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[grant778]

29 gallon sumpless tank
HOB aqueon filter, HOB biocube protein skimmer
Current Corals
Ricordeas and other mushrooms
Green branching montipora
An Acan is going to be added.
Current Fish
2 ocellaris clownfish

I am looking to add a tail spot blenny, but I am unsure as to if they are coral safe.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by grant778

29 gallon sumpless tank
HOB aqueon filter, HOB biocube protein skimmer
Current Corals
Ricordeas and other mushrooms
Green branching montipora
An Acan is going to be added.
Current Fish
2 ocellaris clownfish

I am looking to add a tail spot blenny, but I am unsure as to if they are coral safe.

They are algae eaters. As long as there is sufficient algae, no problem.

[DavidinGA]

Already have Pbt, Clown, & Desjardini...any chances of adding another tang???



I'm considering adding another tang to my tank but rather pessimistic that it can work with what I got.

Here's what I got:

210dt (6x2x29")
approximately 240gal total volume
mixed reef


Currently have these tangs:
Listed in order of most aggressive:

4.5" Powder Blue
3.5" Desjardini
4" Clown
4.5" Blonde Naso
2.5" Kole
2" blue hippo

Other fish: 5" foxface, 3" flame angel, red coris wrasse, melanarus wrasse, watchman goby, starry blenny, percula clown, chromis', matted filefish, longnosed hawk.


If I were to try to add another (or perhaps 2 as 2 might be easier) tang which body shape would you suggest being the most successful?


I was considering one of these new tangs:

Goldrimmed
Orange Shoulder
Vlamingii

or

2 very small yellow tangs (maybe 2-2.5")



Thoughts?

Go for it? Throw in the towel?

[LamboBoy]

Originally Posted by LamboBoy

My tank is 120g with a 60g sump about half full with an oversized Lifereef skimmer.

So far the inhabitants are:
Pair of Lineatus wrasse 5"/ 3"
Pair Hooded wrasse 3.5"/ 2.5"
One Exquisite wrasse 3.5"
One Lubbock wrasse 2.5"
One Goldflake angel 3.75"
One marine betta 5"
3 Pajama cardinals 2.5"

Am I overstocked or can I add a small 2-3" yellow tang to this mix? They are all pretty peaceful, no fighting so far but need a good algae eater.

Thanks.

Once I add a small Tomini tang to the tank above, would you consider this tank full or overstocked?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by DavidinGA

Already have Pbt, Clown, & Desjardini...any chances of adding another tang???



I'm considering adding another tang to my tank but rather pessimistic that it can work with what I got.

Here's what I got:

210dt (6x2x29")
approximately 240gal total volume
mixed reef


Currently have these tangs:
Listed in order of most aggressive:

4.5" Powder Blue
3.5" Desjardini
4" Clown
4.5" Blonde Naso
2.5" Kole
2" blue hippo

Other fish: 5" foxface, 3" flame angel, red coris wrasse, melanarus wrasse, watchman goby, starry blenny, percula clown, chromis', matted filefish, longnosed hawk.


If I were to try to add another (or perhaps 2 as 2 might be easier) tang which body shape would you suggest being the most successful?


I was considering one of these new tangs:

Goldrimmed
Orange Shoulder
Vlamingii

or

2 very small yellow tangs (maybe 2-2.5")



Thoughts?

Go for it? Throw in the towel?

In my opinion, you have too many tangs already, one of which can be very problematic over time, three of which will quickly outgrow your tank. I would not add any tangs.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by LamboBoy

Once I add a small Tomini tang to the tank above, would you consider this tank full or overstocked?

It is not a question of biocapacity, it is a question of territorial imperatives and members of the same ecological niche. So, it is not "full" but you will have to be careful what behavior characteristics you add. I would not, for example, add an aggressive fairy wrasse.

[DavidinGA]

Originally Posted by snorvich

in my opinion, you have too many tangs already, one of which can be very problematic over time, three of which will quickly outgrow your tank. I would not add any tangs.

k

[Young Salty]

Hi, great job you guys are doing on here!

My tank is getting on for 4 months old (new?), first marine adventure.

Aqua Reef AR400 - 450 liters including sump, plus a 50 liter separate fuge full of caulerpa (sp?).

US Gallons works out about 130 gal I guess, with display dimensions of about 50" x 23" x 18" or thereabout.

130lb of live rock, 95% of which is in the display in two bommie towers with the little left over in the sump, set up with a large central swimming area and heaps of caves through the bommies.

TONS of hitchhikers on the rock, (already moved on 6 mantis of varying size and 4 good sized crabs), still have heaps of brittle stars, worms, tiny algae eating crabs, mussels, pistol shrimps tiny white starfish, feather dusters etc. Very interesting rock.

Currently lit with the stock tubes bu I have an order in for a couple of Orphek Atlantik Compacts and will be going hoodless with a nylon mesh cover and suspended Orpheks over.

Current inhabitants:-

7 small/medium hermit crabs
5 nasuris snails
5 'other' small round brown snails, (can't recall the specimen names)
1 long, large cone shaped snail

1 medium sand sifting star fish

2 medium/large torch coral
1 small torch
1 small hammer
1 medium oulopyillia
1 small eye coral
small amount of star mat
3 lots of zoas
2 acans
1 duncan
2 mushrooms, (one orange, one green)
1 green gonastrea
1 moselya
1 tubestria

(Please excuse spellings of above, I'm struggling to remember what they are, let alone how to spell them).

Flame Angel (small)
2x ocelaris clowns (small)
Lawnmower Blenny (small)


WISHLIST:-

Starki Damsel
Flame Hawkfish
Blue Assesor
Six Line Wrasse
Green Chromis - 5x (conflicting reports, can i have more than one?)
Banngai Cardinals - 2x
Mandarin Dragonet (eventually, likely last addition when pods population will support)


Tips/ideas on above and numbers would be appreciated, as would suggestions of other fish that may suit.

I'm not a tang fan and don't want fish that will grow too big. Maybe 4" tops? Also, not interested in Antheas or anything requiring a lot of specialized feeding & additional maintenance.

Thanks.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Young Salty

Hi, great job you guys are doing on here!

My tank is getting on for 4 months old (new?), first marine adventure.

Aqua Reef AR400 - 450 liters including sump, plus a 50 liter separate fuge full of caulerpa (sp?).

US Gallons works out about 130 gal I guess, with display dimensions of about 50" x 23" x 18" or thereabout.

130lb of live rock, 95% of which is in the display in two bommie towers with the little left over in the sump, set up with a large central swimming area and heaps of caves through the bommies.

TONS of hitchhikers on the rock, (already moved on 6 mantis of varying size and 4 good sized crabs), still have heaps of brittle stars, worms, tiny algae eating crabs, mussels, pistol shrimps tiny white starfish, feather dusters etc. Very interesting rock.

Currently lit with the stock tubes bu I have an order in for a couple of Orphek Atlantik Compacts and will be going hoodless with a nylon mesh cover and suspended Orpheks over.

Current inhabitants:-

7 small/medium hermit crabs hermit crabs are likely to kill snails over time
5 nasuris snails
5 'other' small round brown snails, (can't recall the specimen names)
1 long, large cone shaped snail this may be of concern

1 medium sand sifting star fish

2 medium/large torch coral
1 small torch
1 small hammer
1 medium oulopyillia
1 small eye coral
small amount of star mat
3 lots of zoas
2 acans
1 duncan
2 mushrooms, (one orange, one green)
1 green gonastrea
1 moselya
1 tubestria

(Please excuse spellings of above, I'm struggling to remember what they are, let alone how to spell them).

Flame Angel (small) may not be coral safe
2x ocelaris clowns (small)
Lawnmower Blenny (small)


WISHLIST:-

Starki Damsel
Flame Hawkfish excellent but not shrimp safe
Blue Assesor
Six Line Wrasse aggressive, not recommended
Green Chromis - 5x (conflicting reports, can i have more than one?) over time, they will diminish to one
Banngai Cardinals - 2x male plus female tank raised
Mandarin Dragonet (eventually, likely last addition when pods population will support)


Tips/ideas on above and numbers would be appreciated, as would suggestions of other fish that may suit.

while I do not make recommendations for a variety of reasons, I am always happy to reanalyze stocking plans provided tank size and maturity are provided as well.

I'm not a tang fan and don't want fish that will grow too big. Maybe 4" tops? Also, not interested in Antheas or anything requiring a lot of specialized feeding & additional maintenance.

Thanks.

[Young Salty]

Thanks Steve, I respect and understand the recommendation stance.

Curious to know as to what concerns you have with the cone shaped snail?

[LamboBoy]

Originally Posted by snorvich

It is not a question of biocapacity, it is a question of territorial imperatives and members of the same ecological niche. So, it is not "full" but you will have to be careful what behavior characteristics you add. I would not, for example, add an aggressive fairy wrasse.

How about adding a pair of Genicanthus Semifasciatus or Melanospilos?

I've read somewhere that some of the Genicanthus species may chase fairy wrasses, is that true? Thanks again!!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Young Salty

Thanks Steve, I respect and understand the recommendation stance.

Curious to know as to what concerns you have with the cone shaped snail?

Since I cannot see it, I am going only by your description. There are some highly predatory snails that are cone shaped. Just be sure it is not one of them. If you know the species I can tell you pretty quickly.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by LamboBoy

How about adding a pair of Genicanthus Semifasciatus or Melanospilos?

I've read somewhere that some of the Genicanthus species may chase fairy wrasses, is that true? Thanks again!!

The males of Genicanthus are difficult shippers. I have never seen any Genicanthus chase a fairy wrasse. However if you add a tang, it may not be happy with a Genicanthus addition.

[Young Salty]

I just happen to have a photo of it on my phone!! It's this one...

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Young Salty

I just happen to have a photo of it on my phone!! It's this one...

Cerith Snail (Cerithium sp.) which is beneficial originating in the Caribbean.

[Young Salty]

Thanks Steve.

[LamboBoy]

Originally Posted by snorvich

The males of Genicanthus are difficult shippers. I have never seen any Genicanthus chase a fairy wrasse. However if you add a tang, it may not be happy with a Genicanthus addition.

Good to know since I have not purchased the tang yet. Does the Genicanthus Semifasciatus need a lower temp aquarium? Like in the mid 70's? My tank runs around 79-80.

Thanks again for this valuable service.

[AKArcticWolf]

Okay, here goes:

My wife and I purchased the Aqueon® 36 Gallon Bow Front Aquarium from our LFS. It came with the Aqueon® QuietFlow Aquarium Power Filter 30 and a 24" 17-Watt T8 Full Spectrum Fluorescent Lamp with hood. We also purchased 40lbs of Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand, as well as, Coralife 50 Gallon Mix Scientific Grade Marine Salt.

We set up the aquarium with the sand (1.5" - 2" deep) and filled with the saltwater we made. We have two pieces of artificial coral as decoration, one large staghorn and one large barnacles. We do not have any live rock in the tank and had not planned on getting any.

Once the particles settled, the tank cleared and then started cycling. It got pretty cloudy (assuming bio blume from what I have read) and after a week it cleared back up. We took a sample to our LFS to test and they said the chemistry looked good, but salinity was a bit high (1.026). We purchased a test kit and hydrometer so we could test ourselves at home. Did a partial water change and now have the salinity down to 1.022, no ammonia, no nitrites, no nitrates and pH was 7.6 (low from what we've read). The tank remains at 76-77 degrees throughout the day/night with no heater. We live in Florida and keep the AC at 72 degrees.

LFS said now would be okay to continue cycling with either damsels or chromies, so have purchased two Blue-Green Chromies (Chromis viridis) and so far, they are doing well and seem to be enjoying themselves. LFS recommended to continue cycling the tank with the fish for another two and a half weeks, before adding clean up crews or other fish.

We are looking for details on when to add our clean up crews and suggestions as to what and how many to make up our crew.

LFS recommended to start:

One snail for glass
One snail for sand
One cleaner shrimp
One sand sifting starfish
One crab

We were wondering about urchins or fighting conchs we had read about as well.

We are also looking to add the following fish:
One Saddle Valentini Puffer (Canthigaster valentini)
One Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

We had thought about a Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) or a Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus), but after researching realized they would quickly either out grow our tank or be incompatible with the other fish.

Your ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated to make the most out of what will be the first of our aquariums.

Michael and Victoria

[KSC Chicago]

Thank you very much Steve, it's a great service you provide for us beginners to the hobby. I will do some more research with my fish selection and will put it up later.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by LamboBoy

Good to know since I have not purchased the tang yet. Does the Genicanthus Semifasciatus need a lower temp aquarium? Like in the mid 70's? My tank runs around 79-80.

Thanks again for this valuable service.

I do not know. My supposition is 74-76 F would be ideal, but I have not kept this fish.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by AKArcticWolf

Okay, here goes:

My wife and I purchased the Aqueon® 36 Gallon Bow Front Aquarium from our LFS. It came with the Aqueon® QuietFlow Aquarium Power Filter 30 and a 24" 17-Watt T8 Full Spectrum Fluorescent Lamp with hood. We also purchased 40lbs of Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand, as well as, Coralife 50 Gallon Mix Scientific Grade Marine Salt.

We set up the aquarium with the sand (1.5" - 2" deep) and filled with the saltwater we made. We have two pieces of artificial coral as decoration, one large staghorn and one large barnacles. We do not have any live rock in the tank and had not planned on getting any.

Once the particles settled, the tank cleared and then started cycling. It got pretty cloudy (assuming bio blume from what I have read) and after a week it cleared back up. We took a sample to our LFS to test and they said the chemistry looked good, but salinity was a bit high (1.026). 1.026 is natural sea waterWe purchased a test kit and hydrometer so we could test ourselves at home. Did a partial water change and now have the salinity down to 1.022, no ammonia, no nitrites, no nitrates and pH was 7.6 (low from what we've read). The tank remains at 76-77 degrees throughout the day/night with no heater. We live in Florida and keep the AC at 72 degrees.

LFS said now would be okay to continue cycling with either damsels or chromies, LFS should know better than to cycle a tank with live fish; I suggest taking them back, getting a refund and placing a table shrimp in a ladies panty hose (for later removal) to cycle or sprinkle some frozen or flake food in a small quantity. so have purchased two Blue-Green Chromies (Chromis viridis) and so far, they are doing well and seem to be enjoying themselves. LFS recommended to continue cycling the tank with the fish for another two and a half weeks, before adding clean up crews or other fish. learn to test your own water so you will know when the cycle is complete and please do not cycle the tank with live fish

We are looking for details on when to add our clean up crews and suggestions as to what and how many to make up our crew.

LFS recommended to start:

One snail for glass
One snail for sand
One cleaner shrimp
One sand sifting starfish no
One crab no

We were wondering about urchins or fighting conchs we had read about as well. when the tank is more mature, a fighting conch would be excellent

We are also looking to add the following fish:
One Saddle Valentini Puffer (Canthigaster valentini) fine
One Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) fine

We had thought about a Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) or a Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus), but after researching realized they would quickly either out grow our tank or be incompatible with the other fish. neither will work in this sized tank

Your ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated to make the most out of what will be the first of our aquariums.

Michael and Victoria

While I do not provide recommendations for a variety of reasons, I am always happy to reanalyze stocking plans for your tank. Do some more research and check back for compatibility of fish with each other and with your environment.

[Young Salty]

So, how about swapping out the 6 line wrasse for a firefish and reducing the chromis to one?

Got:-

ONE Flame Angel (small) may not be coral safe
TWO ocelaris clowns (small)
ONE Lawnmower Blenny (small)

To Add:-

ONE Starki Damsel
ONE Flame Hawkfish [COLOR="rgb(0, 191, 255)"]excellent but not shrimp safe[/COLOR]
ONE Blue Assesor
ONE Green Chromis
TWO Banngai Cardinals - [COLOR="rgb(0, 191, 255)"]2x male plus female tank raised[/COLOR]
ONE Mandarin Dragonet (eventually, likely last addition when pods population will support)

How does that look stocking level wise for 120 gal, light, medium or heavy?

Thanks.

[maxter]

Just pass for this post to say thank you snorvich for teach us your knowledge I really admire the dedication you put in this thread every day answering all the comments.

Thanks

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Young Salty

So, how about swapping out the 6 line wrasse for a firefish and reducing the chromis to one?

Got:-

ONE Flame Angel (small) may not be coral safe
TWO ocelaris clowns (small)
ONE Lawnmower Blenny (small)

To Add:-

ONE Starki Damsel
ONE Flame Hawkfish [COLOR="rgb(0, 191, 255)"]excellent but not shrimp safe[/COLOR]
ONE Blue Assesor
ONE Green Chromis
TWO Banngai Cardinals - [COLOR="rgb(0, 191, 255)"]2x male plus female tank raised[/COLOR]
ONE Mandarin Dragonet (eventually, likely last addition when pods population will support)

How does that look stocking level wise for 120 gal, light, medium or heavy?

Thanks.

Looks good!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by maxter

Just pass for this post to say thank you snorvich for teach us your knowledge I really admire the dedication you put in this thread every day answering all the comments.

Thanks

Thanks for the very kind words. Your success in the hobby is my success.