PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Jreid35

Here's what we have:
29 gallon tank
20+ lbs live rock
350gph HOB biowheel power filter
250gph powerhead w sponge prefilters
Quad T5 HO with 2 10K & 2 Actinic lamps
Tank is 12+ weeks post cycle and parameters are typically stable.
~10% weekly water change.

Current Parameters:
Salinity 1.025
Alkalinity 11 dKH
Calcium 440 ppm
PH 8.0
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 15 ppm
Phosphate .5 ppm
Magnesium Untested

This thread is titled check with us BEFORE you purchase. With that in mind . . .

Current Livestock:
1 4 Stripped Damsel Aggressive will preclude many choices going forward
1 Coral Banded Shrimp Will take fish, I recommend against
1 Tomato Clownfish Very aggressive
1 Scooter Dragonet Really needs a larger, more mature tank
1 Rock Flower Anemone (2 inches across) eats fish
1 Frag of ~16 button polyps
1 Frag of ~50 very small mixed Zoanthids
1 Green Bubble Tipped Anemone (6 inches across) Will never survive in your tank
1 Frag with 2 stalks each with 2 heads Trumpet Corals
1 Pearl Bubble Coral (3 inches across)
6 Nassarius Snails
3 Astrea Snails
1 Dwarf Blue Leg Hemit Crab
Unknown number of small black Brittle Stars (Hitchhiked in on LR)
Unknown number of Stomatella Snails (Hitchhiked in on LR)

What we wish to acquire: I would not recommend any fish acquisitions until you fix the problems mentioned above
2 ~2 inch segments of Devils Hand Coral
1 Yellow Watchman Goby

So, sorry. Unfortunately in this thread you will get advice that is "tell it like it is"

Thanks for your assistance.

[Jreid35]

Originally Posted by snorvich

This thread is titled check with us BEFORE you purchase. With that in mind . . .

This I understand and having gotten WAAAAAAY down the road using only LFS input (we have 2) it is apparent that we have made errors. We are learning though, hence the question here BEFORE our next acquisition.

Originally Posted by snorvich

So, sorry. Unfortunately in this thread you will get advice that is "tell it like it is"

I would expect nothing less than open, honest answers. So there is no reason to apologize.

Originally Posted by snorvich

1 4 Stripped Damsel Aggressive will preclude many choices going forward

We learned this soon after getting the tank setup and have plans to address it, if need be.
A. Since we have an expansion in the works and this tank is going to include only what we currently have and wish to add listed in the original post, we are hoping he will continue to interact acceptably with his tank mates.
B. Move him into one of the other tanks on our horizon. (explained below)
C. Trade him back in to the LFS for a more appropriate choice.

Originally Posted by snorvich

1 Coral Banded Shrimp Will take fish, I recommend against

He has been an *** since introduction but he has become far less aggressive or even interested in his tank mates. Being aware this could change we also are prepared with the same plans as with the Damsel.

Originally Posted by snorvich

1 Tomato Clownfish Very aggressive

He has been quite defensive of his Anemone but otherwise a good tank mate. Being aware this could change as he matures we also are prepared with the same plans as with the Damsel.

Originally Posted by snorvich

1 Scooter Dragonet Really needs a larger, more mature tank

This was one of our more scary mistakes. Being sold as a "Scooter Blenny" and having read a bit about Blennies in general, we acquired him. Of course when we did determine exactly what he is AND what he needs to eat (LFS said "He eats whatever the tank eats that makes it to the bottom.") WE WERE SCARED FOR HIM. As expected, he began to quickly waste away. Well, after much work he is now taking regular 'point feedings' of various frozen entrees and has regained his coloring and fatness. With the addition of the sump I am hoping to establish an environment that will afford him his natural food source.

Originally Posted by snorvich

1 Rock Flower Anemone (2 inches across) eats fish

Our three fish have shown zero interest in venturing in the area where he lives. Maybe they know?
This is our Anemone which we purchased as a Rock Flower but I find it looks very different than the pictures I see on the Net described as a Rock Flower.

Originally Posted by snorvich

1 Green Bubble Tipped Anemone (6 inches across) Will never survive in your tank

I am unsure of why you believe he won't but I am hoping that our planned expansion/modification will eliminate the reasons for this belief. If not, please expound.


Okay, all of that said...... Here's our plan.

I have acquired a 20 Gal long tank and am constructing a Sump. It will be what seems to be a 'typical' (is there really such a thing in the hobby) 3 chamber unit. It will be supplied via a CPR overflow box, don't hate, it'll change, read on.
Once the Sump is up and running (looking for input as to 'bringing it online') we will begin the Aquascaping of our 40 Gal Breeder. This is to include a hidden Coast to Coast overflow incorporating a "BeanAnimal" Silent & Failsafe system. The end result is to be a 40 Breeder with a 20 long Sump inside a common stand with canopy.

It is our intention to limit the inhabitants of this system to those listed earlier and acquire/build (yes there is already a list) other tanks with which to showcase other incompatible livestock.

Thanks so much for your help.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Jreid35

This I understand and having gotten WAAAAAAY down the road using only LFS input (we have 2) it is apparent that we have made errors. We are learning though, hence the question here BEFORE our next acquisition.

Test your LFS. Assuming they know your tank size, ask "what tang can I keep?". The correct answer of course is NONE

I would expect nothing less than open, honest answers. So there is no reason to apologize.

Thanks. Unfortunately I am not the most subtle when it comes to analyzing stocking



We learned this soon after getting the tank setup and have plans to address it, if need be.
A. Since we have an expansion in the works and this tank is going to include only what we currently have and wish to add listed in the original post, we are hoping he will continue to interact acceptably with his tank mates.
B. Move him into one of the other tanks on our horizon. (explained below)
C. Trade him back in to the LFS for a more appropriate choice.

Some LFS will do that, others not.




This was one of our more scary mistakes. Being sold as a "Scooter Blenny" and having read a bit about Blennies in general, we acquired him. Of course when we did determine exactly what he is AND what he needs to eat (LFS said "He eats whatever the tank eats that makes it to the bottom.") WE WERE SCARED FOR HIM. As expected, he began to quickly waste away. Well, after much work he is now taking regular 'point feedings' of various frozen entrees and has regained his coloring and fatness. With the addition of the sump I am hoping to establish an environment that will afford him his natural food source.

Yes, most dragonets can be maintained with spot feedings using a baster but it is a pain to do so and not natural.

Our three fish have shown zero interest in venturing in the area where he lives. Maybe they know?

Probably. The problem is that mistakes happen and the anemones are very sticky. By the way, it looks a bit bleached.

This is our Anemone which we purchased as a Rock Flower but I find it looks very different than the pictures I see on the Net described as a Rock Flower.




I am unsure of why you believe he won't but I am hoping that our planned expansion/modification will eliminate the reasons for this belief. If not, please expound.

Anemones need mature tanks with good lights. Most nanocubes are insufficient in lighting and your tank is somewhat immature


Okay, all of that said...... Here's our plan.

I have acquired a 20 Gal long tank and am constructing a Sump. It will be what seems to be a 'typical' (is there really such a thing in the hobby) 3 chamber unit. It will be supplied via a CPR overflow box, don't hate, it'll change, read on.
Once the Sump is up and running (looking for input as to 'bringing it online') we will begin the Aquascaping of our 40 Gal Breeder. This is to include a hidden Coast to Coast overflow incorporating a "BeanAnimal" Silent & Failsafe system. The end result is to be a 40 Breeder with a 20 long Sump inside a common stand with canopy.

It is our intention to limit the inhabitants of this system to those listed earlier and acquire/build (yes there is already a list) other tanks with which to showcase other incompatible livestock.

Thanks so much for your help.

You are most welcome.

[A_Z]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Well a pair of flame wrasse really need a larger tank. For a pair I recommend a 125 or larger. No inherent hostilities however.

Hi thanks for the reply, does that apply to pairs or to single males or females aswell. Is it 125 for the 72 " or if it was a 48 " 120?

as a substitute would either a single rhomboid or lineatus wrasse work?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by A_Z

Hi thanks for the reply, does that apply to pairs or to single males or females aswell. Is it 125 for the 72 " or if it was a 48 " 120?

as a substitute would either a single rhomboid or lineatus wrasse work?

Single males can do with smaller tanks. Longer tanks are normally better for fairies. By the way females are normally more aggressive. Both Rhomboids and Lineatus work well. Again, no inherent aggression.

[MHG]

Well I am about 3 weeks from adding water and cycling my tank. I am staring to kick around my livestock.

I have a 60 gallon with a 20 gallon (well about 14 gal of water) refugium. 60 pounds of love rock and rubble. reef octopus nw110 skimmer... LED lighting...

Here is some of the fish I am kicking around. I know there are issues with some. I am also not sure of the best order to get them...

Cleaning crew of course...
2-3 green chromies
mated pair of black maroon or gold stripe maroon clowns
some sort of anthias
Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse
Firefish
Yellow Multibanded Pipefish
Maxima clam
serpent star
Spiny Lobster, Blue

if my descriptions are generic, I am open to suggestions...

I am planning on some LPS and SPS corals as well. I will likely get some sort of an anemone for the clowns... I like tube anemones but I am not sure...

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by MHG

Well I am about 3 weeks from adding water and cycling my tank. I am staring to kick around my livestock.

I have a 60 gallon with a 20 gallon (well about 14 gal of water) refugium. 60 pounds of love rock and rubble. reef octopus nw110 skimmer... LED lighting...

Here is some of the fish I am kicking around. I know there are issues with some. I am also not sure of the best order to get them...

Cleaning crew of course...
2-3 green chromies Will eventually become one as they kill the weakest
mated pair of black maroon or gold stripe maroon clowns They are very aggressive and will consume your tank
some sort of anthias
Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse Not consistent with a firefish who will become intimidated and starve
Firefish Not consistent with any flasher wrasse
Yellow Multibanded Pipefish Expert care fish
Maxima clam
serpent star
Spiny Lobster, Blue Not reef safe

if my descriptions are generic, I am open to suggestions...

I am planning on some LPS and SPS corals as well. I will likely get some sort of an anemone for the clowns... I like tube anemones will not host clownfish but I am not sure...

[MHG]

Thanks for the info. I will look for some alternatives.

Regarding the chromies, I have heard that but I almost always see more than one in tanks here locally. I heard that if they are in a tank with something more aggressive that they Will school together...

Regarding the maroon clowns, that is disappointing.

[rogermccray]

I am in the very beginning plans of setting up a 180 gallon, mixed reef tank with a sump and refugium. I am quite a ways from getting a tank set up but I would like a bit of a sanity check before I continue. I would really like an Achilles Tang, but I know that I am not experienced enough to handle him and I if I can't do it right I would rather leave them in the ocean. This list is in order of priority...

Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus)
Ocellaris Clownfish
Red Mandarin (mated pair?) (I would not add them for at least six months, longer if a pair?)
Lawn Mower Blenny
Clown Goby, Green
Red Spot Goby
Bartlett's Anthias
Black Axil Chromis (is it possible to have more then one?)
Fairy Wrasse (There are so many types that I haven't quite decided on a specific one.
Flame Angel (Centropyge loriculus)

Also how is this bioload for a 180? I don't want to stress the bioload but also want an active tank.

Thanks a lot for your time.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by MHG

Thanks for the info. I will look for some alternatives.

Regarding the chromies, I have heard that but I almost always see more than one in tanks here locally. I heard that if they are in a tank with something more aggressive that they Will school together...

Well, you can roll the dice, but I doubt it

Regarding the maroon clowns, that is disappointing.

Gold stripe maroon clowns are gorgeous. Perhaps you might want to have a tank oriented around them? But they are hyper aggressive and will greatly limit other fish in a smallish tank.

[fishcollector]

Hey all, I just ordered a custom aquarium and I'm looking to stock it with some fish. It is unique in that it is taller rather than longer. My inspiration was the shape of the phone booth tank in the first episode of Animal Planet's "Tanked" show. The inside dimensions are approximately 32"wide x 32"deep x 84"tall, which gives about 370 gallons. I'll have an internal overflow which drains to a sump with skimmer rated at 400 gallons, plus about 20 gallons worth of bioballs. I'll have a few soft corals with LED lighting (AquaIllumination). I'll also have about 50 pounds of live rock glued to the back wall (instead of a phone). I'll plan on cycling the tank for at least 2 months before adding fish, as that's what I've done in freshwater tanks before.

I really liked the stocking levels of the fish tank in the show, but before I go buy all those fish my friend urged me to ask you all first. We looked multiple times through the episode and this is the stocking list that we came up with that they had and I want to replicate:

Auriga Butterflyfish x 4
Blue Girdled Angelfish x 1
Blue/Green Reef Chromis x 20
Dog Face Pufferfish x 1
Foxface Rabbitfish x 3
Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish x 3
Niger Triggerfish x 1
Raccoon Butterflyfish x 3
Three Spot Domino Damselfish x 15
Three Stripe Damselfish x 30
Yellow Tang x 8
Gray Tang x 3
Yellowtail Damselfish x 30

This is a total of 122 fish which seems reasonable for as big as the tank is. Please let me know what you think. I spent thousands on the tank already and I really want a unique showpiece. I can add an extra skimmer or more bioballs if it will help me have all these fish. After all, I've already seen someone on the TV show have all these fish in the same sized tank, so there has to be a way to have them all myself. Thanks for your advice.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by rogermccray

I am in the very beginning plans of setting up a 180 gallon, mixed reef tank with a sump and refugium. I am quite a ways from getting a tank set up but I would like a bit of a sanity check before I continue. I would really like an Achilles Tang, but I know that I am not experienced enough to handle him and I if I can't do it right I would rather leave them in the ocean. This list is in order of priority...

Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus)
Ocellaris Clownfish
Red Mandarin (mated pair?) (I would not add them for at least six months, longer if a pair?)
Lawn Mower Blenny
Clown Goby, Green
Red Spot Goby
Bartlett's Anthias
Black Axil Chromis (is it possible to have more then one?)
Fairy Wrasse (There are so many types that I haven't quite decided on a specific one.
Flame Angel (Centropyge loriculus)

Also how is this bioload for a 180? I don't want to stress the bioload but also want an active tank.

Thanks a lot for your time.

As you know your mandarins must be about six or seven months down the line. I would wait on the tang until almost last. Be sure to get one of the peaceful fairy wrasses. Bioload seem fine learn to quarantine and do so religiously.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by fishcollector

Hey all, I just ordered a custom aquarium and I'm looking to stock it with some fish. It is unique in that it is taller rather than longer. My inspiration was the shape of the phone booth tank in the first episode of Animal Planet's "Tanked" show.

I am so sorry but I cannot really help. That show is horrible with regard to real world information and good husbandry.

The inside dimensions are approximately 32"wide x 32"deep x 84"tall, which gives about 370 gallons. I'll have an internal overflow which drains to a sump with skimmer rated at 400 gallons, plus about 20 gallons worth of bioballs. I'll have a few soft corals with LED lighting (AquaIllumination). I'll also have about 50 pounds of live rock glued to the back wall (instead of a phone). I'll plan on cycling the tank for at least 2 months before adding fish, as that's what I've done in freshwater tanks before.

I really liked the stocking levels of the fish tank in the show, but before I go buy all those fish my friend urged me to ask you all first. We looked multiple times through the episode and this is the stocking list that we came up with that they had and I want to replicate:

Auriga Butterflyfish x 4
Blue Girdled Angelfish x 1
Blue/Green Reef Chromis x 20
Dog Face Pufferfish x 1
Foxface Rabbitfish x 3
Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish x 3
Niger Triggerfish x 1
Raccoon Butterflyfish x 3
Three Spot Domino Damselfish x 15
Three Stripe Damselfish x 30
Yellow Tang x 8
Gray Tang x 3
Yellowtail Damselfish x 30

This is a total of 122 fish which seems reasonable for as big as the tank is. Please let me know what you think. I spent thousands on the tank already and I really want a unique showpiece. I can add an extra skimmer or more bioballs if it will help me have all these fish. After all, I've already seen someone on the TV show have all these fish in the same sized tank, so there has to be a way to have them all myself. Thanks for your advice.

[stings]

im getting a 135 gallon tank that will have a 55 gallon sump.

fish list:

2 onyx clownfish
1 Starry Blenny (Salarias ramosus)
1 Kaudern's Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni)
1 Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
1 Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)
5 Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
1 Firefish, Purple (Nemateleotris decora)

or

1 Jawfish, Yellowhead (Opistognathus aurifrons)
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus)
1 Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissima)
1 Kaudern's Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni)
5 Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus)

[Arnold40]

65 gallon SPS/LPS stocking wish list:

Ocellaris Clownfish----already have

Thinking about adding:

Dwarf Flame Angel
Blue Reef Chromis
Bartlett's Anthias
Labout's Fairy Wrasse

Any insight will be appreciated.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by stings

im getting a 135 gallon tank that will have a 55 gallon sump.

fish list:

2 onyx clownfish
1 Starry Blenny (Salarias ramosus)
1 Kaudern's Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni)
1 Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
1 Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)
5 Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
1 Firefish, Purple (Nemateleotris decora)

or

1 Jawfish, Yellowhead (Opistognathus aurifrons)
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus)
1 Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissima)
1 Kaudern's Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni)
5 Blue Reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus)

I think either would work, but the second option with the chromis is likely to have the chromis winnow down to one. If you go with the first option, be sure to read the primer about PBT

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Arnold40

65 gallon SPS/LPS stocking wish list:

Ocellaris Clownfish----already have

Thinking about adding:

Dwarf Flame Angel
Blue Reef Chromis
Bartlett's Anthias
Labout's Fairy Wrasse

Any insight will be appreciated.

Well the stocking list will work, BUT note that Flame Angels are NOT reef safe

[A_Z]

Hi thanks for the replies.

I was thinking before paying so much money for one fish I should get some experience with other easy starter butterfly fish.


any of these appropriate in a 55 w/14 gal sump?

Raccoon
Auriga
Longnose (either one)
Pearlscale (xanthaurs?)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by A_Z

Hi thanks for the replies.

I was thinking before paying so much money for one fish I should get some experience with other easy starter butterfly fish.


any of these appropriate in a 55 w/14 gal sump?

Raccoon easiest
Auriga Most appropriate to your tank size
Longnose (either one)
Pearlscale (xanthaurs?)

[asid61]

I have a 44 gallon 2' tall pentagon with a 10 gallon sump. I have a protein skimmer, ~50 lbs of live rock, and a whisper 60 gallon power filter. Can I have a snnowflake eel? I have only been keeping salt for about 5 months.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by asid61

I have a 44 gallon 2' tall pentagon with a 10 gallon sump. I have a protein skimmer, ~50 lbs of live rock, and a whisper 60 gallon power filter. Can I have a snnowflake eel? I have only been keeping salt for about 5 months.

I do not give advice on eels but your tank is too small.

[Arnold40]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Well the stocking list will work, BUT note that Flame Angels are NOT reef safe

It is a pain in the neck trying to figure out some colorful fish to put in a small tank.

I know the thread doesn't work this way but...
Any thoughts on the Flame Angel replacement?

[rbennett15]

i have a 40B with a 20L sump with about 50 pounds of BRS reef saver rock and was thinking of adding 2 clownfish, a coral beauty, purple dottyback, and a yellow prawn goby would my tank size be good to keep these?

[FishAddict87]

is a court jester goby ok to be added to my 55 fowlr with a blue/green chromis, neon blue damsel, royal gramma, starry blenny, valentini puffer and clown goby? there is plenty of caves and crevices in my aquascape. i really like the coloration with this fish. thanks in advance

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Arnold40

It is a pain in the neck trying to figure out some colorful fish to put in a small tank.

I know the thread doesn't work this way but...
Any thoughts on the Flame Angel replacement?

Unfortunately I cannot really help; our tastes and budget are not going to be the same.