PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

So subtract the butterflyfish and add two anemones, how is the bioload?

A bit high but probably ok.

[Toddrtrex]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

So subtract the butterflyfish and add two anemones, how is the bioload?

What type of anemones? IME, mixing different species of anemones doesn't work well -- chemical warfare. Also, different species of anemones have different care requirements.

[Rocket_Man]

Two fo the folowing three:

GBTA
LTA
Sebae

these are good clown hosts right?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

Two fo the folowing three:

GBTA
LTA
Sebae

these are good clown hosts right?

Todd may choose to answer this but I limit my advice to fish which is what this thread is designed around.

[Toddrtrex]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

Two fo the folowing three:

GBTA
LTA
Sebae

these are good clown hosts right?

Would wait 6 months after your cycle is complete, you could consider a BTA (( E. Qaudricolor )). Wouldn't have an LTA as your first anemone, and "Sebae" is a common name that refers to 2 different anemones.

[Castaign]

Hi Steve, hi Todd,

I'm currently working on finalizing my fish list for my 150. Can you take a look at my list and tell me A) whether you see any problems with any of these fish or their interactions; B) Whether I am pushing or exceeding reasonable bioload; and C) whether I need to worry about order of introduction with any of these fish. I am looking to add the clowns last.

2 Green Mandarins (mated pair) - At least another three months on this; my tank is filled with 'pods, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
2 Clownfish (probably true percs, exact species and morph TBD)
Scopas Tang
Yellow Assessor
Shrimp Goby (specific type TBD)
Yellow Jawfish (maybe 2?)
Either MFF Bartlett’s Anthias or MFF Flasher Wrasses or MFF Possum Wrasses

Also, will the perculas associate with a galaxia coral?

Thanks as always for the awesome expertise; you guys rock, and you make it so much easier for us newbies!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Castaign

Hi Steve, hi Todd,

I'm currently working on finalizing my fish list for my 150. Can you take a look at my list and tell me A) whether you see any problems with any of these fish or their interactions; B) Whether I am pushing or exceeding reasonable bioload; and C) whether I need to worry about order of introduction with any of these fish. I am looking to add the clowns last.

2 Green Mandarins (mated pair) - At least another three months on this; my tank is filled with 'pods, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

six months maturity and ideally a producing refugium

2 Clownfish (probably true percs, exact species and morph TBD)
Scopas Tang
Yellow Assessor
Shrimp Goby (specific type TBD)
Yellow Jawfish (maybe 2?) Be sure your tank is covered tightly
Either MFF Bartlett’s Anthias or MFF Flasher Wrasses or MFF Possum Wrasses

Flasher wrasses would be my preference MFF but again this requires a secure mesh cover as egg crate will not keep these or jawfish in (among others)

Also, will the perculas associate with a galaxia coral?

A. percula and other clownfish are totally unpredictable which anemone or coral they will associate with. Keep in mind that galaxia has huge sweepers and can sting other corals.

Thanks as always for the awesome expertise; you guys rock, and you make it so much easier for us newbies!

[Castaign]

Thanks Steve! What are your thoughts on bioload and stocking order in regards to the above list?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Castaign

Thanks Steve! What are your thoughts on bioload and stocking order in regards to the above list?

Bioload should be fine. Flasher wrasses first. Jawfish next. Clowns and tang last.

[Rocket_Man]

Thanks Steve and Todd for all your help and patience!

Patience and Quarantine

[D5HP]

Figured I'd participate since I haven't gotten much feedback from my build thread.

75g DT -- 29g sump w/ large fuge -- 220g Coralife Skimmer, 18W UV, MP40, lots of flow from return pump, GFO + Carbon reactor

Current inhabitants:

• 5 blue/green chromis
• 2 Orange Spot Filefish (M-F pair)
• Starry Blenny

The desired list:

• 1 female lyretail anthias (currently in the reef...moving when caught)
• 2 flame hawkfish (pair)
• 2 small pink skunk clownfish
• 1 or 2 small dwarf fuzzy lionfish (only get if they are tiny...to grow with other fish)

Now I don't see any issues with that list other than some people not liking the lionfish. I do weekly 30g water changes and can do more if necessary since the system I have in place makes it quite easy.

My big question for everyone is whether or not I can add a group of orange lined cardinals. I have access to an awesome long spined black urchin that munches on nori sheets and macros locally that I would love to add and see if the cardinals would sort of "live amongst its spines".

How many can I add? 5? 10?

Thanks!

[papagimp]

I love the dwarf fuzzies but I'd see them eating a few of your specimens in that list. I"m not sure on the rest of the list so I'll let others comment on that. In regards to your interest in the long spined black urchin (diadema setosum?) my experience with them is limited to just the Bangaii cardinals. In which case the adults really dont' "live amonst it's spines" just the newly released babies. Which my babies did alot. The adults are just far to large to fit in their. I kept one (the urchin) in a 75g for awhile, keep in mind the spines on a diadema can get awfully long (I wanna say up to 2ft across but would really have to double check as it's been years since i dealt with one) and other than the occasional accidental demolition run knockin over rocks and frags and anything else in it's path, it was a model citizen that I loved. I did manage to "punch" the thing while cleaning the glass with a razor blade one day, not the funnest day I've ever experienced but luckily it wasn't like some of their more harmful cousins

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by D5HP

Figured I'd participate since I haven't gotten much feedback from my build thread.

75g DT -- 29g sump w/ large fuge -- 220g Coralife Skimmer, 18W UV, MP40, lots of flow from return pump, GFO + Carbon reactor

Current inhabitants:

• 5 blue/green chromis
• 2 Orange Spot Filefish (M-F pair)
• Starry Blenny

The desired list:

• 1 female lyretail anthias (currently in the reef...moving when caught)
• 2 flame hawkfish (pair)
• 2 small pink skunk clownfish
• 1 or 2 small dwarf fuzzy lionfish (only get if they are tiny...to grow with other fish)

Now I don't see any issues with that list other than some people not liking the lionfish. I do weekly 30g water changes and can do more if necessary since the system I have in place makes it quite easy.

My big question for everyone is whether or not I can add a group of orange lined cardinals. I have access to an awesome long spined black urchin that munches on nori sheets and macros locally that I would love to add and see if the cardinals would sort of "live amongst its spines".

How many can I add? 5? 10?

Thanks!

I would agree with papagimp. Plus I would be concerned about bioload as it is starting to get up there for that sized tank. I would never mix predators into a peaceful reef environment.

[schatzi]

I'm almost complete setting up a 125 gallon (72x18x23) and wanted input on a fish list. I have a sump of roughly 100 additional gallons. I will be waiting for the tank to completely cycle before adding, and then intend to add from this list over a year or so. QT of course for each. I'll also be adding corals and at a relatively slow pace and just be patient with it. Here's the list we've been looking at in the order we'd like to add them, any input would be appreciated. Thanks


2 yellowtail damselfish, or maybe 2 clownfish
purple pseudochromis
royal gramma basslet
bartletts anthias
flame hawkfish
flame angelfish
yellow tang

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by schatzi

I'm almost complete setting up a 125 gallon (72x18x23) and wanted input on a fish list. I have a sump of roughly 100 additional gallons. I will be waiting for the tank to completely cycle before adding, and then intend to add from this list over a year or so. QT of course for each. I'll also be adding corals and at a relatively slow pace and just be patient with it. Here's the list we've been looking at in the order we'd like to add them, any input would be appreciated. Thanks


2 yellowtail damselfish, or maybe 2 clownfish
purple pseudochromis I hope that is P. fridmani since that is reasonably peaceful
royal gramma basslet
bartletts anthias
flame hawkfish No shrimp or they will get eaten
flame angelfish
yellow tang I prefer a chevron, but yellow should be fine

[papagimp]

Originally Posted by schatzi

... any input would be appreciated. Thanks

My input, clownfish over the damsels (personal preference as I hate most damsels and love almost all clownfish). the royal gramma are nice and my last one got along just spiffalicously with my clowns, even though he put on a mean face alot. I've never owned a purple pseudochromis, Anthias, or flame angelfish so can't really give any good input on them. Flame hawkfish are awesome if you know what to expect outta them. The tang, always been alot of debate on that subject, so i'll politely refer you to this sticky on the subject of tangs vs tank sizes: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1946007

[ldreefer]

I have a 72 G bow front w/ a 20 G high sump. It will be reef with fish, but I am not going to add corals or an anemone until later down the road, but when I fill it up tomorrow it will be live rock. I was thinking about purchasing a Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp pair. I love the interaction between the two. It amazes me. I want bright colored fish. Are the Goby and Pistol Shrimp ok to start? If so, how long should I wait until I put them in since my tank will be filled and ready tomorrow? If not, then what should I start with?

Thanks in Advance

[asid61]

Can a wolf eel go in a 40 breeder?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ldreefer

I have a 72 G bow front w/ a 20 G high sump. It will be reef with fish, but I am not going to add corals or an anemone until later down the road, but when I fill it up tomorrow it will be live rock. I was thinking about purchasing a Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp pair. I love the interaction between the two. It amazes me. I want bright colored fish. Are the Goby and Pistol Shrimp ok to start? If so, how long should I wait until I put them in since my tank will be filled and ready tomorrow? If not, then what should I start with?

Thanks in Advance

You need to read about cycling your tank, learn to take water parameter measurements, learn about clean up crews, and then and only then, think about fish. Slow down, you will be much happier in the long run.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by asid61

Can a wolf eel go in a 40 breeder?

No. They are much too large and would require feeding that you cannot do.

[ldreefer]

Originally Posted by snorvich

You need to read about cycling your tank, learn to take water parameter measurements, learn about clean up crews, and then and only then, think about fish. Slow down, you will be much happier in the long run.

Yes I know. I am not going to rush things and I am going to let my tank cycle before any fish go in. I was just wondering if the goby and shrimp are a good starter pair? Or if I should wait and add maybe like a clownfish or two to start out. I'm just trying to plan ahead. Don't worry I'm not going to rush things and completely F up my tank like I have read many people have done.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ldreefer

Yes I know. I am not going to rush things and I am going to let my tank cycle before any fish go in. I was just wondering if the goby and shrimp are a good starter pair? Or if I should wait and add maybe like a clownfish or two to start out. I'm just trying to plan ahead. Don't worry I'm not going to rush things and completely F up my tank like I have read many people have done.

That is good to hear. Yes, a goby shrimp pair would be fine as a starter. Remember, CUC first.

[ldreefer]

Originally Posted by snorvich

That is good to hear. Yes, a goby shrimp pair would be fine as a starter. Remember, CUC first.

Ok. Thank you for the info. What, in your opinion is the best clean up crew combo? I have seen some with turbo snails and hermits and Sally Lightfoots, but then I've seen some with a starfish or two, and then I've seen some with emerald crabs. I, personally, love the emerald crabs, but I want to make sure that my reef lives in perfect harmony. So, if I want emerald crabs, what are the best inverts that work well with Emeralds?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ldreefer

Ok. Thank you for the info. What, in your opinion is the best clean up crew combo? I have seen some with turbo snails and hermits and Sally Lightfoots, but then I've seen some with a starfish or two, and then I've seen some with emerald crabs. I, personally, love the emerald crabs, but I want to make sure that my reef lives in perfect harmony. So, if I want emerald crabs, what are the best inverts that work well with Emeralds?

I do not favor emerald crabs because they can take fish. I favor various kinds snails and pretty much avoid all crabs. I do like shrimp and fighting conchs. Various cleaner shrimp, even pistol shrimp. But not coral banded shrimp as they too can take fish.

[papagimp]

Idreefer, I like a wide variety of snails personally, I also avoid most shrimp (person preference). researcht he differenIt types of snails typically used cause not all snails eat the same food or inhabit the same area's of a tank. I do love the fighting conches that snorlax...er snorvich mentioned