PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[HUNTER_0387]

Current equipment:
180 gallon acrylic tank
60 gallon acrylic tank soon to be converted into a sump and refugium
SRO 3000 INT protein skimmer
200lbs of mixed tonga branch and fiji live rock
150 lbs of sand
3 Metal hallides and 2 72" VHOs
40 gallon quarantine tank

(and a 1/4HP chiller in the future)

Projected fish stocking:
black ocellaris
false ocellaris
purple tang
yellow tang
blue hippo tang
majestic angelfish
bluethroat triggerfish
school of green chromis

-Is this list ok? Are all fish "reef-safe?"
-What other "reef-safe" fish should I add if it's not too overstock?
-What corals should I add? I'm still doing my research on corals so I still don't know much about corals?
-How about clean-up crews and how many?
-What's the best order to add these fish in my tank? I'm thinking add the black and false first, then add the yellow and purple tang at the same time after a month, then I have no clue after that)

Thanks!!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Jlobo

Do you know if a lawnmower blenny and a tailspot blenny will get along?

Generally, two blennies will not get along, especially in a small tank.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by HUNTER_0387

Current equipment:
180 gallon acrylic tank
60 gallon acrylic tank soon to be converted into a sump and refugium
SRO 3000 INT protein skimmer
200lbs of mixed tonga branch and fiji live rock
150 lbs of sand
3 Metal hallides and 2 72" VHOs
40 gallon quarantine tank

(and a 1/4HP chiller in the future)

Projected fish stocking:
black ocellaris
false ocellaris
purple tang Two zebrasoma tangs often do not get along but if you try, add them last and concurrently
yellow tang
blue hippo tang RC recommends a 240 gallon tank for this fish
majestic angelfish Not reef safe, especially for meaty LPS
bluethroat triggerfish Probably needs a larger tank and not invert safe
school of green chromis Will winnow down until there is one left virtually always

-Is this list ok? Are all fish "reef-safe?"
-What other "reef-safe" fish should I add if it's not too overstock? You have a lot of large fish and your tank is only six foot long. If you reduce the larger fish, you could certainly have room for small fish
-What corals should I add? I'm still doing my research on corals so I still don't know much about corals? This thread is about fish compatibility with each other and your environment. It is best to decide what corals you like and plan fish around that strategy
-How about clean-up crews and how many?
-What's the best order to add these fish in my tank? I'm thinking add the black and false first, then add the yellow and purple tang at the same time after a month, then I have no clue after that)

Always, most aggressive last, least aggressive first

Thanks!!

[HUNTER_0387]

If I keep the black and false ocellaris clownfish, and both yellow and purple tang, and get a powder blue tang instead of the blue hippo tang, what other fish you think I should include if this list is not too overstock? How about clean-up crews?

Thanks!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by HUNTER_0387

If I keep the black and false ocellaris clownfish, and both yellow and purple tang, and get a powder blue tang instead of the blue hippo tang, what other fish you think I should include if this list is not too overstock? How about clean-up crews?

Thanks!

There are lots of small interesting fish that would be compatible. Large fish will make your tank look small, and three tangs as you mentioned may work; best chance is to get them initially on the small side. Remember tangs are ich magnets so you MUST QT

[Tethered_Limbs]

do tilefish absolutely need sand? ive had sand burrowing wrasses get along fine without.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Tethered_Limbs

do tilefish absolutely need sand? ive had sand burrowing wrasses get along fine without.

No, but they do need "dens" to hide at night. Their natural inclination, however, is to dive into the sand when threatened. Not all wrasses need sand, but the ones that do, such as leopards, will not do as well without it. It can be finessed, however, with a tupperware container of sand.

[cbm369]

Currently have a 55g Fowlr tank with:
Yellow Tang (4"-very Timid) - Zebrasoma flavescens
yellow watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus
green chromis - Chromis viridis
false percula - Amphiprion ocellaris
CUC consists of only snails, no crabs

All of the above will soon be transferred to my new 125g reef system. It is currently cycling (6 wks). It also has a 55g sump/fuge running with it.

Your thoughts please on additions to the 125g (once cycled )

In order of introduction into the 125g: (I think...)
Currently in 55g:
green chromis - Chromis viridis
yellow watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus
false percula - Amphiprion ocellaris
Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma flavescens (will go in same time as Atlantic Blue)

New:
1 male, 3 females Dispar Anthias - Pseudanthias dispar (currently in QT)
2 - Firefish Gobies - Nemateleotris magnifica
2 - cleaner shrimps - Lysmata amboinensis
Lawnmower Blenny - Salarias fasciatus
Royal Gramma - Gramma loreto
Foxface Lo Rabbitfish - Siganus vulpinus
Peppermint shrimp - Lysmata wurdemanni
Atlantic Blue Tang - Acanthurus coeruleus (will go in same time as Yellow Tang)

Thanks again for your help!

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by cbm369

Currently have a 55g Fowlr tank with:
Yellow Tang (4"-very Timid) - Zebrasoma flavescens
yellow watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus
green chromis - Chromis viridis
false percula - Amphiprion ocellaris
CUC consists of only snails, no crabs

All of the above will soon be transferred to my new 125g reef system. It is currently cycling (6 wks). It also has a 55g sump/fuge running with it.

Your thoughts please on additions to the 125g (once cycled )

In order of introduction into the 125g: (I think...)
Currently in 55g:
green chromis - Chromis viridis
yellow watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus
false percula - Amphiprion ocellaris
Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma flavescens (will go in same time as Atlantic Blue)

New:
1 male, 3 females Dispar Anthias - Pseudanthias dispar (currently in QT)
2 - Firefish Gobies - Nemateleotris magnifica A male + female pair would work but two unmatched would not
2 - cleaner shrimps - Lysmata amboinensis
Lawnmower Blenny - Salarias fasciatus
Royal Gramma - Gramma loreto
Foxface Lo Rabbitfish - Siganus vulpinus
Peppermint shrimp - Lysmata wurdemanni
Atlantic Blue Tang - Acanthurus coeruleus (will go in same time as Yellow Tang)

Thanks again for your help!

Three algae grazers might be a bit much for your tank size, if it were me, I would limit it to two. Also three larger fish will also make your tank look small.

After additional thought, you might consider a neon goby. You have/plan some fish that love being cleaned and it is a fascinating display with shrimp and a goby

[TX..r33f]

i have a 40gallon tank trying to cycle now. I have a canaster filter,protein skimmer rated for 60gal, sand=not live. useing RO=water, lighting t5s, rock is dead rock. I am new and just trying to find some fish that are hardy and still colorfully, also with coral which would be best for new reefer. thanks!! plz message me what yall think

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by TX..r33f

i have a 40gallon tank trying to cycle now. I have a canaster filter,protein skimmer rated for 60gal, sand=not live. useing RO=water, lighting t5s, rock is dead rock. I am new and just trying to find some fish that are hardy and still colorfully, also with coral which would be best for new reefer. thanks!! plz message me what yall think

Well, since this thread is answered by RC staff, at the moment I am the only one answering. You need to decide what corals you want to keep since that will determine what fish you will put on your stocking list. Once that is determined, create a stocking list and I will be happy to provide commentary on compatibility with each other as well as with the environment you are providiing.

[TX..r33f]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Well, since this thread is answered by RC staff, at the moment I am the only one answering. You need to decide what corals you want to keep since that will determine what fish you will put on your stocking list. Once that is determined, create a stocking list and I will be happy to provide commentary on compatibility with each other as well as with the environment you are providiing.

I am looking at soft corals and i know zoas are hardy. I was wondering if their are any other good soft corals for a beginner. I love sps but am affraid my t5 lighting just wouldnt cut it. For fish i know i want 2clown, a bleny & Six Line Wrasse if not to aggressive.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by TX..r33f

I am looking at soft corals and i know zoas are hardy. I was wondering if their are any other good soft corals for a beginner. I love sps but am affraid my t5 lighting just wouldnt cut it. For fish i know i want 2clown, a bleny & Six Line Wrasse if not to aggressive.

I use colors in my replies so I can easily differentiate the original post from my answer. However, I am color blind so when you use colors, I often cannot see what you write. That being said, the six line wrasse would likely be too aggressive.

[Maaka]

Hey I was just wondering on my fish compatibility. I have a fluvial 205 on a 41 gallon osaka tank, with 40 pounds of live rock and sand.

2 percula clowns
pink shrimp goby
dragon goby
kole tang
black chromis(which I'm trying to evict at the moment, he bullies my clowns)
decorator crab (my GF got it for me not sure if it's a problem or not)

The only fish i know i may want in the future is a flame angel, and maybe an anemone but not for some time(when i think i can handle its needs)

I keep a variety of sps and soft corrals. I'm just wondering if my fish now are good for each other or if there is anything i have to watch out for.

[sarahlovesfish]

I have a 80 gallon 5ft long 1ft wide tank. I already have a fire goby and 2 cleaner shrimp. The next fish on my list is goby, royal gramma, and a pair of clownfish. I have room for more fish. What do you reccomend that could be put in my tank without overcrowding? Thanks

[Tethered_Limbs]

Originally Posted by snorvich

No, but they do need "dens" to hide at night. Their natural inclination, however, is to dive into the sand when threatened. Not all wrasses need sand, but the ones that do, such as leopards, will not do as well without it. It can be finessed, however, with a tupperware container of sand.

i like the tupperware idea, i got a coris wrasse, wudnt put a leo in a BB, but like you said can be finessed. so will tilefish bash their faces into the glass?

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Maaka

Hey I was just wondering on my fish compatibility. I have a fluvial 205 on a 41 gallon osaka tank, with 40 pounds of live rock and sand.

2 percula clowns
pink shrimp goby
dragon goby
kole tang Really needs a larger tank
black chromis(which I'm trying to evict at the moment, he bullies my clowns) Clowns are damsels and the chromis is a damsel. Not a good combination
decorator crab (my GF got it for me not sure if it's a problem or not) I made that mistake a long time ago and regretted it. From now on, no crabs for me

The only fish i know i may want in the future is a flame angel, and maybe an anemone but not for some time(when i think i can handle its needs)

I like flame angels but they are not reef safe for all corals, especially meaty LPS

I keep a variety of sps and soft corrals. I'm just wondering if my fish now are good for each other or if there is anything i have to watch out for.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by sarahlovesfish

I have a 80 gallon 5ft long 1ft wide tank. I already have a fire goby and 2 cleaner shrimp. The next fish on my list is goby, royal gramma, and a pair of clownfish. I have room for more fish. What do you reccomend that could be put in my tank without overcrowding? Thanks

So far, you are fine and your planned fish are compatible. You might consider a goby/shrimp pair, and/or a possum wrasse. Possum wrasses come in three flavors (species) all of which are interesting and have similar behavior patterns.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Tethered_Limbs

i like the tupperware idea, i got a coris wrasse, wudnt put a leo in a BB, but like you said can be finessed. so will tilefish bash their faces into the glass?

It is risky because their natural instinct for self preservation is into the sand. I am concerned that this instinct will morph into jumping, and they are excellent jumpers.

[Maaka]

Ok thank you. just a few more questions.

I originally got the kole for my dads tank but his 2 yellow tangs just attacked it so we put it in mine to save it. any advice on maybe getting it into my dads tank?

and why no on the decorator crab? do they kill inverts? coral? fish?

Thank you for the advice.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Maaka

Ok thank you. just a few more questions.

I originally got the kole for my dads tank but his 2 yellow tangs just attacked it so we put it in mine to save it. any advice on maybe getting it into my dads tank?

THAT is highly unlikely

and why no on the decorator crab? do they kill inverts? coral? fish?

This thread is about fish. . . however. Do you know what decorator crabs do???? They strip off pieces of coral and stick it to themselves to attempt camouflage. And they always want new pieces. Since I keep two large reef tanks, I do not want my corals taken apart by destructive crabs. I have learned over a very long time that that no crabs in my tanks is a good thing

Thank you for the advice.

[Tethered_Limbs]

Originally Posted by snorvich

It is risky because their natural instinct for self preservation is into the sand. I am concerned that this instinct will morph into jumping, and they are excellent jumpers.

yea, seen 1 jump out of a quarter size hole onto his acrylic top to get cooked. do you clean the sand in the tupperware or just replace it?

[blackhawks423]

I have a 55 gal with 2 inch of coral substrate, lighting is a sunpod with 2 - 250w / LED moonlighting and 56 pounds of well cycled live rock.

Currently I have the following in the tank:

Porcupine Puffer
Yellow Tang
Pearlscale Butterfly
2 - Percula Clowns
2 - Bangaai Cardinals
Decorator crab
1 - anemone

I'd like to add one of the following...
Bellus Angel
Clown Trigger
Sargassum Trigger

Any thoughts?

I work from home and do water changes often, as well as checking all levels.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Tethered_Limbs

yea, seen 1 jump out of a quarter size hole onto his acrylic top to get cooked. do you clean the sand in the tupperware or just replace it?

I simply leave it. But replacing it is fine as long as you do not inadvertently do so with a wrasse in it.

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by blackhawks423

I have a 55 gal with 2 inch of coral substrate, lighting is a sunpod with 2 - 250w / LED moonlighting and 56 pounds of well cycled live rock.

Currently I have the following in the tank:

Porcupine Puffer
Yellow Tang
Pearlscale Butterfly
2 - Percula Clowns
2 - Bangaai Cardinals
Decorator crab
1 - anemone

I'd like to add one of the following...
Bellus Angel
Clown Trigger
Sargassum Trigger

Any thoughts?

I work from home and do water changes often, as well as checking all levels.

Unfortunately, you are already overstocked in that sized tank. Adding addition large fish would be counterproductive. By the way a clown trigger will kill what is already in your tank.