PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[steve888]

I'm currently cycling a 14G Oceanic BioCube. The tank has 10 pounds of live rock from Indonesia (partially cured when I bought it) and five pounds of live sand. I replaced the bio-balls in the middle chamber with live rock rubble and replaced the charcoal filter in the #1 chamber with the Oceanic protein skimmer.

The tank has been cycling for 2 weeks and my numbers are looking pretty good so far:

Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 0
Nitrate - 5 ppm
SpG - 1.025
pH - 8.1
Alk - 3.6

My LFS would like me to wait a week or more to get my pH and Alk numbers up to 8.3 and 4.0, respectively. Once that happens, I'm going to add my CUC members and see how that goes for a few weeks (a handful of hermit crabs and snails to start).

If all is well after a few weeks with my CUC, I'd like to add a single fish and the one I really like is the Fiji Blue Devil Damsel. I know this is an aggressive fish but since he/she would be the only one in the tank, I think I would be okay. My big concern is that everything I've read online recommends a minimum tank size of 20G-30G for this fish. Would it be a big no-no to keep one in a 14G Biocube? Again, he would be the only fish in there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by steve888

I'm currently cycling a 14G Oceanic BioCube. The tank has 10 pounds of live rock from Indonesia (partially cured when I bought it) and five pounds of live sand. I replaced the bio-balls in the middle chamber with live rock rubble and replaced the charcoal filter in the #1 chamber with the Oceanic protein skimmer.

The tank has been cycling for 2 weeks and my numbers are looking pretty good so far:

Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 0
Nitrate - 5 ppm
SpG - 1.025
pH - 8.1
Alk - 3.6

My LFS would like me to wait a week or more to get my pH and Alk numbers up to 8.3 and 4.0, respectively. Once that happens, I'm going to add my CUC members and see how that goes for a few weeks (a handful of hermit crabs and snails to start).

If all is well after a few weeks with my CUC, I'd like to add a single fish and the one I really like is the Fiji Blue Devil Damsel. I know this is an aggressive fish but since he/she would be the only one in the tank, I think I would be okay. My big concern is that everything I've read online recommends a minimum tank size of 20G-30G for this fish. Would it be a big no-no to keep one in a 14G Biocube? Again, he would be the only fish in there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

If that is the one and only fish, you are likely to be fine.

[steve888]

Originally Posted by snorvich

If that is the one and only fish, you are likely to be fine.

Thanks, Steve. Yes, he will have the entire tank to himself (or herself) except for the CUC I'll have in there and maybe 1 or 2 shrimp. Hopefully, the Damsel won't pick on any of those...

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by steve888

Thanks, Steve. Yes, he will have the entire tank to himself (or herself) except for the CUC I'll have in there and maybe 1 or 2 shrimp. Hopefully, the Damsel won't pick on any of those...

You are welcome. Should be no problem.

[ejanastacio]

Planning on getting a 7.5g cube. What fish would you guys recommend? I would like to have at least two fishes at least. Would a pair of purple firefish do ok in such a small tank?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by ejanastacio

Planning on getting a 7.5g cube. What fish would you guys recommend? I would like to have at least two fishes at least. Would a pair of purple firefish do ok in such a small tank?

A male plus female pair would do ok. I don't really recommend fish as our tastes would be different. Try the nano forum.

[KingsFan]

I know the damsels, in general, are territorial and should be considered one of the last additions (if at all)...My question is with the Green Chromis. Does the same rule apply to them, or could I add them early to a semi-aggressive FOWLR tank? Thanks!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by KingsFan

I know the damsels, in general, are territorial and should be considered one of the last additions (if at all)...My question is with the Green Chromis. Does the same rule apply to them, or could I add them early to a semi-aggressive FOWLR tank? Thanks!

Chromis tend to be territorial towards themselves which means that a group of them tend to winnow their number down until there is only one or two left.

Chromis are related to damselfish and clownfish, but are typically less aggressive. Chromis are ideal fish for the reef aquarium, since they will not bother invertebrates and corals.

Chromis usually reside in the water column of your tank towards the upper part of the aquarium and will help bring out more shy species that normally hide. Generally Chromis are a shoaling fish, and work well as a group. When they are maintained together in a group, some species winnow down the group until there is just one or possibly two. Chromis feed on a variety of meaty items, herbivore preparations, and flaked food. The diet should be varied and consist of meaty items, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Using vitamin-enriched foods may help to preserve the coloration.

There are some very beautiful chromis such as The Lightning Double Bar Chromis, which can electrify marine aquariums with an unexpected flash of color. This handsome chromis shares all the attractive features of the extremely popular Blue/Green Reef Chromis but with a bold color combination. The steely, gray-blue body color of the Lightning Double Bar Chromis is the perfect backdrop highlighting the exhilarating yellow streaks that begin at the peduncle (base of the tail) and trail along the top and bottom margins of its forked tail. This eye-catching color combination dramatically accentuates the swallowtail appearance of the caudal fin to impart a touch of elegance to this attractive fish. A school of Lightning Double Bar Chromis will immediately transform any large fish only, or reef aquarium into a note-worthy setup.

The hardy Lightning Double Bar Chromis boast ease of care and a peaceful demeanor making it an excellent choice for new and experienced aquarists. This native of the Indo-Pacific reefs prefers setups with open areas for swimming but with multiple hiding places. The Lightning Double Bar Chromis will generally ignore other fish, invertebrates or corals, some may demonstrate territorial behavior towards its own kind or similar-sized fish. The Lightning Double Bar Chromis is best kept in small groups of 3 or more comprised of odd numbered fish. House in suitably-sized systems with peaceful tankmates.

[KingsFan]

Thank you Steve!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by KingsFan

Thank you Steve!

You are most welcome. Check back whenever you have a fish compatibility related question.

[snorvich]

Please note: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, I will be "out of the office" from Wednesday about noon until Friday around 2 PM, I will be happy to answer any postings when I return. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

[tokengator]

I haven't set up my tank yet just planning right now

Equip:
Jbj 28 gal led pro
I have 3 reactors which I will probably use at least 2... Mgo/carbon/bioplastic/phosban.. Not sure of combo yet
Skimmer
Haven't decided on a fuge yet
Mp10
Maxijet 1200 upgrades for the stock pump
Ato

I am going to get various corals but for fish I would like to get:
Pair of clowns/anem
Goby/pistol pair
Would these work together?
Would also like to get 1 or 2 more peaceful fish if possible... Recs would be welcome

[bassmjm]

Howdy, I'd really appreciate any input you might have about my setup (definitely still in the planning stages).

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...1#post19555336

[rndmcnflct]

Just starting to think about livestock for my tank that I am in the process of putting together. It will be a 65 gallon with 30 gallon sump, barebottom in display, dsb in the sump, with a ton of rock. I have two MP10s for flow, a tunze silence for a return, and DIY LED lights. Just need to plumb it all. Going on a couple of months now I have all my live rock (dry rock plus uncured) and sand fully cycled (0/0/0, 0P) in a brute with heater, powerhead, and algae scrubber.

For livestock I would like to have two maroon clowns (which I would buy young and small), a comet (plenty of rock for caves), and a mandarin*. Those would be the only fish ever. For corals some sps and zoas, maybe an anemone for the clowns far down the road. Inverts would be some snails and cleaner shrimp.

Are there any issues with these selections? Obviously I would QT properly and add them one at a time, and only some time after I move everything from the brute to the tank.

* I don't have a skimmer, but the algae scrubber I have going in the brute is growing green and billions of pods come out of it every time I clean it. The mandarin will have plenty to eat if he doesn't take to normal foods.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by tokengator

I haven't set up my tank yet just planning right now

Equip:
Jbj 28 gal led pro
I have 3 reactors which I will probably use at least 2... Mgo/carbon/bioplastic/phosban.. Not sure of combo yet
Skimmer
Haven't decided on a fuge yet
Mp10
Maxijet 1200 upgrades for the stock pump
Ato

I am going to get various corals but for fish I would like to get:
Pair of clowns/anem
Goby/pistol pair
Would these work together?
Would also like to get 1 or 2 more peaceful fish if possible... Recs would be welcome

An anemone will require a more mature tank and sufficient lighting. Clownfish, once sexually mature will claim all of your tank so adding peaceful fish will be difficult in the long term as the clownfish will be very aggressive.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by bassmjm

Howdy, I'd really appreciate any input you might have about my setup (definitely still in the planning stages).

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...1#post19555336

This thread is about fish compatibility, both with each other and with the environment you are providing. Your other thread will provide comments.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by rndmcnflct

Just starting to think about livestock for my tank that I am in the process of putting together. It will be a 65 gallon with 30 gallon sump, barebottom in display, dsb in the sump, with a ton of rock. I have two MP10s for flow, a tunze silence for a return, and DIY LED lights. Just need to plumb it all. Going on a couple of months now I have all my live rock (dry rock plus uncured) and sand fully cycled (0/0/0, 0P) in a brute with heater, powerhead, and algae scrubber.

For livestock I would like to have two maroon clowns (which I would buy young and small), a comet (plenty of rock for caves), and a mandarin*. Those would be the only fish ever. For corals some sps and zoas, maybe an anemone for the clowns far down the road. Inverts would be some snails and cleaner shrimp.

Are there any issues with these selections? Obviously I would QT properly and add them one at a time, and only some time after I move everything from the brute to the tank.

* I don't have a skimmer, but the algae scrubber I have going in the brute is growing green and billions of pods come out of it every time I clean it. The mandarin will have plenty to eat if he doesn't take to normal foods.

Maroon clowns are exceptionally aggressive once sexually mature. They might not pay attention to the mandarin, but I am not sure about that. Any other fish will be harassed as it would be in "their" tank and in "their" space.

[sharkmancody]

i have a 125 g tank with 30g sump, probably going to get 200lb of rock, and 50lb of sand, don't have a skimmer yet but the tank isn't running yet.

I plan on doing a FOWLR tank

I plan on getting a dwarf lionfish but that's the only fish i know i want

Looking for others to go with it

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by sharkmancody

i have a 125 g tank with 30g sump, probably going to get 200lb of rock, and 50lb of sand, don't have a skimmer yet but the tank isn't running yet.

I plan on doing a FOWLR tank

I plan on getting a dwarf lionfish but that's the only fish i know i want

Looking for others to go with it

I don't normally give advice on aggressive FOWLR tanks as my specialty is reef tanks. However we have a special forum which can be found here where there are many people to advise you on compatible tank mates.

[BradMugs]

My 90 reef is now about a year old - it's stocked from the survivors of my 22 year old 55 that sprung a leak on thanksgiving last year. My current setup consists of a 90 gal with a 40 long sump (no live stock in sump). My 90 has some softies that survived, a acropora that my kids got me as a frag for christmas (actually got it a few months after Christmas but it was a christmas present). Two clowns and two pajamas that survived the crash and a Keyhole tank I added to help with the hair that showed up and a yellow goby that my son gave me from one of his tanks.

As far as parameters, fine I guess as all the softies have taken over to the point I want to give a bunch away. My Acro is now about 5 to 6" in diameter and a beautiful green color.

I want more SPS and down the road clam's. The rock layout takes about 3/4 the length of the tank and right triangle shapped so there is gravel along the whole front of the tank with a section of all gravel for a nice clam or something on the right side.

Now is where I need some help - I need more color swimming around and want them visable when I show people the tank. also what can I put in the sump (it can be lit if needed).

Thanks

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by BradMugs

My 90 reef is now about a year old - it's stocked from the survivors of my 22 year old 55 that sprung a leak on thanksgiving last year. My current setup consists of a 90 gal with a 40 long sump (no live stock in sump). My 90 has some softies that survived, a acropora that my kids got me as a frag for christmas (actually got it a few months after Christmas but it was a christmas present). Two clowns and two pajamas that survived the crash and a Keyhole tank I added to help with the hair that showed up and a yellow goby that my son gave me from one of his tanks.

As far as parameters, fine I guess as all the softies have taken over to the point I want to give a bunch away. My Acro is now about 5 to 6" in diameter and a beautiful green color.

I want more SPS and down the road clam's. The rock layout takes about 3/4 the length of the tank and right triangle shapped so there is gravel along the whole front of the tank with a section of all gravel for a nice clam or something on the right side.

Now is where I need some help - I need more color swimming around and want them visable when I show people the tank. also what can I put in the sump (it can be lit if needed).

Thanks

Offering suggestions is difficult because our tastes will almost certainly be different. Having been doing this for a fairly long time, I am partial to smaller fish with interesting habits as opposed to larger fish which will be more likely to be aggressive. I would post this as a post in the reef fish forum and I am sure you will get a LOT of suggestions. I do not suggest animals of any kind in the sump. Once you have a fish list, I will be happy to analyze it and provide commentary on compatibility.

[BradMugs]

Steve, as my wife say's I have no taste so I'm looking for options that fit what I've got. I've always been interested in a smaller fish size (so more fish). So what would you be interested in doing if you had my setup?

Also, I thought it was against the rules to cross post....

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by BradMugs

Steve, as my wife say's I have no taste so I'm looking for options that fit what I've got. I've always been interested in a smaller fish size (so more fish). So what would you be interested in doing if you had my setup?

I love flasher wrasses, ideally a male and at least one female, or two if available. I like possum wrasses (which come in different "flavors"). I also like firefish, but these must be established early. Goby/pistol shrimp combinations are interesting, especially if you have kids who might like the interaction. I personally keep leopard wrasses but these are more difficult. Since I have multiple large tanks, I keep anthias; you could have one but not a group. Once your tank is more mature, a scooter blenny is interesting (actually these are dragonets)

Also, I thought it was against the rules to cross post....

I never respond to "cross posts". If they are unwilling to conform to the very simple rules for this thread: (1) describe the environment, (2) ask a fish compatibility related question(s), then I certainly am not willing to chase another thread. However I do not know if it is against RC rules although I probably should know that.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by BradMugs

Also, I thought it was against the rules to cross post....

I misinterpreted, I thought you were referring to a post earlier in this thread. What that poster did was inappropriate, or, at the very least, not something I would respond to. Posting a request for suggestions would be quite appropriate in Reef Fish, especially since I referred you there. In this thread, I try to avoid creating "discussions" which suggestions about fish would often create.

[tnias]

I was thinking of adding some Carberryi Anthias 2 or 3 (prefer 3 but not sure if thats too many)

75 Gallon (80lbs live rock)
25 Gallon sump

Current Stock
(2) Clownfish
(1) Lawnmower Blenny
(1) Cardinal
(1) Coral Beauty Dwarf Angel

Water Parameters
77-79 Temperature
RO/DI Water (0 TDS)
Ph 7.9-8.4
Salinity 35ppm

Several corals and inverts. Tank has been up for 6 months.

Any concerns?