PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[fishouttawater]

Current Inhabitants: 2 true perc's and a firefish, CUC and a few basic corals (frogspawn, mushrooms, xenia, a couple zoos).

I do not run a skimmer so need to keep bioload pretty low, I think I can handle one or two more fish. Which of these would y'all recommend? Main consideration being compatibility with clowns and firefish, reefsafe, and doing ok in 24g....Thanks in advance.

Midas Blenny
Royal Gramma
Orchid Dottyback
Tailspot Blenny
6-line wrasse
Banghai cardinal...
Or something else?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by fishouttawater

Current Inhabitants: 2 true perc's and a firefish, CUC and a few basic corals (frogspawn, mushrooms, xenia, a couple zoos).

I do not run a skimmer so need to keep bioload pretty low, I think I can handle one or two more fish. Which of these would y'all recommend? Main consideration being compatibility with clowns and firefish, reefsafe, and doing ok in 24g....Thanks in advance.

Midas Blenny compatible
Royal Gramma compatible
Orchid Dottyback not compatible
Tailspot Blenny compatible but only one blenny
6-line wrasse not compatible
Banghai cardinal... compatible
Or something else?

This thread is answered only by Reef Central Staff, in this case me. A fourth fish is marginal in that sized tank, especially when the clownfish become sexually mature.

[Dale Cooper]

Originally Posted by snorvich

A bonded pair of maroon clowns will want to control at least 50 gallons of tank space. They are very aggressive towards most fish and will create a less than desirable dynamic in a relatively smallish tank. The only total no-no is any other clownfish species. But I would be concerned if a new fish died.

Well, since I no longer have a bonded pair, and doubt they were to begin with in spite of what the lfs said, I'm looking to the future. I love my clown that lived, but would never have bought a single one. Since it's not something I would have bought as a single, she'll probably live forever, lol.

My water tested fine both at home and at the lfs. I took the dead fish and a sample in so they could test it. I am concerned and will hold off awhile for anything new. I think my main concern was the pj cardinals since they are so incredibly passive.

Thanks again.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Dale Cooper

Well, since I no longer have a bonded pair, and doubt they were to begin with in spite of what the lfs said, I'm looking to the future. I love my clown that lived, but would never have bought a single one. Since it's not something I would have bought as a single, she'll probably live forever, lol.

My water tested fine both at home and at the lfs. I took the dead fish and a sample in so they could test it. I am concerned and will hold off awhile for anything new. I think my main concern was the pj cardinals since they are so incredibly passive.

Thanks again.

If the remaining clown is female, it will be aggressive. If both clowns were the same size, you had two juveniles. If one was almost twice as large as the other, you had a male plus female which may or may not be bonded. If both clowns were the same size, it is likely one killed the other.

[Darizzo]

Hi there, currently planning a 30g tank (60*40*60cm) and chosig between two paths to go...

1. I go With the obvious A. Ocellaris par and a BTA perhaps, problem is that what i understand is that clowns do get very aggro vs. everything and wont allow cleaner shrimps or any other fish.

2. This is what i think would be most intressting for me.
Firefish 1
Royal Gramma 1
Lawnmower blenny 1

Peppermint shrimp 1
Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp 1
CUC
Featherdusters

LPS mostly

Will do a 5 inch DSB for all the worms and critters im exited about.
LPS, firefish and gramma for general looks and for visitors to look at.
Blenny for algae control an GF who likes odd looking fish.

Main concern is not to overstock, nothing to mess with the DSB or the LPS and no fighting. I have read that the blenny might munch on corals..

Sorry for bad grammar/spelling and many thanks to this site from a snowy Sweden.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Darizzo

Hi there, currently planning a 30g tank (60*40*60cm) and chosig between two paths to go...

1. I go With the obvious A. Ocellaris par and a BTA perhaps, problem is that what i understand is that clowns do get very aggro vs. everything and wont allow cleaner shrimps or any other fish.

2. This is what i think would be most intressting for me.
Firefish 1
Royal Gramma 1
Lawnmower blenny 1

Peppermint shrimp 1
Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp 1
CUC
Featherdusters

LPS mostly

Will do a 5 inch DSB for all the worms and critters im exited about.
LPS, firefish and gramma for general looks and for visitors to look at.
Blenny for algae control an GF who likes odd looking fish.

Main concern is not to overstock, nothing to mess with the DSB or the LPS and no fighting. I have read that the blenny might munch on corals..

Sorry for bad grammar/spelling and many thanks to this site from a snowy Sweden.

Your excellent English far exceeds my nonexistent Swedish.

In option one, the clownfish may never associate with your anemone even if it is the correct anemone for the clownfish species. It is true that once sexually mature, the clownfish want to control about 25-30 gallons of tank space and will be aggressive towards fish within that space. Clownfish do not allow cleaner shrimp to "clean" them; not all fish do.

In option two, be sure that you supplement the algae in the tank with nori since your tank may not produce sufficient algae for the blenny. If there is insufficient algae, the blenny may go after the zooxanthellae in clams or lps corals. They are generally considered coral safe, however.

Either option should work subject to comments supplied.

[afrinaya]

Hello Steve, thank you for taking the time to respond to everyone's fish questions, people like yourself help save the lives of our critters, corals and fish

I have just come back to reefing/fish keeping after being away for three years, work got crazy and I had to travel alot and couldn't give my last tank the time it needed. My previous tank I had for five years, so I am not exactly a noob, but I am re-reading everything to make sure I am up to date with any changes that have happened in the reef/fish world while I was away.

I have a 300L/80G tank with sump (Aqua One 300 Reef) that has been through its cycle (lasted 6 weeks, tank now in week 7), with live and dead rock and a sand bed. I am running Razor 160w 10,000k leds, chiller, skimmer and wave makers.

Yesteday I added a small CUC (1 x tiger sand conch and 6 x margarita snails) and 1 x lawnmower blenny. I will let these guys run the tank for a while and monitor any chemical fluctuations while they settle in and do their thing.

I am struggling to decide what fish to stock my tank with. Do you have any thoughts on fish options, noting that my fish choices are limited to Australia (where I live)? I understand the requirements of fish keeping i.e water volume, compatibility, room to move, tang police etc. My brain is hurting trying to make a decision. I am in no hurry to add fish as I like to let new additions settle for a bit before adding anything else, so I will take my time adding new fish. I happy to do this over months or a year if needs be.

I will add corals as well. I prefer soft (sarcophyton), LPS (trachyphillia, acans and chalice), SPS (monties) and possibly a few morphs, zoas and blastos. Yeah I know the argument about mixing reefs . I am not an overstocker, so no worries there.

Any help is appreciated, even if you can narrow down the fish choices for me!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by afrinaya

Hello Steve, thank you for taking the time to respond to everyone's fish questions, people like yourself help save the lives of our critters, corals and fish

I have just come back to reefing/fish keeping after being away for three years, work got crazy and I had to travel alot and couldn't give my last tank the time it needed. My previous tank I had for five years, so I am not exactly a noob, but I am re-reading everything to make sure I am up to date with any changes that have happened in the reef/fish world while I was away.

I have a 300L/80G tank with sump (Aqua One 300 Reef) that has been through its cycle (lasted 6 weeks, tank now in week 7), with live and dead rock and a sand bed. I am running Razor 160w 10,000k leds, chiller, skimmer and wave makers.

Yesteday I added a small CUC (1 x tiger sand conch and 6 x margarita snails) and 1 x lawnmower blenny. I will let these guys run the tank for a while and monitor any chemical fluctuations while they settle in and do their thing.

I am struggling to decide what fish to stock my tank with. Do you have any thoughts on fish options, noting that my fish choices are limited to Australia (where I live)? I understand the requirements of fish keeping i.e water volume, compatibility, room to move, tang police etc. My brain is hurting trying to make a decision. I am in no hurry to add fish as I like to let new additions settle for a bit before adding anything else, so I will take my time adding new fish. I happy to do this over months or a year if needs be.

I will add corals as well. I prefer soft (sarcophyton), LPS (trachyphillia, acans and chalice), SPS (monties) and possibly a few morphs, zoas and blastos. Yeah I know the argument about mixing reefs . I am not an overstocker, so no worries there.

Any help is appreciated, even if you can narrow down the fish choices for me!

If you have followed this thread, you will know that I do not provide recommendations for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is I want each person to develop research skills that will at least allow them to figure out basic habits and requirements of the fish they are considering. The purpose of this thread is marine fish compatibility. I do provide an analysis of the behavioral compatibility of stocking lists both with each other and the environment you are providing. Having dived Australian waters as well as nearby Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, I know there are a lot of possibilities for you to consider. So feel free to check back with potential stocking lists.

[gsiegel]

Good morning!

I currently have a xmas, exquisite and lineatus wrasse in a 280g fowlr.

I saw a beautiful melanarus yesterday with blue/green coloring I had not seen before. What is your thought as to the compatibility of adding the melanarus? Asking for trouble with me already having a xmas wrasse?

I also may want to add another wrasse or 2 (fairy/flasher) - how is the melanarus typically with new additions.

Thanks Steve as always!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by gsiegel

Good morning!

I currently have a xmas, exquisite and lineatus wrasse in a 280g fowlr.

I saw a beautiful melanarus yesterday with blue/green coloring I had not seen before. What is your thought as to the compatibility of adding the melanarus? Asking for trouble with me already having a xmas wrasse?

I also may want to add another wrasse or 2 (fairy/flasher) - how is the melanarus typically with new additions.

Thanks Steve as always!

Should be no problem. When introducing fairy wrasses to tanks with existing, established fairy wrasses, an acclimation box for social acclimation is desirable.

[ianrwesley]

I'm in the process of building out a new 220 gallon tank. It is in the process of cycling right now. Running ~40 gallon sump and skimmer. Planning a mixed reef tank with LPS and SPS + anemone. CUC will probably be mostly snails. Lighting is supplied by 3 250 watt MH + T5s providing actinic lighting.

I'm still figuring out which fish I'm going to add. Was looking at the following and wanted to get some opions:

• Mated pair True Percula Clowns
• Green Mandarin (after I have established some pods reproducing in the tank)
• Watchman Goby & Pistol Shrimp
• Flame Angel
• Koran, Queen or Regal Angelfish (can I do more than one?)
• Chevron Tang
• Yellow Tang
• Blue/Green Reef Chromis (Chromis viridis) for a shoal of fish. Maybe 10, looking for recommendations on how many is too little or too much.
• Various Wrasses. Looking at the following, don’t know how many yet:

o Macropharyngodon bipartitus
o Paracheilinus mccoskeri
o Cirrhilabrus solorensis
o Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
o Labroides dimidiatus
o Cirrhilabrus exquisitus
o Cirrhilabrus filamentosus
o Cirrhilabrus scottorum
o Paracheilinus carpenter

I'll start out with the mated pair of true percs, then I was planning to add a few fish every couple months. Looking for some feedback on the list along with any recommendations on order I should be introducing them to the tank. Also wondering if this is too many?

I likely won't add any coral or an anemone to the tank for 6+ months or more. I'd like to make sure the tank is stable before adding....

Thanks,
Ian

[ashnat]

I am thinking of adding a Yellow Tang and a Blue Hippo Tang to my 150 gallon reef tank. I know it is recommended that you add your tangs all at one time. Is that true of all tangs. Here is my current stock:

Solar Wrasse
Melanarus Wrasse
Exquisite Wrasse
Linespot Wrasse
Ocellarus Clownfish
Starry Blenny
Purple Firefish
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Fireshrimp
Turbo Snails
Hermit Crabs
Several Zoanthids
Duncan Coral
Fungia
Birdsnest Coral
Acan of some kind
Sun Coral

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ianrwesley

I'm in the process of building out a new 220 gallon tank. It is in the process of cycling right now. Running ~40 gallon sump and skimmer. Planning a mixed reef tank with LPS and SPS + anemone. CUC will probably be mostly snails. Lighting is supplied by 3 250 watt MH + T5s providing actinic lighting.

I'm still figuring out which fish I'm going to add. Was looking at the following and wanted to get some opions:

• Mated pair True Percula Clowns
• Green Mandarin (after I have established some pods reproducing in the tank)
• Watchman Goby & Pistol Shrimp
• Flame Angel not reef safe, especially towards meaty LPS corals
• Koran, Queen or Regal Angelfish (can I do more than one?)
not reef safe, especially towards meaty LPS corals and with large angels the mixing is less straight forward. I would certainly be reluctant to mix a queen angel with another large angel; however queen angels, while one of my absolute favorites are definitely not coral safe
• Chevron Tang
• Yellow Tang once established, zebrasoma tangs are not going to allow many fish, especially any tangs to be added
• Blue/Green Reef Chromis (Chromis viridis) for a shoal of fish. Maybe 10, looking for recommendations on how many is too little or too much. chromis tend to winnow down their number to one or at most two; also they have been coming in less than healthy
• Various Wrasses. Looking at the following, don’t know how many yet:

o Macropharyngodon bipartitus needs sand, copepods, and peaceful tank mates
o Paracheilinus mccoskeri requires tightly covered top; not egg crate
o Cirrhilabrus solorensis one of the more aggressive fairy wrasses, and also a jumper
o Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
o Labroides dimidiatus avoid with fairy wrasses, flasher wrasses, firefish, or mandarins
o Cirrhilabrus exquisitus
o Cirrhilabrus filamentosus
o Cirrhilabrus scottorum one of the most aggressive fairy wrasses, and also a jumper
o Paracheilinus carpenter

I'll start out with the mated pair of true percs, then I was planning to add a few fish every couple months. Looking for some feedback on the list along with any recommendations on order I should be introducing them to the tank. Also wondering if this is too many?

the general rule is most passive first, most aggressive last and any zebrasoma tang absolute last

I likely won't add any coral or an anemone to the tank for 6+ months or more. I'd like to make sure the tank is stable before adding....

Thanks,
Ian

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ashnat

I am thinking of adding a Yellow Tang and a Blue Hippo Tang to my 150 gallon reef tank. I know it is recommended that you add your tangs all at one time. Is that true of all tangs.

Any zebrasoma tang must be the last fish added; P. hepatus really requires a longer tank

Here is my current stock:

Solar Wrasse
Melanarus Wrasse
Exquisite Wrasse
Linespot Wrasse
Ocellarus Clownfish
Starry Blenny
Purple Firefish
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Fireshrimp
Turbo Snails
Hermit Crabs
Several Zoanthids
Duncan Coral
Fungia
Birdsnest Coral
Acan of some kind
Sun Coral

[ashnat]

I forgot to ask about a royal gramma with my list before.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ashnat

I forgot to ask about a royal gramma with my list before.

royal grammas require rockwork that they can hide within; they are semicryptic. Not compatible with any of the pseudochromis species.

[ashnat]

I have lots of rockwork with many caves.

Thanks again

[Roman120G]

Hello Steve

have a follow up question.

Can I add Firefish, Purple (Nemateleotris decora) pair to my list?

they will go under #3 instead of Sailfin blenny.

if yes, should I add them in the beginning to get established?

and will they be ok later on with bicolour blenny ( pair) and yasha goby ( with two pistols) and madarin goby ( possible pair)

there will be no Marine Gamma and tangs will be added towards the end of the list.

thank you

[Roman120G]

strange, i did the "quote" of my OP but it doesnt show up.

here is UPDATED list:

1. True percula Clownfish x 2
2. Bicolour blenny - pair ?
3. Firefish, Purple (Nemateleotris decora) pair
4. Yasha Goby - Stonogobiops yasha with Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp -
5. Royal gramma basslet – pair?
6. Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse, could I get more then 1?
7. Copperband butterflyfish - have not decided yet.
8. Mandarin goby- after 6-9months, I know
9. Blue powder tang – would prefer to add it in the mid list, but read that all tangs should be added at the same time in order to avoid fighting.
10. Yellow tang – know it should be one of the last

thank you

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Roman120G

strange, i did the "quote" of my OP but it doesnt show up.

here is UPDATED list:

1. True percula Clownfish x 2
2. Bicolour blenny - pair ? If and ONLYl if they are a bonded, mated pair, otherwise, only one
3. Firefish, Purple (Nemateleotris decora) pair If and ONLYl if they are a bonded, mated pair, otherwise, only one
4. Yasha Goby - Stonogobiops yasha with Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp -
5. Royal gramma basslet – pair? If and ONLYl if they are a bonded, mated pair, otherwise, only one
6. Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse, could I get more then 1? yes, if you have a male and female
7. Copperband butterflyfish - have not decided yet. expert level fish, best chance is with an Australian collected one
8. Mandarin goby- after 6-9months, I know
9. Blue powder tang – would prefer to add it in the mid list, but read that all tangs should be added at the same time in order to avoid fighting.
10. Yellow tang – know it should be one of the last must be last

thank you

[Roman120G]

thank you for quick answer,

just to make sure I understand correctly what "bonded, mated pair" means.

I asked one LFS regarding mated bicolor blenny, he said that it is pretty impossible, since they may come from different places and only meet at LFS.

so, when fish is at LFS, they need to stay together for a while to see, if they bond? and I and LFS manager keep an eye on the process and if ok, then I purchase them.

or if any of the pairs ( gammas, blennies, firefish) are tank raised then it would be easier to get a bonded pair. But not sure if it is possible to breed these in tanks. They may all come in wild.

please, correct me, if I am wrong.

thank you

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Roman120G

thank you for quick answer,

just to make sure I understand correctly what "bonded, mated pair" means.

Bonded pairs are a male + female that have bonded and are collected/captured together.

I asked one LFS regarding mated bicolor blenny, he said that it is pretty impossible, since they may come from different places and only meet at LFS.

Difficult, yes, impossible, no. Fish which "meet" at the LFS will coexist in the LFS tank but will almost certainly NOT coexist long term in your tank. In general, more than one of a species will not tolerate long term others of the same sex. The exception is certain fish which are morphologically different sexually such as flasher wrasses where it is easy to differentiate the sexes.

so, when fish is at LFS, they need to stay together for a while to see, if they bond? and I and LFS manager keep an eye on the process and if ok, then I purchase them.

No, sorry. That will not work.

or if any of the pairs ( gammas, blennies, firefish) are tank raised then it would be easier to get a bonded pair.

No. Fish do not sexually differentiate until more mature and tank raised fish are intentionally sold before they do so.

But not sure if it is possible to breed these in tanks. They may all come in wild.

please, correct me, if I am wrong.

I did.

thank you

You are most welcome.

[korkus]

In my 90g mixed reef I currently have

1 diamond goby
1 red firefish

My stocking list in order I was planning to add them

1 carpenters flasher wrasse
1 royal gramma
2 common ocellaris clowns
1 one spot foxface
1 kole tang

How is the bioload with this list. Could a coral beauty be added as well or is this the limit?I plan on mostly soft corals in the tank with a few shrimp.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by korkus

In my 90g mixed reef I currently have

1 diamond goby
1 red firefish

My stocking list in order I was planning to add them

1 carpenters flasher wrasse
1 royal gramma
2 common ocellaris clowns
1 one spot foxface
1 kole tang

How is the bioload with this list. Could a coral beauty be added as well or is this the limit?I plan on mostly soft corals in the tank with a few shrimp.

bioload should be ok but two large grazers preclude a coral beauty unless you supplement with nori

[surgy]

i have been in fresh water for a while now. wanted to go marine so i bought a new tank. All water test were done with jungle brand strips. (i know i know i need better) specific gravity was tested using an instant ocean hydrometer. Salt is instant ocean sea salt. the tank is 3 days old. so im not ready for animals yet. at least from my experience in fresh water. but i do want to run my plan by you guys and see what you say. I need to know any specifics i need to do to make the water perfect for the animals i wish to keep. List of animals is included at the bottom.

the tank:
36 gallon aqueon bow front
size 40 aqueon powerfilter (came with tank)
100 watt aqueon submersible heater
floating glass thermometer
single T-5 full spectrum lamp made into canopy
petco brand king 160 powerhead

whats in it now:
2-3 inch bed of light brown caribsea aragonite sand
11 lb live rock (getting more soon)
8 lb base rock (used hold fast to make two small formations)
lots of amphipods and a few bristle worms

water:
35 gallons of distilled water from grocery store
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate 0 ppm
KH (alkalinity) 300 ppm
PH 7.8
Specific Gravity 1.022 (31 PPT)

Animals i want to add in the order i want to add them:
(advice here please. how long to wait between and would it be better in a different order?)

1 Common Ocellaris Clown
1 Banded Coral Shrimp
1 Citrinis Clown Goby
Undecided snail
undecided hermit crab