which fish to add??

Bertico78 · 07/15/2008, 09:40 PM

Hi, I have a fully cycled Bio Cube 14 ready with live rock, (maybe 10-12 lbs) 9 small fatherdusters, a Coral Banded Shrimp, a serpent star, and a few hermits.

I'm getting ready to stock maybe two or three very small fish to this tank to complete it.

I am thinking about the following species below; which ones would you recommend? (pick any 3)

Green Banded Goby
Neon Goby
Six-line wrasse
Royal Gramma
green chromis
Azure Damsel
Yellowtail Blue Damsel

I'm shooting for all fish to be very small, hopefully an inch each or less. Any Ideas or suggestions are very much appreciated.

reefworm · 07/15/2008, 09:52 PM

I would vote a big YES for the Royal Gramma. They are a bit territorial, which may be an issue in a nano, but my experience is that they only really defend their own cave, unless you've got another basslet. The fish is a personal favorite of mine, but will exceed an inch in length.

I would vote yes for either of the Gobys

I would vote a qualified yes for the chromis as they tend to do best in little schools, although they are pretty fish. they are a bit more delicate than the gramma loreto and goby varieties. Will also exceed an inch fully grown.

I would abstain from voting on the 6-line as I have no experience or good info on how they would do in nano. But unless I'm mistaken they'll grow over an inch.

I would vote an unqualified and insistent NO for the damsel. Way too aggressive even in larger tanks. I shudder to think what it would do in a nano cube

MinnFish · 07/15/2008, 09:52 PM

What type of serpent star?

To Reef Central

Bertico78 · 07/15/2008, 10:02 PM

Thanks! The serpent star is greenish in color...but I'm not sure the exact species as I collected it from the wild. Thanks for the suggestions so far...I appreciate the quick feedback! keep 'em coming!

ihavtats29 · 07/15/2008, 10:05 PM

green chromis can reach 3'' so will the 6 line wrasse, id stick more on the goby path how bout a catilina goby, yellow watchman, or any of the shrimp gobys, no damsels way too agressive expecialy in a nano, you can add a pistol shrimp to go with the gobys they get along very welland will keep your sand stired up

Bertico78 · 07/15/2008, 10:31 PM

A Catalina goby would be beautiful...too bad they require lower temperatures....

MinnFish · 07/15/2008, 10:47 PM

Is there anyway possible to determine its not a green serpent star?

reefworm · 07/15/2008, 11:40 PM

Bertico: a belated "Welcome on board RC!"

Is it possible to get a pic of the serpent star posted? I think MinnFish is thinking what I'm thinking. I have no personal experience with this, but I do recall some posts a few years back that implicated green serpent stars in fishes going missing. One poster said they raise up on their legs, and when fish go under for the shade/cover it drops on them. I've not heard of that behavior anywhere else or at any other time - might have even been another board [I used to visit 2-3 pretty regularly], but it is rather disturbing.

MinnFish - that what was on your mind?

Flipper62 · 07/16/2008, 12:33 AM

I have a BioCube 14 in my office. I have a Clown fish...a Royal gramma & a Six Line wrasse. ALL is fine...However A serpent star in a BioCube........NOT GOOD....Tank is too small. Expect to move him....or get him out when he dies.....SORRY.......REALITY

kau_cinta_ku · 07/16/2008, 12:38 AM

I am guessing they are all thinking the green star of death

but either way the starfish will starve to death in your tank after he eats your fish

if he is the starfish they are thinking.

Flipper62 · 07/16/2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kau_cinta_ku
I am guessing they are all thinking the green star of death but either way the starfish will starve to death in your tank after he eats your fish if he is the starfish they are thinking.

YEP...Thank you kau_cinta_ku.....for the Plus 1 on my feeling on this

MinnFish · 07/16/2008, 05:28 AM

Reefworm, Kau and Flipper. Yes, this is what i was trying to investigate. The green serpent star is a fish killer, very skilled in what he does. Caution is needed when introducing wild livestock. Just trying to help the poster. Would hate to see, "Help>>>Why are my fish disappearing" posted here. Hope i could help.

Bertico78 · 07/16/2008, 10:16 AM

hmmmm...I'll post a pic of the star as soon as I get home tonight. I doubt it's the kind that would prey on other fish as I kept two false percula clowns and a small watchman goby in the tank (along with the starfish) for a long time before an ich outbreak killed them....the starfish just keeps to itself (or hides inside the filter and comes out at feeding time) and feeds on the same pellets I fed the fish at the time. Seems too small and too slow to conceive it as a threat to fish...but I do appreciate the concerns.

Bertico78 · 07/16/2008, 01:59 PM

I decided to scrap the green chromises as I know they need to be in odd-numbered groups and would not leave room for anything else in such sized tank..any additional feedback or suggestions on the fish?

Allanira · 07/16/2008, 02:17 PM

Scrap all the fish on the list and go with a pair of maroon clowns. They are great. I have a pair in my 55 gal and they arent territorial at all. They arent aggresive either. Atleast I think I got really lucky with them. They are little pigs though lol.

abulgin · 07/16/2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Allanira
Scrap all the fish on the list and go with a pair of maroon clowns. They are great. I have a pair in my 55 gal and they arent territorial at all. They arent aggresive either. Atleast I think I got really lucky with them. They are little pigs though lol.

(that is a picture of someone smoking crack)

Maroon clowns are some of the MOST territorial fish in the sea. I had one in my 110g, and I had to get her out and trade her to the LFS because she was terrorizing every living thing in my tank. She was big too--4" at least. Oh, they start out sweet and nice . . .

I second the Royal Gramma. A personal fav.

Bertico78 · 07/16/2008, 04:41 PM

cool...I want to stay away from clownfish for now. The gobies & royal gramma seem like the better option so far. Any other species recommended?

Bertico78 · 07/16/2008, 07:51 PM

This is the infamous starfish

Still can't make up my mind about the fish!!

MinnFish · 07/16/2008, 09:56 PM

This is the green beast, i was referring to.

Bertico78 · 07/16/2008, 10:05 PM

ahhh...thank god mine isn't it! So far I've narrowed down to either or both gobies, royal gramma, or six-line wrasse....but I'm still open for suggestions!

07/15/2008, 09:40 PM	#1
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	which fish to add?? Hi, I have a fully cycled Bio Cube 14 ready with live rock, (maybe 10-12 lbs) 9 small fatherdusters, a Coral Banded Shrimp, a serpent star, and a few hermits. I'm getting ready to stock maybe two or three very small fish to this tank to complete it. I am thinking about the following species below; which ones would you recommend? (pick any 3) Green Banded Goby Neon Goby Six-line wrasse Royal Gramma green chromis Azure Damsel Yellowtail Blue Damsel I'm shooting for all fish to be very small, hopefully an inch each or less. Any Ideas or suggestions are very much appreciated.

07/15/2008, 09:52 PM	#2
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	I would vote a big YES for the Royal Gramma. They are a bit territorial, which may be an issue in a nano, but my experience is that they only really defend their own cave, unless you've got another basslet. The fish is a personal favorite of mine, but will exceed an inch in length. I would vote yes for either of the Gobys I would vote a qualified yes for the chromis as they tend to do best in little schools, although they are pretty fish. they are a bit more delicate than the gramma loreto and goby varieties. Will also exceed an inch fully grown. I would abstain from voting on the 6-line as I have no experience or good info on how they would do in nano. But unless I'm mistaken they'll grow over an inch. I would vote an unqualified and insistent NO for the damsel. Way too aggressive even in larger tanks. I shudder to think what it would do in a nano cube __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

07/15/2008, 09:52 PM	#3
MinnFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home of 10,000 lakes Posts: 917	What type of serpent star? *To Reef Central* __________________ 33G Long, 4x54 watt T5, Tunze 6025, Tunze Osmolator ATO, Tunze Streamfilter 3163 Posts about moving an oversized fish to a bigger tank. Is like hearing every stripper is just working to pay for colle

07/15/2008, 10:05 PM	#5
ihavtats29 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: cordova , TN Posts: 2,882	green chromis can reach 3'' so will the 6 line wrasse, id stick more on the goby path how bout a catilina goby, yellow watchman, or any of the shrimp gobys, no damsels way too agressive expecialy in a nano, you can add a pistol shrimp to go with the gobys they get along very welland will keep your sand stired up __________________ got reef? Current Tank Info: 29 biocube HQI

07/15/2008, 10:47 PM	#7
MinnFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home of 10,000 lakes Posts: 917	Is there anyway possible to determine its not a green serpent star? __________________ 33G Long, 4x54 watt T5, Tunze 6025, Tunze Osmolator ATO, Tunze Streamfilter 3163 Posts about moving an oversized fish to a bigger tank. Is like hearing every stripper is just working to pay for colle

07/15/2008, 10:02 PM	#4
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	Thanks! The serpent star is greenish in color...but I'm not sure the exact species as I collected it from the wild. Thanks for the suggestions so far...I appreciate the quick feedback! keep 'em coming!

07/15/2008, 10:31 PM	#6
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	A Catalina goby would be beautiful...too bad they require lower temperatures....

07/15/2008, 11:40 PM	#8
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	Bertico: a belated "Welcome on board RC!" Is it possible to get a pic of the serpent star posted? I think MinnFish is thinking what I'm thinking. I have no personal experience with this, but I do recall some posts a few years back that implicated green serpent stars in fishes going missing. One poster said they raise up on their legs, and when fish go under for the shade/cover it drops on them. I've not heard of that behavior anywhere else or at any other time - might have even been another board [I used to visit 2-3 pretty regularly], but it is rather disturbing. MinnFish - that what was on your mind? __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

07/16/2008, 12:33 AM	#9
Flipper62 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naperville, Il. Business Owner, President & CEO Posts: 3,045	I have a BioCube 14 in my office. I have a Clown fish...a Royal gramma & a Six Line wrasse. ALL is fine...However A serpent star in a BioCube........NOT GOOD....Tank is too small. Expect to move him....or get him out when he dies.....SORRY.......REALITY __________________ If todays automobile had followed the same development as the computer, A Rolls Royce would cost $100.00. It would get a million miles per gallon, but it would explode once a year killing everyone inside." Current Tanks... 90 gal Reef... My awesome Office BioCube....( 180 was on hold ..no time ) ... The 180 gal has been sold...Yay..yay..yay. Hobby Experience: 19 years Reef...22 years FW

07/16/2008, 12:38 AM	#10
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	I am guessing they are all thinking the green star of death but either way the starfish will starve to death in your tank after he eats your fish if he is the starfish they are thinking.

07/16/2008, 05:28 AM	#12
MinnFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home of 10,000 lakes Posts: 917	Reefworm, Kau and Flipper. Yes, this is what i was trying to investigate. The green serpent star is a fish killer, very skilled in what he does. Caution is needed when introducing wild livestock. Just trying to help the poster. Would hate to see, "Help>>>Why are my fish disappearing" posted here. Hope i could help. __________________ 33G Long, 4x54 watt T5, Tunze 6025, Tunze Osmolator ATO, Tunze Streamfilter 3163 Posts about moving an oversized fish to a bigger tank. Is like hearing every stripper is just working to pay for colle

07/16/2008, 10:16 AM	#13
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	hmmmm...I'll post a pic of the star as soon as I get home tonight. I doubt it's the kind that would prey on other fish as I kept two false percula clowns and a small watchman goby in the tank (along with the starfish) for a long time before an ich outbreak killed them....the starfish just keeps to itself (or hides inside the filter and comes out at feeding time) and feeds on the same pellets I fed the fish at the time. Seems too small and too slow to conceive it as a threat to fish...but I do appreciate the concerns.

07/16/2008, 01:59 PM	#14
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	I decided to scrap the green chromises as I know they need to be in odd-numbered groups and would not leave room for anything else in such sized tank..any additional feedback or suggestions on the fish?

07/16/2008, 02:17 PM	#15
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	Scrap all the fish on the list and go with a pair of maroon clowns. They are great. I have a pair in my 55 gal and they arent territorial at all. They arent aggresive either. Atleast I think I got really lucky with them. They are little pigs though lol. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/16/2008, 04:41 PM	#17
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	cool...I want to stay away from clownfish for now. The gobies & royal gramma seem like the better option so far. Any other species recommended?

07/16/2008, 07:51 PM	#18
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	This is the infamous starfish Still can't make up my mind about the fish!!

07/16/2008, 09:56 PM	#19
MinnFish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home of 10,000 lakes Posts: 917	This is the green beast, i was referring to.

07/16/2008, 10:05 PM	#20
Bertico78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 25	ahhh...thank god mine isn't it! So far I've narrowed down to either or both gobies, royal gramma, or six-line wrasse....but I'm still open for suggestions!