55g Constructive Criticism Please

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by Charley Diesing

With no skimmer or sump. I would stick to a lower bio-load. I think that'll give you the best results. Looks good though. I like the aquascape.

Thanks. I was planning on keeping it how I have it now, maybe adding a lawnmower blenny or something like that. Do you think I'm overstocked now?

[Bent]

Originally Posted by Mekesterson

Ohhh no.. what did you guys like about it before??

The open aquascape without the added rock.

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by Bent

The open aquascape without the added rock.

Got ya. Do u think it would be any better if I added the rock on top?

[Ritten]

I like the clean look of your tank . Looks like your off to a great start to me.

[mpderksen]

Originally Posted by Mekesterson

Got ya. Do u think it would be any better if I added the rock on top?

Nope. You won't be adding more frag space, just height. The corals will do that for you over time. Consider what it will look like grown in, not today with plugs. Once the coral encrusts and it fills too much, you'll be stuck. I'd leave it as is.

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

Nope. You won't be adding more frag space, just height. The corals will do that for you over time. Consider what it will look like grown in, not today with plugs. Once the coral encrusts and it fills too much, you'll be stuck. I'd leave it as is.

Thanks @Ritten! And @mpderksen, are you saying I should leave the new base rock in or take it out??

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[Charley Diesing]

Originally Posted by Mekesterson

Thanks. I was planning on keeping it how I have it now, maybe adding a lawnmower blenny or something like that. Do you think I'm overstocked now?

I don't think you are. I just think your bio-load might need to be lower than someone with a 55 gallon + skimmer+ sump. You need to account for your lack of filtration. That being said I don't think adding 1-2 smaller sized fish would hurt you at all as long as you keep up with your water changes and don't overfeed.

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by Charley Diesing

I don't think you are. I just think your bio-load might need to be lower than someone with a 55 gallon + skimmer+ sump. You need to account for your lack of filtration. That being said I don't think adding 1-2 smaller sized fish would hurt you at all as long as you keep up with your water changes and don't overfeed.

Oh okay. I planned on keeping the stock down pretty minimal. And I do weekly water changes of at least 10% with at least one a month of 15-20%.

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[robert125381]

Having a little bit of negative space can make a big difference in appearance

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by robert125381

Having a little bit of negative space can make a big difference in appearance

What do you mean by negative space??

[mpderksen]

Negative space has nothing in it. If you keep the back clean of coralline (which I never keep up with), the contrast will look better.
You didn't ask, so please don't take offense at my suggestion, but I really believe you should catch and return the six line. Even in a much bigger tank, you will eventually find him a terrible bully. I had one for a while in my last tank. Never had issues with him in a year. But reports here suggest it is one of the most aggressive fish, eventually.
The clowns, when mature, will require about half your tank as territory.
A 55 gallon is a wonderful size with lots of options. And your scape is one of the nicer ones I've seen . I think you should get some advice on the fish you are picking.
Specifically the way you have it, I might suggest a dwarf angel for the caves, and some wrasses for the free swimming area. (with a COMPLETE mesh cover). They jump out of the smallest cracks.

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

Negative space has nothing in it. If you keep the back clean of coralline (which I never keep up with), the contrast will look better.
You didn't ask, so please don't take offense at my suggestion, but I really believe you should catch and return the six line. Even in a much bigger tank, you will eventually find him a terrible bully. I had one for a while in my last tank. Never had issues with him in a year. But reports here suggest it is one of the most aggressive fish, eventually.
The clowns, when mature, will require about half your tank as territory.
A 55 gallon is a wonderful size with lots of options. And your scape is one of the nicer ones I've seen . I think you should get some advice on the fish you are picking.
Specifically the way you have it, I might suggest a dwarf angel for the caves, and some wrasses for the free swimming area. (with a COMPLETE mesh cover). They jump out of the smallest cracks.

Thanks for the advice. Honestly, I tried catching the sixline a couple weeks ago and gave up bc I didn't want to stress it out too bad and also didn't want to cause any unnecessary stress on my clowns. I appreciate all advice, especially sense I'm pretty new to the reefing world. What fish would you add to the tank if it were yours? Also, I'm planning on upgrading to a 120 in the nearish future.

[mpderksen]

Lots of options. Look at live aquaria online. They have a nice picture and description of lots of fish. The order you put them in matters too. Everyone has favorites. My 2 favorites are my Kole tang and One spot Foxface, but both are too big for your tank. I think gobies, bleenies, wrasses are a good start.
Borrow a fish trap from your local store, but do continue to get the six-line. A net isn't gonna work at this point.
One thing I only did in the last few years was purchase a cheap, small tank to quarantine new fish. While many people don't take this step, it's considered best practice. I've read too many times where someone added a new fish that was infected and it took out the whole tank. Everything bad that has gone in my tank (Apatsia, bubble algae) can from a coral frag that I didn't notice at first.

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

Lots of options. Look at live aquaria online. They have a nice picture and description of lots of fish. The order you put them in matters too. Everyone has favorites. My 2 favorites are my Kole tang and One spot Foxface, but both are too big for your tank. I think gobies, bleenies, wrasses are a good start.
Borrow a fish trap from your local store, but do continue to get the six-line. A net isn't gonna work at this point.
One thing I only did in the last few years was purchase a cheap, small tank to quarantine new fish. While many people don't take this step, it's considered best practice. I've read too many times where someone added a new fish that was infected and it took out the whole tank. Everything bad that has gone in my tank (Apatsia, bubble algae) can from a coral frag that I didn't notice at first.

I've looked on there a few times, I hate ordering stuff online. Shipping is ridiculous, so I've just been waiting for my LFS to get something in that fits my tank and tht I like. I'd like to get a blenny or goby. The only ones my LFS usually gets in is the bicolor and lawnmower blenny and yellow watchman and pink spot watchman.

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[mpderksen]

Fair enough. Wasn't really saying to order from them (though my experiences have been positive). I simply like that I can get a quick pic and overview. Then you could take the request to the LFS

[Mekesterson]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

Fair enough. Wasn't really saying to order from them (though my experiences have been positive). I simply like that I can get a quick pic and overview. Then you could take the request to the LFS

Yea, I've never made a special request to my LFS but that's a good idea. I'm sure they could get me something in.