Invert stocking guidelines... Help a sista out.

Gluestick · 08/31/2006, 08:15 PM

I know that there are guidelines for stocking fish, so many inches per gallon. I don't plan on adding any more fish, however, I would like to add a lot of inverts. Shrimp, an urchin, a serpent star, etc... Are there "rules" for stocking? I don't want to overstock my tank.
Also, I know that only bad things happen fast. Is this true with invert and coral stocking? Thanks so much. I would like to place an order online, but due to the shipping, I am going to get a few things. I just don't want to add too much too fast!
Thanks a ton!
Valerie

MJAnderson · 08/31/2006, 09:38 PM

You mentioned not adding any more fish. Does that mean you already have a stable tank? Is there a need for more inverts are are you looking for some cooler looking ones to add to the tank.

If it's stable and you don't have a ton of algae growth and the tank stays clean, adding cleanup crew will just mean that something else will die since you're feeding as much as your current crew needs.

If you're just looking for neat stuff, I like Pom Pom crabs. They are filter feeders. An urchin will eat algae, including corraline. One in a good size tank won't strip it bare, but it will take it's toll. Stars are cool. Fromia don't get very large and I think look neat. Harlequin stars (sp?) too.

BurntOutReefer · 08/31/2006, 09:42 PM

and also dont forget...if it eats...it adds nitrates.....

UGA XI · 08/31/2006, 11:56 PM

I agree... If the tank is stable you really have to watch what you add, or it could lead to disaster. If you do add anything else which consumes algae think about buying some algae sheets in case you notice some of your critters dying.

08/31/2006, 08:15 PM	#1
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	Invert stocking guidelines... Help a sista out. I know that there are guidelines for stocking fish, so many inches per gallon. I don't plan on adding any more fish, however, I would like to add a lot of inverts. Shrimp, an urchin, a serpent star, etc... Are there "rules" for stocking? I don't want to overstock my tank. Also, I know that only bad things happen fast. Is this true with invert and coral stocking? Thanks so much. I would like to place an order online, but due to the shipping, I am going to get a few things. I just don't want to add too much too fast! Thanks a ton! Valerie __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

08/31/2006, 09:38 PM	#2
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	You mentioned not adding any more fish. Does that mean you already have a stable tank? Is there a need for more inverts are are you looking for some cooler looking ones to add to the tank. If it's stable and you don't have a ton of algae growth and the tank stays clean, adding cleanup crew will just mean that something else will die since you're feeding as much as your current crew needs. If you're just looking for neat stuff, I like Pom Pom crabs. They are filter feeders. An urchin will eat algae, including corraline. One in a good size tank won't strip it bare, but it will take it's toll. Stars are cool. Fromia don't get very large and I think look neat. Harlequin stars (sp?) too.

08/31/2006, 09:42 PM	#3
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	and also dont forget...if it eats...it adds nitrates.....

08/31/2006, 11:56 PM	#4
UGA XI Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 73	I agree... If the tank is stable you really have to watch what you add, or it could lead to disaster. If you do add anything else which consumes algae think about buying some algae sheets in case you notice some of your critters dying.