blue/green chromis

want to add:

dwarf moray

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by kaxt

I have a 30 gallon that has 2 occ clowns in it. I want a randalls goby and pistol shrimp, but I also would like a banggai cardinal or two. Is that too many fish in a 30? If not, is it better to have 1 or 2 cardinals?

Thanks

bioload would be ok but marginal. The banggai cardinals would need to be a male plus female to coexist.