PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by swine

1) So the black ocell is sort of like an albino one they can sell for more because its different haha
3) I purchased what I believe to be a skunk shrimp. Are they ok with gobies? Im looking at the diamond watchman goby.

those shrimp do not form a commensal relationship with gobis

new questions for compatibility in a 55gallon reef tank.
7) Will wrasse and chromis be ok together? They are both schooling fish? So I should pick one or the other? Or would 3 wrasse/chromis be good with 3 cardinals.

neither will school. wrasse do not school or shoal even in large tanks

8) Harlequin Shrimp requires starfish for food exclusively
9) Spiny Blue lobster not reef safe

Thanks again.

[Constantine]

Tank Info: 55 gallon, 4” sand bed and 60+ lbs live rock. (all old and well established 5 years) Stage 4 with UV canister filter 250 gph, Prizm protein skimmer HOB, hydor 425 powerhead, 2- 65w PC & 2-65w blue actinic lights.

Current live stock: 1 blue damsel (came with the tank ), 2 young Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Urchin, 1 brittle star, 4 hermits, 2 nessarius snails, 3 larger snails always on glass, 12 mushroom, 1 toadstool leather.

Future tank goal: I want a poor mans/ beginner reef with a couple more soft coral like pulse xenia, GSP, and maybe an LPS like frog spawn.

Stocking: I would like to add 2 firefish and 1 royal gramma. Are there any issues with these or conflict with my goal? (assuming I make the damsel behave) Also, would a dwarf angel fit in with those types of coral?

Thanks so much!

[rlpardue]

I'm contemplating the purchase of a cool set of fish: there are 3 female fairy wrasses at the LFS in quarantine (w/ copper) right now waiting for me to pick 'em up. They could be one of at least 3 different species; one of which is Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis (yellow-finned fairy wrasse). One of them is about 1 & 1/2", one is about 1 & 1/4", and one is about 1". They seem to follow each other around, tentatively picking at the LR in the tank. My question is primarily about how they will react together once in my tank.

Tank info:
-75g with ReefOct 150g skimmer, large sump, refugium with 12 mangroves, sand bed and chaeto.
-MP40, Koralia (1050g/hr), and a couple of MJ1200s for flow
-corals are predominantly SPS frags, with some Xenia species, frogspawn and chalices as well.
-2x250w MH + 2x 46-inch T5s

Fish: 1 very small Naso tang (I'm moving into a larger tank soon), 2x Tiger Wardi gobies, 2x banggai cardinals, 2x yellow banana wrasse (incorrectly referred to as yellow coris - one is a male and one is a very small female), 1 pygmy wrasse, 1 very fat cleaner wrasse.

How will the 3 fairy wrasses act socially over time? Will the large one become male while the other 2 remain female? Or will the big one kill each smaller one when they begin to transition to males?

[telijah]

I have a 40 gallon fowlr with about 40lbs of rock, currently only have two percula clowns.

My lfs posted on facebook that they're overstocked on yellow clown gobies and are selling them for $5 each. Would these be OK with my other two clowns? Was thinking of getting one. However, not sure if it will be good since I do not have corals.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Constantine

Tank Info: 55 gallon, 4” sand bed and 60+ lbs live rock. (all old and well established 5 years) Stage 4 with UV canister filter 250 gph, Prizm protein skimmer HOB, hydor 425 powerhead, 2- 65w PC & 2-65w blue actinic lights.

Current live stock: 1 blue damsel (came with the tank ), 2 young Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Urchin, 1 brittle star, 4 hermits, 2 nessarius snails, 3 larger snails always on glass, 12 mushroom, 1 toadstool leather.

Future tank goal: I want a poor mans/ beginner reef with a couple more soft coral like pulse xenia, GSP, and maybe an LPS like frog spawn.

Stocking: I would like to add 2 firefish and 1 royal gramma. Are there any issues with these or conflict with my goal? (assuming I make the damsel behave)

Biggest issue is the damsel, more for the royal gramma than the firefish. Firefish jump, so you need a closed top.

Also, would a dwarf angel fit in with those types of coral?

Yes, with what you mentioned but meaty LPS would be a risk

Thanks so much!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by telijah

I have a 40 gallon fowlr with about 40lbs of rock, currently only have two percula clowns.

My lfs posted on facebook that they're overstocked on yellow clown gobies and are selling them for $5 each. Would these be OK with my other two clowns? Was thinking of getting one. However, not sure if it will be good since I do not have corals.

one would be fine, two or more not fine.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by rlpardue

I'm contemplating the purchase of a cool set of fish: there are 3 female fairy wrasses at the LFS in quarantine (w/ copper) right now waiting for me to pick 'em up. They could be one of at least 3 different species; one of which is Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis (yellow-finned fairy wrasse). One of them is about 1 & 1/2", one is about 1 & 1/4", and one is about 1". They seem to follow each other around, tentatively picking at the LR in the tank. My question is primarily about how they will react together once in my tank.

If they are a male and two females, they will get along fine. However I am skeptical of any LFS's quarantine. A non-therapeutic dosage for less than a month is worthless.

Tank info:
-75g with ReefOct 150g skimmer, large sump, refugium with 12 mangroves, sand bed and chaeto.
-MP40, Koralia (1050g/hr), and a couple of MJ1200s for flow
-corals are predominantly SPS frags, with some Xenia species, frogspawn and chalices as well.
-2x250w MH + 2x 46-inch T5s

Fish: 1 very small Naso tang (I'm moving into a larger tank soon), 2x Tiger Wardi gobies, 2x banggai cardinals, 2x yellow banana wrasse (incorrectly referred to as yellow coris - one is a male and one is a very small female), 1 pygmy wrasse, 1 very fat cleaner wrasse.

I hate hearing that you have a Naso tang of any species in less than an 8 foot tank.

How will the 3 fairy wrasses act socially over time? Will the large one become male while the other 2 remain female? Or will the big one kill each smaller one when they begin to transition to males?

The key question is "Are they of different sizes?". If so the odds are in your favor

[Shoryureppa]

Hi! I've always been confused about tank capacity as there are so many variables. I would like to know if I am close or over capacity.Lastly, equipment criticism and honest feedback would be great.

Tank - 120 Gallon Oceanic Tech
Sump - 40 Gallon Breeder
Eheim 1262 return pump
4 inch DSB
2 x MP40
SWC 160 Skimmer
Phosban reactor 150 x 2 running GFO and Carbon
30 gallon refugium lit opposite DT
150 lbs live rock

Fish:

Flame wrasse harem - 1M 4F
Pink Streaked wrasse pair
Yellow and Blue Assessor
1 common clownfish
1 Yasha Goby
1 Tanaka Pygmy Wrasse
1 Choati leopard wrasse

So the question is am I over stocked? I was looking to add a pygmy angel, and a long nose butterfly fish and call it a day. Also, Should I upgrade the skimmer to work with the bioload? Nitrates and Phosphates are 0, No cyano or algae except macro. Please critique and thank you so much in advance.

[ridleywr24cb]

250 gallon tank with hang on back filter and skimmer. No sump. Heres my list please help. Humu trigger. Clown fish. Christmas wrasse.blue tang. Emperor angel. Harlequin tusk. Cardinal pj. Firefish red.

[N008R33F3R]

Originally Posted by snorvich

You could. You need to develop a good quarantine protocol (see my blog for an example). But that is a fairly expensive start to your stocking plan. Have you, perchance, discussed your interests with Kevin?

So I took your advice and I spoke to the man with the plan...As from what I gathered from Obi Wan himself I added my cuc today and am currently quarantining

1 catalina goby
1 firefish purple
1 court jester goby

Will be adding some orange/green zoas and possibly some candy cane corals tomorrow on my day off.

The man with the plan said I need to start off slow and cheap just in case something crashes being my tanks so new....

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Shoryureppa

Hi! I've always been confused about tank capacity as there are so many variables. I would like to know if I am close or over capacity.Lastly, equipment criticism and honest feedback would be great.

Tank - 120 Gallon Oceanic Tech
Sump - 40 Gallon Breeder
Eheim 1262 return pump
4 inch DSB
2 x MP40
SWC 160 Skimmer
Phosban reactor 150 x 2 running GFO and Carbon
30 gallon refugium lit opposite DT
150 lbs live rock

Fish:

Flame wrasse harem - 1M 4F
Pink Streaked wrasse pair
Yellow and Blue Assessor
1 common clownfish
1 Yasha Goby
1 Tanaka Pygmy Wrasse
1 Choati leopard wrasse

So the question is am I over stocked? I was looking to add a pygmy angel, and a long nose butterfly fish and call it a day. Also, Should I upgrade the skimmer to work with the bioload? Nitrates and Phosphates are 0, No cyano or algae except macro. Please critique and thank you so much in advance.

Unfortunately, it is not algorithmic and as much art (behavioral compatibility) as science (relative metabolism which affects biocapacity). You are not currently overstocked but it is desirable not to infringe on the wrasses desire for copepod consumption so the refugium is essential. Choati require peaceful tank mates but your desired additions should be fine. In this thread, I only comment on marine fish compatibility as opposed to equipment. But superficial analysis of that seems fine.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ridleywr24cb

250 gallon tank with hang on back filter and skimmer. No sump. Heres my list please help. Humu trigger. Clown fish. Christmas wrasse.blue tang. Emperor angel. Harlequin tusk. Cardinal pj. Firefish red.

Sorry, I do not comment on aggressive fish tanks. You have fish which jump so it is best if you have a tightly covered tank.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by N008R33F3R

So I took your advice and I spoke to the man with the plan...As from what I gathered from Obi Wan himself I added my cuc today and am currently quarantining

1 catalina goby requires cool temperatures not normally found in reef aquaria without a chiller
1 firefish purple prolific jumper requires a tight top
1 court jester goby

Will be adding some orange/green zoas and possibly some candy cane corals tomorrow on my day off.

The man with the plan said I need to start off slow and cheap just in case something crashes being my tanks so new....

Kevin is able to provide superb advice

[Shoryureppa]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Unfortunately, it is not algorithmic and as much art (behavioral compatibility) as science (relative metabolism which affects biocapacity). You are not currently overstocked but it is desirable not to infringe on the wrasses desire for copepod consumption so the refugium is essential. Choati require peaceful tank mates but your desired additions should be fine. In this thread, I only comment on marine fish compatibility as opposed to equipment. But superficial analysis of that seems fine.

Thanks Steve! I figured you of all people would know. A lot of people who try to give me advice at the LFS(not the employees) keep tangs in a 65 gallon tank and argue that it's ok because its small.

Sorry about the equipment rant. I've read the equipment threads and got conflicting opinions so I didn't bother.

Thanks again!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Shoryureppa

Thanks Steve! I figured you of all people would know. A lot of people who try to give me advice at the LFS(not the employees) keep tangs in a 65 gallon tank and argue that it's ok because its small.

Sorry about the equipment rant. I've read the equipment threads and got conflicting opinions so I didn't bother.

Thanks again!

The whole equipment thing is highly subjective and it is unclear to me that there is a correct position.

[goldfish69]

Hi steve.

I currently have a 90g tank+100lbs of live rock with the following livestock:

2 clowns
2 purple firefish
3 Kaudern's cardinals

I'm encountering an issue with green/purple hair algae.

Which of the 2 (foxface or lawnmower blenny) would be the most proficient in getting rid of my hair algae?

Thanks

[nanoreefer1000]

Dont use fish to get rid of algae

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by nanoreefer1000

Dont use fish to get rid of algae

This is an expert thread which is answered by Reef Central Staff only. While we strongly encourage your participation anywhere else on Reef Central, we would appreciate your not answering this thread. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by goldfish69

Hi steve.

I currently have a 90g tank+100lbs of live rock with the following livestock:

2 clowns
2 purple firefish
3 Kaudern's cardinals

I'm encountering an issue with green/purple hair algae.

Which of the 2 (foxface or lawnmower blenny) would be the most proficient in getting rid of my hair algae?

Thanks

Fish will not solve a hair algae problem. Only isolating and addressing the nutrient cause will address that which is not a topic appropriate to this thread.

[Debbiej]

I'm in the process of cycling my new 29 gallon Oceanic Bio Cube. I'm on day 12. When we set it up my girlfriend brought 5 gallons of water from her established tank and we started with that and RO water. All the test are checking out right on target. I have a few live rocks and a few frags in the tank now. Along with a Blue legged hermit crab and 2 red crabs. We put a Chromis in on day 10 and it's alive but hiding.
I plan on adding a Blackcap Jawfish, a Goby, a Flame Hawkfish, a Clownfish, Fox face, Anthias, Dottyback, and in time a Green Mandarin, I'd love a Scotter Blenny. So many fish , so little space

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Debbiej

I'm in the process of cycling my new 29 gallon Oceanic Bio Cube. I'm on day 12. When we set it up my girlfriend brought 5 gallons of water from her established tank and we started with that and RO water. All the test are checking out right on target. I have a few live rocks and a few frags in the tank now. Along with a Blue legged hermit crab and 2 red crabs. We put a Chromis in on day 10 and it's alive but hiding.

cycling a tank with fish is bad practice and this particular fish will take bioload from your eventual stocking plan

I plan on adding a Blackcap Jawfish, a Goby, a Flame Hawkfish, a Clownfish, Fox face, Anthias, Dottyback, and in time a Green Mandarin, I'd love a Scotter Blenny. So many fish , so little space

Unfortunately, too many fish, so little space

A foxface will not work in a 29 gallon tank, all dottybacks are aggressive and will severely limit fish you can have as tank mates. A mandarin will require exceptional skill and effort because of its feeding requirements and a scooter blenny (which is a dragonet not a blenny) will compete with a mandarin for copepods. Anthias require a 75 gallon tank for one. Perhaps your LFS is giving you improper advice?

[Ryand63]

Just want to say thanks in advance for all of the advice over the past few months! But I have a 55 standard fowlr. Running a reef octopus bh90 skimmer and have about 45 lbs LR and 40 lbs LS. Currently all I have for stock is a green clown goby and a small green chromis. I would like to add the following and would reall appreciate in what order.

1 black and white clown
1 bartletts anthias or 1 Female lyretail anthias
1 Lemonpeel dwarf angel
1 salifin Blenny or 1

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Ryand63

Just want to say thanks in advance for all of the advice over the past few months! But I have a 55 standard fowlr. Running a reef octopus bh90 skimmer and have about 45 lbs LR and 40 lbs LS. Currently all I have for stock is a green clown goby and a small green chromis. I would like to add the following and would reall appreciate in what order.

1 black and white clown
1 bartletts anthias or 1 Female lyretail anthias
1 Lemonpeel dwarf angel
1 salifin Blenny or 1

Always most aggressive last, most passive first. The dwarf angel should be last. Anthias really need a 75 gallon tank.

[Mbtech83]

Hi, new to salt tanks and am almost done with my fist cycle. Looking to slowly introduce 2 pajama cardinals in about another month to verify my numbers are perfect beforehand. My setup is a 45 gallon corner tank with 50-60lb of live sand and 50lb of live rock. I have 1 240gph power head with another coming, 90w t5 lighting, eheim canister filter (I now people don't like these for salt but its what I have to work with right now) rated for over double my tank size, no protien skimmer yet and in the process of getiing ro/di system so just conditioned tap for now. My wife and I both like the cardinals and know they are peaceful and not very active, which is fine, but we are looking for any suggestions for other peaceful and colorful/pretty fish that will go well with them. Also any suggestions on good clean up crew would be helpful. Not sure about hermits due to other people's experiences and don't have rocks glued so turbo snails not ideal if they push rocks around. I'm up to any ideas or experiences anyone has to share!! Thank you in advance for any input!!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mbtech83

Hi, new to salt tanks and am almost done with my fist cycle. Looking to slowly introduce 2 pajama cardinals in about another month to verify my numbers are perfect beforehand. My setup is a 45 gallon corner tank with 50-60lb of live sand and 50lb of live rock. I have 1 240gph power head with another coming, 90w t5 lighting, eheim canister filter (I now people don't like these for salt but its what I have to work with right now) rated for over double my tank size, no protien skimmer yet and in the process of getiing ro/di system so just conditioned tap for now. My wife and I both like the cardinals and know they are peaceful and not very active, which is fine, but we are looking for any suggestions for other peaceful and colorful/pretty fish that will go well with them. Also any suggestions on good clean up crew would be helpful. Not sure about hermits due to other people's experiences and don't have rocks glued so turbo snails not ideal if they push rocks around. I'm up to any ideas or experiences anyone has to share!! Thank you in advance for any input!!

The way to verify numbers is through testing rather than using fish. As those who follow this thread know, I do not provide recommendations for a variety of reasons. I am quite happy to evaluate stocking lists for compatibility however.