FAQs about Fish-Only Marine System Stocking
3
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Small Marine Aquariums
Book 1:
Invertebrates, Algae
New
Print and
eBook on Amazon:
by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
Small Marine Aquariums
Book 2: Fishes
New
Print and
eBook on Amazon: by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
Small Marine Aquariums Book 3: Systems
New
Print and
eBook on Amazon:
by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
Hi Bob,
I am new to the hobby. I have owned a fairly small aquarium that
has run for about a year, but now I would like to set up a large
fish-only aquarium. I am more interested in the movement and
colour of the fish than corals to be honest. From what I have
read I would like to use live rock, a protein skimmer and UV
sterilizer, all housed in a sump underneath the main display. I
want to do as much research as possible before I actually buy the
tank and I have included a list of fish that I would like to
keep:
1 x Miniata Grouper
1 x Volitans Lionfish
1 x French Angelfish
2 x Scribbled Angelfish- I have seen a few as pairs
5 x Yellow Tangs
1 x Sohal Tang
The tank size I was considering was 90' x 24' x 30'
which I think would give me around 970 litres in volume. Do you
have any suggestions for maybe some other fish that could be
added? Or anything I should watch out for when operating an
aquarium this large?
Thanks in advance
Dave Cookson
A: Hello Dave!
It is indeed gratifying to find that you are doing so much
investigating, planning ahead of your actual purchase of gear and
livestock. I am totally in agreement with your choice of locating
the 'mechanicals' (Protein Skimmer, UV) down below in
your sump, but I encourage you to place at least some of the live
rock in your main display'¦ for food, filtration and
ornamental use.
As to the proposed livestock though'¦ I do have some
strong reservations re what you list. Specifically, the addition
of two Scribbled Angels I would be careful re'¦ It is
so, as you state, that two can be kept in one system (of good
size), given that they already are familiar, and/or you start
them off very small (5-10 cm.) overall'¦ Given my
reservation, I might still try the two Scribbleds'¦
but if so, would leave out the large Atlantic Angel (the
French)'¦ Both species of Angels can grow very large
over time. Yellow Tangs do occur in schools, particularly in
small to medium sizes we keep in aquariums (plate-sized adults
tend to be more solitary), however, these Surgeons do tend to be
too picky amongst themselves in groups in captivity, even in such
large volumes are you intend. Hence, I urge you to limit their
numbers here to three at most'¦ Perhaps
adding/substituting a Purple Tang of the same genus for colour
and interest.
Lastly, I urge caution with the choice of the Sohal'¦
this is a really 'alpha' 'ALPHA' fish that MUST
be the dominant fish in any hobbyist-sized system in time. I
would look to other Tang possibilities'¦ in the same
genus (Acanthurus) or perhaps a Paracanthurus (Blue Tang).
I do like the stated 'shape' of your planned
system'¦ but if there is space, want to encourage you
to consider making the width a bit greater, even switching the
height for the width if total volume, weight is a concern. More
surface area as opposed to height will work in you and your
livestock's favour, making aquascaping and maintenance far
less a chore, I assure you. Concerning the question re
maintenance of large systems; you will happily find that bigger
tanks are actually much less work, far more stable than
smaller'¦ I do encourage the usual 'first
set-up' testing of water quality here'¦ And for
you to delve into adding maybe another tied-in sump for having a
good-sized DSB, macro-algae culture with a reversed (to your main
systems) light photoperiod arrangement. Otherwise, I am very sure
you will find (and enjoy!) the same sorts of activities with your
larger system as the smaller, just on a grander scale.
|
stocking, FO -- 10/11/10
Hi all
<Jim>
Well my quarantine tank is soon to be set up. I am going to cycle it
with live rock and prepare for my next fish addition.
I have a stocking regime planned out but have several questions
regarding compatibility. I have been reefing for a while but I always
like to ask before I go ahead as I feel I can get a broader level of
feedback.
<Good>
My system is 130 gallon with a sump. 2 foot x 18 inches by 6 foot. I
have worked out this will allow me about 25 inches of fish in
total.
<Mmm, not one 25" fish...>
currently I have 2 red sea clowns and 1 Assasi trigger. total about 17
inches (assuming trigger grows to 9 inches).
As I am thinking of keeping inverts at some point ( know the trigger
has to be watched) I would like the following fish as the tank
matures
1 purple tang Zebrasoma xanthurum
1 flame angel and possibly some dither fish (damsels).
Is this the maximum amount of life for this size tank do you feel? I am
considering an eight foot tank in a few years.
Cheers Jim
<I consider these very nice additions. BobF>
Marine Tank Fish Compatibility 10/6/10
Dear WWM Crew,
<Hello Kira>
I am setting up a 120 gallon marine fish tank.
<Oohh.. the planning stages.. I bet this list has changed a hundred
times!>
I would like to put the following fish into this tank:
1. Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus)
<The 'better' powder brown>
2. Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
3. Red Diana Hogfish (Bodianus diana)..
<Can be aggressive, very active>
4. Radiata Lionfish (Pterois radiata)
<A shy species.. will struggle to feed in this mix>
5. Spiny Box Puffer (Chilomycterus schoepfi)
<Mmm, not enough space for all these.. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/diodontpuffers.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/burrfishcompfaqs.htm >
6. Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)
<I would not. A huge and rambunctious fish>
7. Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum)
<Definitely not>
8. Wolf Eel (Congrogadus subduscens)
<Possibly yes, but might get poked by the lion.. and is another
aggressive feeder, very intelligent, and will steal the food that you
are trying to feed to the Lion>
According to my research, these fish can all be in the same tank.
<Mmmm, in a tank hundreds of gallons, sans the Clown Trigger, maybe.
But this Lion in particular will not get on here.>
When fully grown these fish will total 98 inches.
<Yes, with your tank at about 60? If you visualise this, then it
looks kind of silly... Also, by this I assume you have been reading
about 'inches of fish per gallon'? Not a useful measure by any
means, as it does not take into account the mass of larger fish. A 12
inch fish might only be 12 x the length of a 1 inch fish, but it will
be hundreds of times bigger in body mass>
I am looking for advice and opinions on these fish. Do I need to put
certain ones in the tank first?
<The Radiata should be first for sure.. this fish does not feed well
to begin with, and will struggle to eat at all with puffers and
triggers galore. This is a gentle and shy Lion species, although in my
opinion the most beautiful of all. I would only introduce other fishes
once this fish is feeding well from a stick or tongs>
Are there any fish that simply will not work with the other fish on the
list?
<Yes, the Balistids, the puffer & wrasses & the Congrogadus
are too much for this, and most other Lionfishes. You need to decide
which is more important to you. If it were me I would go for this Lion,
as it is gorgeous, introduced first, the tang next and the Rhinecanthus
last after the Lion is feeding well, and I would leave the rest in this
volume. These three would make a beautiful group that should get on
well. Either way, three-four of these med-large fish is about
'it' here>
Are any of them
notorious for anything in particular?
<Balistoides conspicillum is better kept by itself, it can be a
total terror>
I would greatly appreciate any help and advice you can provide.
<No problem>
Thank you,
KL
<Simon>
Re: stocking, FOs 9/7/2010
Dear WWM Crew,
<John>
Thank you for all your past, present, and future help. I have redone my
stocking list over and over. This is what I have come up with. I
promise you this is the last email on this subject. Please read over my
list and tell me if you think this will work. It seems I'm having
the most problem placing my Sail Fin Tang. I know my 125gal. is border
line for this fish.
If you don't think this will work I will have to sell him.
<Eventually this fish may be too large, likely too
"dominant" for this size/shape volume... but this may take a
few years w/ careful feeding...>
Here is my new list :
215gal.
Koran Angel 6"
Kline Butterfly 3-4"
Pink Tail Trigger 5"
Cuban Hogfish 5"
One Spot Rabbit 5"
Falco Hawk Fish 3"
Green Mandarin 3"
<Keep your eye/s on to make sure it's getting sufficient
food>
2- Ocellaris Clown 2"
3- Green Chromis 2"
Hippo Tang 5-6"
Yellow Tang 5"
125gal.
Picasso Trigger 3-4"
Sail Fin Tang 5-6"
Engineer Goby 6"
Lemon Peel Angel 4"
Eblii Angel 3-4"
Tomato Clown 4"
90gal. (Reef Safe)
Hawk Fish 3-4"
Lemon Damsel 2"
Diadem Dottyback 2-3"
Kole Tang 4"
PJ Cardinal 3"
Pink Spotted Goby 3"
Flame Angel 4"
2- Cleaner Shrimp
And I have one more fish that I can't seem to place. If you
don't think there is a safe spot for him, I will get rid of him.
(Heraldi Angel 4" )
<Could be tried in the largest tank...>
I did my best. Thank you once again for all your patience. I would
definitely be lost without your website. You guys are the best.
Thanks,
John
<Welcome. BobF>
Re: fish <only SW> selection 7/20/10
Bob,
<Big B>
Thanks for your insights. Ditching the Dascyllus may indeed be my best
option.
<Yes>
Having this fish severely limits my stocking choices, since I don't
believe very many fish exist that are so overtly aggressive. Plus
I'm sure that keeping this fish definitely diminishes the odds of a
new addition's survival, especially for the first few days or so.
My Dascyllus instantly goes after any new addition, fearless and
pugnacious, regardless of the size mismatch. Not a second goes by.
First he (she?) inspects the new fish at close quarters for a few
seconds, then goes right into the vertical swimming maneuvers.
I may have to concede that with only 2 fish my 55-gallon tank may be
completely stocked. I would have to recommend from my experience that a
2-inch Dascyllus needs at least 40 gallons of his own space where no
other
fish dare to enter. Ever heard of a 20 gallons per inch of fish rule?
My Dascyllus thinks he owns the whole 55-gallon tank.
So I'm guessing from your recommendation to ditch the lil guy
(girl?) that it's pretty hopeless to find a suitable tankmate for
him. My Blue Damsel has been with him for about 19 months now, and is
in very good health, but
I guess that the story may have been different if I had not also bought
a Yellowtail Blue Damsel at the same time to bear most of the brunt of
the harassment during the initial months. From what I've seen, most
fish get used to each other over time, as evidenced by my Angels
ignoring the Dascyllus's harassment after only a short time. But I
also realize that any new addition is going to be harassed for the
first few hours pretty steadily, and that's not good for their odds
of survival.
So I'm going to have to think about other stocking alternatives,
like what to get if I do ditch the Damsel(s), but you're really not
making this very easy for me. I've read many related pages and
thought a lot about this, but I still can't find what I think is a
suitable tankmate for my Dascyllus. I wanted an addition and I'm
ending up with a subtraction. I was hoping you would simply recommend a
few fish, but I guess that's not your style. That's fine- I
guess self-discovery is good.
<... there are many choices... Again... you should read>
Well, I thank you once again for your help. Your efforts make the hobby
worthwhile and a lot less frustrating for many of us. I'll keep
reading, learning, and thinking about this one for now. I'll let
you know what I decide.
Bryan
<Real good. BobF>
Re: fish selection, ref., reading on WWM
7/20/10
Bob,
<Bry>
Thanks for your quick response. You guys do great work, and I really
appreciate your advice.
So I'm thinking that maybe a Flame Angel would be
a good fish to try.
<For a/the 55 gallon? Not really. Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/centropyge/loricula.htm
and the linked files above, particularly the System FAQs>
What are my odds with this fish? The fish that I have currently (one
3-stripe Damsel and one Blue Damsel) have left alone the other pygmy
angels that I've added in the past (after instantly being very
curious and trying very hard to bully the new fish for the first few
hours, to no avail). So I'm thinking they would probably leave the
Flame Angel alone after a few hours as well.
<Not likely>
Man, that 3-Stripe Damsel is a monster. Aggressive
isn't the word.
Relentless is more like it. Severe attitude problems, psychosis maybe.
I had a Yellow Tail Blue Damsel, and my 3-Stripe Damsel would
incessantly (all day long, constantly, endlessly) harass the smaller
fish until it finally gave up and died. What's worse is that the
Blue Damsel would chase it, too. It had to hover all day in one small
corner of the tank, near the surface. I was really surprised that it
lived for over 3 months. Now the 3-Stripe occasionally chases the Blue
Damsel (its only remaining tankmate), but not all that often. And I
haven't seen any of the vertical swimming behavior (aggressive tail
flashes) out of the 3-Stripe in well over 7 months (not at all, not
since the Coral Beauty died). BTW, the Coral Beauty started to ignore
that behavior after only a short while (less than an hour). So I think
the 3-Stripe for the most part abandoned harassing the Coral Beauty
only because she was ignoring it so well. It still tried occasionally,
probably because it instinctively feels a need to harass something. But
for the most part they would swim in close proximity with no problems,
the Angel always grazing and never defensive, always aloof.
But then the Coral Beauty died suddenly for no apparent reason, after
living with the Damsels for over 6 months.
So a while later I got a Keyhole Angel, and it was a very vibrant fish
at the LFS. Then it died within two days of bringing it home. BTW, this
fish was purchased for $15, about half the normal price. Do you think
that maybe there was something wrong with it?
<... possibly>
It seemed incredibly energetic and healthy at the LFS. I could see
nothing wrong with it after looking very carefully. Maybe I'm wrong
in thinking I'm to blame for this fish's demise - ? Hmmm.
So I'm thinking that a small Flame Angel would be worth a try.
These are normally aggressive enough to endure a couple of extra-cranky
Damsels, right? What's your opinion?
<Read on... I would ditch the Dascyllus... trade it in>
Finally, if you think that this is a favorable selection, what else can
I do to improve its odds of survival?
<... see WWM re>
How can I select the best specimen?
<This is also posted>
Quarantine for how long? Acclimate for how long? Extra swimming space
or lots of algae and live rock to graze on? I guess you'll probably
just tell me to read up on it. Ha. I intend to.
Thanks again for the feedback and all your efforts on my behalf.
Bryan
<Please learn to/use the search tool, indices ahead of writing. What
you ask re is archived on WWM. BobF>
Possible stocking option... 56 gal. "column"...
Damsels, including Premnas crosses - 5/22/10
Hey there crew.
<Chris>
I've had a few questions answered by the kind folks there before
but I'm unsure about something and frankly there isn't very
much info because from what I understand either no one has done it, or
no one had success with it.
Anyway, I have a standard 56 gallon column and so far I've fallen
in love with a pair of maroon clownfish at my LFS. They are neon
orange, frankly more orange than most Percula.
<These are very likely crosses... Marulas... See WWM re
Premnas>
They are also tank raised, which makes me feel a little better about
our oceans. As tank mates I'm considering
Neoglyphidodon nigroris mainly known as black and gold Chromis, as well
as yellow tail blue
damsels. I'm not sure what kind of quantity I could have of these
fish, which is one of my main questions.
<How "column" wise is this system? It may be the Clowns
are about all that will go here fish-wise>
My wife also likes some of the smaller puffers, mainly the blue spotted
and Valentini puffers,
<Mmm, no... too nippy for this shape, volume tank>
but I'm not sure if these fish are assertive enough to handle being
in an environment with damsels and maroon clowns. As I said it seems
one of the mysteries of saltwater aquarium keeping what can be done
with damsels as the focal point of an aquarium.
<Need a larger world if keeping these... there are a few genera of
Pomacentrids that are suitable for small volumes, of these a handful of
species offered from time to time in the trade... again, gone over,
archived on WWM>
Thank you very much in advance for your assistance and keep up the
great work helping all of us who know so much less :)
Chris
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: Possible stocking option, FO, Damsels -
5/22/10
Hey Bob,
<Chris>
Thank you for the fast response.
<Welcome>
The 56 column dimensions are 30 x 18 x 24. I am well aware that maroons
get large and are truly on the mean side of the spectrum which is why I
wanted to add something aggressive enough to go with them. I've had
yellow tail
blue damsels previously without issue, although I did learn the lesson
that a 5 gallon quarantine is not big enough for 2.
<Ah yes>
Either way, I feel the YTBD would be a nice contrast to the orange
clowns, and then if there were room physically, psychologically, and
territorially, etc, I'd like to find one more species of fish
because I'd like to have more than 2 species if possible.
<Oh, there are many other choices... Hawkfishes, Pseudochromids,
Blennioids of many sorts...>
There is a member of my local reefkeeping club who has told me that I
either need to get all one species with damsels, or get all different
species (i.e. 1 of each) and I wanted to get your opinion on which
method is better.
<Actually, there are species, whole genera that such guidelines can
be applied to. Most Chromis are shoaling and Abudefduf solitary for
instance>
Lastly, being these are all reef safe, I was hoping to get some ideas
of what kind of corals would be suitable for my current lighting.
The tank is 24" of water deep, I have a 175W MH bulb with a
"spider" reflector, and the light sits 6 or so inches off the
water. The only coral's I've had in the tank were mushrooms
which did well as long as they weren't all the
way on the sand. My 20 gallon reef (2 percula clowns, 1 indigo
Dottyback, 1 pink/blue spotted goby in there) has mostly SPS, so I
would probably like to do mostly LPS if you think this is enough
lighting for that?
<Yes... most all will do fine w/ PAR values near 100 or higher...
this lighting set-up should produce more than this at the
bottom>
Thank you guys again
<Again, welcome. BobF>
Panther Grouper system, FO stkg. 5/18/10
Hello Crew! I got a new 220 gallon system cycled and running smoothly
with a 45 gallon trickle filter and a turbo twist UV sterilizer. I
currently have two fish in here. They are a 3.5 inch volitans lion and
a 3 inch emperor angel. I have noticed that my angel hides a lot and
breathes quite heavily from time to time.
<... how "new" is this Pomacanthus? Did you "rest
it" in quarantine, isolation ahead of placing it in the
main/display system?>
But is bright colored and looks healthy with no visible signs of
parasites. I have had him a little over a week now.
<Oh, it's very new>
I have a list of fish that I would like to stock in here with them, but
want to run it by you guys first and get your opinion before I make any
mistakes. I am wanting to stock a yellow long nose butterfly, a tank
raised hippo tang, a blue throat or Picasso trigger, and a panther
grouper.
<This last will get very large... faster than all else that will get
bigger>
All within the 3 inch range. I would not add anymore than these six
fish for about six months or so. Just to give the system more time to
mature.
The only one that concerns me is the panther grouper. When I think
grouper, I think,
eats everything and produces alot
<No such word>
of waste! My girlfriend loves them but I need to know if it can be
housed in this tank long term and safely with other fish.
<Likely half to a full year you should have no problem/s>
I would like to pick your brain one more time if you don't mind.
She would like to have a queen angel in there too if possible.
<Not good to mix w/ the Emperor, or alternatively, better to crowd
with other Pomacanthids, marine fishes if so>
I didn't know if a Pomacanthus and holocanthus would coexist
together in this size tank.
Thank you for all of your help,
Shea
<Welcome! Bob Fenner>
Porcupine Puffer Compatability... overstocked FO
4/6/10
Hi Everyone! First off, if Anthony is reading this, it was great
meeting you in Cincinnati last year. I am really enjoying your books!
It's so nice to read fish books with humor.
I have a 180 gallon aquarium with a Bird Wrasse (Jerry), One Spot
Foxface (Vixen), Snowflake Eel (Flotsam), Carpet Eel Blenny (Jetsam),
Naso Tang (no name yet), Emperor Angel (no name yet),
<Will need more room in time>
Volitans Lionfish (no name yet), and Porcupine Puffer (too new for a
name yet). Everyone gets along great! I am hoping to add one more fish.
I'd like a stingray.
<A poor idea... not compatible, nor is there room here>
The other option I'm looking at is a Columbian/black fin shark.
<A social species... and again, this system is about "all full
up">
I've heard puffers don't get along with sharks, but these are
really catfish. I've seen these "sharks" at a local pet
store adjusted for full saltwater.
<At "size", these are marine organisms. Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_7/volume_7_1/ariidae.html
and the linked files at the bottom>
This kind of raises red flags for me in a way, because they are really
brackish fish, not saltwater. What do you think?
<That you should read>
pH - 8.2
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - between 0 and 0.25
Nitrate - 0
Salinity - 1.022
<Too low. Please see WWM re this as well>
I do 10% water changes every week.
Carrie Lynn DeWeese
<Bob Fenner>
Fish Compatibility/Marine Fish/Compatibility, 70 gal., FO
3/30/10
Hello friends ...
<Daniel>
I'm planning to keep the following fish in an aquarium of 70
gallons:
-Longnose Butterfly
-Singapure <Singapore or Vermiculated Angelfish> angel
<This fish can be very difficult to acclimate. Do make sure you
witness the fish eating before buying and has no caved in
stomach.>
-Flame angel
-Starcki damsel
<Is one of the lesser aggressive damsels.>
The questions are as follows:
1) The tank has enough space?
<Borderline with the Longnose and Singapore.>
2) They are compatible?
<Yes, with the Flame Angel going in last.>
3) What would be the best sequence of introduction?
<The Singapore Angel should go in first, and ensure the Singapore is
eating well and fattening up before introducing any other fish to the
system.
Then introduce the Longnose, damsel, and Flame Angel.>
4) What is the greatest difficulty in keeping these animals
together?
<As I mentioned, the Singapore Angel can be difficult to acclimate
to prepared foods, and this
fish, along with the butterfly and Flame Angel have a better chance of
acclimating when introduced to established systems (6-12 months) with
plenty of quality live rock.>
Thanks for your help!
<You're welcome, and please search our site before writing, as
answers to many of your questions can be found there. James (Salty
Dog)>
Regards
Stuginski
Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking, and comp.
f' -- 03/23/10
Hi all!
<<Howdy Chris!>>
I have been reading up on all the info you have on Watanabei Angels -
So far I have learned that that my 90 gallon (with 20 gallon sump and
refugium) would be the absolute minimum tank that I could keep one
in,
<<Agreed'¦and then, not too heavily
stocked>>
and that my yellow tang may be a bit territorial at first.
<<Indeed'¦likely some 'chasing about' of the
new comer>>
I am very curious to know whether the yellow tang along with:
1 flame angel
4 clownfish
1 Sixline wrasse
1 Firefish goby
2 neon gobies
Would cause me to be overstocked?
<<Could work'¦though you're right on the edge of
the envelope I think>>
Would any combination of the above fish just be too much for the
Watanabei to handle in order for it to be happy?
<<Ah yes'¦ The Flame Angel may prove to be more
problematic than the Yellow Tang'¦likely best to decide on
one Angel over the other>>
Thanks so much,
Chris K.
<<Happy to share'¦ EricR>>
Re: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
03/26/10
Hi Eric!
<<Hey Chris!>>
Thanks for the info --
<<Quite welcome>>
I thought the rule of thumb was to never keep more than one dwarf angel
in the same tank - that is why I began looking at the larger (but not
TOO large) angels.
<<It can be done (I/others have kept multiple species or pairs in
the same system on more than one occasion) but much relies on the size
and composition of the system, the experience of the hobbyist, and even
the individualities of the fishes>>
But in reality - it seems best to stick with only one angel per tank
period.
<<In this instance/system'¦yes, very likely
so>>
I am so grateful that there is a place to ask these types of
questions!
<<We are happy to be here. Cheers, EricR>>
R2: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
03/26/10
Boy! A girl just can't seem to get a break on adding a blue colored
fish to her aquarium!
<<Ah yes'¦best considered in the early planning stages
'before' any stocking of the tank>>
But I will keep looking (and double checking with you guys) - one day I
will find a compatible one!
<<Hmmm, perhaps a Blue Assessor would suit you'¦though
that Sixline Wrasse may be an issue in this instance. But do check it
out, research compatibility/suitability to your system'¦is a
better choice than the Watanabei, in my opinion>>
Enjoy your day and thanks again for the response!!
<<And you too! EricR>>
R3: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
03/27/10
Actually just as an FYI - I thought I had it all planned out a long
time ago.
<<Oh?>>
My blue fish was going to be a yellow tail blue damsel which according
to my LFS would be "no problem" as long as I added it
last!
<<Mmm, I see'¦and you obviously learned
'otherwise'>>
So I have spent over two years trying to build my tank up slowly and
patiently. However, within that time I discovered your website and
learned that I was misinformed.
<<Ah!>>
And extremely grateful I am too - because there is a lot of bad
information out there from people who just want to sell you things
<<Unfortunately this is so'¦but there is also a wealth
of knowledge available from other sources. The onus is upon the
hobbyist to research differing sources and then use their own good
judgment to make a decision>>
- and this website has helped me through and saved me from many an
issue!
<<Redeeming to know>>
You guys are great and I know I can trust you.
<<Oh geez'¦pressure now [grin]>>
(So it's still "no" with the yellow tail blue huh.... ya
I know.)
<<Indeed'¦though the problem is as much the size of
your system as it is the fish, and the fact that you can't keep a
large shoal of these to spread aggression among conspecifics (keeping a
single individual in a small system only worsens things for the smaller
non-conspecifics present). There is a tropical West Atlantic endemic
Chromis species that is 'quite blue' and somewhat better
mannered than the Yellowtail Blue Damsel you sought'¦but the
same problem applies re the size of the system as these too still need
to be kept in groups, and also get considerably larger than the
somewhat small Chrysiptera species mentioned here. So, I guess the
point of this wandering long-winded reply is'¦ Yes, keep
searching [grin]. Cheers, Chris'¦ Eric Russell>>
R4: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
03/28/10
Yes the blue reef Chromis (?)
<<Indeed'¦Chromis cyanea>>
had my hopes up for a little while... Eric, I realize that this website
is a wonderful tool and is not to be wasted on "idol
chat."
<<No worries here Chris>>
If you are so inclined to indulge a frivolous question you may be able
to assist me for the future and possibly maintain my sanity.
<<Happy to try'¦>>
Simply put - does a safe compatibility even exist in a 90 gallon that
would allow me to have at least two clowns, a red (please say flame
angel),
<<Yes'¦and an excellent choice among the Centropyge
species in my opinion>>
Yellow (crossing my fingers for tang here),
<<The 90g is 'acceptable' for keeping Zebrasoma
flavissimus>> <flavescens>
and beautiful blue fish?
<<Herein lies the rub... Not because there are no blue fishes
available, but as you make mention, finding a 'compatible'
solution is key. I do believe you also have a Sixline Wrasse and a Fire
Goby in this system which also adds to the difficulty of finding a
'compatible' addition>>
Maybe that is the ultimate question that I need answered before I
continue my search. Perhaps it was never a realistic option to begin
with.
<<Not being able to 'keep everything I want' is the
reality captive care'¦with one's options obviously
limited by the size of their system>>
And now that I have for all intents and purposes painted myself into a
corner could you advise me on what I should/could have done differently
if I could enter the 'way back' machine, in order to obtain my
embarrassingly rudimentary goal?
<<Mmm, well'¦ Much could be discussed here, but in a
nutshell'¦ You seem to have had a definite idea of what you
wanted re the color palette of fishes so, your first step should have
been to research what was available to the hobby and then to research
and determine their compatibility AND their suitability to your planned
system type and size. In this case (as in many), the size of the system
seems to be the most limiting factor. If the size of the system
can't be adjusted (increased), then more often, concessions need be
made re fish selection>>
Maybe an example of what could work?
<<If going to a larger system is an option (ideally, a 6-foot
tank), doing so would make the addition of a few C. cyanea viable. If
not, perhaps learning to be satisfied with what you have is your best
route. But if you like, feel free to keep looking for other
ideas/possibilities and then bring them to me for
discussion>>
Thanks again for all your help!
<<I do wish I had a simpler and more satisfying answer for you.
Always welcome'¦ EricR>>
R5: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
03/29/10
Eric
<<Hiya Chris>>
- would clowns, flame angel, yellow tang and three yellow tail blue
damsels been compatible in my 90 gallon if that were all the fish I
had?
<<Yes and no'¦. Though the Damsels would likely be
little problem for the fishes you listed, it isn't likely they
would tolerate 'each other' well. Most likely, sooner or later,
the squabbling would end up with just the single dominant specimen
left. There are always exceptions, but it's not a good gamble (I
have seen the same happen in tanks twice the size of yours).
Keeping in mind of course that I do not plan to make any fish changes
because it would not be worth it to me
<<Ah'¦okay>>
- most of my fish, including the gobies came from my 46 gallon when I
upgraded (recently - like 3 months ago - and is punishable by certain
death if I attempt to upgrade again to a six footer anytime soon, or
possibly anytime ever (smile)!
<<Mmm, okay'¦hubby doesn't 'share the
passion,' eh>>
This all began because my son adopted 1 guppy from school 3 years ago.
My husband rues the day! I have a beautiful flow right now and I can
actually see the individual "personalities" of my fish.
Really, who could ask for more?
<<Then perhaps it is best you should not risk the upset of this
'balance'>>
I would not risk that for anything, not even the color blue.
<<Ah'¦well then'¦>>
But could it have ever been that simple?
<<Likely, no'¦>>
As for me - it looks like I am going to slap on a blue background and
call it a day!
<<Excellent!>>
In fact - I think I am going try to use blue Plexiglas and figure out a
way to backlight it.
<<Should prove interesting>>
That ought to keep me out of your hair for a while.
<<No worries here my friend>>
Eric, you guys
<<And gals!>>
are awesome!
<<We thank you for the kind words>>
Best regards, Chris K
<<And to you in kind'¦ Eric Russell>>
R6: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
04/01/10
Eric...
<<Hiya Chris>>
One more that I need to check out... Assessor
macneilli?
<<Ah yes, the Blue Assessor (I believe I mentioned this fish in
our first exchange)'¦can be pugnacious if
pressed'¦it may well be able to 'hold its own' in
your 90g with the Sixline and Flame Angel (these two fishes being the
most likely of the lot to be trouble here, in my opinion). Is a
beautiful fish'¦and a bit pricey too! It is a gamble still,
but I think the odds are better than 50% in favor of this working out
if your tank has plenty of escape routes and hiding places for the
newcomer to utilize until things settle down. Or better
yet'¦remove the Sixline and Flame Angel to temporary
quarters for a few days while the assessor settles in, if possible.
Cheers mate'¦ EricR>>
R7: Watanabei Angel...90g Stocking/Overstocking -
04/02/10
WOO HOO!!!!! I have so much rock and so many caves and hiding places!!
Sorry I missed you mentioning this in our first exchange - sometimes I
get too focused on one thing, eventually I catch up.
<<Ah'¦no worries my friend>>
Well this is something that I can perhaps begin to plan for in the
future. Setting up temporary quarters etc...
<<Indeed>>
Thanks again Eric
<<You are most welcome Chris>>
- I feel like I just won the lottery
<<I am pleased that you are pleased>>
- best to you all!!!!
<<And to you!>>
Chris K
<<If you are so inclined, somewhere down the road I would be
interested to know how things go'¦ Eric Russell>>
Henis and Pufferfish, FO stkg., incl. Nasos, Tetraodonts
3/28/10
Hello! I have a 120 gallon fish only tank that has been up for a little
over four years now. I currently have a 8-9 inch unicorn tang,
<Really needs more room than this>
12-13 inch stars and stripes puffer,
<This too>
and a 4-5 inch lawnmower blenny. Everyone gets a long famously and even
when I had some Sailfin tangs everyone got along well. Unfortunately my
Sailfin died at the whim of the intake for my filter
<Mmm, doubtful. Zebrasoma are powerful swimmers and very aware of
their worlds>
and are no longer present. Today in my LFS I saw a pair of Henis that I
would like to add.
<Mmm, no. You don't have room here. Psych- or
physiologically>
I've read that they are timid and my puffer can be territorial, but
is there a chance of this working if I do things slowly? Thanks P.S.
They're the acuminatus variety.
<I'd be shopping around, or planning on building a larger
system; even for just what you have now. Bob Fenner>
Re: Henis and Pufferfish, FO stkg.
Thank you for your advice! They are all going into a longer tank when I
move away from home.
<I would wait till then to add other/more fishes>
Not sure yet how big but they are.
<Whom?>
I guess the case with my Sailfins was unusual. I had a healthy mated
pair
<Mmm, not pairs>
for several days then one got stuck in the intake and the other died
about a month later. I assumed it was from heartbreak because it
gradually ate less and less and then died.
<I suspect the env.... Low DO very likely a contributing factor.
Acanthuroids need high dissolved oxygen... compared to the other fishes
listed. BobF>
Burrfish in a Predatory Fish-Only tank 2/19/10
Hi Wet Web Media.
My Dad has a 125-gallon tank with a Coral Catshark, a Snowflake Moray
Eel, and a Bass of some sort that we caught at Jones Beach.
<This tank is already overstocked. You will need more room as these
fishes, particularly the Shark, get larger>
The tank is run on 2 box filters, 1 Sand-Shark internal power filter, 1
Cascade 300 internal power filter, 1 Fluval 104 canister filter, 1
Fluval 105 canister filter, and 1 Fluval 304 canister filter. A large
amount of Cherrystone and Little Neck clams serve as biological protein
skimmers.
<Not skimmers, no>
There is only 2-3lbs of Live Rock, as using live rock is something new
to us. There is small hermit crab shell with 3 feather-duster worms of
3 different species, and Monti Cap, and a blue Zoanthid.
<Wow, you must be on top of water quality, maintenance>
Since the tank has very little action, we plan on buying a Striped
Burrfish for the tank.
<I would not>
We've had multiple puffers of the family Tetraodontidae, and none
of them have ever harmed the corals, but the
Striped Burrfish will be our first puffer from the Diodontidae family.
I'm worried that it will have different habits-will it harm the
corals?
<Possibly, yes; and chew/bite the two bottom dwelling fishes>
Even more concerned about-will it harm the feather-dusters? Oh and what
is the best food for it?
<Posted>
The fish in the tank are fed with Silversides and occasionally marine
flake food for the bass.
<It must be small currently>
I'm not worried about the eel-it hasn't touched another fish in
5 years. The shark has always eaten other fish, as he is nocturnal, but
has launched at the bass even while the lights are on. Will the puffer
get stressed easily and hurt itself by blowing up if the shark launches
at it?
<Might well spell the end for both>
I have read somewhere that Burrfishes are nocturnal themselves, but
I'm not sure. Please help me out.
Thanks,
Tyler
<You've obviously done some reading here... I would be remiss to
encourage this placement however small the present occupants are... Do
you have plans for larger quarters? Bob Fenner>
15/02/10 Adding additional livestock, FO, 125 gal.
2/15/10
Hi,
<Hi Danielle>
I have a 125 gallon tank. The livestock I currently have is as follows:
(1) One Spot Foxface, (2) False Percula Clowns, (1) Flame Angel, (1)
Purple Firefish & (1) Pearlscale Butterfly Fish.
<Nice!>
I would like to add a Purple Tang, a Powder Blue Tang & (2) more
False Percula Clowns. Will that be too much for my tank?
<Mmm, I would just add one of the tangs here -- will be
plenty>
Will the Purple and Powder Blue Tangs get along?
<Not necessarily. The A. Leucosternon can be a terrorist,
particularly with other algae eaters such as the Siganid & other
Tangs. You are more likely to have success with just the Zebrasoma
here. This is also a much hardier fish, coming out of the Indian Ocean
and Red Sea. Try to get one from the Red Sea if you can>
I read on a different site that, with tangs, compatibility depends on
the shape. Is it safe to follow that rule?
<No, this is not a rule. More like a vague generalisation that does
nothing for the hobby, the fishes or their keepers>
Thanks in advance for your help.
<No problem Danielle!>
Danielle
<Simon>
Stocking list, 150 gal., FO SW, esp. Muraenid Sel. --
01/28/10
So, I am 13 years old, I have a 150 gallon aquarium that is done
cycling and has this stocking list:
x1 harlequin Tuskfish
x1 snowflake moray eel
x1 yellow tang
x1 blackspotted puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus)
x1 Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
<As long as the trigger and the puffer leave the Snowflake eel
alone, and as long the fishes are large enough to avoid being eaten by
each other, this should work.>
I would like to know if that eel is good for my list. Also are there
any other good eels instead of the snowflake that is "easy to
keep", small and hardy?
<I would not recommend too small eels below a foot, because of the
trigger and the puffer. In the medium sized range there are -- aside
the Snowflake eel -- the Barred moray (Echidna polyzona) and the
Chainlink eel (Echidna catenata). A little more aggressive, but still
an option for not too small tank mates, are the Goldentail eel
(Gymnothorax miliaris) and the White-eyed moray (Gymnothorax griseus).
A little larger, but compatible with even small fishes is the Zebra
moray (Gymnomuraena zebra). Also see here for other moray eel species:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm . >
Thanks ps: thanks for the quick response!
<Welcome. Cheers, Marco.>
Stocking list II -- 01/29/10
So my stocking list is this:
x1 harlequin Tuskfish
x1 snowflake eel
x1 yellow tang
x1 blackspotted puffer
x1 Picasso triggerfish
I've decided I'll go with the snowflake. Now I was wondering if
I could put in a V-tail grouper?
<Cephalopholis urodelus should be possible in terms
of compatibility. However, your 150 gallon tank will become quite full.
You'll need very good filtration and regular water changes to keep
the water parameters in line as all these large fishes grow.>
Thanks again!
<Welcome. Marco.>
Re stocking list 1/30/10
Alright I think I'll pass on the grouper for my 150 gallon and stay
like this:
x1 harlequin Tuskfish
x1 snowflake eel
x1 yellow tang
x1 blackspotted puffer
x1 Picasso triggerfish
and add them in that order.
Thanks
<Sounds OK. If the moray eel is large, add it last. The other fishes
should have an adequate size to prevent them from being eaten by the
Echidna.
Also, have an eye on the puffer and the trigger with regard to the
eel's dorsal fin. Cheers, Marco.>
stocking list... Learning to help yourself
2/6/10
Thanks for the response
I won't have the drumfish for my 150 gallon.
I was having a look around at my LFS and I saw a juv. French angelfish
and my dad went bazzerk! he wanted it and so I asked around and other
people said I had to take away something. My list again:
1 harlequin tusk
1 yellow tang
1 blackspotted puffer
1 Picasso triggerfish
I want to add a French angel. Were would I put in this list? I took out
the eel, by the way.
Thanks, connor
<... Read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/gray&fr.htmand
the linked files above; and learn to/use the search tool/indices.
Bob
Fenner>
stocking list -- 3/6/10
I have made a new stocking list:
1 harlequin tusk
1 yellow tang, 2 Kole tangs,
1 niger trigger
1 raccoon Butterflyfish
Is this a good list? Can the yellow tang and Kole tangs get along?
Thanks
<... USE the site for these questions. BobF>
re: stocking list... more waste of bandwidth
3/8/2010
Thanks for the information Mike!
<Hi, no problem.>
Could I change the trigger (Melichthys Indicus)To another dwarf/regular
lion?
<Keeping more than one lion is not recommended, unless your tank is
huge (Hundreds of gallons) >
List
1 harlequin tusk(already have)
1 Russell's lionfish
1 purple tang
1 dwarf/regular lion?
1 freckled Hawkfish
My tank is 150 gallons.
Does the Melichthys Indicus have personality like the other triggers
(Picasso, clown)?
They tend to be a bit less aggressive than the other triggers., but if
you are referring to 'comical trigger tricks', yes, you
won't miss out on that.>
Thanks
<MikeV>
Re FO stocking list, Choerodon fasciata sel.
2/1/2010
Thanks Marco
<Welcome.>
I plan to get my snowflake eel for my 150 gallon tank at around
10" in size or bigger but around that size.
<Sounds good.>
Another question, my local fish store (lfs) says that they can get
harlequin Tuskfish from Vanuatu. Is this a good source?
<Generally, yes, since 2003. Depends a lot on the catchers and
wholesalers, but the ones from Vanuatu seem OK.>
They don't get Australian ones, don't know why...
<More expensive?>
my stocking list:
x1 harlequin Tuskfish
x1 snowflake eel
x1 yellow tang
x1 blackspotted puffer
x1 Picasso triggerfish
<Good luck. Marco.>
stocking list
Choerodon fasciatus - 02/01/10
I thank you for your advice
<You are welcome.>
my lfs don't get harlequin tusks from Australia because, ya, the
harlequins are to expensive and he could sell something for a lower
price that looked almost like the harlequin.
<Those are harlequin Tuskfishes, too. Just from a different country.
Still the same species: Choerodon fasciatus. There's a Northern and
a Southern population. The Southern ones appear to have a little more
blue, but in the
Northern population you'll also find specimens with blue stripes
next to the red stripes. And, the amount of blue increases with age in
general.>
What do you mean "it depends a lot on the catchers and
wholesalers"?
<In Australia catchers and wholesalers in general have a rather high
standard, which means the fish you get are caught carefully (without
poison) and treated properly. That's one reason why these fish are
more expensive, the other one is that Australia has higher wages than
many other countries we import our ornamental fishes from. Vanuatu in
general also has a high standard, but somewhat lower wages. Some
Indonesian catchers don't keep such a high standard, but if you
have good catcher and wholesalers you can get equally healthy
fishes.>
Last question, what coloration would the harlequin tusks from Vanuatu
have?
<Comparable to other locations, especially from the Southern Pacific
including Australia, with more blue. See here
http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/ThumbnailsSummary.php?ID=12722 and
here
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/choerodon/faciata.htm>
Thanks
<Welcome. Marco.>
Marine Set Up/Stocking Level... FO 12/10/09
Hi Team.
<Hello>
I have only just recently started to develop an interest in marine fish
and have had my first aquarium set up now for about a month (not
including cycling time of course) and up until now I have only been
gathering information from the owners of the aquarium shop I visit
(assuming their expertise would be sufficient) But I keep reading a lot
of information on the internet which is contradicting everything
I've been told by the staff in this store. I will explain my
problem and hope you will shed some light for me on this...
<Will try my best.>
My tank size is 40gallons (which I bought from their store as well) and
I only keep two fish in it. The first fish I was recommended was a
Volitans Lionfish (which was added after cycling the tank for two
months) and after two weeks of adding the lionfish I went back to the
store and they recommended a good fish mate would be a 'Sailfin
Tang'. These are both seemingly juveniles (they are nowhere near
the sizes I have now read they can reach) But it now seems from the
information I have read online that my tank is majorly undersized (and
after researching this site, it's what prompted me to write to
you).
These fish seem to get on perfectly well for the two weeks I have
currently had them together and I haven't noticed any acts of
aggression towards each other at all, they mainly just keep to
themselves and both eat different types of food (so there is no
competition for it) The tang is very active and just laps the tank
constantly (only shying away when I approach the tank a little too
quickly), whereas the lionfish just hides in a cave and only comes out
during feeding.
I am now worried that I will have to quickly upgrade my tanks size
(which I am prepared to do as these fish are just amazing) and have
read I will need at least a hundred gallon tank. The problem is I
won't be able to afford a
tank this size for about four months and so was wondering if my current
tank will sustain them for this period of time? (if I maintain it with
regular water changes etc) Or should I just take the fish back for an
exchange/refund? (which would be a bit embarrassing considering the
staff told me it would be fine)
I suppose I deserve it for only researching from one source at first,
but I don't want the fish to be affected by this as well.
Any advise on this situation would be great.
<Providing your filtration system (you did not mention) is up to
par, you should be fine with keeping just these two fish until larger
quarters becomes available.
Do ensure that your filtration system is capable of handling a larger
tank or this will need to be upgraded also. Sensitive fish, such as
your Sailfin Tang should not be introduced into systems with less than
6 months of operation/aging.>
Many Thanks.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Re Marine Set Up/Stocking Level, FO 12/11/09
I'm relieved too hear that my current tank will sustain the fish
for the next three/four months (thanks for letting me know) and I
apologies for not explaining the filtration system I have installed (so
I will do now for extra reassurance, hopefully)
The tank came with a internal filtration system already (but
unfortunately I do not know the details of this) and I also was advised
to buy a second external filtration system, which is called 'Eheim
Ecco Pro 130'
I have taken a reading using the test strips today and it read...
Nitrate: 20
Nitrite: 0
P.H: The colour seemed to indicate between 8.0 and 8.5
KH: 240
I also have two pieces of small live rock in the tank and perform 20%
water changes every two weeks (as well as taking out excess dried
shrimp daily that the lionfish fails to eat) I also feed the Sailfin
Tang 'Marine Flakes' and intend to buy a form of marine algae
for it as well.
With this new information, would you still say that I can maintain
healthy living condition for the two fish? (if I continue following the
same procedures I currently perform)
<I would add more live rock than what you have. Will aid in
denitrification as well as giving the tang a sense of security in the
form of retreats.>
Sorry for being a nuisance, but your expertise on this matter is
greatly appreciated.
<No nuisance, is what we are here for. I will provide you a link to
our marine index which will aid you in searching for information.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm>
Again many thanks.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Overstocking? 11/25/09
I really appreciate the time the WWM staff take to answer the questions
out there, so I'll make this short:
I have a 125 gal (6' long) reef tank with a 80 gal sump that I feel
I am done stocking, but I just want to make sure I am not overstocked,
or perhaps could even add more, as well as the likelihood of future
compatibility issues. I've gotten opinions from other saltwater
friends, LFS(s), as well as my own experience and researching...I just
want to make the final checkup because I trust your staff the most. I
am not really worried about bioload, as my sump is big, my skimmer is
excellent, and I never have water quality problems. I have:
1x Blue Throat Trigger (Male) - 5"
1x Purple Tang - 4"
1x Powder Blue Tang - 5"
1x Green Bird's Wrasse - 5"
1x Flame Angel - 3 1/2" to 4"
1x 6-line wrasse - 2"
2x B/W Occ Clowns - 1 1/2"
5x Blue Chromis - ~2"
1x Sand Sifter Goby - 3"
2x Banggai Cardinals - 1 1/2"
I plan on moving my Banggais and Clowns into my Seahorse Tank soon (55
gal), so my question probably has 2 parts to it: Are the fish fine
now?
<I do think likely so>
and...Once I move the Banggais and Clowns, will I have room to add
another fish (and if so, how big?). Thanks so much again.
-Aaron
<That's a bit more tricky. You may well have sufficient space
physiologically... but not psychologically; particularly over time,
with the present fishes developing a social dynamic here. Whatever is
added must be aware, not weak at all or unfamiliar with captive
foods/feeding (conditioned in quarantine)... and not occupy a niche the
present fishes do... perhaps a Jawfish, another bottom dweller would be
best here. Bob Fenner>
125 Gallon FO, stkg. -- 02/19/09
Hello Crew,
<Gordon>
Thank you for all your efforts!!!
<Welcome>
I presently have a Blue Angel and a Pakistani Butterfly in a 125 gallon
long. I fear that having the two fish will result in the Angel bullying
the butterfly.
<Mmm, might>
I was considering getting a tang or a shoal of Green Chromis to
"finish" the tank. I plan on upgrading to a larger tank as I
know the Blue Angel will out grow a 125. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Gordon
<I think both would go here... though the Angel may need larger
quarters in time... But the Chromis will add much interest to your
display, and both fish species will goodly serve as dither additions.
Bob Fenner>
Some Help Needed With Stocking my 150-gallon, FO SW
02/13/09
Hello to all,
First off I'd like to say how highly informative this site is to
me, and I've learned a lot about marine tank setups. I have some
questions, though. I'm setting up my very first saltwater tank,
which will be an LPS-dominated reef. The tank is 150 gallons, and
measures 48" long, 24" wide, and 30" high. Here is my
fish list so far:
5- Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
2-Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1- Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)
1-Coral Beauty Angel (Centropyge bispinosus)
1- Sixline Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)
1- Bicolor Blenny (Escenius bicolor)
<All these should be fine... a nice modest, reasonable list of
fishes...>
I'm hoping to add a larger fish to this mix, and here are my
candidates for consideration:
Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)or:
Pacific Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)or:
Foxface (Siganus vulpinus)
<These should all be fine too. The Foxface have a reputation for
getting a bit testy... but it might be ok in a large tank with enough
rockwork.>
What do you guys think? I'd definitely want what's best for my
fish, and don't want to overcrowd. Which of these three would be
best for my setup?
Or if none of these would do, I'll more than welcome suggestions
for alternatives. Thank you so much in advance.
Sincerely,
Shannon
Old Bridge, NJ
<Cheers,
Sara M.>
Wrasse compatibility? Untenable FO mix - 02/08/09
Hi, <Hello Garrett> I have a 125 gallon aquarium I'm getting
ready to set up with a 40 gallon sump, skimmer and probably a 100
pounds of live rock with 3 inches of live sand. My question for you is;
are a "Thalassoma lunare" Lunar Wrasse and a
"Novaculichthys taeniourus" Dragon Wrasse compatible?
<Likely so, yes> Some of the other fish I want to add are a
"Balistoides conspicillum" Clown Trigger, <Umm, not this,
no> "Pterois Volitans" Lionfish, "Calloplesiops
Altivelis" Marine Betta, "Forcipiger Flavissimus" Yellow
Longnose Butterfly" ,"Pomacanthus navarchus" Majestic
Angel <Nor this here either.> and "Echidna Nebulosa"
Snowflake Moray Eel. Other than the fact that I might be pushing the
limits on my tank with so many fish, are there any possible issues you
could see here? <Yep. Please see WWM (FAQs, articles) re the
Systems, Compatibility of what you list... This mix won't go
here> Any help with this would be awesome. Thanks. Garrett <Keep
reading. Bob Fenner>
Overstocking Insanity 12/25/08 This is an ad I just
copied off of craigslist... These are just the fish currently "for
sale"... Sadly, there is even a Sailfin Tang in the photo... I
guess he's keeping that one. I'm half-tempted to make an offer
so I can save them and donate to my LFS. He wont even split them up?
What the hell? Know anyone with a 1000g tank looking for a package
deal? Or do you think North Hollywood Animal Police handles fish
cruelty calls? And I thought I was overstocked. As Bob would likely
say... "Yikes". Reply to: comm-967601341@craigslist.org
[?]Date: 2008-12-22, 4:53PM PSTI have had my saltwater tank set up for
more than a year and some of my fish have outgrown my tank and its time
for them to move on to a bigger tank I have a 80g tank and here are the
fish I have for sale. 1 bamboo shark, 1 Picasso trigger, 1 nigger
trigger,1 snowflake eel, 1 Lunare wrasse, 1 star and stripped puffer
and 2 volitans lions one black and one red . Ill be taking offer and
the highest one take them all must be adopted together. All of my fish
are 5-6" and shark is about 11" and the eel is about
16". <Oh buoy! Makes me wonder just how many gallons of water
are actually here. Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>
Small Predator Tank, stkg. 12/15/08 I am trying to
plan my return to the marine aquarium world and I wanted to see if I am
on the right track. A tank full of small aggressive fish sounds to me
like a particularly interesting idea as I always liked Damsels,
Groupers and Triggers. So I thought I would see your thoughts on the
following stocking list, in the order I plan to stock them: 1 Blue
Hamlet (Hypoplectrus gemma' max size 5") 1 Dwarf
Lionfish(Probably Dendrochirus barberi max size 7") <Mmm, may
swallow some of its tankmates...> 1 Hawkfish(probably
Cyprinocirrhites polyactis max size 5") 1 Whitetail
Trigger(Sufflamen albicaudatum max size 8.5") 1
Pseudochromis(probably Pseudochromis splendens max size 5") <A
good choice in this family> 1 Large Damselfish(probably Dascyllus
trimaculatus max size 5") <Can be a terror... even biting
you!> First, are there any irreconcilable differences between any of
these fish? <Mmm, none tremendously overt... given room,
habitat...> I realize that with fish this aggressive there may be
one fish that refuses any company whatsoever, but is there at least a
reasonable probability of it working? <Yes... in the 125 I see you
are proposing below> As far as I can tell they are all big enough to
avoid being lunch for the Dwarf Lionfish provided I buy them while
larger than three inches. The other issue I would worry about is the
Trigger harassing the Lionfish or the Hamlet to death, but from what I
read this is one of the triggers that is sometimes kept in reefs, which
makes me suspect that interaction will be fine. <As Triggerfishes go
the genus Sufflamen are rather mellow. Getting food to the Lion here
should not be insurmountable> Then there is the issue of tank size.
Does a 125 gallon seem reasonable for this? <Yes> When introduced
this is about 20 inches of medium sized fish, when adults it is about
35 inches. <And these fishes won't get this large here, ever>
That leaves 1 inch per 3.5 gallons as adults, to me that sounds
reasonable since in my experience I rarely get everything in the tank
at an adult size at the same time. Reaching a psychological limit seems
more likely, but enough caves seems like it should handle that problem.
<You exhibit wisdom, patience and intelligence here...> As for
filtration I was thinking a large skimmer, a refugium with a deep sand
bed, and if it proves necessary perhaps a wet-dry system. Thanks Jesse
<Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>
Identification help? And a whole lot more!, Shroom, and
stkg.... FO SW, & coral lighting...
12/02/08 Hi crew again-- <Hello, Mich
here.> For the purpose of trying to get as many questions
asked/answered with one email, please bear with me! <No
worries.> I am attaching a picture of what I believe may be a
Ricordea mushroom, but I cannot tell. <Looks like a Ricordea
yuma to me.> This mushroom hitchhiked in on a piece of live
rock. It has "split" once. It does much better under
actinic lighting and closer to the lighting than the other
mushrooms I have in my tank. <Ricordea are often found in
shallow waters.> I have also invested in the Pocket Expert
Guide to Marine Fishes by Scott Michael and the 101 Best
Saltwater Fishes by Scott Michael. I also purchased the Pocket
Expert Guide to Marine Invertebrates by Dr. Ronald Shimek. My
next purchase will be the Conscientious Marine Aquarist. <All
four are excellent books! You are very wise to spend some money
on educating yourself. These books are well worth the money and
very useful tools. Congrats to you.> The first three books
have helped me immensely on planning the rest of my current 75
gallon tank as well as my preparations to begin setup on a 55
gallon tank and a 30 gallon tank. My 75 gallon will be my reef
tank and the 55 gallon will be an aggressive fish only tank. The
30 gallon will be a peaceful fish only tank. Can I ask your
suggestions on my list of what I want to put in the 55 gallon?
Also what to put in the 30 (below)? <Sure, though I will defer
here to ScottF. as he is more knowledgeable in this subject
area.> I would like to put in the 55 gallon: <Hi! Scott F.
chiming in...> 1 Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus)
<Yikes! In a 55?> 1 Volitans Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
<Oh my!> 1 Scimitar (Bursa) Triggerfish (Sufflamen bursa)
<Please, no! You're killing me.> 1 eel (I am undecided
on a type here) either a Whitemouth Moray (Gymnothorax meleagris)
or a Zebra Moray (Gymnomuraena zebra) or possibly a Snowflake
Moray (Echidna nebulosa) <OMG!!!!> 1 Pufferfish (again
undecided) either a Blackspotted Puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus)
or a Spiny Puffer (Diodon holocanthus) <Airway...I need an
airway!> #1 is this too big of a bio-load for a 55 gallon?
After reading about each of these, I think they should all do
fine together, but wanted your suggestions first. <Um...in a
word- YES! I didn't mean to sound too insensitive, but we
need to revisit this stocking plan. Not one of these fishes is
really even a viable choice for the short run in an aquarium of
this size. In addition to reaching sizes that are way too large
for this aquarium, these fishes are quite aggressive and
incompatible, are messy eaters, and produce copious amounts of
metabolic wastes. We need to look at some alternative fishes that
will be better suited for this aquarium. Smaller, more peaceful
choices would be a better approach. The Harlequin Tusk and the
Triggers are simply out of the question for this aquarium. A
Lionfish is a possibility, if you are willing to try a different
species, such as the "Fu Manchu Lionfish", Dendrochirus
biocellatus. This fish is almost as "sexy" as the
full-sized guys, yet reaches a more manageable 4 inches or so. It
can be a bit shy, but can easily be kept in a 55 gallon aquarium.
Like all Lionfish, it is venomous, so do exercise caution when
handling this fish. A moray Eel is really not a viable choice for
this sized aquarium, either, but you could consider a smaller
version, such as the "Golden Dwarf Moray", Gymnothorax
melatremus, which is a tiny version of the full-sized species. It
reaches a maximum size of about 6-8 inches, and is the diameter
of a pen. However, don't let the small size of the fish fool
you; these fishes can eat surprisingly large prey items! And, to
top it off- they are amazing jumpers. If you do keep one,
remember to keep the aquarium tightly covered. They can find the
smallest opening and use it to go "carpet surfing"! Oh-
and did I mention that they are pretty darned expensive, too!
Nonetheless, I think that this would be the only Eel that I would
even consider for this sized aquarium. In place of the Harlequin
Tusk, consider a smaller wrasse species, such as a Halichoeres
species, which generally top off in the 3"-4" range.
Better long-term choices for a modest-sized aquarium.> #2 what
order would you add them in? I think the trigger should probably
be added last, but not sure. <I'd add the Lionfish first,
and make sure that he's eating before another fish is added.
Then I'd go for the GDM, and the wrasse would round out the
stocking list.> Next tank I want to set up is a 30 gallon
peaceful. The following are the inhabitants I want to put in: 1
Yellow Shrimp Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) 1 Banggai Cardinalfish
(Pterapogon kauderni) <Some controversy with this fish. Please
see here:
http://microcosmaqx.typepad.com/ret_talbot/2008/09/banggai-cardi-2.html
http://en.microcosmaquariumexplorer.com/wiki/Portal:Letters >
1 Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) 1 Cherub Angelfish (Centropyge
argi) 1 Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa)
<Don't mix Centropyge angelfish in this sized aquarium.
Choose one or the other. Personally, I'd pass on an angelfish
in this sized system. However, if you must have one, the C. argi
is the better choice. It can be a bit aggressive, so be careful
and observe the system often.> 2 Yellow Clown Gobies (Gobiodon
okinawae) For this group, I would add the Cherub last.
<Absolutely.> Too big of a bio-load? <Oh yes, by far.
You need to pare down the stocking list quite a bit. I'd
consider keeping the Goby, Royal Gramma, and the C. argi. That
would be it! Remember, a 30 gallon aquarium holds less than 30
gallons when you take into account the volume consumed by rock
and sand. Smaller water volumes are a great challenge to
maintain.> What order to add? <Goby, Gramma, Angelfish!>
The fish only tanks will get live sand and some live rock, but
that is it. <OK.> I will be putting a protein skimmer on
the 55, but will it be necessary on the 30 gallon? <I would
say yes. In my opinion, a protein skimmer is not an optional
piece of equipment in a marine system. I simply would not run a
marine system without one. This is my opinion, of course, but I
would be remiss if I did not attempt to convince you to utilize
protein skimming in your system, regardless of size.> Could I
do more frequent water changes in 30 instead of skimming? <You
could, but I still feel a skimmer is mandatory. There are
skimmers available for almost any size of aquarium and budget, so
do a little research and you'll find one that works for your
system.> Okay now a quick question on my 75 gallon if I may.
You guys have helped me out with other problems with that tank.
Needless to say, I did what I assume many beginning aquarists
do--I ran out and bought and bought and bought and did not
research first. I have learned the hard way that is not the way
to do it! <A terrible lesson, but at least you learned. And
the fact that you are sharing your experience with others proves
that you have progressed!> With the money wasted in now dead
livestock, I could have purchased some really awesome high dollar
fish! <Like a Golden Dwarf Moray!> Live and learn I guess!
Okay on to the question.... I am planning on purchasing a metal
halide/T-5 combo light for my 75 gallon. The following is what I
am looking at: 2 X 250 Watt Metal Halide �
15k bulbs included 4 X 54 watt T5 HO Lights included- 4 actinic
03 bulbs 8 lunar moonlights included on fixture
� 8 blue 1 watt LED's Unit has 3 Chords
and 3 switches Is this sufficient lighting for all corals, etc?
<It can be sufficient for a great many corals, and may
actually be overkill for some species! It really boils down to
what kinds of corals you intend to keep. Personally, I like the
flexibility of the Halide/T5 combo, but you could actually get by
with exclusively lighting the system with T5 bulbs. They are a
remarkably powerful lighting source for a variety of corals. You
also may not need 250 watt halides over this sized system. You
could do pretty well with two 150 watt DE halides over this sized
system, and realize the same flexibility and enjoy energy savings
as well!> The other 2 tanks will have actinic lighting--no
metal halides or anything "fancy". Any help would sure
be appreciated! Thank you so much for being there for people!
<You are very welcome! Scott F. signing out!>
Angela
|
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New 55 Gallon FO Saltwater Tank, stkg. 11/18/08 Hey
Crew, My fiancé and myself are new to the aquarium world
and have been doing some research and planning before purchase. We have
2" of sand seeded with live sand that was used to cycle the tank.
It's about 2.5 ft high, 4 ft wide and maybe a 1 ft deep. We want to
setup the tank to center around a couple of butterflyfish that
we'll acclimate at the same time, but will start with some smaller,
hardier fish first. <Uh... don't get any fish you don't want
"forever." So called "starter fish" are not such a
good idea when it comes to marine tanks, unless these are the fish you
plan to keep indefinitely.> Was thinking of 2 to 4 blue-green
chromis, 2 hermit crabs, and a couple of snails for starters.
<Hermits and snails are good for fish only tanks. You can start with
2 chromis, but again, only if there are fish you really do want.> My
main question is what type of butterfly fish should I consider? I'd
like the Raccoon, but I'm afraid my tank is a tad on the small
side. <Your fear is warranted... the tank is probably too small for
a Raccoon butterfly, or most any butterfly really. These fish are
"roamers" and need as much room as you can give them. But you
might be ok with one of the smaller species, maybe. Also, some
don't do well with others of their own kind (do better solitary).
To start, please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BFsBestWrst.htm
and follow the links to the different groups.> Would you have a good
recommendation for butterflyfish that would work well in a tank this
size? <I'm not going to say you couldn't keep any kind of
butterfly in this tank, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who
hasn't been keeping marine fish for a long time. I can understand
their appeal and wanting to have a pair of fish. But If what you really
want a "romantic" kind of display with a happy pairing of
fish... there are better options... like clown fish. Please take your
time, do your research. I'm sure you and your fiancé
will find the perfect fish for you and your system. :-) > Jason
Tindell <Best, Sara M.>
Re: New 55 Gallon FO Saltwater Tank 11/19/08 Yeah,
cause Finding Nemo was a really romantic movie... <Mmm, well, while
a great show... not the most accurate. Clown fish are actually very
easy to pair because if you get two when they are small/young, one (the
bigger one) will become female while the other male.> Jason Tindell
<Best, Sara M.>
Re: New 55 Gallon FO Saltwater Tank
11/19/08 Sara, I sincerely apologize for that previous email
being sent to your website. It was suppose to be sent to my
fiancé and I was merely expressing my personal
frustration. <Oops, no worries. I do apologize if I caused you to be
frustrated. But there's a reason most people don't keep marine
aquariums for long (unfortunately). I/we don't mean to turn people
off to the hobby, but we do want to let them know what they're
getting into.> I do appreciate your advice and time in answering my
newbie questions. The blue-green chromis is a starter fish as in we are
new to the marine aquarium world and it's a cheap, hearty fish that
have a good chance to survive our mistakes and will likely get along
well with any future choices so they would be there for the long haul.
<Ah, good. I didn't mean to say you shouldn't try your hand
with "starter fish" if it's a fish you like and plan to
keep. I was referring more to when people use fish like damsels for
such and then live to regret it or worse, take them out later and
dispose of them. But yes, Chromis are good "starter" fish...
and as long as you plan to keep them, they are a fine choice.>
However, the B/Fs are what we really would like to have, and it may
just take us a little longer and graduating to a larger tank before we
introduce <Good idea.> them into our system as I certainly
wouldn't want to cram them into a space too small for their needs.
<Bless you> Jason Tindell <Good luck... it's an adventure
for sure! Best, Sara M.>
120 stocking 11/15/08 Crew, <Joe> I have a
question about stocking for my 120. I currently have a porcupine
puffer, purple tang, Huma, and clown trigger. I was thinking about
adding a coral hind to the tank but don't know if I really have the
room. Do you think I have room for any more fish, much less that large
of a fish? <I do not. You have too much for this tank already with
the large, aggressive Clown.> Thanks, Joe <Welcome, Scott
V.>
Stocking question... SW, gen... reading 8/18/08
Howdy Crew <Hi there> I am a junior high school science teacher
and am in the process of setting up a 180 gallon saltwater tank in my
classroom. It's been running 3 months and I'm in the process of
filling it with livestock. I have about 50 lbs of live rock and another
80 of base rock that looks like its starting to be seeded. Oh, and I
have a 3 inch bed of live sand. The water quality seems good with
nitrates being the only substance that is creeping up a little--I still
have bio-balls in the sump since I don't know if my live rock is
cooking enough to remove them yet. <Mmm, very likely is> Anyway,
I cycled the tank with 2 big Green Chromis. About 3 weeks ago, I added
2 young Percula Clowns (each with a cool double saddle misbar on the
back), a lawnmower blenny, and 3 turbo snails . I also have a couple As
far as I can tell, the only problem I'm having so far is a hair
algae outbreak which let me to the snails and the blenny. I have a few
aiptasia but injecting them with lemon juice has worked great so far.
My goal for the tank is to create a system with a lot of diversity
(with lots to explain to the kids) and I'd like to eventually have
a Flame Angel as the centerpiece. Yesterday, I went to my LFS and
didn't see any of the fish I really wanted other than a flame
angel. ) I'm rather weary of wrasses and the two fish I'm
considering from the store are a Sixline wrasse and a yellow wrasse.
Here are my questions: 1) Would adding a group of small green chromis
to the big 2 be a death sentence for the new ones? <Mmm, not too
likely... in a system of this size, shape... they'll probably stay
in separate groups> 2) What's your opinion on the wrasse duo,
especially the yellow? <S/b fine as well. The Halichoeres chrysus is
a fave... you'll see it out and about... the Pseudocheilinus will
hide most all the time> I had wanted to add a Mandarin in a year or
so, but I'm guessing the wrasses are going to knock the copepod
population down too low for that to work. Also, I hear (read) they eat
shrimp. <Mmm, only very small...> 3) In building a cleanup crew,
will different types of crabs battle or will they claim a territory and
be happy? <... I'd do a bit of reading re... skip on
decapods> Also are there any shrimp that will work with the addition
of the yellow wrasse? <Sure... Hippolytids esp.> I really need
something that will clean up my sand. <Mmm, other animals for
this> 4) Since I have the 2 clownfish are other clowns of the same
(or different) species now off limits? <In a six foot long system,
another pair of Amphiprion should be fine> 5) What are your thoughts
on the following as future fish: Yellow Tang, Pajama cardinal(s),
Schooling Bannerfish (can I do just 1?), <Yes> Royal Gramma,
Clown goby, and the Flame angel. 6) Do you have any other opinions on
what would be "cool" for me to put in the tank for a 7th
grader to see? (I am new to all of this.) <Mmm, I'd ask them to
research.> Thanks very much for your time and thanks for the great
website. <Welcome! Bob Fenner>
Stocking List; what size tank? 10/11/08 Good day
Crew of WWM, <Eric> I have a quick question. Here's the list
of fish I'm planning to buy, and I'm wondering, what is the
smallest tank you would recommend? <Mmm... okay> 1. Yellow Tailed
Blue Damsels/Green Chromis (3) 2. Flame Angel 3. Starry Blenny 4.
Canthigaster Solandri <Mmm, a stock shape 55 or sixty minimum...
bigger... better> I'll have an over-filtered tank with plenty of
live rock, aeration, and an excellent skimmer, of course. Ideally, I
would like to put them in a 46 gallon bowfront tank, <Mmm, not a
good shape for the volume... too little space for all to get away from
each other, you> if at all possible. Do you think this is too small?
<Yes> Thanks as always! Eric <Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Dwarf Lionfish and Harlequin Tusk... incomp.
10/1/08 Hello, <Hi> I have a Dwarf Lionfish that is
about 4" long living nicely with a Carpet Eel Blenny
<(Congrogadus subducens)> (he was added a couple of weeks ago). I
introduced a new Dwarf Lion to my tank three days ago and woke up this
morning to find it dead. It had been harassed by the other Dwarf, but I
was (stupidly?) hoping that they could sort out their differences.
<Likely got poked> This same Dwarf harassed a Clown Trigger until
it had to be removed to another tank. <I would too. NOT
compatible> Oh, I have a 55 gallon tank with canister filter (Fluval
305) and CPR BakPak skimmer along with a bunch of live rock (sorry,
don't know how many pounds). So, I really want to introduce another
fish to live with these two, <You need to study...> at the same
time add some color to the tank, but am feeling a little gun-shy
regarding the aggression my lion has been showing towards fish. I
really want a Harlequin Tusk, <This tank... is too small> but
I'm happy to hear suggestions. <Oh, good> I just don't
want unhappy fish and would like to keep my Dwarf Lion. Can you guys
help me?? Thank you! <Can help you help yourself. Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/dwflioncompfaqs.htm and the linked files above,
and peruse WWM until you're better aware of your possibilities. Bob
Fenner>
re: trigger and tank size... ridiculous FO lvstk. mix, joke?
10/1/08 I have a 120 gallon tank. In it i have a Picasso
trigger and a Niger trigger. is this going to be enough room for them
when they have grown to full size or should i be looking for a bigger
tank now? <Likely would/will be fine> i also have a Volitans lion
fish, dog face puffer, a fox-face rabbit fish, and 2 eels. thanks in
advance. <... is this a joke? I do hope not. See WWM re the Systems,
Compatibility of what species you have. This mix will NOT work. Bob
Fenner>
Fish Tank Question, Marine Stocking 9/22/08 Hey WWM
Crew, <Hello> I have a question regarding the following: I have a
46 gallon bow front aquarium that I am setting up for a saltwater tank.
<I have had one of these for years.> I'm all good with that
but a question has come across my mind for fish for in this aquarium.
When placing fish into a 46 gallon bowfront is these fish that I would
like to have fine together in this size tank. I would like to have, a
pair of True Percula Clownfish, <Ok> a Raccoon Butterfly,
<Gets too big.> a Coral Beauty Angelfish, <Needs a bit larger
tank.> and a Koran Angelfish. <Also too big.> I believe that I
have given enough area for the fish to be able to separate and enough
spots to hide out, so I believe this number will be an okay amount.
<I would disagree here, for comparison in mine I have a pair of
clowns and a Gramma, plus a fairly large serpent star and I consider it
fairly well stocked. The tank is smaller than you think, especially
when rock, sand, and equipment is added in.> But if you don't
think so please let me know. <See above.> And my second question
that might already be answered in the first one is Will both a Koran
angelfish and a Coral Beauty angelfish be able to go together, I know
sometimes that 2 angels cant go together, but if I add them at
same/similar times (please let me know if that is even necessary if
fish are fine together) but will those to angels be fine together?
<Not in this sized aquarium.> Thank you so much for your help
Ryan <Welcome> <Chris>
Stocking list compatibility.. FO... 155 gal.s
8/30/08 Hello Crew! <Jeremy> After a very sudden and
devastating bout with Amyloodinium that wiped out an entire tank in
less than 24 hours and a very tough lesson learned about QT'ing for
a FULL 4 weeks, and nothing less, I'm in the position of coming up
with a new stocking list once my 6 week fallow period has passed.
Having learned what I have over the last year, I'm going to change
up my list of possible inhabitants a bit and wondered if someone would
mind taking a brief look at it and tell me if there are any absolute
compatibility no-no's. I have a year old 120gal mixed reef set-up
with a 6" DSB, 100lbs. LR, 35gal sump with a built in refugium
growing Chaeto/Copepods fed by dual MegaFlows and roughly 3400gph total
tank flow rate. Some of the possibilities I'm considering include:
Holocentrus Adscensionis (Squirrelfish) *or, not both* Neoniphon
marianus (Longjaw Squirrelfish) <Both good choices in
Holocentrids...> Pterois Volitans (Volitans Lionfish) <Mmm, will
get to be about half the allowable biomass in this volume> Coris
Gaimard (Gaimard Wrasse) Pterapogan kauderni (Banggai Cardinal)
<Eaten by the Lion, maybe the Squirrel> Neocirrhites Armatus
(Scarlet/Flame Hawkfish) <Ditto> Siganus Magnificus (Magnificent
Rabbitfish) Zebrasoma Flavescens (Yellow Tang) Istiblennius
Chrysospilos (Red/Orange Spotted Blenny) Synchiropus Picturatus
(Psychedelic Mandarin) *POSSIBLY, undecided if I want to risk it*
<Mmm, also eaten...> Chromis Viridis (Blue-Green Chromis)
<Ditto> Linckia Laevigata (Linckia Starfish) <See WWM, not
good species for aquarium care> Premnas Biaculeatus (Maroon
Clownfish) *To be added last* Congrogadus Subduscens (Green Wolf Eel)
*Unclear as to whether this is even a survivable/viable species to try*
<Is actually pretty tough> Apologies for dual naming, I'm
trying to get out of the habit of using common names but still need
reminders. Obviously I'm not thinking of stocking all of these
fish, but a handful out of the list. After searching and searching
through the FAQ's, my head is spinning and I hoped that I might be
able to take a little more direct approach by gleaning from one of you
guys directly. Any input, suggestions, or substitutions would be
greatly appreciated. BTW thank you Bob for your help with my pond a few
weeks ago. After a few back to back water changes, my Koi with the
mysterious black spots/growths cleared up and all inhabitants are
apparently happy again! <Ah, good> Whatever was causing it seemed
to be environmental after all. Humbly, Jeremy <Well... you have
pretty much "2" systems to decide between... the one with the
Squirrel and Lion (plus a few other of the larger choices listed) OR
the one with the smaller fishes excluding them... Bob Fenner>
Re: Stocking list compatibility.. 8/31/08 Thank you
for the reply Bob. I kind of thought the Volitans might get to be a
little large, but what about one of the smaller species like
Dendrochirus biocellatus if some of the smaller selections were of
mature size? <Mmm, no, I wouldn't> The only reason I ask is
because I know my wife will want some of the smaller *pretty* fish, and
I've wanted to try some type of Scorpionfish for a long time, so
I'm trying to find a happy medium somewhere. <Two tanks> I
can do without the squirrelfish if necessary as I didn't have my
heart truly set on one to begin with. I'm assuming that the
cardinals and the mandarin (my wife will be heartbroken) would still be
no-no's, but what about the chromis and Hawkfish? <... not with
the Lion... Please learn to/use the indices, search tool on WWM. This
information and much that you will find of use, interest is archived
along side of it. Bob Fenner>
Some questions... leaping before... 08/28/08
Hi, I was hoping you'd be able to shed some light on some
queries I have. <We'll see> 1. Can you help identify
this fish in the attachment? It's a puffer for sure but which
kind, I can't seem to determine. <Mmm... yes... read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/tetraodontpuffers.htm... A. hispidus>
2. It's about 4 days old in my tank so it's a new
addition. Since I don't know what kinda fish it is, <? You
bought something live, took it into your care, w/o even
knowing...?> not too sure about its feeding habits. What does
it eat and what frequency should I feed it. <... idiocy> 3.
I have a 270 gallon tank. What should be the optimum flow per
hour in order to facilitate the best filtration. <Ditto> 4.
Again, consider the size of my tank, I have a medium sized
Volitans lionfish, a small sucker remora, <...
incompatible...> a small puffer, a small/medium spotted
grouper, a small 6 line Soapfish, <toxic...> and the puffer
I cannot identify. So a total of 6. How many more can I add and
what kinda fishes would go well with the existing in this
community? 5. Am thinking of adding a trigger. Which is the most
docile and least aggressive one? Thanks for your help again. B
<... Please... learn to use WWM, read some basic books...
BEFORE removing life to your inexperienced care. Bob Fenner,
disgusted>
|
|
Re: Some questions 08/28/08 Bob, appreciate
your comments and perhaps, I should deep dive into why I am in this
situation. I didn't want to bore you with a life history.
<Please fill me in with what is pertinent> Fact is, this
tank, I inherited from friends who left the country 2 days ago.
Prior to them leaving, they made an addition to the tank that they
thought I'd like it in case you were wondering why there was a
new fish. I didn't buy it. <I see> Does this explain why
I have no clue about saltwater tanks? <Oh yes> And in case
you were going to say my friends should have sold them back to the
fish shops, I think you'd appreciate that I am in China. We did
try asking them if they'd take the fishes back but China has
different dynamics. They'd do anything to sell you a fish but
will never let you sell it back, unlike the US. Sad fact but true.
<Thank you for this> The reason I am asking about adding
additional fishes is just in case I get the hang of this saltwater
thingy, I may start to get good at it and eventually turn it into a
hobby. For now, I am just trying to keep these little fishes alive
rather than to leave my friends with no options except to trash the
entire tank. <Mmm... I would definitely "punt" here...
Add no more, read/study what you can till you have a semblance of
what can exist well-enough together, return, sell, give away the
rest... Put together a stocking plan some time in future> I
scurried the web to find a reliable source of help and info and
chanced upon your site. I was hoping you could offer help in
keeping these fishes alive. <What in particular do you seek?>
You can remain disgusted and call me an idiot <Mmm, did not... I
know you naught. I stated that the acts were idiocy... You appear
to be a very competent writer of English... otherwise, you may look
this word up> if you wish and I will try and find help
elsewhere. I came to you because I could not turn to the local fish
people coz i doubt they'd really care. It's only a business
to them and they won't be offering any constructive advice
since they only vested interest is making money out of me. All I
was hoping for from you was a little compassion just like the
compassion I gave to the inherited tank and fishes. <... I
understand... and can and will gladly help you... but, where to
start? There is MUCH to know, and you have, as the amended title
(by me) stated "leapt..." into things, "w/o
looking"... as you state here from all this being gifted to
you. Do you have service companies that take care of fish tanks for
folks there, in your region? I strongly suggest you avail yourself
of their services NOW, until you feel more confident re taking all
this on yourself. Saltwater aquarium keeping is not overly
difficult, nor mysterious, but it takes a bit of knowledge... and
gaining this will take a few months. We have tens of thousands of
folks (unique ISPs) per day that use our resource... Do please
become facile at using the search tool, indices... Most all of your
immediate concerns are addressed, archived (I am the common
progenitor of this site). Bob Fenner> |
Fish Stocking Question for 90g Marine Tank --
08/24/08 Hello WWM Crew, <<Greetings Clay>> I have a
question regarding the stocking of my system. <<Okay>> Here
is a brief description of my tank. I have a 90 gallon display tank with
a 40 gallon sump and refugium. The tank contains 130 pounds of live
rock. My skimmer is a SWC Xtreme NW-160. Other filtration includes
active GAC and PhosBan. The system has been up and running for just
over 11 months. I currently have a Royal Gramma, Ocellaris Clown,
Orchid Dottyback, and a Sailfin Tang. <<Mmm'¦though
I'm sure it doesn't seem like it, the 90 is too small for the
Sailfin. If this fish were to reach its maximum 'wild' size it
would hardly be able to turn around in this tank. And though it likely
won't get that large in captivity, just growing up in this 'too
small' system will probably have deleterious effect on its
long-term health, along with spawning abhorrent/aggressive behavior as
it matures>> The tank also contains a mix of various soft corals,
Zoanthids, and mushrooms. I am considering adding 4 more fish and would
like to hear your thoughts. <<Sure>> I would very much like
to add a small angel such as a Flame or Coral Beauty. <<Choose
the Flame for sure'¦ The Coral Beauty is an exquisite fish,
and if a healthy and undamaged one can be obtained and acclimated
(these can prove difficult) it can be quite hardy. But the Flame Angel
has proven to be an exceptional aquarium specimen among Centropyge
species, both hardy and easy to care for'¦and a real beauty
itself to boot>> I would also like to get 3 Yellow-tail or Azure
Damselfish. Does adding these fish seem to be a wise decision?
<<This number of this size fishes is fine, though the Damsels are
a bit of a gamble re getting along'¦perhaps a trio of
Cardinal fishes'¦The Pajama or Longspine maybe>> If
so, what order should these be added in? <<Between the Angel and
the Damsels, I don't think it matters'¦if you go with
Cardinals then place these before the Angel'¦though I think
the established Dottyback is the real concern re any of these new
additions>> Thanks for any suggestions or comments you can
provide. Clay <<Quite welcome, EricR>>
Stocking a 90 Gallon Tank'¦Three Tangs Too Much?
(Yes!) -- 08/07/08 Hi Bob and Crew, <<Hello
Melissa'¦Eric here>> I have a question about
stocking a 90 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump/refugium.
<<Okay>> I have 150 lbs. of live rock and the tank
has been set up for 9 months. <<Ah, a 'young'
system then>> It will soon be a reef after I increase
lighting. <<I see'¦then do keep this in mind re
your stocking plan as ALL life will have an impact/be a burden to
the system>> Recently I had an outbreak of ich. They are
currently in the treatment tank and unfortunately I'm
revising my stocking list because I lost some of the fish.
I'm wondering if I'm overstocking the tank, although the
LFS owner who usually gives good advice says I'm not.
<<Is often a subjective observation (with many
variables)...but if trouble keeps arising re then logic/reason
must dictate>> I'm starting to question this because
twice in the past 9 months I've gotten ich. <<While
this may well be a stocking/overstocking issue, it may also be a
problem with your husbandry (poor water quality, diet, etc.) or
even the source of the livestock (poor collection/holding
practices). All of which will cause stress and the associated
depression of the fish's immune system>> Both times it
happened when I was stocking close to the last fish. The first
time I wasn't dipping or quarantining properly but learned my
lesson and the second time around dipped and quarantined all new
fish unless you stated here that it was best to just dip and
place the particular fish. <<Very good>> This time
when I was placing the last few fish my two tangs started to
fight (they have never had any trouble for the past 7 months),
one got sick and it started to spread.
<<Mmm'¦this sudden fighting and subsequent
illness may very well be put to a 'too full'
environment>> Since I have switched over to saltwater two
years ago I have only lost one fish after initial quarantine,
<<Commendable>> except these times when I have
reached capacity and had an ich outbreak. Other than this
I've never had a disease, fish fighting, not eating, etc.
<<Sounds as if perhaps you have been doing some good
reading/researching beforehand>> Everyone has seemed happy
and active and this has me wondering if this is more than a
coincidence. <<Coincidence? No'¦ It is a
certainty that 'something' you are doing or about your
system is leading up to these outbreaks. The key is to use the
clues available to discover and break the cycle of events that
result in the complaint>> I'm sure it is somewhat
stressful whenever a new fish is introduced <<Too all, most
assuredly (remember being/receiving the new kid in
school?)'¦ Not to mention being plucked out of their
environment and tossed around by 'giants'>> but
they have seemed to adjust fine until I'm close to full.
<<A clue then>> Also, I haven't had any trouble
keeping my levels at 0 with nitrates around 10-15 <<Another
clue'¦>> with my weekly water changes and
nothing else seemed to have changed before the outbreaks like
temperature variations, pH change etc. This is the current
stocking list; all fish except the powder brown were placed at
the time of illness: Powder Brown Tang (A. japonicus) Percula
Clown Yellow Tang Kole Tang Green Clown Goby Yellow Clown Goby
Yellow-headed Jawfish Firefish Scooter Blenny Diamond Goby
Bicolor Blenny Sixline Wrasse 5 Chromis 3 Lyretail Anthias (1
male, 2 female) Am I overstocking and if so are there specific
issues? <<It is my opinion you 'are' overstocked.
Aside from just the mass of the fish flesh packed in this tank,
you have some species that really require larger quarters. This
tank is 'marginal' for any tang species in my opinion,
and certainly too small to house three. Aside from health issues,
these fish can suffer social/behavioral problems from
'growing up' in a too small environment'¦as
may be evidenced by the sudden fighting as the tank becomes more
crowded>> I really like tangs but if 3 is too many I can
cut down there. <<A 'single' specimen is best
here'¦and any one of these three smallish species you
have chosen would be fine in my opinion>> Also, I would
prefer to just have a pair of anthias, but have been told 3 is
best. <<This is the popular consensus'¦ But you
can always give it a try'¦observing behavior of the
remaining pair for a time and reintroducing the second female if
things get too rough>> Like I said, I have lost some fish
at this point and want to take this opportunity to revise the
stocking list so I can prevent this in the future. I would like a
tank that is full and active but with happy, healthy fish that
live long lives. <<A tank full of fishes is a common
desire'¦but this 'want' must be balanced with
the particular environment. This involves not only choosing
species that are compatible, but also choosing species that are
'suitable' to the limitations of the environment. While
it could be other factors as well, the fighting among the tangs
is suggestive of crowding (which may even be exacerbated by too
much rock in the display limiting 'swimming' space). The
moderately high Nitrate level, while deemed within acceptable
limits for a FOWLR system (will need to be kept at <5ppm when
you go 'Reef'), is also suggestive of a
crowded/overburdened system. While the latter might be dealt with
by adding a DSB, ancillary chemical filtration, and/or increasing
the size of the refugium'¦the former can only be
addressed with a larger system, or a rethinking of your stocking
plan>> Thanks, Melissa <<I hope this proves helpful.
EricR>>
Re: Stocking a 90 Gallon Tank'¦Three Tangs Too
Much? (Yes!) -- 08/07/08 Hi Eric, <<Hey
Melissa!>> Thanks for your help. <<A pleasure>>
I have been wondering myself if 150 lbs of rock is too much.
<<Mmm, yes'¦depends on the particulars of the
rock'¦but does sound in excess to me. Perhaps you can
remote some of this>> Since the tank is empty right now I
took the chance to rearrange to allow more swimming room and
better circulation but it still looks full! <<Ah well, can
indeed be a difficult balance'¦to provide enough
hiding places, adequate biological filtration, etc.>> I can
move some of the rock into the refugium/sump area, how many
pounds would you suggest keeping in the display? <<Hard to
say, not knowing how dense/heavy this rock is. But try building a
pair of 'bommies' from the rock, surrounded on all sides
by substrate, and see what you have. Build the bommies as high as
you can yet not so high as to be unstable (often easier
said'¦). Try to incorporate plenty of nooks and
crannies for hiding. I think you will find this to be more
interesting than the ubiquitous 'rock wall' and the
design typically allows more freedom of movement to the
fishes'¦as well as enhanced water
flow/circulation>> I will start working on cutting down the
stocking list. <<For the best I feel. Most of the smaller
fishes you listed will probably be fine, though I think you may
eventually have an issue with the Sixline Wrasse and the Firefish
as the former can be a real terror in confined spaces, and the
latter is very easily harassed to the point of starvation>>
I know there is no set in stone formula for how many fish/inches
because of all of the variables but do you have some type of
guideline for me to figure out when I've cut enough?
<<Other than
reading/researching/experience'¦I'm afraid not.
But do feel free to bounce your ideas/selections off me if you
wish. Before purchase of course [grin]>> For future
reference (I just upgraded but already have visions of a bigger
system) what size tank would you recommend for 2 or 3 tangs?
<<Considering 'standard' available
sizes'¦at least 6-feet in length and 125g in volume
for a pair'¦bigger for a trio. And even then, species
selection is still key (i.e. -- don't try to house a Naso and
a Sailfin together in a 125g tank). This may sound extreme, but
viewing these animals firsthand in their natural environment
gives one a new perspective and sense of appreciation>> You
said for my system a single tang would be best. <<This is
my opinion, yes>> Is this because a 90 gallon is just too
small for 2 tangs period or because of the large amount of other
fish present? <<The former'¦the latter merely
heightens the issue>> I'm just trying to clarify so I
don't make these mistakes again in the future <<No
worries my friend'¦understood>> and despite all
of the research I've done here on stocking it seems like such
a gray area. <<To a large degree this is so'¦it
is up to you to gather the information (preferably from several
sources) and then use your own good judgment to make a
decision>> Thanks again, Melissa <<Always welcome.
Eric Russell>>
R2: Stocking a 90 Gallon Tank'¦Three Tangs Too
Much? (Yes!) -- 08/07/08 I'll try your suggestions and
send a new stocking list when I get one done.
<<Excellent>> I'm on the same page with you about
the sixline. He was the only fish I didn't research before
purchase and was terrible to new fish (and sometimes existing)!
<<Indeed'¦ I have even seen this behavior
demonstrated in tanks of hundreds of gallons in volume>>
Unfortunately, I lost him with the ich and he won't be
replaced. <<Perhaps a suitably sized Halichoeres species
(e.g. -- H. chrysus or H. iridis)>> Thanks, Melissa
<<Be chatting! EricR>>
R3: Stocking a 90 Gallon Tank'¦Three Tangs Too
Much? (Yes!), gather, place FO f' -- 08/07/08 8/9/08 Hi
again Eric, <<Hello Melissa>> I have revised the
stocking list for my 90 gallon and wanted to get some feedback.
<<Happy to do so>> If this is still too many I could
substitute the 3 Lyretail Anthias for a Fairy Wrasse.
<<Might be a good idea, considering the rather large size
of these Anthiines>> Also, I was considering a Dragon Goby
instead of the Diamond Goby and was wondering if they generally
cause a problem in a reef tank by dropping sand on the coral.
<<I think either one will cause you grief'¦ The
Dragon Goby won't 'crop-dust' your corals like the
Diamond Goby will, but as it matures/gets large (about 6' and
very robust) it will vigorously excavate and at times create
quite the 'dust cloud' as well as disturb your DSB's
function (if you have one). Either one can also dislodge/topple
live rock if not carefully anchored/settled on the bottom of the
tank. Both are interesting and do a great job of stirring/keeping
the substrate looking good, but I've come to think these
fishes are more trouble than they're worth>> I'm
looking into a 180 gallon to accommodate more tangs!
<<Yay!>> Percula Clown Yellow Tang Diamond Goby or
Dragon Goby <<If you must'¦I would go with the
slightly smaller Diamond Goby for your system>>
Yellow-headed Jawfish <<Requires some special
considerations (best kept in a species-specific system). Do have
a read here and among the associated links:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jawfishe.htm >> Bicolor Blenny
Scooter Blenny 5-Blue Reef Chromis Fire Fish Yellow Clown Goby
Green Clown Goby 3-Lyretail Anthias (2 female, 1 male)
<<These are a superb aquarium species, but will do better
in more space than your current 90g system>> Thanks,
Melissa <<Happy to share. Eric Russell>>
|
Re: Fish Selection, FO 8/9/08 Dear WWM, Ok I have changed my
fish selection for my 90 gallon: 1) 3-5 Bartlett's Anthias 2) Chalk
Basslet 3) Rainford's Goby 4) Divided Leopard Wrasse <Had to
look this up: Macropharyngodon bipartitus bipartitus Not an easy fish
to find in good condition, or keep in captivity> 5) Firefish
<Social species... need to be kept in a group, pairs, depending on
which...> Do you think this is a good selection, the only one I am
worried about is the Divided Leopard Wrasse, but I have read they are
very peaceful? <Are... just not very hardy, adaptable to aquarium
settings. But can be kept> With the Anthias do you think I should do
a combination of females and a male, or should I just do females?
<I'd have a male for sure... or one of the group will turn into
such...> Also, what order to you think I should add them into my
tank, and how far apart should each addition be? Alex <The Labrid
and Microdesmids last... a few weeks twixt the others, these last a few
months after. Bob Fenner>
Eel, Trigger, Large Tang - Tank Size... FO stkg. f'
8/7/08 I have perused several posts in the FAQ's and I think my
specific question has not been answered, but I think I may have an idea
what the answer is: <Ok> I want to set up a tank for an eel
(Zebra moray, probably), a trigger (Rhinecanthus rectangulus,
probably), and one other fish, possibly a butterfly or a suitable tang
(Convict?). <Acanthurus triostegus? The Manini? Am out in HI
currently... this is a social species... not really happy, healthy kept
individually. Maybe a Kole instead... see WWM re> My main question
concerns the size of the tank. I have a 150 gallon that is four feet
long, two feet wide, and 31 inches deep, which seems suitable in terms
of volume, and offers some options for free swimming since I plan to
arrange it so there is a continuous "track" around the
outside so a fish could rapidly circle the tank continuously without
running into any obstructions. In this way it is probably not typical
of the tanks that your posts usually assume. <Agreed, and much
better> You've told many people that no tank less than six feet
long is acceptable for a trigger, <Mmm, not I... but def. the bigger
the better> and usually then you reference the size, no smaller than
90 gals or so. To be certain about it, would you say that a four-foot
long tank offering a nearly 10 foot perimeter for free swimming would
be suitable, or would something like a six-foot 135 gallon be
preferable just because of the linear distance along one side, even
though it would not be practical to have a "raceway" around
the whole tank and it would not be as deep? <Good point, and I think
you should be fine here with the species in question> As for the
other questions: Would a convict tang be likely to hold his/her own
with a rectangulus (given that I know the individuals are unpredictable
and things could always go south as the trigger grows)? Is there
another tang that would do better (preferably one that is native to
Hawaii as I'm sort of striving for a biotope if I can do it)
<Yes... the Ctenochaetus mentioned... otherwise... not hard to
search your choices> or would a saddleback or other type of
butterfly be more likely? <Mmm, not an ephippium... see WWM re
better/best BF's... there's an article or two> Will the
trigger tend to control algae growth <? No> as well as a tang
would, or do they just snack on algae? I was thinking that I needed
someone to help with algae control since I won't likely be able to
keep a significant population of cleaners. Thanks, Brad Churchill
<Again, the Bristlemouth Tangs... Bob Fenner>
FO lvstkg., GIGO 8/6/08 Hi, I have a Lunar wrasse, Niger
trigger, and a Foxface. I have had the wrasse and trigger for over 2
years, the Foxface I have had for a year. I want to get more fish.
Could you suggest what would be compatible. I know whatever I buy
should be same size or bigger than what I already have. I have a 97
gallon corner unit, with a lot of live rocks, I used to have snails,
crabs, and shrimp. The wrasse used to pluck the snails off the glass
till they disappeared. Please advise <Mmm, you may well have trouble
with the Wrasse and Trigger, even the Siganid, with any new fish
additions... as these animals are territorial, and this is really not
much space... I would rather you take a read on WWM, reference books
and ask in turn what your likely "odds" are with any given
choice of additions here. Perhaps start here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/folvstkgfaqs.htm Bob Fenner>
Fish Only Tank, 120 stkg., filtr. 7/23/08 Hey guys thanks for
your time. I am looking to convert my 120 tall to a fo system. I would
like to have a dogface puffer, niger trigger and a Humu. <Mmm, do
make sure all are getting foods> No live sand or rock. <I would
use LR...> I was wondering if this tank is big enough for all 3.
<A bit crowded psychologically, but with proper set-up, maintenance,
could be made to work> I currently have a Rena xp3, a magnum 350
deluxe with bio wheel and a penguin 330. Would this filtration be
enough for what I hope to do. <Mmm, I would look into other types of
filtration other than canister, outside power... and have more
circulation. Likely otherwise you'll be constantly fighting the
mal-affects of nutrient accumulation> Also, is it a must to have a
skimmer? <I definitely would with this set-up, stocking> I have
been told it is not but I will need to do more frequent water changes
than if I did. <False economy... more expensive, less fun...> I
have a 35 gallon reef with a rio nano skimmer but I'm sure it would
do no good on this system. Thank you for your advice, it is greatly
appreciated. <Mmm, do a bit of reading here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm the first Index... on FO set
ups, the second Index on Filtration... Bob Fenner>
Stkg. FO 125 7/22/08 Hey guys, just a quick question, can a
bird wrasse and a harlequin Tuskfish live together peacefully in a 125
gal? <Should, yes> There also is a porcupine puffer, antennata
lionfish, powder blue surgeonfish <The most sensitive here> and
possibly a Pinktail triggerfish? thanks!! <The lion is too likely to
get picked on, starved out by the Puffer and Trigger... Bob
Fenner>
80 gallon... FO stkg., induced troubles, now and later
7/11/08 I have a clown trigger, Huma Huma trigger each about an
inch big. A clown fish (2 inches), a valentini puffer about 3 inches, 1
yellow tail damsel, 1 Sailfin tang about (5 inches), and a dwarf lion
about 2 inches in a 80 gallon tank. <Mmm, the Clown Trigger will too
likely "go after" the Lion, the rest of the fishes, the
Rhinecanthus last, here... w/o any notice... I would remove it soon>
How long before I have to move out the triggers? <Maybe months,
perhaps a year... but...> And can I add anymore fish to it? I was
looking at a flame Hawkfish <I would remove the triggers first...
The Lion will likely inhale the Hawk, Clown, damsel... Bob
Fenner>
General and specific salt water questions... FO Stocking and the
nature of, but not the, truth -- 07/10/08 Hi guys, This might be a
drawn out explanation but I thought it best that you get the background
and most information as possible. I thought I had been well educated
from research and unfortunately trial and error in some cases on
maintaining salt water tanks over the years and have gotten information
from several local fish stores in my area so when I received
collaborating information it seemed good and when I got conflicting
information I tried to do some of my own research. <Quite a
lead-in> But I have ventured into areas I have no experience in
recently and came across your website and you guys seem to be the place
to get the most abundant, accurate, and detailed information. so here
goes. I have had salt water fish only tanks since 2001. started out
with a 55 gallon long with a hang on back overflow and an AMiracle sump
system, I also added a protein skimmer into the sump. had a few fish in
that tank, small ones like a clown and small angel (Koran I believe,
have to forgive its been awhile) and some blue damsels and chromis. I
moved in 2003 and unfortunately during the move the frame around the
tank was broken and I did not want to chance the tank giving out so I
bought a 65 gallon to replace it. I am much happier with that overall
size and space inside then the longer skinny 55. at the new place over
the course of 3 1/2 years I had the clown some red leg hermit crabs,
emerald crabs (although I seem to have trouble keeping the emeralds for
more then a few months) the blue damsels and chromis( I believe only 2
each), tried a long nosed butterfly to no avail, after I lost one
chromis and the butterfly probably 6 months apart, I ventured into more
predatory fish. The tank still had the sump and protein skimmer,
probably about 10 lbs of live rock, an equal size amount of lace rock
<Some of this can be trouble chemically> however a lot lighter of
course all for structure. <Eats bushes... then leaves?> and a
crushed coral bottom. also a powerhead with rotating arm to provide
addition water circulation. I bought a very small snowflake eel (
probably only 5 inches long and about as thin as a number 2 pencil) to
go with the clown and 3 damsels left. the fish were fed a marine flake
food mostly and about 1 - 2 times a week were given frozen mysis
shrimp, live or frozen brine shrimp, or frozen Cyclopeeze. basically a
variety of other frozen foods to supplement the flake food nutrition.
the ell was fed ghost shrimp, frozen krill, squid pieces by hand and
also small goldfish <...> that were kept and fed Cyclopeeze to
help boost there nutrition for the eel. once the eel had gotten too
large to be safely kept with the other fish ( unfortunately after the
clown mysteriously disappeared) he was transferred into a 29 gallon
tank with a Fluval 300 canister filter ( it can handle up to 75 gallons
according to their information and was overkill for the 29 gallon tank
but was bought with intentions to switch to the 65 gallon fish only
tank) the snowflake thrived in his own tank and about a year and a half
ago I added a very small Tessalata eel and a very small lion fish.
<... you're joking? In a 29 gallon volume?> I just recently
moved again unfortunately and donated the damsels left back to my fish
store and only kept the Volitans lion which is now about 7 - 8 inches
long and "mane" when he spreads it is about the same, the
snowflake is 15 inches long and about the thickness of a fat
highlighter, ( sorry about the crude size comparison but its easiest I
think to picture). <A good one> the Tessalata is only about 10 to
12 inches and only about 1/2 to 2/3 the thickness of the snowflake. I
have read through some of your responses to people questions and often
tell people that their tank size is undersized for what the have as
they grow. however they have what I think is more then adequate room to
swim <Mmm, no> and I do have intentions of upgrading the size of
their tank as they grow more. the lion is now on of the largest I have
seen in person and never seen any for sale as large as mine so I am not
sure how much larger he will get but I know the 2 eels will grow quite
a bit over the next few years. I was recently graced with a banded
shark egg however as a surprise gift from my girlfriend who just
started a job at a different local fish store. according to the people
she works with they told her it would be ok for 8 months or so in that
size aquarium until we save the money to upgrade. <Mmm, no again>
but to watch the "newborn" once he hatches around the lion
depending on size ratios he might be seen as food for the lion. but he
should be large enough once hatched to not be seen as food for the
eels. I have intentions <The road to heck is paved with them> of
upgrading to a 220 gallon tank she has at her store with internal
overflows, and either a separate refugium and sump or one large
combined unit underneath and transferring all 4 of those to that large
tank once its needed. my biggest questions are am I doing this all
wrong???? <A bit stultified, yes... instead of "intending"
to do things... there is another POV... that is providing adequate
circumstances in advance of eventualities... Sort of like planning for
retirement financially if you will> do you think I will need a
larger tank for all 4 of them? <Definitely> I love my lion and
eels <Mmm, were there time, interest, I'd like to banter with
you re def. of "love"... To me, loving something is looking
out for its best interests, not what it can/will do for you. Is this
what you have done here?> and cant wait for the shark to hatch.
these more predatory animals to me are a lot more interesting of a fish
tank to have then more standard marine fish. <Fishes> so I am
willing to go get what is needed for them to be healthy and happy.
<Oh!> space provided of course! I don't have room or money
for 500+ gallon tank just yet! also any links or advice on a better
diet or more correct diet for my lion and eels and future little guy
would be greatly appreciated. <Already posted, archived, ready for
you to read on WWM... look up the family accounts for what you have,
intend to keep...> like I said I thought I was pretty well educated
on caring for salt water fish but after reading a lot of post on your
site I am afraid I am another very under educated aquarium hobbyist
<I feel the same> Thanks for any and all help Dave <Glad to
co-conspire with you. Bob Fenner>
Re: general and specific salt water questions... Stocking and the
nature of, but not the, truth... More ludicrous stmt.s 7/11/08
Thanks for the quick response Bob. It seems that while my intentions
might have been good they have taken too long to put into action. I
will do some more research on the site for help with more proper
feeding and all but had a couple quick questions. I have gotten and
seen several differences in opinions and haven't come across an
example quite like my situation. so i thought it best to try to get a
more direct answer. At present i plan on keeping all 4. The 65 is the
only tank set up at the moment with the lion and two eels, but i still
do have the 29 that i can set back up again if needed. <Good> I
would like to keep all of them in the same tank together if its
possible, but you said that the 220 will not be large enough for those
4. <Oh! It will be for a few years. Likely the shark will perish,
and the piscivorous Muraenid will eat the other tankmates in turn
during this time> from what i have read the banded shark requires a
min of 180 gallons. so what size would i need to get or build in order
to comfortably house them all together. <... "they" really
don't go together... again, please just read re these species...
Your answers are posted on WWM. The Tesselata... gets huge, is a fish,
other moray eater...> also the possible addition of a second lion
and i have had interest in a small blue spotted stingray <...
No...> ( i apologize for not knowing the name they are always listed
as spotted stingray in the LFS) but i believe i have read in articles
on your site that they stir up too much sand for the shark. is that
correct? <... please, don't write... Read instead> so it
might just come down to a second lionfish to go along with the one i
presently have, the two eels, and soon to hatch shark. i also was
wondering if i should oversize the filter setup for what size tank i
should get given they produce a lot of waste or will one suited for the
tank size be ok. one last question, i was pondering building a large
tank for these guys instead of buying one and have found loads of info
on the site and people referencing a how to section but i cant seem to
find it. can you direct me on what to look for or search for?
everything i seem to find is specific accounts or questions on what
people are currently making. is there a general guide on what's
needed and the do or don'ts? <Where you should be, have started
in the first place:
http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm
RMF>
Bicolor Blenny or Wrasse? 6/19/08 Morning crew! I have spent
the last few hours going over all... well not all but most of the
information on your site about blennies/wrasse. I am currently trying
to figure out which fish <There are quite a few (hundreds) of
Labrids...> to add next to my set-up. It will either be a blenny
(most likely bi-color unless a wet web guru points me in another
direction) or a Wrasse probably six line. I am leaning more towards the
blenny since I am planning on adding a cleaner ship down the road. My
tank currently is 50gallon breeder with a 2" sand bed and about
50lbs rock, also a 20gallon sump complete with a euro-reef 6-2+ modded
skimmer, refugium and working on a DSB and Chaeto for the sump as well.
Inverts: 2 small Turbos a serpent star and black sea cucumber. The fish
load is as follows: smaller Kole tang around 3.5" pair of clowns
about 2" a little chromis and an Anthias about 4" I realize I
am just about at my fish stocking limit however I feel with such a
massive skimmer on such a small system I think I can pull this off,
plus whenever the daylights are on in the tank my fish are always!
almost "schooling" together...never a foot apart from each
other (maybe they all just love each other) No major problems with this
other than the occasional chase...but no tail nipping or damaged fins.
So now for the official questions! Would a bi-color fare well in this
set-up? <Likely so... esp. if there's sufficient rock
work/cover> Are they/is there a hardier type of blenny that would
fit my set-up? <... an Ecsenius species is a good choice for such a
small volume> I find blennies very very cool! I like how they swim
and how they have camouflage patters to help them blend in. I realize
the bi-color is a comb-tooth species of blenny, do you think the blenny
and the Kole tang would go after each other due to algae territory?
<Likely not> I keep the Kole very well fed with an algae clip and
he's always picking at the glass (I read this is something else the
bicolor would do). Would you recommend a different kind of blenny?
Would adding a blenny/wrasse to the current set up pose a risk of
overstock? <No, no> If so I could remove the Anthias or chromis
to accommodate a new addition. I would like to her some expert opinion
and advice on which fish to add next to my tank. <... too many
choices> If I opted to not add a cleaner shrimp down the road would
a six line be a better choice overall?... <No> I'm kind of at
a crossroad here and need some help/advice. Thanks again for the
amazing website and plethora of information on your site, it really has
helped me out greatly. <Am glad you're enjoying, gaining from
our efforts. Bob Fenner>
(no subject)- stocking? 6/13/08 What livestock
would you recommend me putting in my 55 gallons tank? <Heeeee
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Fresh, brackish... wha? Keep reading...
BobF>
50 Gallons of fish in a 5-Gallon Pail - 6/13/08 I
have a 55 gallon tank. Would I be able to put a small maroon clown, a
baby Huma Huma, and a baby porcupine puffer in there? <Most
certainly not. These fish would fight and be too crowded from the
beginning, as they grew the problem would only become worse. Heavy
feeding to sustain these fish would require tremendous water changes
frequently. Also, please use punctuation and standard English
syntax/grammar. It saves us time and effort, and do remember these will
be archived for posterity on our website. Thanks much, Benjamin>
Compatibility, Large Tank,
Large Angels, Butterflies, Stocking. - 6/7/08 *Bob or others, take a
look, comment.* I know I am annoying you guys so much but I
just want to have a perfect tank... <Don't we all? No annoyance
to answer questions, it's what we're here for.> please see
that will these fish live happily together in an 800 gallon tank with
plenty of hiding places and food. <I envy your huge tank! Let's
see about these fish...> 1 blue-ring angelfish 5-6 in 1 emperor
angel 5-6in 1 majestic angel 5-6 in 1 Blueface angel 5-6 in 1 queen
angel 6-7 in 1 Koran angel 7-8 inches 2 flame angels 3-4 in 4 regal
tang 2-3 in 2 yellow tang 3-4in 2 purple tang 3-4 in 1 Desjardin
sailfin tang 4-5 in 1 powder blue tang 3-4 inches 1 Dussumieri tang 5-6
inches 1 Naso tang 5-6 inches 3 falcula butterflyfish 3-4 in 2 golden
butterflyfish 3-4 in 3 Bannerfish 3-4 inches 2 sandsifting gobies 3-4
in 1 magnificent rabbitfish 5-6 in 2 niger triggers 3-4 in 1 black
trigger 5-6 in 1 male blue throat trigger 5-6 in 2 cleaner wrasse Now I
know it seems a bit overstocking <It is, and more than a bit, in my
opinion> but I know from sources that most fish don't reach
their adult size in captivity no matter what size aquarium. <This
might be because in an overstocked system they won't live long
enough! Ignore this source...they are wrong. Furthermore, the greatest
measure of stocking is not in inches of fish, but in psychological
interactions. No matter how big a filter you have, fish will feel
crowded...you're going to be dealing with stressed fish, and
therefore lowered immune systems. Territorial doesn't begin to
describe some of these fish, and they may fight or refuse to feed from
the beginning> Also about the cleaner wrasse, there will be so many
fish they can feed off of and will not have food problems. I have
specifically ordered this aquarium for the angelfish because people say
you need a big one to keep this many. <A very big one.> And also
my petshop has around 8 large angelfish species in their display and
they never had problems for 2 years. <Very short time compared to
the lifespan of a marine angelfish.> My LFS is reliable and can
specifically order a specimen for me. They will even keep it for 2-3
weeks after the payment to ensure that the customer receives a good
specimen. I will design my tank to have many hiding places at the back
18 inches or so and leave the front with only some decoration so that
the fish have both hiding and swimming places. <I would provide
cover in the form of live rock structure through most of the tank-
pillars and arches will provide cover and swimming space. 18" of
rock wall at the back simply won't house all these territorial
fish.> Please tell me your opinion on this... <I think you're
probably shooting for more than is possible here, but you certainly
have an opportunity for a very, very neat aquarium. I'm not
experienced enough with large aquaria to say exactly what I might put
in here, or if your plan is entirely unfeasible- I'll flag this so
that another crew member can comment as well.> thank you
<Welcome. Benjamin>
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Small Marine Aquariums
Book 1:
Invertebrates, Algae
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eBook on Amazon:
by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
Small Marine Aquariums
Book 2: Fishes
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eBook on Amazon: by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
Small Marine Aquariums Book 3: Systems
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by Robert (Bob) Fenner |