PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[steinerc]

Originally Posted by snorvich

A single bangai cardinal or a mated pair (M+F) would work

thanks!

[zamboni200000]

Hello,

I set up a brand new 50g tank about 2 weeks ago. My first stab at saltwater. Started with just live sand and live rock. After a week, the LFS tested my water and said no ammonia or nitrate so I added a clownfish. He's been here for a week now, seems happy & eating etc.

I run 2 powerheads - Hydor Koralia Evolution 1400, and 750.
My light is an aquaticlife T5 HO dual lamp that I run 10-12 hrs a day.
Temperature kept at ~79 degrees.
Using a Reef Octopus BH100 HOB protein skimmer.

Got ~42 pounds of live rock so far. One of the live rocks has some Pavona coral growing on it. Also the live rock has plenty of life, seen a clam, a few small star fish, bristle worms, snails.

So this weekend will make 2 full weeks, is it time to add another fish or 2 yet? Here's some of my intended future purchases, I guess my question is which of these are the hardiest and/or safe for a newer tank. Also would be nice to add a fish that eats algae as there's a breakout of this orange/brown algae. Also want reef safe fish as I eventually want to add some easier coral at some point.

-Firefish
-Spotted Orange Goby
-Any type of Triggerfish?
-Any type of Tang?
-6 line wrasse or Leopard Wrasse
-blue dot jawfish

Any suggestions/ideas very welcome. Also any suggestions on a good basic CUC and when to add it very welcome too. Thanks in advance!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by zamboni200000

Hello,

I set up a brand new 50g tank about 2 weeks ago. My first stab at saltwater. Started with just live sand and live rock. After a week, the LFS tested my water and said no ammonia or nitrate so I added a clownfish. He's been here for a week now, seems happy & eating etc.

I run 2 powerheads - Hydor Koralia Evolution 1400, and 750.
My light is an aquaticlife T5 HO dual lamp that I run 10-12 hrs a day.
Temperature kept at ~79 degrees.
Using a Reef Octopus BH100 HOB protein skimmer.

Got ~42 pounds of live rock so far. One of the live rocks has some Pavona coral growing on it. Also the live rock has plenty of life, seen a clam, a few small star fish, bristle worms, snails.

So this weekend will make 2 full weeks, is it time to add another fish or 2 yet? Here's some of my intended future purchases, I guess my question is which of these are the hardiest and/or safe for a newer tank. Also would be nice to add a fish that eats algae as there's a breakout of this orange/brown algae. Also want reef safe fish as I eventually want to add some easier coral at some point.

-Firefish introduce early
-Spotted Orange Goby
-Any type of Triggerfish? No, needs larger tank
-Any type of Tang? No, needs larger tank
-6 line wrasse or Leopard Wrasse six line wrasses are aggressive and will greatly limit tank mates, leopard wrasses are expert level fish requiring a mature, larger tank, and no copepod competitors
-blue dot jawfish needs cooler temperatures

Any suggestions/ideas very welcome. Also any suggestions on a good basic CUC and when to add it very welcome too. Thanks in advance!

[Mark9]

29G tank, 10G sump with skimmer and Chaeto refuge, pods galore.
around 25 pounds of LR, 30 pounds sand
inhabitants
- 2 clowns
- 1 royal gramma
- 1 chromis
- 1 firefish
- 1 yellow watchman goby

Probably at or above my capacity, but (fingers crossed) things are going ok.

Put in a cabbage coral, and (being dumb), did not clean all the algae on it.
I now have quite the healthy forest around it.
I pluck it, but it's sprouted up in another couple of places.
I'd like to get a Lawnmower Blenny to get it under control.
Any conflicts?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mark9

29G tank, 10G sump with skimmer and Chaeto refuge, pods galore.
around 25 pounds of LR, 30 pounds sand
inhabitants
- 2 clowns
- 1 royal gramma
- 1 chromis
- 1 firefish introduce first
- 1 yellow watchman goby

I would skip the chromis, depending on clownfish species, otherwise, ok.

Probably at or above my capacity, but (fingers crossed) things are going ok.

Put in a cabbage coral, and (being dumb), did not clean all the algae on it.
I now have quite the healthy forest around it.
I pluck it, but it's sprouted up in another couple of places.
I'd like to get a Lawnmower Blenny to get it under control. another fish is a bit much for this sized tank.
Any conflicts?

[JFish]

90 gallon fowlr. 15 gallon sump. skimmer. w/d. Not my tank but they want some more fish and I'm trying to help them out with something blue/green in color.

Tank currently has 1 flame angel, 2 percula clowns (still young), 1 dwarf hawkfish, yellow tang (not a fan in this size tank based on guidelines, but it's still young).

Was thinking about a 6 line wrass or 5-6 longspine cardinals or both if possible. Any other suggestions for blue or green fish and provide more activity in middle of aquarium?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by JFish

90 gallon fowlr. 15 gallon sump. skimmer. w/d. Not my tank but they want some more fish and I'm trying to help them out with something blue/green in color.

Tank currently has 1 flame angel, 2 percula clowns (still young), 1 dwarf hawkfish, yellow tang (not a fan in this size tank based on guidelines, but it's still young).

Was thinking about a 6 line wrass will be a behavior problem with many fish going forward

or 5-6 longspine cardinals should be fine, but know that cardinals are primarily nocturnal and won't do a lot during the day


or both if possible. Any other suggestions for blue or green fish and provide more activity in middle of aquarium?

[bbevren]

58g dt 13g sump. Will be shipped in 10 days to me.
Deltec mce300 ps
2x jebao wp25
Ai vega color led
Newjet 2300 pump
80lbs diy rock (not live)

I am absolute beginner i try to read as much as i can but cannot decide. Wish to have coral and fish suggestions.
Thank you

[Deberber]

So this is an updated list for what I'm thinking about getting for 29 gallon biocube:
-green banded goby
-firefish
-court jester goby (rainiford's)
-and a sixline or chalk bass

Responses/opinions?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Deberber

So this is an updated list for what I'm thinking about getting for 29 gallon biocube:
-green banded goby
-firefish
-court jester goby (rainiford's)
-and a sixline or chalk bass

I would skip the six line due to aggressive behavior; otherwise fine.

Responses/opinions?

[Deberber]

So chalk bass?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Deberber

So chalk bass?

Their primary downside is not being shrimp safe, otherwise, should be fine.

[Deberber]

Alright I'll consider. Will prob come back here later.

[Mg4life0331]

55 gallon DT. Hob skimmer and refuge. 2 inches of sand in DT and 4 in the fuge with pods and chaeto. A couple of soft corals and zoas. Tbd on capability

1 clarkii clown
1 spotted cardinal
1 green mandarin
1 bicolor dotty back
1 purple fire fish

Around 10 assorted snails.
4 peppermint shrimp

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mg4life0331

55 gallon DT. Hob skimmer and refuge. 2 inches of sand in DT and 4 in the fuge with pods and chaeto. A couple of soft corals and zoas. Tbd on capability

1 clarkii clown very aggressive once sexually mature
1 spotted cardinal
1 green mandarin marginal tank size for this fish
1 bicolor dotty back aggressive behavior not consistent with most other small fish
1 purple fire fish

Around 10 assorted snails.
4 peppermint shrimp

[Mg4life0331]

If I only have one clarkii it will still turn into a big female with no other clowns around? Get all mean and bully stuff?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mg4life0331

If I only have one clarkii it will still turn into a big female with no other clowns around? Get all mean and bully stuff?

The presence of two will accelerate the process of sexual differentiation. However a single will become female and this species is on the aggressive side, more so if part of a bonded pair.

[Mg4life0331]

55 gallon DT. Hob skimmer and refuge. 2 inches of sand in DT and 4 in the fuge with pods and chaeto. A couple of soft corals and zoas. Tbd on capability

1 ocellaris clown
1 spotted cardinal
1 green mandarin
1 royal gramma
1 purple fire fish

Around 10 assorted snails.
4 peppermint shrimp

Trying to be as conservative as I possibly can while maintaining a clown. If this isn't possible please tell me and Ill go another route (not asking for a replacement fish, Ill look on my own). I assume the mandarin is marginal due to pod population. I can assure you price will not be an issue feeding this guy and I will would push the limit on this to make sure he is fed. Hence the refuge, its the only reason I am running one.

In other words the "nemo" is for the knuckleheads in the household, the mandarin is for me. We may never find nemo *snicker* if I can't find a way to make it happen.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mg4life0331

55 gallon DT. Hob skimmer and refuge. 2 inches of sand in DT and 4 in the fuge with pods and chaeto. A couple of soft corals and zoas. Tbd on capability

1 ocellaris clown
1 spotted cardinal
1 green mandarin
1 royal gramma
1 purple fire fish

Around 10 assorted snails.
4 peppermint shrimp

Trying to be as conservative as I possibly can while maintaining a clown.

A. ocellaris is vastly different than A. clarkii in terms of aggressive behavior

If this isn't possible please tell me and Ill go another route (not asking for a replacement fish, Ill look on my own). I assume the mandarin is marginal due to pod population.

Correct. Since they eat virtually all the time, the capability of your tank with DT + Refugium capability needs to approximate 75 gallons. Most mandarins also eat frozen mysis but they are very poor competitors.

I can assure you price will not be an issue feeding this guy and I will would push the limit on this to make sure he is fed. Hence the refuge, its the only reason I am running one.

In other words the "nemo" is for the knuckleheads in the household, the mandarin is for me. We may never find nemo *snicker* if I can't find a way to make it happen.

Ironically, mandarins are one of my personal favorite fish. I keep a pair that mate nightly. Current stocking list should be fine.

[JFish]

Originally Posted by snorvich

90 gallon fowlr. 15 gallon sump. skimmer. w/d. Not my tank but they want some more fish and I'm trying to help them out with something blue/green in color.

Tank currently has 1 flame angel, 2 percula clowns (still young), 1 dwarf hawkfish, yellow tang (not a fan in this size tank based on guidelines, but it's still young).

Was thinking about a 6 line wrass will be a behavior problem with many fish going forward

or 5-6 longspine cardinals should be fine, but know that cardinals are primarily nocturnal and won't do a lot during the day

or both if possible. Any other suggestions for blue or green fish and provide more activity in middle of aquarium?

I like the chalk bass too, since the cardinals are more shy, would getting 3 of these, instead, work with the rest of the fish? or would 1 be better? Are all wrass bad news or just the six line. I was also looking at the green wrass but...

...I think I would rather:

3 chalk bass
1 royal gramma

to add to current mix.

[Lucky1s]

Getting ready to start adding fish to the system. Tank has been running for eight months now. I was given a fair amount of coral from a friend who tore his tank down and have added a few more pieces. I have one LTA green and two small RBTA.

Below is what I'm thinking. 11 fish may be too many in a 125. I have over 100 pounds of live rock. I've attached a crappy phone pic.

Six line wrasse
Kole yellow eye tang
Yellow tang
Diamond watchman goby
Green mandarin (understand I need to keep the pod population up)
Dispar anthais or flame angel
Ocellaris clowns (2)
Blue/green cromis (3)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by JFish

I like the chalk bass too, since the cardinals are more shy, would getting 3 of these, instead, work with the rest of the fish? or would 1 be better? Are all wrass bad news or just the six line. An impossible question to answer as it is far too general. No some wrasses are well behaved, others, timid, and still others are selectively aggressive


I was also looking at the green wrass but...

...I think I would rather:

3 chalk bass
1 royal gramma

Those should be fine, but know that chalk bass put shrimp at risk.

to add to current mix.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Lucky1s

Getting ready to start adding fish to the system. Tank has been running for eight months now. I was given a fair amount of coral from a friend who tore his tank down and have added a few more pieces. I have one LTA green and two small RBTA.

Below is what I'm thinking. 11 fish may be too many in a 125. I have over 100 pounds of live rock. I've attached a crappy phone pic.

Six line wrasse inconsistent with a mandarin
Kole yellow eye tang
Yellow tang needs a larger tank and two tangs would be problematical
Diamond watchman goby
Green mandarin (understand I need to keep the pod population up) which cannot occur with a sixline wrasse since they eat copepods
Dispar anthais or flame angel
Ocellaris clowns (2)
Blue/green cromis (3) three will become one over time

[msderganc]

Originally Posted by msderganc

Hi Steve,

I was originally planning on introduing these fish in three phases, but I've since decided to introduce a few at a time due to logistics constraints. Can you please look at the list of proposed additions and suggest an order? I know the tang should be last, and the Dragonet should wait until I've got a significant pod population. Again, the tank is 190g, 60x27x27.

Current fish / inverts
Common Name - Scientific Name - Quantity
False Clownfish - Amphiprion ocellaris - 2
Blue Chromis - Chromis viridis - 1
Yellow Watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus - 1
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp - Lysmata amboinensis - 1
Sexy Anemone Shrimp - Thor amboinensis - 2
Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp - Lysmata debelius - 1
Bubble Tip Anemone - Entacmaea quadricolor - 2
Red Linckia Star - Linckia laevigata - 1
Peppermint Shrimp - Lysmata wurdemanni complex - 1

Proposed Additions
Purple Firefish - Nemateleotris decora - 1
Macneill's Assessor - Assessor macneilli - 1
Yellow Assessor - Assessor flavissimus - 1
One Spot Foxface - Siganus unimaculatus - 1
Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse - Paracheilinus carpenteri - 1
Kaudern's Cardinal - Pterapogon kauderni - 2
Royal Gramma - Gramma loreto - 1
Heniochus B&W Butterflyfish - Heniochus acuminata - 1
Bartlett's Anthias - Pseudanthias bartlettorum - 5
Yasha Goby - Stonogobiops yasha -1
Red Scooter Dragonet - Synchiropus stellatus - 1

Last
Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma flavescens - 1

Thanks again for your help!

Hi Steve, I was wondering about adding a Blackcap Gramma (Gramma melacara) to this mix. I have two questions:
1. Do you think that it will have issues with the Gramma loreto?
2. Will it be compatible with my Thor amboinensis?

Thanks,
Matt

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by msderganc

Hi Steve, I was wondering about adding a Blackcap Gramma (Gramma melacara) to this mix. I have two questions:
1. Do you think that it will have issues with the Gramma loreto? almost certainly; in a very long tank (which you do not have), it might work although it would be iffy
2. Will it be compatible with my Thor amboinensis? No

Thanks,
Matt