PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[Zer0.]

Originally Posted by snorvich

The copepod competition issue is always difficult to accurately assess.

Thanks Steve! I think I'll go with the mcCoskers and solar. Should I introduce at the same time or flasher then the fairy later after flasher is settled in?
Last question is you don't mind. Will the fairy wrasse likely make the mcCoskers flash and help keep his color?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Zer0.

Thanks Steve! I think I'll go with the mcCoskers and solar. Should I introduce at the same time or flasher then the fairy later after flasher is settled in?
Last question is you don't mind. Will the fairy wrasse likely make the mcCoskers flash and help keep his color?

In your sized tank, I would suggest that you introduce two flashers of different species. They would flash competitively and would also do well if you could find a female of the same species. C. solorensis will lose some coloration longer term without a female. Flasher wrasses will not lose coloration but will not show the mating behavior or competitive behavior without a male of different species or a female. Since neither C. solorensis nor a flasher wrasse will eat from rock (they are planktivores), they should have minimal problems with your existing mandarin. They may exhibit behavior that could intimidate your firefish.

[Mark_C]

Steve,

Been trolling this post for a while. Asked your advice a few pages back. Still trolling and learning, and I'm sure I will be for a long time.
Just wanted to interrupt with a compliment.
Dude, you're awesome! Thanks for all the advice and education.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mark_C

Steve,

Been trolling this post for a while. Asked your advice a few pages back. Still trolling and learning, and I'm sure I will be for a long time.
Just wanted to interrupt with a compliment.
Dude, you're awesome! Thanks for all the advice and education.

Thanks for the very kind words. Unfortunately, some times my answers are not as complete as I would like them to be. On prior occasion, some folks felt my answers were "too" complete so a few years back I started shortening them a bit.

[Mark_C]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Thanks for the very kind words. Unfortunately, some times my answers are not as complete as I would like them to be. On prior occasion, some folks felt my answers were "too" complete so a few years back I started shortening them a bit.

I work in healthcare on a professional level. IMHO more information is always better, especially when it comes to biological systems and interactions. To have a 'too complete' answer, to me, is the equivalent of saying, 'I don't want to have to think or do research, just tell me what to do', which, I'm thinking, in this hobby, leads to problems, expense, dead animals, and dismissing the hobby in (ignorant) frustration.
As per myself, I did a considerable amount of research on my stocking, I asked an expert opinion, and your responses have driven me to do a bit more research before I make any decisions (though I still live in denial of the crab/snail wars, with no justification aside from the fact that I want crabs and snails).
You provide a fantastic service and it is truly appreciated.
If I were you I'd ask RC for a raise.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mark_C

I work in healthcare on a professional level. IMHO more information is always better, especially when it comes to biological systems and interactions. To have a 'too complete' answer, to me, is the equivalent of saying, 'I don't want to have to think or do research, just tell me what to do', which, I'm thinking, in this hobby, leads to problems, expense, dead animals, and dismissing the hobby in (ignorant) frustration.

You hit the nail on the head. That is exactly why some folks wanted less complete answers. I prefer not telling people what to do, and think that more information is always better for long term decision making. That is also why I do not make recommendations in this thread. I feel that developing research skills is important, and my taste after decades of diving and aquarium keeping will be different than most people.

As per myself, I did a considerable amount of research on my stocking, I asked an expert opinion, and your responses have driven me to do a bit more research before I make any decisions (though I still live in denial of the crab/snail wars, with no justification aside from the fact that I want crabs and snails). Well, live and learn. Since there are lots of snail types with different functional habits, I prefer being able to stock them without having to worry about hermit crabs killing them.
You provide a fantastic service and it is truly appreciated.
If I were you I'd ask RC for a raise.

Again, thank you. We do not get paid, I do what I do on here because people helped me when I was starting (which is a very long time ago now). It is along the line of "pay it forward".

[Mark_C]

Just being silly and defiant on the crab/snail thing - I'm undoubtably going to take your advice on board and go all snail.
Also, I was jesting on the raise. I gathered you were doing this for love of the hobby. Again, my sense of humor.
So, now that I'm sure your not getting paid you should walk into the RC main office, throw things about, and demand a salary or threaten to take your services elsewhere, like Joe's Crab Shack or Red Lobster or something.
I'll leave you be, though I'm sure I'll be humbly asking your advice in the future.
Have fun and thanks again,
Mark

[jmowbray]

I have a 90 gallon tank with ~30 sump/fuge. Equipment is Jebao DC9000 for return , GFO/Carbon Reactor, UV and SWC160 cone with 20% Weekly water changes.

Have mainly LPS with a limited selection of SPS and some NPS.

Current Stock:
2x true percs.
1 purple firefish

Proposed stock additions:
2x Azure Damsels
1x Royal Gramma
1xYellow tang ( I'm aware that I may have to give it up eventually when it outgrows the tank)
1x McCosker's Male
1x Neon Goby
1x Orange Stripped Prawn Goby with tiger snapping shrimp

I know it's a little heavy stocking but I'm willing to up the WCs in order to see the fish.

[Vilas]

Hi!
I am open to all ideas. I am currently upgrading my 63 gallon to a 320. I've never had a big tank, and have no idea where to start. I want to add three big fish (tang size) and focus on the small stuff. What would you stock with?
Currently have 2x percs, 3x chromis that get along nicely (!!!) An African flame back angel, a bluespotted shrimp goby, and two hitchhiker tidepool gobies (Max size 1.5 inches) - never had aggression, disease, or any issues. All young.
My husband wants colours other than blue and yellow. We are more into corals and inverts than fish, so the more reef safe the better, though I'd attempt certain borderline safe things - my pygmy angel is a model citizen, and I kept a copper band for years with zero issues.
I can catch stock locally is I'm lucky and patient - anthias, angels, tangs - I've seen wild gem tangs, doubt I can catch one tho.

What would you suggest?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Mark_C

Just being silly and defiant on the crab/snail thing - I'm undoubtably going to take your advice on board and go all snail.
Also, I was jesting on the raise. I gathered you were doing this for love of the hobby. Again, my sense of humor.
So, now that I'm sure your not getting paid you should walk into the RC main office, throw things about, and demand a salary or threaten to take your services elsewhere, like Joe's Crab Shack or Red Lobster or something.
I'll leave you be, though I'm sure I'll be humbly asking your advice in the future.
Have fun and thanks again,
Mark

Always a pleasure. The stickies in the fish disease forum are worth reading . . .

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by jmowbray

I have a 90 gallon tank with ~30 sump/fuge. Equipment is Jebao DC9000 for return , GFO/Carbon Reactor, UV and SWC160 cone with 20% Weekly water changes.

Have mainly LPS with a limited selection of SPS and some NPS.

Current Stock:
2x true percs.
1 purple firefish

Proposed stock additions:
2x Azure Damsels
1x Royal Gramma
1xYellow tang ( I'm aware that I may have to give it up eventually when it outgrows the tank)
1x McCosker's Male
1x Neon Goby
1x Orange Stripped Prawn Goby with tiger snapping shrimp

I know it's a little heavy stocking but I'm willing to up the WCs in order to see the fish.

It is heavy. The size of the yellow tang is not the issue, it is the territorial imperative and feeding required. Tangs eat constantly because they process food rather poorly, so RC's recommended tank size is based on that. Also, be aware that an established yellow tang is very aggressive towards new additions.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Vilas

Hi!
I am open to all ideas. I am currently upgrading my 63 gallon to a 320. I've never had a big tank, and have no idea where to start. I want to add three big fish (tang size) and focus on the small stuff. What would you stock with?
Currently have 2x percs, 3x chromis that get along nicely (!!!) An African flame back angel, a bluespotted shrimp goby, and two hitchhiker tidepool gobies (Max size 1.5 inches) - never had aggression, disease, or any issues. All young.
My husband wants colours other than blue and yellow. We are more into corals and inverts than fish, so the more reef safe the better, though I'd attempt certain borderline safe things - my pygmy angel is a model citizen, and I kept a copper band for years with zero issues.
I can catch stock locally is I'm lucky and patient - anthias, angels, tangs - I've seen wild gem tangs, doubt I can catch one tho.

What would you suggest?

As those who follow this thread know, I do not provide recommendations for a variety of reasons. However I am always happy to evaluate stocking lists provided tank size is provided. Gem tangs (I have had one) are nice but probably not worth the effort. They are reasonably common where you live, however. If you are primarily interested in corals, I would look at the wrasse group: leopards, possum, flashers, and some fairy.

[Vilas]

OK! Thanks! I'd never catch one anyways. :-)

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Vilas

OK! Thanks! I'd never catch one anyways. :-)

Amazingly enough, one of the folks on here caught one in a tide pool. As a long time diver, I would say that catching tangs would be tough.

[Vilas]

You sometimes see tangs and angels in tide pools here. More common are The World's Angriest Damsels and sweet grey tidepool gobies. I stick with the latter. I'll run my list by you when I come up with one! Thanks again.

[jmowbray]

Originally Posted by snorvich

It is heavy. The size of the yellow tang is not the issue, it is the territorial imperative and feeding required. Tangs eat constantly because they process food rather poorly, so RC's recommended tank size is based on that. Also, be aware that an established yellow tang is very aggressive towards new additions.

Steve,

Thank you for looking over my list I really appreciate it. With you recommendation in mind can you suggest a larger active swimmer that is brightly colored like a yellow tank?I was thinking a Flame Angel but I don't like even the possibility that they may nip clams and possible corals as I have both.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by jmowbray

Steve,

Thank you for looking over my list I really appreciate it. With you recommendation in mind can you suggest a larger active swimmer that is brightly colored like a yellow tank?I was thinking a Flame Angel but I don't like even the possibility that they may nip clams and possible corals as I have both.

Any angel, dwarf or large, is not really reef safe. You might look at the wrasse family, specifically Halichoeres wrasses.

[jmowbray]

Should I be worried about adding two wrasses in the tank together? I'm assuming to add them both at the same time and to get both males so they can establish territories and also make the McCosker's flash. Am I wrong?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by jmowbray

Should I be worried about adding two wrasses in the tank together? I'm assuming to add them both at the same time and to get both males so they can establish territories and also make the McCosker's flash. Am I wrong?

You can have two different species of male flasher. Or two different males concurrently but I always recommend using an acclimation box.

[mpderksen]

ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1416183796.219060.jpg
20gal main tank with 5gal sump. 60" x 8" x 12"
Tunze 9001 skimmer

Livestock, in order of addition:

CUC mix of snails only (no hermits)
Cleaner shrimp
Emerald crab
Neon goby
Yellow clown goby
2 snowflake clown

Thanks in advance

Michael

[shark2]

I am upgrading my 40 gallons to a 75 gallon tank.

I currently have
2 mandarins
2 clownfish
4 spotted cardinal fish
1 yellow tang (small)
1 hippo tang (small)

What I want to add
2 dwarf lionfish
1 marine betta
6 firefish
6 blue green chromis
4 seahorses
1 flame angel
1 coral beauty
2 yellow goatfish
2 bicolor goatfish
1 dragon sea moth

Thanks for your advice. This is a great thread.

[nofear31]

Hi
I have a standard 75 gallon. Two large rock structures with lots of swimming space. 40 gallon sump, 40 gallon refugium. Skimmer for 4-5x rated tank volume. Been up and running for about 10 months or so. Currently have stocked:

2 occelaris clowns
1 six line wrasse
1 royal gramma
2 peppermint shrimp

All are 2" or less in size so still quite young

Wish list includes:
Carpenters flasher wrasse
Black combtooth blenny or bicolor blenny
Green clown goby
Possibly a orange spotted diamond goby or other sand dweller
One of either yellow tang, tomini bristle tooth tang, or kole tang
Flame Angel or coral beauty

We had a purple dottyback and had to remove him due to him harassing the wrasse to no end. I've read that the six lines can be devils. It gets along well with everything else so far and a feed quite regularly. Wondering if adding other peaceful fish sooner than later would be better and also wondering if the larger angel or tang would also help dampen the temperment of the six line.

Thanks for the help in advance appreciate it

[nofear31]

Just google searched for a thread like this and this came up. I posted and then noticed how many pages and posts there are!!!!! Amazing job snorvich and thank you so much for providing such an amazing service. I find it so daunting to research stuff and then grunt decipher the compatibility list that is on sites like live aquaria! I'm a nurse and we have a similar chart for medications and med errors are made due to accidently moving over a line. Has to be a better system (which you provide) but ya. Thanks for the tremendous effort!
Ben

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

20gal main tank with 5gal sump. 60" x 8" x 12"
Tunze 9001 skimmer

Livestock, in order of addition:

CUC mix of snails only (no hermits)
Cleaner shrimp
Emerald crab careful, they can be aggressive towards fish
Neon goby
Yellow clown goby
2 snowflake clown

Thanks in advance

Michael

fine but note annotation

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by shark2

I am upgrading my 40 gallons to a 75 gallon tank.

I currently have
2 mandarins will not work long term
2 clownfish
4 spotted cardinal fish
1 yellow tang (small) needs a larger tank
1 hippo tang (small) needs a much larger tank

What I want to add I do not evaluate aggressive fish community tanks; note that your lionfish will have some expensive lunches. Also you would be way overloaded
2 dwarf lionfish
1 marine betta
6 firefish
6 blue green chromis
4 seahorses
1 flame angel
1 coral beauty
2 yellow goatfish
2 bicolor goatfish
1 dragon sea moth

Thanks for your advice. This is a great thread.