PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by SandyB

If I get a lemonpeel dwarf angel instead of the blennie and either of the other angels I was thinking about (coral beauty or flame) should I be ok?

Sandy, as I am not really able to go back in this thread, please supply tank size and complete stocking plan; my memory for what people have is not as it was in my younger days

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by CoralReeForrest

After more research and of course getting the misses opinion as to what she may like this is my new list. Please advise as you see fit! 54 gallon mixed reef.


Watchman goby

Sailfin Blenny

Black cap basslet

Blue velvet damsel- maybe, maybe not aggressive, especially in smaller tanks

Zebra barred dart fish-2

Yellow head jawfish needs a tightly covered tank; also needs a moderately deep sand bed with live rock rubble.

Long fin fairy wrasse on the aggressive side

Flame dwarf angel fish-seems to be the least prone to nipping from what feedback I've gotten. no dwarf angel is totally coral safe; most at risk are meaty LPS corals

Once mature enough, mandarin

this tank size is marginal for long term maintenance of a mandarin without unusual effort

[CoralReeForrest]

Thank you for the fast reply, I will have 50-70 lbs of LR and a 3 inch sand bed. The mandarin will be plausible in the future if I can successfully breed pods, the angel will be a roll of the dice and with your advisement I will probably not get the damsel, may do a pair of oscelarris clowns instead.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by CoralReeForrest

Thank you for the fast reply, I will have 50-70 lbs of LR and a 3 inch sand bed.

3 inches is borderline. Consider putting pvc in the sand to act as a home

The mandarin will be plausible in the future if I can successfully breed pods,

continuous copepod supplementation will work if you have an additional refugium

the angel will be a roll of the dice and with your advisement I will probably not get the damsel, may do a pair of oscelarris clowns instead.

[D0GFISH]

I recently moved my 45g into a 125g mixed reef with a 3" sand bed and 29g sump. I'm thinking of the following:
Pajama Cardinal
Lawnmower Blenny
Damsel - Yellowtail
Chromis - Blue/Green
Clown - True Percula x2
Blenny - Bicolor
Angel - Flame
Firefish x2
Foxface - One Spot
Goby - Yasha
Wrasse - Scotts Fairy
Mandarin - Green
Tang - Blonde Naso
Tang - Yellow Belly Blue
Cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp.
I realize the flame angel is a little risky. Is this obviously overstocked? If so, how much and am I going to have any issues assuming I add the tangs together?

Thanks,
Brian

[CoralReeForrest]

I was wanting to make some PVC "caves" under my sand bed and rock so that just reinforced that plan, particular kind of PVC I should use? And I should have mentioned I will be having a sump with at least a 14 by 12 fuge for sand, some CUC, some rubble and chaeto.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by D0GFISH

I recently moved my 45g into a 125g mixed reef with a 3" sand bed and 29g sump. I'm thinking of the following:
Pajama Cardinal
Lawnmower Blenny
Damsel - Yellowtail
Chromis - Blue/Green
Clown - True Percula x2
Blenny - Bicolor
Angel - Flame
Firefish x2 unless it is a bonded male plus female, only one will survive long term; also, these fish are prolific jumpers
Foxface - One Spot
Goby - Yasha
Wrasse - Scotts Fairy very aggressive and inconsistent with a mandarin
Mandarin - Green
Tang - Blonde Naso needs a much larger tank
Tang - Yellow Belly Blue needs a much larger tank
Cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp.
I realize the flame angel is a little risky. Is this obviously overstocked? Unless you exclude the fish annotated above, yes, it is overstocked

If so, how much and am I going to have any issues assuming I add the tangs together? both fish need longer and larger tanks than you are providing

Thanks,
Brian

[SandyB]

Originally Posted by SandyB

I have a 65 gallon tank. Canister filter it is a 400 gph. I have a Eshopps PSK-100 skimmer. My sand bed is about 3 inches deep. I have about 50 to 60 lbs live rock. It's has been up and running since the last week of January
I have 3 pajama cardinals, 1 clown, and 1 scarlet wrasse. 1 bubble coral.

I would like to add

1 midas blennie
1 royal gramma basslet
1 flame angel or coral beauty ( I know to add this last and that it might bother my bubble.)
I would like to add a mandarin, but I won't until my tank has been up a year.
I wanted a blue dot jaw fish, but I see where you say they need cooler water, so I guess he's out.

Thanks in advance.

Sorry
You said the Midas Bennie would nibble fins. I really want that flash of yellow, so if I pass on the Midas and get a lemonpeel dwarf instead of the coral beauty or flame angel.
Also, would I be crowding things to add a firefish to this list. Thanks again

[D0GFISH]

Thanks for the feedback Steve. I've made some changes to the plan for my 125. The wrasse was removed and both tangs swapped for smaller varieties. I also added a Midas Blenny or Yellow Prawn Goby but I'm worried about the number of goby/blenny/firefish. Will this lead to WW3?
Can you comment on:
1. The Midas Blenny vs Prawn Goby
2. The Foxface vs Bristletooth Tang
Is this overstocked? Would removing the Cardinal, Damsel and Chromis be sufficient or are the 3 large fish just too much for the tank? The girlfriend is insistent on certain fish!

Pajama Cardinal
Lawnmower Blenny
Damsel - Yellowtail
Chromis - Blue/Green
Clown - True Percula x2
Goby - Yellow Prawn or Blenny - Midas
Blenny - Bicolor
Firefish
Goby - Yasha
Angel - Flame

Phase 2 would include:
Mandarin - Green
Foxface - One Spot or Tang - White Tail Bristletooth
Tang - Powder Blue
Tang - Purple

Thanks again
--------
Brian

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by SandyB

Sorry
You said the Midas Bennie would nibble fins. I really want that flash of yellow, so if I pass on the Midas and get a lemonpeel dwarf instead of the coral beauty or flame angel.
Also, would I be crowding things to add a firefish to this list. Thanks again

Behaviorally a lemonpeel is similar, care level is comparable, but not quite as hardy

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by D0GFISH

Thanks for the feedback Steve. I've made some changes to the plan for my 125. The wrasse was removed and both tangs swapped for smaller varieties. I also added a Midas Blenny or Yellow Prawn Goby but I'm worried about the number of goby/blenny/firefish. Will this lead to WW3?
Can you comment on:
1. The Midas Blenny vs Prawn Goby
2. The Foxface vs Bristletooth Tang
Is this overstocked? Would removing the Cardinal, Damsel and Chromis be sufficient or are the 3 large fish just too much for the tank? The girlfriend is insistent on certain fish!

Reality occasionally intrudes on what is possible

Pajama Cardinal
Lawnmower Blenny pretty much only one blenny, the midas blenny will nip
Damsel - Yellowtail aggressive, especially with other algae eaters
Chromis - Blue/Green
Clown - True Percula x2
Goby - Yellow Prawn or Blenny - Midas the shrimp goby is better
Blenny - Bicolor pretty much only one blenny,
Firefish introduce first
Goby - Yasha only one prawn goby
Angel - Flame

Phase 2 would include:
Mandarin - Green
Foxface - One Spot or Tang - White Tail Bristletooth
Tang - Powder Blue aggressive towards other tangs
Tang - Purple once established, will be aggressive so must be last fish added

when you have multiple fish that inhabit the same ecological niche, tank size (especially length) becomes extremely relevant since there is a perceived territorial imperative which increases as a fish matures

Thanks again
--------
Brian

[SandyB]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Behaviorally a lemonpeel is similar, care level is comparable, but not quite as hardy

Thank you, sir

[smande00]

I'm starting to research fish for a new 125-150 gallon setup. This will be an LPS/soft coral tank, maybe SPS way down the road if I get the itch.

I'd like to stock with several smaller fish in the 2-5 inch range (obviously reef safe) that will not simply stay hidden in rocks due to intimidation, as well as with a couple of larger (5-12").

I literally went through each page of LiveAquaria's stock identifying fish that I thought looked interesting and at least from the quick summary seemed compatible with each other. But for probably half of these fish I found, I don't know much about them at all.

I'd love to keep multiples if possible of any of the smaller fish that support it, but not really sure how many or which species would tolerate it. So without further ado, here's the list of fish that caught my eye:

Purple firefish
Neon blue goby

ocellaris clownfish - I'm not really sold on clowns, but like 1 million other reefers I have kids. If I get them, I'd do a pair and attempt an anemone or coral that they may like.

Green clown goby
Yellow striped cardinalfish
Bicolor dottyback or purple dottyback
Carpenter Flasher Wrasse

Zebra barred dartfish or Gudgeon Goby (do the zebra's show much color in a tank? I don't trust the stock photos.....)

Coral beauty or a Flame Angel

Sixline wrasse (have heard they can be mean, so may not do this one, just think it's pretty)

Bartlett's Anthias - I know Anthias can be hard to keep, would probably be one of the later additions to the tank after a year or two of stability.

Red Stoplight cardinalfish

Blue Chromis - Seems like most of the people's tanks I see with Chromis have Blue/Green chromis. Any particular reason for that? I like the color on the blue better. Actually have had yellow tailed blue damsels before and loved the color they brought to the tanks, but I think I got lucky with them. They didn't display anywhere near the amount of aggression that most folks seem to have. I'd actually prefer yellow tailed blue damsels if they'd fit in this setup over the chromis.

Sunrise dottyback

Green or Red Mandarin goby - like the anthias, this would probably only be a late addition to the tank after I feel like I have a shot at not killing it.

Yellow Prawn Goby
Longnose hawkfish
Redstripe hogfish
Cuban hogfish

White tail tang or powder blue tang or 2 spot bristletooth tang - I kept a small powder blue for awhile in a 90 gallon before a 2 week power outage wiped out everything. Love the fish, not sure about the other two tangs, but I liked the colors on them.


Sheesh, realized this post reads like a novel.... is there a donate button somewhere on this forum? Truly appreciate the feedback and wealth of knowledge available here!

[CHG107]

I have a Biocube 29 currently. It is fish only for the foreseeable future.

Current Stock List
Two ORA Snowflake Clowns
A Yasha Goby and Pistol Shrimp pair from LA are going to be here tuesday.

My main idea is since this is fish only to have a somewhat heavier bioload. I run chaeto and do 20% water change every other week. I am looking into some sort of dwarf angel if possible (flame, coral beauty, any ideas?). Is 5 fish into this tank pushing it? Not sure what other type of nano fish would be good. Have a nice rock work with a lot of swimming room and caves.

[Reeftown]

I am new to the hobby and would like some suggestions as to what I should add to my tank.

I have a 55 gallon long tank with at least 50lbs of dead/seeded rock. 10lbs of live rock frags and 20 lbs live sand. I just put two green chromis's in the tank, and can't wait to add more, (obviously I will though).

[Armand9601]

Steve:

Just started setting up a 60 gal cube with an Eshopps RS-75 refugium - looking to do a reef tank. What would you suggest - please note I'm coming back into the hoppy after a 12 year hiatus & relearning everything

Thanks!

[MoonPie88]

Hi,

After starting my new 63gal (4ft.) reef I am wondering how much fish I could add in the new tank (bioload?). Think it would get too much, so I am wondering which fish to drop for reducing bioload.

Already have:
2x A. ocellaris
1x A. randalli + pistol shrimp

What I would whish to add:
1x Mimicry Surgeonfish
2x P fridmani
2x Elacatinus oceanops
1x S. splendidus
2x V. puellaris

I Think considering the bioload, I should drop fridmani and splendidus, or what would you say?

Greetz

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by smande00

I'm starting to research fish for a new 125-150 gallon setup. This will be an LPS/soft coral tank, maybe SPS way down the road if I get the itch.

I'd like to stock with several smaller fish in the 2-5 inch range (obviously reef safe) that will not simply stay hidden in rocks due to intimidation, as well as with a couple of larger (5-12").

I literally went through each page of LiveAquaria's stock identifying fish that I thought looked interesting and at least from the quick summary seemed compatible with each other. But for probably half of these fish I found, I don't know much about them at all.

I'd love to keep multiples if possible of any of the smaller fish that support it, but not really sure how many or which species would tolerate it. So without further ado, here's the list of fish that caught my eye:

Purple firefish One only, introduce early
Neon blue goby One only, introduce early

ocellaris clownfish - I'm not really sold on clowns, but like 1 million other reefers I have kids. If I get them, I'd do a pair and attempt an anemone or coral that they may like.

Green clown goby One only, introduce early
Yellow striped cardinalfish
Bicolor dottyback or purple dottyback aggressive, limits other choices such as the flasher wrasse below and firefish
Carpenter Flasher Wrasse

Zebra barred dartfish or Gudgeon Goby (do the zebra's show much color in a tank? I don't trust the stock photos.....)

Coral beauty or a Flame Angel

Sixline wrasse (have heard they can be mean, so may not do this one, just think it's pretty) it is pretty but mean

Bartlett's Anthias - I know Anthias can be hard to keep, would probably be one of the later additions to the tank after a year or two of stability.

Red Stoplight cardinalfish

Blue Chromis - Seems like most of the people's tanks I see with Chromis have Blue/Green chromis. Any particular reason for that? I like the color on the blue better. Actually have had yellow tailed blue damsels before and loved the color they brought to the tanks, but I think I got lucky with them. They didn't display anywhere near the amount of aggression that most folks seem to have. I'd actually prefer yellow tailed blue damsels if they'd fit in this setup over the chromis.

Sunrise dottyback dottybacks are very aggressive

Green or Red Mandarin goby not with a six line wrasse - like the anthias, this would probably only be a late addition to the tank after I feel like I have a shot at not killing it.

Yellow Prawn Goby
Longnose hawkfish not shrimp safe
Redstripe hogfish hogfish are not invert safe or small fish safe
Cuban hogfish

White tail tang or powder blue tang or 2 spot bristletooth tang - I kept a small powder blue for awhile in a 90 gallon before a 2 week power outage wiped out everything. Love the fish, not sure about the other two tangs, but I liked the colors on them.

a bristle tooth tang should be fine


Sheesh, realized this post reads like a novel.... is there a donate button somewhere on this forum? Truly appreciate the feedback and wealth of knowledge available here!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by CHG107

I have a Biocube 29 currently. It is fish only for the foreseeable future.

Current Stock List
Two ORA Snowflake Clowns
A Yasha Goby and Pistol Shrimp pair from LA are going to be here tuesday.

My main idea is since this is fish only to have a somewhat heavier bioload. I run chaeto and do 20% water change every other week. I am looking into some sort of dwarf angel if possible (flame, coral beauty, any ideas?). Is 5 fish into this tank pushing it? Not sure what other type of nano fish would be good. Have a nice rock work with a lot of swimming room and caves.

bioload is not usually the issue it is behavioral, trying to put fish in a tank where their need for territory is not satisfied

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Armand9601

Steve:

Just started setting up a 60 gal cube with an Eshopps RS-75 refugium - looking to do a reef tank. What would you suggest - please note I'm coming back into the hoppy after a 12 year hiatus & relearning everything

Thanks!

As those who follow this thread know, I do not make recommendations; however I am quite happy to review and analyze any stocking plan

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by MoonPie88

Hi,

After starting my new 63gal (4ft.) reef I am wondering how much fish I could add in the new tank (bioload?). Think it would get too much, so I am wondering which fish to drop for reducing bioload.

Already have:
2x A. ocellaris
1x A. randalli + pistol shrimp

What I would whish to add:
1x Mimicry Surgeonfish tangs need larger tanks depending on species
2x P fridmani while these are the least aggressive of the Pseudochromis, they will preclude other options
2x Elacatinus oceanops only one
1x S. splendidus your tank is marginal for long term sustainenance of this fish unless you add a refugium
2x V. puellaris only one unless they are a bonded, mated pair

I Think considering the bioload, I should drop fridmani and splendidus, or what would you say?

Greetz

[MoonPie88]

Hi,

Thanks for your advice.
Is there a tang, which I can add in a 63gal (4ft) tank? Most sides say that 4ft is minimum for some tangs.

Reduced wishlist:
2x A. ocellaris
1x A. randalli + pistol shrimp
1x Tang ?
2x P. fridmani
1x Elacatinus oceanops
2x V. puellaris (if already mated)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by MoonPie88

Hi,

Thanks for your advice.
Is there a tang, which I can add in a 63gal (4ft) tank? Most sides say that 4ft is minimum for some tangs.

No, sorry. Reef Central's recommended tank size for tangs can be found here.

Reduced wishlist:
2x A. ocellaris
1x A. randalli + pistol shrimp
1x Tang ?
2x P. fridmani I previously commented that this would be problematic
1x Elacatinus oceanops
2x V. puellaris (if already mated) as previously commented on and I can assure you that getting a mated pair from normal sources is unlikely at best.

[Armand9601]

Steve:

In regards to my 60 gal setup, here's what I would like to stock it with:

1x Blue-spotted Jawfish
1x Mandarin Dragonet
1x Blue Tang
2x Percula Clown (tank bred)
1x Wrasse (6-line, open to suggestions)
1x Purple Dottyback

For filtration I will be using an Eshopps RS-100 refugium with chaeto

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Armand9601

Steve:

In regards to my 60 gal setup, here's what I would like to stock it with:

1x Blue-spotted Jawfish requires cooler temperature (72-75F) for long term viability, peaceful tank mates, and a deeper sand bed with live rock rubble
1x Mandarin Dragonet
1x Blue Tang Reef Central recommends an 8 foot 240 gallon tank for this fish
2x Percula Clown (tank bred)
1x Wrasse (6-line, open to suggestions) not consistent with a mandarin, especially in this sized tank
1x Purple Dottyback aggressive, will limit future and current options

For filtration I will be using an Eshopps RS-100 refugium with chaeto