FAQs about Reef Livestock Selection
14
Related Articles: Reef
Livestock Selection, Quarantine of Corals and
Invertebrates,
Related FAQs: Reef Livestocking
1, Reef
Livestocking 2, Reef Livestocking
3, Reef Livestocking 4,
Reef Livestocking 5, Reef Livestocking 6,
Reef Livestocking
7, Reef Livestocking 8, Reef Livestocking 9, Reef Livestocking 10,
Reef Livestocking 11, Reef Livestocking
12, Reef Livestocking 13, Reef Livestocking 15, Reef Livestocking 16,
& Marine
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FAQs, FAQs 3,
FAQs 4, FAQs 5, FAQs 6, Marine
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Reef Systems 2, Reef Set-Up 1, Reef
Set-Up 2, Reef Set-Up 3,
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Set-Up 6, Reef Tanks,
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Filtration,
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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 |
Stocking...... , Marine 2/13/11
Hello again all.
<Hi>
Well, my QT is ready to go, the bio-wheel has been "curing"
in my display since December 26th; my tank is continuing to be rock
steady and stable; lastly my wallet has a bit of headroom to bring some
new friends into the tank.
<Good>
A brief run down:
65g tank with 110lbs LR, and roughly 80 lbs sand/crushed coral (chunky
base, fine top) making a 3-6" DSB (depending on flow patterns).
Because of all this rock, there is actually only about 37g of water in
the tank.
2, 3" clowns, 2 cleaner shrimp, 2 blue leg hermits and about 15
snails (mix of Astrea and turbo).
Red Sea Berlin skimmer, Eheim 2213 canister (filled with substrate pro,
LR and about 250ml carbon) and >1000gph flow
Ammonia/Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0-10ppm, weekly 20% water changes.
<Sounds nice.>
So, my stocking question, which is now two-fold:
One, I'm thinking of adding two or three green damsels and lastly a
yellow tang. Too much in the space?
<The green damsel I am assuming is Chromis viridis, and do best in
larger groups, and may not get along with your clowns as they are
closely related.
I personally think a 65G is too small for a tang, but others have
gotten away with it.>
I had also played with the notion of a lawnmower blenny.......
<A nice fish.>
I had assumed I would add the damsels, then the blenny if he was cool,
and lastly the Tang.
<Ok>
Reading about yellow tangs on WWM, though, there's a reference to
them eating corals. Is this just in the case of underfeeding?
Or will they nip at them regardless?
<This is pretty uncommon for the tangs, they are generally fairly
reef safe.>
I currently have two different frags of Zoas, and want to move into
some softies, and maybe (one day) stonies. While I love yellow tangs, I
definitely put a higher value on the corals.
<I think you have good chances of being ok here.>
So, advice?
<It seems like we often get queries about a small group of Chromis
slowly turning into a solo specimen as they pick each other off, best
bet would be to go with a larger group of 7 or so which you probably
don't have space for. Check out here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chromcompfaqs.htm
and see
what you think.>
Thanks as always; I hope you are all well,
Chris
<And to you.>
<Chris>
Stocking my 125 Tank 1/25/11
WWM Crew,
<Sam n' K>
Hello and thanks for all your help over the years with my tank and
set-up!
You guys are really amazing!!
<Some days...>
I am looking for a fish recommendation for my tank. It may sound weird,
but I really want another fish, but am not sure what I want. So I am
turning to your expertise! First, let me give you a little background
on my tank. I have a 125 gallon, 4 96w PC all with 10k bulbs, sump,
EV-180 skimmer, Chaeto, lots of live rock (not sure of the actual
weight amount), Rena XP-3, Koralia 2, Mad 9.5 for return, Little Giant
4 on a closed loop, and lastly a JBJ Arctica Chiller.
My stocking list is as follows...in order of stocking:
-Maroon Clown, received from a friend when I first started my tank
<Likely "el rey" of your system>
-Starry Blenny, received from the same friend at the same time as
Maroon Clown
-some Green Polyps, received from the same friend at the same time as
the Maroon Clown
-a Kenya Tree, received from the same friend at the same time as the
Maroon Clown
-some hermit crabs, probably only 5 left (it's ok with me, the more
I read about them, the less I like them)
-3 Nassarius snails (I absolutely love these guys!!)
-1 Rose BTA
<Hopefully off to one side w/ the Premnas>
-1 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
-1 rock of Sun Coral
-some very small Trumpet Coral
-some Yellow Sponge throughout the tank, this just kind of appeared in
my tank after receiving some live rock from a friend
-a dozen or so Mushrooms, throughout the tank...I received these from a
friend
-a small patch of Cabbage Coral
-some Organ Pipe Coral
-2 very small Fire Shrimp
-what was sold to me as an Orange Linckia, but after further research I
believe it to be an Echinaster luzonicus
<Also hopefully>
-Lamarck's Angel, a juvenile
-Coral Beauty
-Copperband Butterfly, he loves his PE Mysis Shrimp, but I cannot get
him to eat any NLS Pellets...ugh
<Keep trying>
-3 more Rose BTAs!! Mine split the same day my friend gave me two
more.
The good news is they are all clones coming from one my friend has, so
they get along nicely :)
That is all of my livestock. I always thought I wasn't socked too
heavily, but after writing all that down, I don't know. The truth
be told, if I am over stocked or cramped, I don't want to add
anymore. But if space and your expertise allows, I would like to add 1
maybe 2 more fish.
Let me take one moment to semi-describe the layout of my tank for you.
On the left hand side of the tank, I have 2/3 of my live rock, at least
3 inches away from the glass on all sides. I also have all my Rose
BTAs, the Green Polyps, the Cabbage Coral, and the Kenya Tree. I know
the Kenya Tree is doomed as soon as it gets bigger or a Rose BTA finds
it, but I don't care too much for it. The other side of the tank,
separated by a few inches of substrate, I have approx 1/3 of my live
rock, the Sun Coral, the Trumpet Coral, and the Organ Pipe. Again this
side has at least 3 inches space between the rock and the glass.
Onto some of the fish possibilities. Here is a list of what I would
potentially like, some kind of Hawk (but I fear for the lives of my
shrimp),
a Yellow or Scopas Tang (I don't know why, but I haven't ever
had success with Yellow Tangs),
<Get them feeding early on NLS>
a Midas Blenny (I am unsure he would get along with my Starry Blenny),
a Flasher Wrasse or two, or any suggestions you might have!!
<Mmm, not a Flasher... not easily kept>
Thanks for your help and input!
Sam
<I think a Zebrasoma tang of the species you list or a xanthurum
would be great... and maybe a Tang of the genus Ctenochaetus. Bob
Fenner>
Re: Stocking my 125 Tank 1/25/11
Bob,
Thanks for your quick response!
<Welcome Sam>
I am going to take your advice and get a Yellow Tang. I am going to
hold out until Aqua Touch has some in.
<Ahh! Hello to Mike and co. there>
They are the best here in the valley and I go there first when I
can!
<Very astute folks... amongst the best in the trade
worldwide>
Thanks again!
Sam
<BobF>
110 tall, reef stocking question
1/17/11
Thanks in advance for your time. This site has been an invaluable
tool.
I am working on the last of my fish selections for my 110 tall
(48WX18DX28T) and I was hoping you could give suggestions based on your
experiences. The current stock; 2 fire fish (sold as a pair but, NOT),
4 blue/green Chromis (maybe want a few more for better schooling), 4
clowns (2 false, 2 black), 1 cleaner shrimp
<I'll assume a Hippolytid sp., not a Stenopid>
and 10 various snails and 8 hermits. After the tank matures I will be
going for a mostly LPS reef tank with some SPS and Polyps, still
researching the coral so don't be too harsh on this one. I
don't want to overstock the tank since that will only lead to
nitrate trouble in the future. My rock is aquascaped in a diagonal
sloped wall format with lots of hiding places. The rock is placed on
the tank bottom and the sand depth varies from 4 to 6 inches. The rock
is not bonded together. Thanks for your time helping me identify
problems with my stocking plan. The plan would be to finish stocking
the fish over a period of a few months.
* Desired (1 Sand Sifter Goby), (Is crop dusting that big of an
issue?
<Can be w/ corals placed on the sand>
Should I have concerns with the fire fish and the gobies fighting for
territory?
<There is enough room for both here>
I prefer an out in the open, intriguing fish.
I have 6K-10K GPH of (5 Koralias) flow with the wave maker. I don't
know if that will help or make the dusting worse.
o Diamond Watchman Goby (Valenciennea puellaris)
o Sleeper Banded Goby (Amblygobius phalaena)
o Tiger Watchman Goby (Valenciennea wardii)
o Two Spot Goby (Signigobius biocellatus)
<Any of these would go/fit, but the last is quite touchy>
* Desired (1 Shrimp Goby), (Is the pistol shrimp worth the risk?
I see mixed opinions on the site, I am a big symbiotic fan)
<Depends on the species, individual, but again, there should be
sufficient space here>
o Yellow Prawn Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
o Wheeler's Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris wheeleri)
o Pinkbar Goby (Amblyeleotris aurora)
o Orange Stripe Prawn Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli)
<Any of these... your choice>
* Desired Inverts, want all, (The star and the urchin seem to as if
they would be more interesting than snails as cleaners but am I taking
some excessive risk)
o Marble Sea Star (Fromia sp.), worried about rocks being moved, will I
have to target feed?
<Mmm, not if the live rock is vigorous>
o Pincushion Urchin, Blue Tuxedo (Mespilia globulus), worried about
rocks being moved
<Not likely to be moved>
o Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) (want (4) mostly for food
production)
<Okay>
* Desired Tangs, My wish list is to have 2 from the Paracanthurus
group,
<This is monotypic genus>
2 from Zebrasoma group
<Mmm... maybe one>
and 1 from the Ctenochaetus group but, I am worried about space and
compatibility.
<You should be... See WWM Re>
For the Ctenochaetus group it is hard to tell which most attractive and
suitable for my circumstances. My intention is after a few years
"trade" the mature tangs to the LFS in on younger fish so
space does not get too tight. I believe the Yellow is the one to be
concerned about for aggressiveness; the wife wants the Yellow.
I am trying to keep her happy since she sets the fish allowance
<Good idea>
J. My favorites are the Regal, Sailfin and Blue.
<Mmm, there are a few Sailfins and three blues... >
o Two Spot Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus binotatus)
o Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus)
o Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
o Spotted Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus truncatus)
<One of these>
o Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus var.)
o Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
<The above are the same species. One total>
o Sailfin Tang, Desjardini (Zebrasoma desjardini)
<Really gets too big...>
o Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)
<For your wife>
o Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum)
o Purple Tang Zebrasoma xanthurum
<Cheers, Bob Fenner>
stocking list... SW, FOWLRI
1/11/11
Hello Crew,
Happy New Year! It looks like my tank has finally cycled. I have a 75
gallon with 90 pounds of live rock and 4 inches of fine sand. I also
currently have a clean up crew of 24 Nassarius snails, 10 Astreas,
and
10 or so Ceriths. I am going to begin stocking this weekend or next and
was hoping I could get your thoughts and suggestions on a few
things.
<Ok>
I will list the four fish that I am pretty sure about in the order I
was thinking of adding them. Each will spend 3-4 weeks in quarantine
after the first fish are introduced. I have a few groups here. The
first is the ones I am pretty sure about.
1. tank raised black ocellaris clown 1.5" to 2"
2. tank raised orange ocellaris clown .75" to 1" (Will add
these first two at the same time).
<At the same time is best>
3. bullet goby(Amblygobius phalaena)
4. yellow tang(I am on the fence about this one because of all the
differing opinions I have found about these fish in a 75 gallon)
<Can fit>
The second group are fish I like, but have my doubts about
compatibility.
1. McCosker's flasher wrasse (don't want to keep a whole
harem)
<Mmm, not easily kept...>
2. Melanurus wrasse (would eat any shrimp, hermits, or snails,
correct?)
<Yes>
3. Pearlscale butterfly (can be hard to feed, may get bullied)
<Yes>
4. sunset or indigo Pseudochromis. (love the deep blue color, but they
can be belligerent and could go be a problem for the cleanup crew)
<Not so much... esp. if captive produced (vs. wild-caught)>
The third group is fish either/or.
1. Skunk cleaner shrimp or pair of neon gobies
2. coral beauty or flame angel
<These should be fine>
Before you kill me for thinking about overstocking, the second and
third groups are optional. I definitely want to lean toward
understocking. I also am open to other suggestions. Does the stocking
order seem ok?
<Yes>
Should any of the other possible selections go in before them(namely
the flashers or the neon gobies). Thanks for all your help.
- Dave
<I'd skip the Paracheilinus and Halichoeres... Bob Fenner>
Re: stocking list... SW, FOWLRI, move
to reef 1/11/11
Bob,
Thanks so much for the fast response. I thought I would shoot a quick
revised list at you and see what you thought. I would be stocking these
at a rate of about 1 every one or two months, except for the clowns and
maybe the first two.
1.neon goby
<Better in twos if the system can accommodate... Yours can>
2. cleaner shrimp
(should this be one or the other? I know they add very little to a
bioload, but I am worried about competition for fish cleaning
duties)
<Not likely a problem to have both>
3 and 4. pair of ocellaris clowns.
5. bullet goby
6. yellow tang
7. sunset or indigo Pseudochromis
8. flame angel
I think this would be a pretty good group. It doesn't seem like it
would be overstocked. If I did decide to still try the Pearlscale,
would you recommend putting it in before the tang?
<Put the Tang in last>
Or should I just leave that off?
<The BF? I would>
Also would you recommend pairing the neon gobies.
They are great little fish. Thanks again for all of the work you and
the rest of the crew does. I don't think I can really tell you how
much your website is appreciated.
-Dave
<Welcome. BobF>
Re: stocking reef 1/11/11
Thanks so much for the reply! We were planning on the Tahitian
butterfly fish (Chaetodon trichrous) because of claims that it was reef
safe but had an affinity for Aiptasia.
<I have never heard/read this. IME, this species is not a hardy
BF>
We would much prefer the Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) you
mentioned, but am concerned it would munch on the LPS and SPS as much
as the Aiptasia. I have read your Aiptasia and Butterfly fish sections
and I can not find any reports of this fish being kept in a reef tank
with success. I know there is variation between individual fish of the
same species, but how risky would it be to put a Threadfin in a
reef?
<IMO not much... aren't "that hard" to catch back
out...>
Of course, I realize that the continued growth of the Aiptasia is not
doing the corals any good, either! We really do want our cake and eat
it too, don't we?
<You are wise to make this observation>
"Ok fish, eat this anemone, but don't touch this coral!"
If we did risk the reef and get the Threadfin, we could choose either 3
inches or 5 inches.
<The three>
I am assuming 5 inches would be better, but wanted to double check. The
Yellow Tang can be feisty to new additions, so I assume larger is
better.
<Not necessarily, no>
I have read conflicting reports about the "red legged hermit
crabs" and their effectiveness against Aiptasia. You mention them
in the Aiptasia section, but I have read in the questions and answers
that maybe they are not terribly effective.
<I am of the latter camp>
The "Aiptasia eating Filefish" is indeed Acreichtys
tomentosus and although this tiny fish has not made a dent in the
proliferating Aiptasia, s/he has been a great addition to the tank and
has proven to be quite entertaining.
<Ah yes>
The fish swims in the water column with the Vlamingii Tang and changes
color every few hours from solid white to almost black to the typical
mottled appearance. S/he reminds me of a Triggerfish because of his
behavior and of course, dorsal fin/trigger.
<Are very closely related families>
Thanks again and enjoy your evening. Hope it's warmer than
here...expecting another night of single digits and snow.
Michele
<Is in the upper 60's F currently, but will drop into the
forties later. Cheers!, BobF>
Stocking Question 1/3/11
Hello again (three in one day!)
<Hello Chris>
So, I've been thinking about stocking the rest of my tank.
Tank is 65g with 110 lbs LR and about that much crushed coral/gravel
and live sand.
Red Sea Berlin triple pass skimmer
Ammonia/Nitrites 0ppm
SG 1.024
pH 8.2
Nitrates 5-20ppm
Phosphates 0ppm
Ca 420ppm
KH 11*
weekly 20% water changes with RO/DI and Instant Oceans Reef
crystals
Temp 82-83*F
Combo of Hydor Koralia and MaxiJet powerheads making over 1000g/hour
flow
Eheim classic filled with Substrat pro and LR, also 2 cups Seachem
Denitrate and 1 cup activated charcoal.
Currently there are 2 clowns, about 2" each, 2 cleaner shrimp, two
Blue-Leg Hermit Crabs, 1 sand-sifting star, about 20 snails (turbo and
Astrea) and two frags of Zoa polyps. I would like to move towards
some
more corals, probably starting with a leather or two, but don't
want to be limited. I had been thinking of adding a Sixline Wrasse and
a Yellow Tang.
Though from what I've read here, there seems to be mixed reports on
whether or not the wrasse will kill my shrimps and crabs. As there are
examples of it happening (despite assurances of a few to the contrary),
I'm going to pass on it. So I'm looking for something that
might go well with the clowns and the tang. Any suggestions? I'm
not looking for a wonder fish that looks like an emperor, is active
like a clown, and hems pants. Something with some visual interest and
at least some day-time activity is fine.
<I'd pass on the tang, tank a little smallish for this. Might
want to consider a Flasher Wrasse.>
Thanks, as always!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Chris
Humu Trigger And Others! Reef stkg., fdg.
12/31/10
Good morning! Happy New Year! Greetings from Montana!
<And back at you from (today) sunny (though cool) San Diego,
CA!>
Hope its warm where you are-it's --12 here right now and that does
not count wind-chill. Oh we also got 12' of snow overnight! Glad
fish are warm!
<Wish I was!>
I have a 110 gallon bowfront tank with the following inhabitants:
1-3-4' Humu Humu, 1- 2-3' Green File Fish (who has no taste for
glass anemones),
<Happens>
2-Pajama Cardinals, 1-Tribal blenny, and 1-3-4' lawnmower blenny
and 3- common starfish and a sand star ( I know, he came in the
clean-up crew package and I do occasionally do see him when he climbs
the tank wall don't know really why they would include one of these
as these are really not suitable for a 110), a green BTA , Haitian
Anemone, a cleaner shrimp (who belongs exclusively to the Humu), 4
peppermint shrimp (who do like the glass anemones), 2-pistol shrimp and
various hermit crabs, snails etc. All they will eat with the exception
of the Lawnmower Man is CLAMS and occasionally they will eat frozen
whole shrimp...no two ways around it.
<Mmm, not a good strict diet. I'd train them onto Spectrum
pellets: http://wetwebmedia.com/foodsppt1.htm
This is fine as I buy them on the half shell frozen (all my pets are
spoiled...you should see my calves who are destined for the table
(can't beat Montana beef!). But I am concerned that the clam only
diet is not varied enough.
<You should be:
http://wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/volume_6_1/thiaminase.htm
They all will grudgingly eat shrimp (fish foods are an absolute no, no
and I think they would starve if that is all I gave them) but the
frenzy for the clams is unreal. Are they getting enough nutrition with
just clams?
<No; and too much of other nutrient groups>
The Humu I suspect is supplementing his diet with my small snails which
oh well! They are all getting along well and the Humu and File Fish
appear to be good friends and they play all the time together. Actually
everyone gets along well, although the Tribal Blenny does harass the
Humu occasionally but I think it is more of a game. I don't see any
aggressiveness there.
Several questions here: Is the clam diet sufficient for all?
<... not>
I realize the Tribal Blenny is supposed to eat algae, but he will only
eat algae IF there are no clams for him. 2- The Humu can be a bit
aggressive at feeding time and will at times guard all clams that are
put in the tank. Can I use a net and spirit him in there to eat so all
others can eat a bit more peacefully?
<Not a good plan long haul... Mix in a higher percentage of the
Spectrum brand... highly palatable and complete nutritionally>
The Humu will eat until he looks like he is going to explode (then he
goes to bed and takes a nap for about 45 minutes).
<Fishy food coma?>
Oh also, husband found a mated pair of clowns that he wants they are
about 3-4 years old. Would this be an advisable pair to put in?
<Might upset the social dynamic here... the size and shape of your
system is about "full up"... I'd have a back up plan just
in case the clowns don't hold their own... perhaps if they can be
isolated with the BTA... for a few days... they'll take to it, be
afforded protection>
If he gets them he is NOT getting anything else till he gets a bigger
tank.
<Good>
They are coming out of a tank where they lived with a lionfish and
several triggers (don't know what kind, but this was an aggressive
tank) Can they fit in?
<I give you middling odds. Using egg-crate, other screening... as
mentioned above, increases those odds in your favour>
Thanks for all your help/suggestions!
Joan
<Thank you for sharing! Bob Fenner>
Stocking list , opinions please? Reef, good prose --
12/20/10
Hi Crew,
Been an avid and appreciative reader of your site for a good 7 plus
years now. Don't usually need to ask questions as there is so much
info here, but If I can prevail upon you, I would like your second
opinion on my stocking plan below.
<Okay!>
First a bit of background , please let me know if this is too much or
too little , I don't want to make you trawl through irrelevant
details, or conversely, not give you enough.
<Will do>
I have recently (3 weeks ago) moved about 60KG of live rock, Halimeda
crop, Blue Linckia, Trochus Snail, a grouchy, yet puppy-like 3.5-Inch
Maroon Clown (Premnas Biaculeatus), a Sarcophyton (the Clowns home) and
many Zoanthids from a 90 Litre tank and a 300 litre frag/experimental
tank into one new 500 Litre display tank, the realisation of 3 years of
painful waiting and planning! (no .. really!
I've had the tank sitting there for over three years staring at
me!)
<Dang! If patience is indeed a virtue, I know where you're
going!>
The tank is setup with 100L sump, large skimmer, refugium (with
Aragonite DSB), and coral fragment chamber. all housed outside the
house in an insulated cabinet and piped through the wall.
Water parameters are all within acceptable ranges (CMA definitions -
great book by the way!) and the substrates were seeded with the old
system substrates (in mesh netting)
Macro Hitchhikers include Eurythoe Fireworms (largest banished to
refugium after spiking me),
<Yeeowch!>
Pistol Shrimp, an unidentified Corallimorph (maybe Rhodactis sp, will
revisit later.), and some miniature ~5mm crystal orange crabs
(problems?),
<Not if they stay small/ish>
The tank never really "Cycled" as such due to the large
amount of Live rock and mature water transferred (~60%), the only thing
new was the substrate (1.5 Inches of 1-2 mm Coral sand), and all
nitrogenous metrics have remained stable (no NH4, no Nitrite, 10ppm
Nitrate).
Various Fanworms (my goldmine canaries),
<Well put>
crabs, snails, Zoanthids and Mushroom all happy, healthy pod and worm
population, Sarcophyton still sulking (beginning to worry me a little,
will normally sulk if touched /moved , but usually only for a few days,
not weeks. However I have also changed the lighting type....)
<Patience>
I am now looking at stocking (yes.. at last we get to the point). This
has been downright painful! I've spent so many months researching
(well.. years really..) what seems like a colossal list of Marine
species that I CAN'T have, because they are either Coral Nippers,
aggressive, unpredictable, poor survivors, don't eat, aren't
available or are otherwise not conscientious choices. Even so the list
I have comprised is not perfect at all, but more like a selection of
the least risky mix I'm prepared to attempt (sometimes it seem like
anything will have a go at anything under the right/wrong
conditions).
I have already had some hard lessons in compatibility/Survivability,
and have directed such B-grade disasters as "Edward Scissor Beak -
Night of the Puffer", "The Blob" (or "A Starfish
ate my Nudibranch... and everything else slower than it") ,
"Goni, Goni..... Gone" and my personal favourite
"Cryptocaryon up the Kyber", or "Who needs
Quarantine?"
<Heee heeee! You should write such movie scripts... you'd no
doubt generate a rapt, though select audience>
I now have the 90 Litre set up as a quarantine tank (no Substrate, PVC
caves) and will put all except the Paracanthurus through the WWM
Guerilla acclimation and quarantine. As per Bob's recommendation on
WWM the Palette will just be dipped, dumped , and prayed for (as will
the Premnas).
<Do place the Maroon last here. Territorial>
This will be the first addition (to help it settle and minimise
collateral damage if it infects the display) but I am having a hard
time finding a crypt free, promising specimen to buy to date, in spite
of their retail abundance
I have had my Maroon clown for 6.5 years now and he (along with the
Sarcophyton) is basically the sole survivor of my "Learning
exercise".
I feel I have killed enough marine organisms now, and would like to
give my little ecosystem a fighting chance (no pun), and me a less
guilt ridden sleep with better (conscientious?) choices made this time
around. And so.....to whit:
Planned Additions:
1 X Yellow Tailed Blue Tang - Paracanthurus Hepatus -
1 X Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma Flavescens
1 X Coral Beauty - Centropyge Bispinosus
2-3 X Schooling Bannerfish - Heniochus diphreutes
<I'd limit the BFs to two specimens in this 500l volume>
Another 20KG of Live rock
1 X Torch Coral - Euphyllia Glabrescens
1 X Pulsing Xenia - Can you suggest a good species please? Maybe one
less prone to hostile takeovers?
<The vast majority of Xeniids I've seen offered for sale are
mis-identified to even genus. I would go for/with any "local"
Heteroxenia sp. available... I.e. one that has been established, is
being sold by the fragmenter nearby>
Possible Additions depending on how game(naive?) I'm feeling:
1.Volitans Lionfish - Pterois Volitans (~ 3 Inches) - Yes ... I know
...the Clown!
<Yes, and no; I'd leave out a Lion here. Gets too big and will
swallow smaller animals>
Am banking on a supposed 8 year lifespan for an already 7 plus year old
Clownfish
<The Premnas can live for twenty or more years>
paired with a very small Lion..could be a bad bet I know, but I thought
maybe the height of the clown, with his size and temperament might make
the difference. Have observed 4 inch clowns co-existing with 30
Inch
<Mmm, no>
Volitans previously (although I can't vouch for how that lasted
long term)
Am thinking of adding this fish last at a small size with no motile
inverts (unless you can suggest any that will avoid being
"snorted") and buying the rest at 3-4 inches plus. Also can
you confirm whether the Rhodactis (?) or Entacmaea pose much of a
threat to a Volitans in this space.
<They do not>
I have heard/read that they have a reputation for bumbling into
anemones, and suffer disproportionately
<Yes>
2. Zebra Moray - Gymnomuraena Zebra
<Again... too much biomass... Are you planning on yet another
(nearer time) upgrade? If not, I'd leave off w/ eels>
Actually, I'm doubtful about this animal: the rest of my family
really want one, but have read that a.) they can be hard to feed b.)
they may choose to hide pretty much perpetually c.) Houdini trained
them personally in the art of escape d.) they are reported to exhibit
some strange kind of stupidity with regard to Lionfish spines and
possible aggression towards the same. Regarding this last... Do you
think this is anecdotal or a pretty much accepted behaviour
pattern?
<It is>
3. Bubble Tip Anemone - Entacmaea Quadricolor
Let me save you the trouble <Mmmmm.... sessile Cnidarians with
Motile Cnidarians .... Mmmmmm .....> .. grin.
<Yes>
Am thinking frequent observation, large tank, few corals, and at worst,
sessile victim relocation programmes
<Too risky in my estimation; but up to you>
4. Some Stenopus or Lysmata shrimp (if I decide against the Moray and
the Lion, that is)
<Okay... though your present Debelius may consume these, or the
Boxer work others woe>
Unlikely, but possible Future additions:
Majestic Angel - Pomacanthus Navarchus - I LOVE this fish, but it's
unpredictability around corals and size give me pause, I may one day
after more research be brave/equipped enough to try this
<Too big>
Other questions:
Do you think the mix of the Zebrasoma and the Paracanthurus will make
the water too Tangy?
<Nope>
I reasoned that with the very different colours and noticeably
different body shape they (the Yellow really..) aren't that likely
to view each other as competitors... mistake?
<I think you'll be fine here... considering both will be new,
hopefully started at not-too-large size>
Can you see any problems with adding either a Gorgonian (red) or a
Tridacna to this mix in the future? (with sufficient lighting)
<Should be fine>
Can you suggest any other additions in the same vein as the above with
a better survivability/compatibility quotient?
<I'd look into "something" that will hang about, add
interest in mid-upper water... Perhaps a school of Apogonids,
Anthiines>
Does anything leap out and say "No! ......Stop you
fool!"?
<Just the Pteroine>
Thanks for your time,
Rama
<Thank you for sharing your dream, experiences, speculative angst!
Bob Fenner>
Before I buy.... 75 Gal Mixed Reef, First Livestock
Selections 12/2/2010
Good evening. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!
<Hi Justin.>
I have a 75 gallon aquarium with a 20 gallon sump. I have 50lbs of
cured live rock (covered in purple coraline algae), 3 scoops of sand
and a gallon of old system water, all my from my friend's 6 six
year established reef. I also have about another 30lbs of Marco rock as
base rock. I have 2 Hamilton Aruba sun v2 48" t5 retrofit kits, a
reef octopus nwb 110 skimmer and an Eheim compact 3000 return pump with
a Vortech mp40w es powerhead.
<Sounds like a nice setup.>
The aquarium never went through much of a cycle. Ammonia, nitrite and
nitrate have remained at 0 for a month's worth of testing. I have
lots of little critters, worms, pods and feather dusters all over the
rock work that I have been feeding raw table shrimp. My spg is 1.026
and my pH remains a constant 8.0. I use instant ocean reef
crystals.
<Tank may have cycled already with the established live
rock.>
So there is the overview of my tank.
I would like to start adding corals and wanted your final approval
before I go ahead and make the purchase.
Oh... This is my first time with saltwater. I've been taking my
time and going over your site for while now.
<Being patient and going slow is the best way to do it.>
I would like to add a colt coral, green umbrella leather, Ricordeas,
mushrooms, green star polyps and Xenia. Not all at once but over time.
Does my system meet the Requirements for these species to thrive?
<Certainly. You will want to add some sort of carbon to the system
for the colts and the leathers. They can be rather noxious>
I believe it does from what I've read and researched over Reef
Central and your website. I am just double checking. I'm a bit
nervous about starting since this is all new to me.
The fish I intend to keep are two Percula clowns, Kole tang, watchmen
goby and pistol shrimp and maybe a dwarf angel but have read that they
are hit or miss when it comes to being reef safe.
<As long as they are well fed, they generally aren't a
problem.>
If you could kindly offer your opinion on my overall setup I would take
it to heart and really appreciate it.
<Sounds like a well thought out system. Go slow, add fish and corals
one at a time, and you will do well.>
I am also in the process of setting up a ten gallon refugium with
lettuce algae as well.
<Excellent idea.>
Thanks,
<My Pleasure.>
Justin
<MikeV>
Sent from my iPhone
<Sent from my Laptop.>
Re: Before I buy.... 75 Gal Mixed Reef, First Livestock Selections
12/3/2010
Thank you!
<My pleasure.>
I will go slow.
<Always the best in this hobby. Always remember Nothing good happens
quickly.>
As far as a feeding regime for the corals. I know that most of the
corals will get their food from the lighting, fish food and fish waste.
I was wondering if I should be feeding anything else to the system for
the corals
benefit? Like Cyclop-eeze or Dt's phytoplankton or clams eggs?
<One a week wouldn't hurt. Just don't overdo it.>
Thanks again
<MikeV>
Reef tank stocking
11/26/10
Hi,
<Hello Nate>
I am working on stocking for my 120 gallon reef tank.
Haven't decided what corals to add yet, but I am starting with fish
stocking. I have worked for a while to narrow down my list and here is
what I have come up with:
Butterflyfish (yellow long-nose and Copperband)
<Mmm, one or the other>
marine comet
Lyretail Anthias
<How many?>
Longnose Hawkfish
dwarf angels (coral beauty, pygmy, flame angel, Pearlscale)--thinking
about putting them all in QT and then either moving them to display all
at once or smallest to largest
<Just one Centropyge species, individual total for this tank>
Bluechin trigger
achilles tang
<Mmm, not easily kept. I'd choose another tang species>
neon Dottyback. Thought about other Dottybacks, but couldn't seem
to find any that would play well with dwarf angels. Is this one too
aggressive.
Mostly I listed the fish in the order I plan on adding them.
Also thinking about a snowflake eel as well.
<Possibly>
Thanks, love your site!
Nate terry
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Fish Stocking List/Stocking Levels 11/5/10
Hello WWM,
<Hello Dave>
I'm going to apologize for my grammar to start off.
<Wish you would have capitalized proper nouns as in fish names,
saves me time if I don't have to do it.>
Now that that is said, I was told by some people on cdmas.org to throw
my list your way. I recently started with reef tanks
back in April of this year. I run a 50g tank with mixed corals, 2
Ocellaris Clowns, Mandarin, Coral Beauty, and a Yellow Tang. I do know
the grow out of the tang and am trying to avoid this on this next tank.
At the beginning, I did not like gobies, blennies, etc. I have seen
quite a few tanks from fellow people on my forums and they nearly all
have had at least one. That being said, I am trying to fit a handful in
the new tank. For the new tank, It will be a 75g predrilled tank,
<I believe a poor investment for 25 more gallons.>
40g sump, 15g refugium, Aqua C EV-180 skimmer, 100+ lbs dry rock, and I
am not decided on the powerheads yet. The corals for the tank will be
mainly mixed LPS, with some SPS and softies. For the stock list I would
like: 2-3 Banggai Cardinals, 2 gsm clowns, Finger Dragonet, Red Sea
Mimic Blenny, Bicolor Blenny, 2 Yellow Clown Gobies, an angel (
Bluespotted or bicolor ), and a tang (power <Powder> Brown).
<Tank much too small for a Powder Brown.>
I am aware of the cardinals pairing and possibly killing the third, and
the clowns becoming territorial.
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Dave
Fish Compatibility (and a little on environment-induced
abhorrent behavior) -- 10/11/10
Dear Crew,
I am in the process of stocking a mature 75 gallons reef tank (about 90
pounds of live rocks and a couple of SPS and LPS corals, with room to
grow), and after reading through pages of very useful information, I
still have a few questions about fish compatibility.
<<Okay'¦ I am happy to proffer my opinion>>
I plan to have (in this stocking order):
- a trio of stripped Cardinals (Apogon margaritophorus).
- a Flame Angel or a Coral Beauty.
<<My vote is for the former--hardier/better adapted to captive
care--and a very striking fish>>
- an Orchid or a Neon Dottyback (captive bred).
<<A conservative plan indeed--if you stick to it. But regarding
the Cardinals'¦ With this stocking plan, I would go with a
larger group (7). You have the space, and a larger grouping of these
small social fish would feel more secure in this setting--and look nice
to boot!>>
The local Big Al's store has both Dottybacks, and from what I have
seen, the tank housing the Pseudochromis aldabraensis is by far more
peaceful than the one housing P. fridmani, even though the later has a
reputation of being less aggressive (both tanks were standard 55
gallons, with about a dozen of individuals in each). Do you think that
the P. aldabraensis will be too boisterous for the peaceful
Cardinals?
<<Either fish, if a 'tank raised' specimen, will probably
be fine. I have kept P. fridmani with Pajama Cardinals with no
incident--though in a much larger system than you have. The Pajama
Cardinals also do not share the same 'body shape' as the
Pseudochromis like your choice of Cardinalfish--which may or may not
play a role here. But still is worth a try I think>>
How about the compatibility of the Dottybacks with the Centropyge
Angels?
<<I think it likely the Dwarf Angel will be the aggressor
here--though things 'should' settle down after a
bit>>
Is there a risk of either of them going hyper-dominant and harassing
the other?
<<I think there will be some brief back-and-forth to establish
hierarchy, but with sufficient 'hidey holes' in the rock work
it shouldn't get too bad for either, and will likely taper off to
the occasional 'charge' now and again>>
If the fish population is reasonable, is the stocking order acceptable,
or is it better to add the Angel and the Dottyback at the same time to
give each and equal chance for establishing a territory?
<<If the Angel is significantly larger than the Dottyback I would
add it last--else, I think it matters little>>
I recently had an unfortunate experience with a Brown Scopas
Tang suddenly going in a killing frenzy, after 4 years of
peaceful cohabitation with a Black-cap Gramma, and very well-behaved
Coral Beauty and Flame Angel, so I'm trying to plane very carefully
my next tank population to avoid this type of occurrence to happen, as
much as humanly possible.
<<Mmm, indeed'¦ I have known of other Tang species doing
the same. I think it goes back to the assertion from some of us here at
WWM that just 'keeping/growing up' fishes in systems too small
to begin with, aside from physiological issues, leads to abhorrent
social behaviors among fishes that are considered 'compatible'
in the hobby>>
Thank you for taking the time to help,
<<Quite welcome>>
and for maintaining this excellent website.
<<Quite the collaborative effort>>
Regards,
Mehdi
<<Cheers'¦ EricR>>
Stocking a 375 Gallon Soft Coral Reef Tank/Stocking
Level/Compatibility 9/20/10
Hi Crew,
<Hello Rick>
In the process of planning a 96x96x30
<Yowsah, James is jealous again.>
Soft Coral (noxious variety) Reef Tank (currently have a 90 gallon reef
tank that I've been able to
learn/experience/make a few mistakes with/but most importantly
enjoy).
My DREAM occupants of the proposed 375 gallon tank would include a
Majestic Angelfish - Euxiphipops Navarchus and a Regal Angelfish -
Pygoplites diacanthus ... but honestly (and after literally hundreds
and hundreds of "hours of reading / research") I'm
probably more confused (or afraid of attempting) now than 2 years ago
when I started planning the bigger tank. My research simply tells me,
"if" you look long enough, someone will give you the
answer/info you are hoping for ... albeit not often correct or
accurate. Here's my wish-list, in order of introduction into the
tank ... please provide your wisdom in regards to my chances of success
within a soft coral tank.
<I'll give you my input, see below.>
Greatly, greatly appreciated,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Rick
20 Yellowtail Damselfishes - Chrysiptera parasema
<Good choice, one of the least aggressive Damselfish and a great
splash of color.>
1 Coral Beauty Angel - Centropyge
bispinosus (could I house a harem of Coral Beauties - say 5?)
<They are usually found in small groups of 3-7 in the wild so in a
375 gallon tank with those dimensions, it should work out.
If you are looking for a fish that will always be in full view during
the day, this is not the one to choose.
Have one myself and I'd say it is in and among the rock more than
it is out and about in full view.>
1 Flame Angelfish - Centropyge loriculus
<If you choose to have 5 Coral Beauties, then I would omit this
guy.
Problems likely to arise.
One of each would be a better way to go.>
2 Golden Butterflies - Chaetodon semilarvatus
<Caution here as these fish will feed on benthic invertebrates,
Zoanthids, and some soft corals.>
1 Regal Angel (Red Sea) - Pygoplites diacanthus
<It's a dice roll with these fish. Most rarely live more than a
month in captivity. With your size tank, the odds may be a little more
in your favor, but still no guarantee. And if you decide to roll the
dice, do
wait until your tank has aged at least 6 months. They are pricey, so
the choice is yours to make.>
1 Majestic Angel - Pomacanthus Navarchus
<This fish is much easier to keep than the Regal but is prone to nip
at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates)
and clam mantles. It generally will not harm small-polyped stony corals
and somewhat noxious soft corals.>
5 Blue Hippo Tangs -Paracanthurus hepatus
<A good choice, very colorful indeed, but five may be a bit too much
for your tank as they can grow up to
a foot in length, captive systems likely to 10 inches.>
1 Purple Tang - Zebrasoma xanthurum
<Another attractive species that should fit in well with the
previous choices/selections.>
Wrasse compatibility and an update on hyposalinity treatment
of Cryptocaryon irritans 9/12/10
Greetings to Bob and Crew at WWM,
<Jamie>
I hope that things are going well with you and yours!
<Thank you>
It has been several months since I've written about my battle with
a very entrenched C. irritans infection in my 225 gallon system. As you
may remember, this all started November of 2009 and I have tried
formalin, quinine, Chloroquine, and the last was hypo-salinity. My
fishes have been kept in the main tank with salinity at 1.010 or 12 ppm
for the past two and a half months. Hypo-salinity was my "last
resort" as my fishes' Crypt infection was coming to a very
severe level and I needed to give them relief FAST. It took almost
three weeks for each and every spot to disappear, I believe (thinking
back) it was because it took me a week to finally drop the salinity
from 1.012 to 1.010. I've learned a lot from this experience and
I've also gained a ton of patience. To anyone who thinks
quarantining one's fish for six or eight weeks is long - just
imagine fighting Crypt for ten plus months! And honestly speaking, I
know my battle is not over yet! My plans are to continue hypo through
October and start raising the salinity slowly over a week or two in
November. I then will wait and monitor for another four weeks for
recurrence and then after that, introduce my poor corals and start
stocking again. Through all this, I consider myself fairly lucky that I
didn't experience total wipe out, but I was saddened by every
little life I lost. I still have my original Powder Blue tang, Kole
tang, and Atlantic Blue tang - who grew from silver dollar size to a
huge 6 inches in length and a bright yellow to a deep blue.
Current inhabitants beside the tangs are:
4 x Firefish gobies (Nemateleotris magnifica, a pair and two
individuals)
1 x Randall's goby (Amblyeleotris randalli)
1 x some type of variant (white/grey/purple) yellow watchman goby
(Cyrptocentrus cinctus) Is mine a female?
<Likely so>
Pair of Amphiprion ocellaris
1 x Cleaner Wrasse (original from November 09)
11 x Emperor Angel (Pomacanthus imperator - grew from 2 to 4 inches in
three months!)
2 x female red scooter blennies (Synchiropus stellatus)
1 x clown fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis)
1 x Starry blenny (Salarias ramosus)
I'm looking to restock with the following and also have some
associated questions regarding each:
First and most importantly: I will quarantine each fish or pair for
eight weeks to observe for any signs of infection and also to make sure
that each has acclimated to a multitude of foods which my (and my
current fishes)
favorites are Ocean Nutrition Formula One/Two frozen and pellets, and
New Life Spectrum pellets - I honestly believe that the health and
longevity of our fishes' success ties in with their willingness and
ability to accept these highly nutritious foods.
<We are in agreement>
Male Synchiropus stellatus
Pair of yellow head jaw fish (Opistognathus aurifrons) - Is there a
difference between ones collected from Mexico versus Florida?
<Mmm, not really. Are about the same hardiness historically from
wherever collected... and very few are currently aquacultured>
Pair of Yellow Watchman Gobies (Cyrptocentrus cinctus)
Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus) - I've read that
Pseudocheilinus
can be real bullies when mature, is that the normal tendency of
things? /> <Not this species as much as the
"lined" ones. Not to worry>
If so, if I start with a smallish specimen and put him in last, would
that help my chances of having a peaceful fish?
<Yes>
Orange spotted blenny (*Blenniella chrysospilos)*
Pair of Aurora Gobies (Amblyeleotris aurora)
Pair of Citron Gobies (Gobiodon citrinus) - would these be "too
small" for my tank and be eaten by someone?
<Not if you have Acropora corals for them to occupy>/>
Hybrid Angel - *Centropyge flavissima x C. vrolikii - *I would love to
a Centropyge flavissima in addition to the hybrid and read that
Lemonpeels are "less aggressive towards other Centropyges"
but not sure what your thoughts are?
<... that your system is getting very/too crowded. Do you have plans
for having another tank?>
Collection of Halichoeres wrasse (My favorite is the *Halichoeres
melanurus, *but I also like, *Halichoeres leucurus, Halichoeres
vrolikii, Halichoeres chrysus*) I would LOVE it if I could have one of
each in my system, but if not, I'll be happy with just the
Melanurus! Questions regarding this are: If I can keep multiples of
this genus or do they not get along?
<... I'd stop stocking the 225>
Will these Halichoeres do well in quarantine or would you observe in
LFS for a week to two, make sure its healthy and eating, then dip and
place in display? I've read several different opinions on this
genus and would love to know of yours!
<Is posted on WWM. One/singles are fine in captivity>/>
Lastly, I'm planning on getting a pair of cleaner shrimp, and
pistol shrimps for all my shrimp gobies! My tank will really be
"popping"!
Thank you so much for all the support now, past, and I'm sure,
future.br /> Your site is truly invaluable!
Sincerely,
Jamie Barclay
<Welcome. BobF>&
stocking, SW... a few tanks, many possibilities
8/27/10
Dear WWM crew,
<John>
I would like to thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and
time.
All thanks to the Wet Web Crew, I have become a reasonably successful
fish keeper. I am on my second year and have become quite addicted.
Thanks again (I think).
<Heeee! Socios miseris habuisse dolorem dicit... Cicero et al,
"Misery loves company">
Now for my situation, I'm really going to fry your brain. I have 3
salt water tanks set up. A 215 gal. , a 125 gal. , a 90 gal. Two 37
gal. refugiums, 100 gal. sump, 300lbs+ of live rock, a deep sand bed,
also running 2 skimmers, all flowing through the same system.
Everything has been running excellent for 2 years. My fish consist of
:
Koran Angel 6"
Spot Fox Face 5"
Pink tail Trigger 5"
Pink Spotted Goby 3"
Lemon Peel Angel 4"
Lemon Damsel 2"
Tomato Clown 4"
Falco Hawkfish 3"
Picasso Trigger 3-4"
Diadem Dottyback 2-3"
Sail Fin tang 5"
Engineer Goby 6"
Kole Tang 4"
Kline Butterfly 3-4"
2 Clown Fish Ocellaris 2"
3 Green Chromis 1-2"
2 Long Spine Sea Urchins
2 Cleaner Fish <What sort/species?>
3 Serpent Stars
Half dozen or so Hermit crabs and snails
I have just come across a gentlemen breaking down his 300 gal. tank
because he could no longer care for them. I purchased for a very
reasonable price 125 lbs of beautiful live rock, his aqua c ev2000
skimmer, and all of his fish. I have his fish and rock in his water in
three 55 gal. tanks. The fish are all eating well and doing fine. Here
is my plan, I would like to keep as many of his fish as possible. I
will remove all my live rock and fish and restock all tanks fresh, with
a combination of his fish and my fish with as much rock as possible.
Here's a list of the fish I purchased.
All are healthy and have been in his tank for at least 5 years.
Yellow Tang 5"
Hippo Tang 5-6"
Hawk Fish 4-5"
Green Mandarin 3"
Eibli Angel 3-4"
Heraldi Angel 4-5"
Flame Angel 4"
Gold Rabbit Fish 4-5"
Cuban Hog Fish 5-6"
3 Short spined Urchins
Not to complicate things more then they already are, I would like to
possibly use either the 90 gal. or the 125 gal. for some easy corals. I
would like to know your opinion on the best way to restock my tanks
with as many fish as possible safely, stocking all 3 tanks to the
maximum. I do heavy skimming and consistent water treatment. Thank you
very much for your time, I hope I did not ruin your day. Thank you
again,
John
<Mmm, well... your largest system (the 215) should house the Koran,
the larger Rabbitfish, Trigger, Zebrasoma and Hogfish for sure... much
else can be parsed to the other systems... There are techniques for
more readily assuring who goes in first et al... but I suspect the
current blending/mixing all at once of whoever is left will work out in
degrees/kind with time. It would be great if you could have ended up
with the 300 gallon system, and moved all, separated all according to
the greater space. Bob Fenner>
Re: stocking, FO, reef... 8/29/10
Hello WWM ,
Thank you for your quick response and once again we all really
appreciate your knowledge . I've come up with a stocking plan for
my 3 tanks and would love your input.
<Okay>
215 gal. -
Koran Angel
Sailfin Tang
Pink Tail trigger
Cuban Hogfish
One Spot Rabbit
Green Mandarin
<Too likely bothered by the trigger and starved here>
Pink Spotted Goby
2- Clown Ocellaris
3- Green Chromis
<I'd "stop" here population and psychological
mix-wise>
Hippo Tang
Heraldi Angel
Yellow Tang
125gal. -
Picasso Trigger
Kline Butterfly
Engineer goby
Lemon Peel Angel
Hawkfish
Eibli Angel
Tomato Clown
Gold Rabbit
90gal. (possible reef tank)
Falco Hawkfish
Lemon Damsel
Diadem Dottyback
Kole Tang
Flame Angel
PJ Cardinal
2- Cleaner Shrimp
My plan is to remove all old fish and rock, restock all fish and all
rock.
My question to you, in your professional opinion , is this stocking
plan going to work or have I struck out completely?
<You're twixt first and second base>
My biggest concern is the 215 possible being over stocked. Should I
consider moving the yellow Tang to the 125gal or take some fish out of
the mix completely?
<See my comments above>
Thank you again for your help.
John
<Welcome. BobF>
Stocking, Equipment and Compatibility...125Gal Stocking and
selection 8/16/2010
Hello To All The Crew...
<Hi!>
My name is Ron,
<Mike here.>
You have always steered me in the right direction. That doesn't
mean, I have always listened...
<Take comfort in the fact that you aren't the first and hardly
likely to be the last.>
I need your advice on stocking, equipment and compatibility. I am
breaking down and selling my 110 gallon tank. My new tank is a 125
gallon. My equipment is listed below.
<OK.>
Tank dimensions are 72"x 18"x 22"
Current USA Outer Orbit Fixture 48 inch, 2x150W 10K Metal Halide HQIs
with
4X54W T5HOs, & 18 Lunar Lights
Rena XP3 (I know your crew is not a big fan of canister filters)
<I actually have 2 on my 150. I use them for chemical filtration and
water movement only.>
AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer with Mag 3 pump (Upgrading to the
AquaMedic Turboflotor T1000 Multi SL with Aqua Medic Ocean Runner PH
2500)
Two Hydro Koralia Powerheads #4 and One Hydro Koralia Powerhead #3 Two
Visi-Therm Deluxe Submersible Heaters 300W
100 lbs. of live rock
<All looks good there.>
The list below is my wish list for stocking. Some will be transfers
from the 110 gallon tank.
Transfer List:
4" Purple Tang
4" Pacific Blue Tang (This one can go, if I can have the rest)
4" One Spot Foxface (This one can go, if I can have the rest)
3" Flame Angel
Wish List:
3" Volitans Lionfish <Will get much larger in time.>
4" Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) <Same here, will
get bossy in time.>
3" Blue Jaw Triggerfish <One of the 'calmer' triggers,
but again, will get
bigger in time.>
<If it was me, I would pick one or two off of your wish list and
lose one or two from the transfer list. Otherwise, you are going to be
too crowded, both physically and psychologically.>
I also would like to have some corals, if possible? What kind could I
have?
<You have adequate lighting for most corals, that said, Triggers and
the larger angels are at best 'very cautiously' reef safe, and
would stock accordingly.>
Thanks in advance for your advice...
<My pleasure.>
Ron
<MikeV>
A Good Choice For My 95 Gallon Wave?/Stocking/Compatibility
8/12/10
Dear crew,
<Tom>
First let me say that your site is amazing!
<Thank you.>
I have been reading these posts for about five years and now need some
guidance specific to my system. I have a 95 gallon wave tank that has
been established for about five years. I have a 19 gallon sump, 260
watts of light, about 100 pounds of live rock and am working on a new
protein skimmer (Aqua C EV 120). My water temperature stays at around
80 degrees and the salinity is 1.023. My question pertains to stocking.
Living in the tank is 1- 3' Yellow Tang , 3- 2' blue green
Chromis, 1- 3' yellow wrasse, a pair of mated true Perculas in
their Bubble Tip Anemone and 1 cleaner shrimp. These fish have been
living together for a couple years now, some closer to three years. I
also have some softies- mushrooms, colts and some polyps. I've been
asking all of the local dealers what they would suggest as far as
additional fish and the answers are sometimes crazy (as crazy as Naso
tang)'¦
<Is crazy.>
so I'm going to the source. What medium size fish or little school
of fish will work beautifully with my existing system? I'm looking
for hardy fish that will be happy in a 95 gallon system! What would you
suggest?
<My first thought was a dwarf angel but then there are no guarantees
that these fish would not sample your corals. Most folks have had luck
(including myself) in this regard, but the choice is yours to make. My
other thoughts would be 3 Yellow Tail Damsels which are rather peaceful
and do add a splash of color. The colorful Dottybacks would be another
fish to check out. There are many others, but I just don't have the
time to compile a list. Check out some of the on-line fish etailers
such as Drs. Foster Smith. They most always have compatibility
ratings.>
Thanks so much for your time!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Tom
I realize this sounds like a simple question, but I'm a little
nervous about upsetting the current environment.
Re Wave?/Stocking/Compatibility 8/12/10 - 8/17/10
Thanks for your quick response...
<You're welcome.>
I have done some more research and have several fish I'm thinking
about. Here are my tank specs and inhabitants again. I have a 95 gallon
wave tank that has been established for about five years. I have a 19
gallon sump, 260 watts of light, about 100 pounds of live rock and am
working on a new protein skimmer (Aqua C EV 120). My water temperature
stays at around 80 degrees and the salinity is 1.023. Living in the
tank is 1- 3' Yellow Tang , 3- 2' blue green Chromis, 1- 3'
yellow wrasse, a pair of mated true Perculas in their Bubble Tip
Anemone and 1 cleaner shrimp. These fish have been living together for
a couple years now, some closer to three years. I also have some
softies- mushrooms, colts and some polyps.
I'm thinking of a Bluehead Fairy Wrasse but am wondering if it will
be peaceful with my yellow wrasse?
<Your Halichoeres chrysus is generally a peaceful fish as is the
Bluehead Fairy Wrasse and compatibility issues
should be minimal.>
I'm also thinking of a saddleback butterfly but am concerned about
my bubble tip anemone and softies. Do you think the clowns would
protect the anemone?
<Why cause problems, but to answer your question, the Saddleback
Butterflyfish generally feeds on SPS corals in the wild but is no
guarantee
that it will not sample the tips of your BTA. And, this is not one of
the easier Butterflyfish to keep.>
Lastly... if there is room... I would love to put another tang in the
tank. I've been looking at the blue Caribbean tang,
<Will get too large for your system.>
the powder brown tang and the powder blue tang.
<Difficult to keep/acclimate, requires larger quarters.>
Which one of these tangs (if any) would be most suitable.
Thanks for all of your help, you guys are awesome!
<You're welcome, and do search our site first before writing as
all this information is readily found. James (Salty Dog)>
Tom
How Many Fish?/Marine Stocking Levels
8/7/10
I have a 135 gal. reef tank. I have approx. 80 lbs live rock, sand. How
many fish are recommended for this size tank? I know that it depends on
the fish and their size, but please give my a ball park figure.
<Becky, there are many variables that can affect stocking levels.
Surface area of tank, use of a sump and skimmer, quality of filtration,
oxygen, etc. But to be on the safe side, one cubic inch of fish per 5
gallons of water would be my suggestion. May want to read this article.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_2/cav2i6/Reef%20Ramblings/ramblings.htm
James (Salty Dog) Becky Ward
Stocking the reef v1.2 7/20/10
Hi there!
<Yellow!>
I am considering adding a Candy Basslet (L. carmabi)
to my 90 gallon reef if I can get my hands on one. I
am concerned that this fish may not be compatible with the Blue
Assessor (A. macneilli) currently residing in the
reef. I also plan to add a Yellow Assessor (A.
flavissimus) in the near future as I know several people who
have kept the two Assessors together long-term with good results. I
also hear the Yellow is less cryptic than
the Blue.
<This has been my experience, yes>
The reef is brightly lit SPS dominant which I understand is not ideal
for the Candy Basslet, but being a hardy Basslet I assume it would get
used to its surroundings. What do you think about adding a Candy
Basslet to the mix? Other fish in reef:
ORA Sharknose Goby
2 Pearly Jawfish aka Yellow Head
2 True Percula Clowns
Blue Assessor
Yellow Assessor (soon to be added)
Thanks for your great advice in the past, and any future advice you may
give me.
Cheers!
Mindy
<I give you "okay" odds here... this is the
"stock" ninety of four foot length? With enough/sufficient
caves, spaces in your hard decor these fishes should be able to coexist
with not too much disharmony. Bob Fenner>
Too Much Livestock for a 90g? -- 07/06/10
Hello!
<<Hey Phil!>>
I have been stalking your sections on stockings for the past few hours.
I had the feeling I might have went a bit overboard.
<<Oh?>>
So, I wanted to know what you think of my Fish load.
<<Okay>>
I have a 90G + 40G sump/refugium loaded with macro. Over 120Lbs of live
rocks, 5 inch DSB, a small plenum in the sump. Remora Skimmer and a
small UV on one return line. Ok! Here we go...A few soft and LPS
corals, 5 Hermits, 4 shrimps.1x SS Starfish,
<<The Sand-Sifting Star has done already, or will be decimating
the biota in your DSB'¦greatly reducing its
benefit>>
1x what I believe to be a Fromia milleporella (Small red Starfish with
little black dots), 12 Snails, 3 feathers, 1x Foxface, 1x Blue
Hippo,
<<Needs a much bigger tank than this'¦these large,
robust, and a little bit 'twitchy' Tangs can suffer horribly
from being raised in a 'too small' system'¦exhibiting
both physical and sociological complaints in the long term>>
1x Engineer Goby, 1xYellow Nose Prawn Goby, 1xYellow Clown Goby,
3xChromis viridis, a couple of Clowns, and a Lawnmower Blenny. Oh and
about 100000 small shrimps in the sump!
Should I start fishing for new homes?
<<In my opinion, yes'¦for both the Sand-Sifting Star and
the Hippo Tang>>
Thanks again,
Phil
<<Happy to share'¦ EricR>>
damsel addition? 7/6/10
Hello there folks - I think I know the answer to this but I'm going
to ask anyway - I have a 65 gallon reef tank, with the
following inhabitants: a Tomini Tang, a Purple Tang,
<These Surgeonfishes will need more room in time>
a Tailspot Blenny, a Copperband Butterfly, a Scooter dragonet, and four
Azure damsels. All are healthy and getting along well. I would like to
add a couple of Three stripe damsels.
<Mmm, no. I would not do this>
The ones in the store are about half the size of the Azure damsels I
have.
Am I right that the Azure damsels would most likely attack the Three
stripe damsels?
<There's "no room at the inn" here period>
Or, given the fact that the Three stripes are so small, is it possible
the Azures wouldn't regard them as a threat? Or (as I have a
feeling) am I best to skip this idea?
<Yes>
Of course, behavior is sometimes unpredictable, as with my
Copperband.
Supposedly shy, right? Ha! He takes food from my finger, chases the
other fish, even snatches food nearly from their mouths (which is why I
started giving him food from my fingers). Still, I will appreciate your
thoughts re the damsels... Thanks, Seth.
P.S. Thanks for your excellent website and great advice in the
past!
<Welcome Seth. Do keep your eyes open (Craig's List, garage
sales...) and save up for a larger system.
Bob Fenner>
Stocking List 6/25/10
Hi Crew.
<Hello Jordan>
I have a rather general question for you that I realize can have many
factors affecting it and can be also very much an individual
species/care giver choice as well. Just thought I would see if any
glaring issues may seem obvious here or not.
Planning out my stocking list and am wondering if this would be
suitable or not.
General specs first:
125g tank 72"l x 18"w x 22" deep
Aquatic Life 72" HID light canopy 3 x 150w HID, 4 x t5 actinics, 6
led moonlights
30g aprox. volume sump with DSB, skimmer, Chaeto, etc.
<Do ensure you have an abundant supply of micro fauna for the
DSB.>
2 x Vortech MP20's mounted on left and right side, 1 Koralia 2 in
middle on back wall down low
Poly Filter in baffle
Tank is about 5 months old now
Water Parameters
pH 8.2
SG 1.025
Temp 78-80 day/night
Nitrite/nitrate - 0, Phosphate- .05 or less, Ammon - 0, Alk- 4.0
mEq/L
I use Seachem's Aquavitro salt and do 15% change every 3 weeks
right now
185lbs LR with several caves, nooks, walls.
Current occupants excluding Turbos, Nassarius snails, Cerith snails
2 x Scarlet Red Hermit
3 x Peppermint Shrimp
2 x cleaner shrimp
2 x Tonga Conch
7 x Blue Chromis - been in a month now
So my plans are to add slowly!! The following in this order I believe
unless you may have a suggestion which I always consider above all
others I talk too.
2 x Ocellaris clowns
1 x Yellow Longnose B/F
<This butterfly is generally safe with SPS Corals, but may pick
at/eat LPS Corals.
Caution advised here.>
1 x Kole or Tomini Tang
<My experience is that the Tomini Tang is a little easier to keep
than the Kole Tang. Have one
myself going on three years now.>
1 x Flame Angel
Mostly will be adding LPS and Coralimorpharians for now, spaced well
apart.
Currently have 2 green Rhodactis.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys
<Sounds OK so far. James (Salty Dog)>
Jordan
R4: Fish Compatibility Question Actually, and Conch Eggs
Too? Plus Adding Detritivores (And Overcoming the Creepiness Factor) -
06/10/10
Hi Eric R!
<<Hiya Chris!>>
Chris K here again but this time just to follow up as I had promised
with some great news!
<<Excellent!>>
Hi Eric R!! It's Chris K with some promised follow up. (Just to
refresh you - I have a 90 gallon, with 20 gallon sump and refugium, 4
clowns (2 ocellaris and 2 black and white Percs), 1 yellow tang, 1
flame angel, 1 Sixline wrasse, 1 Firefish goby and 2 very small neon
gobies (and a few small corals) I am the one who warbles on about
finding a blue fish to fit in with my other aquatic friends.
<Ah yes'¦I do recall>>
Well I promised you follow up and I am true to my word.
<<Much appreciated>>
Great news! Shortly after our last conversation, I was able to get an
indigo Dottyback and as you mentioned I was to keep a particularly
close eye on my flame angel's reaction as well as the interaction
between the Dottyback and the Sixline wrasse.
<<Indeed>>
I considered removing the wrasse for a few days, and then returning him
when the Dottyback settled in - but in my view my Sixline is
particularly easygoing, and after studying the Dottyback before I put
him in the tank - I noted that he was not as shy as I had imagined.
<<Mmm, nope'¦can be pugnacious actually'¦though
the hybridizing/captive breeding has likely toned this down compared to
wild caught specimens of this genus>>
I chose instead to purchase a new piece of live rock and move some
other pieces around.
<<Smart move>>
Just as you indicated, once I added the indigo Dottyback the flame
angel chased him around a little then lost interest after a few
days.
<<Typical, yes>>
The wrasse minded his own business like he always does (some days I am
not even sure he is aware that there are other fish in the aquarium
with him). But the Dottyback made certain to keep the wrasse at a
distance for close to two weeks.
<<Yup'¦'any' newcomer is generally at a
disadvantage in the beginning, until they become familiar/comfortable
with their new surroundings>>
There was no chasing around the tank or confining the wrasse to any one
certain area (which I had experienced before with a "pair" of
Firefish) - but there was a little charging if the wrasse came too
close to the Dottyback anywhere in the aquarium. I am happy to report
now that after nearly two months the Dottyback has claimed an empty
cave at one end of the aquarium and at times will give a half hearted
nudge to anyone who gets too close to the opening (but only if he is
near the opening himself and even then it is usually not enough of a
deterrent to stop the fish from passing by again on the way back.)
Other than that all the fish seem to be able to swim about the tank
from one end to another as they please. And in fact the Sixline and the
Dottyback are able to swim in open areas of the aquarium ignoring each
other completely. Which I believe is more than I could have hoped
for!
<<Sounds like success to me!>>
I also purchased a small brittle star which I am happy to say I
touched!
<<Wasn't so bad, eh?>>
Did you know that they are brittle? (big grin) and not at all as slimy
or creepy as I had imagined. Brittle star...who knew??
<<Yep>>
He prefers to lock himself away in the lower grid of my corner overflow
during the day (the clink) and come out and explore at night.
<<Typical behavior for these critters>>
I am actually quite fond of him - although I have noticed more and more
empty Nassarius snail shells popping up lately.
<<Hmm, maybe just old age'¦but if you don't feed
heavy enough as a routine, perhaps you could add a few shrimp pellets
to the tank just before lights out. I once had a 'huge'
bright-orange serpent star that would never show its body but rather
would extends its arms some 7-8 inches from the rock and wave them
about in search of the pellet food I dropped in the tank for
it'¦now 'that' was in interesting sight>>
The tiger tail cucumber that I purchased (and also touched) was exactly
what I expected and we seem to have a nice understanding - he hides in
the sand and rocks... and I do not try to find him.
<<Excellent>>
And I am proud to say that I was able to do all this with no adult
beverages (although my husband had the margarita mix standing by!)
<<A good man!>>
Actually I would not have been able to accomplish any of it without the
direction and support of the WetWeb crew!
<<Has been a pleasure>>
You make it possible for people (like myself) to go farther in this
hobby then they could imagine.
<<The journey has only just begun! [grin]>>
One last question - what is the minimum light needed for a Rose bubble
anemone?
<<Generally, the brighter the better'¦but do have a
peruse here and amongst the associated links
(http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemonelightngfaqs.htm)>>
I have 4 T5's on my 90 gallon.
<<Not enough, really'¦I would recommend at least double
this (assuming 54w bulbs)'¦and more white than blue
light>>
I had a rose for a few months - gorgeous - one morning I woke up and he
was gone. Apparently he climbed over my corner overflow and was whisked
into my plumbing.
<<Uh-oh>>
By the time I found him he was goo stuck to the corner of my filter
sock. I wonder if he was moving around looking for more light?
<<Quite possibly'¦though there may also have been issues
with water quality/flow or pestering from another tank
inhabitant'¦all of which could send it on
'walkabout'>>
Take care!
Chris K
<<And you too my friend'¦ Eric Russell>>
Reef Stocking List 5/28/10
Greetings Crew!
<Angela>
Thanks again for your wonderful wisdom! I greatly appreciate everything
that you do for the aquatic community!
<Welcome>
I just wanted to briefly run my stocking list by you for my 54 gallon
corner reef which is looking great so far thanks to the website and
your help. I've learned to be patient and have not added any fish
yet, only corals and inverts so far to the 7 month old system. My
proposed fish list in order of introduction is this: 2 Ocellaris
Clowns, 1 Clown Goby,
<Mmm, Gobiodon really need to be placed with live corals... Acropora
species esp. See WWM re>
1 Neon Goby, and 1 Bicolor Dottyback.
<Cultured>
Please let me know if this mix will work long term.
<There may be troubles>
I will be quarantining all species (not at the same time) for a minimum
of 2 weeks. I will be performing freshwater dips (pH adjusted with
Seachem Reef Buffer) with Methylene Blue on all specimens minus the
Clown Goby due
to its delicate nature.
Lastly, as in many corner tanks, the lid only covers about 80% of the
tank's surface and I was considering building an acrylic/Plexiglas
cutout to cover the remainder.
<Good>
Do you feel that any of these fishes are "jumpers"?
<The Dotty mostly, though Clowns can clear a few inches>
I've had Dottybacks before that jumped out of a tiny tank opening
and feel that the additional Plexiglas would be needed.
Thanks so much crew! You ARE appreciated!!!
Angela
<Do read re these species on WWM. Bob Fenner>
55 gallon reef set-up, stkg., lighting f's...
5/19/10
Hey Crew hope this find everyone well,
<I'm a bit blurry from IPA sampling ayer>
My wife and I have been keeping fish only saltwater aquariums for about
5 yrs, and now we are setting up our first reef. It's a standard 55
gallon 48" by 13" x 20". So far we've set the tank
up with 60 lbs of sugar fine aragonite, and a Marineland T5 HO Deluxe
Strip light that has 4 - 54watt bulbs. Two Marineland Daylight bulbs
and two Actinic bulbs giving a total of 216 watts of light.
<I'd ditch/replace at least one of the actinics...>
The 60 lbs of sand seem to be giving in about 2.5 to 3 inches of sand
bed.
We're planning to added between 50 and 70 lbs of live rock over the
next month to form the back bone of the filtration along with a protein
skimmer.
After the tank has cycled and been stable for at least a month we plan
to start adding animals slowly at 2 to 4 week intervals.
The only fish we plan to add are 1 Clownfish, 1 Royal Gamma, and 1
Firefish.
<Mmm, do read on WWM re the Grammatid and separately Firefishes...
these are often incompatible in such small systems... and Microdesmids
really are social animals... depending on species, should be kept in
twos or more...
not singly>
Coral wise we are wanting to keep a Colt Coral, Pulsing Xenia, Colony
Polyp, Candy Cane Coral, Frogspawn Coral, Hammer Coral, Fox Coral, and
a Brain Coral.
<Then I definitely would be reading re Actinic light, switching
out... for more "white">
Plus a Derasa Clam,
<This animal may need more light in particular... perhaps a
"spot" pendant can be arranged, shined down on it>
and some Cleaner shrimp.
Our questions: Are we heading in the right direction and will our
stocking plan work? If not we're open to any and all
suggestions.
<Do take the time, enjoy reading re the animals you list here... on
WWM, elsewhere... Take good notes, and do write back if you have
further questions, concerns. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Anthony
Suggested stocking Order 5/13/10
Evening Crew
Thanks to everyone's advise at WWM my 155 gallon reef is coming
along nice...Lots of co-pods
<... copepods>
swimming everywhere, everything is looking healthy I'm now looking
to stock my tank I currently have a pair of clarki clownfish, a
bi-color blenny, an Eibli pygmy angel and a powder blue tang currently
in quarantine.
My plan is to move all of the above (except the powder blue) into my
display tank within a week and keep the powder blue in the qt for
another couple of weeks in hopes of eliminating the possibility of
ich
Additional fish that I am looking to put in the tank are a purple tang,
a couple of engineer gobies, a mandarin goby and probably a wrasse or
two and maybe another pygmy angel down the road I'm trying to
determine the best way to stock in an effort to avoid unnecessary
stress on the animals and was looking for insight in this matter
Also any additional suggestions within this mix would be an added
bonus
Thanks in advance for you assistance
Chris
<In this size, shape system, w/ what you list as current, desired,
there is no real preference in stocking order. The PBT may go after
most anything, particularly Acanthuroids... but not likely to a
dangerous extent. Bob Fenner>
Tubastrea aurea... Rambling re SW stkg... reefs
4/14/10
Hi,
<Hi>
I have 2 salt water reef tanks. I have one a 30 gal Nano tank with a
yellow watchman goby, a purple fire fish, a peaceful serpent
star-Ophiolepsis superba, Nassarius snails which I love, one or two
turbo snails, green striped mushrooms, branching frogspawn, some polyps
that grew from a live rock I had for 4 or 5 years first, pulsing xenia
and a yellow polyp rock.
4 inch sand bed (had 6 inches but was 1/3 tank so removed some).
I would like to know if it would be safe to add sexy anemone
shrimp (3 of these) and a feather duster.
<Mmm, not likely... too easily consumed here, no likely
symbiont...>
I do a water change every 7-10 days and all the parameters are so far
perfect. Because I have been feeding more I have been careful to keep
up the water changes and noting for any nitrate increases. This tank
has been up for 2 years. A Bak Pak protein skimmer as this is a oceanic
biocube and I use the back empty (no balls for filters just a pump a
kind of sump)
The first tank we had is a 75 gallon reef tank with about 75 pounds or
more of live rock(had so much more but used some in the 30 gallon and
some seems to crumble or dissolve away. Still have plenty. Sand is
variable, in a wave so that the front center has 4 inch sand bed around
the bases of the rocks less and to the back less.
I have a huge large cantaloupe sized open brain who is just happy as
can be, and branching frogspawn that has really grown (given some to a
friend who started a tank, and have some in the 30 gallon) I have some
pulsating xenia.
And a blue mushroom. I just added a green striped mushroom rock.
I am trying to keep with the LPS as it seems they grow so wonderfully,
at least the 2 I have in the tank.
I have just added fish, a midas blenny and 7 small green Chromis. 2
serpent stars (Ophiolepsis superba), 3 reef crabs who are also ancient
and getting bigger, my Nassarius snails, a turbo or two. I would love
to add to this tank a feather duster, a fire shrimp (just one) and 3
skunk cleaner shrimp.
I also have a pencil sea urchin who has lived there since we started up
the tank--8 years ago.
I don't see any copepods in either tank. I do have bristle worm
dusters in the sand. I could add live copepods or get some from my
friend/
I would love to had a Tubastrea aurea--is it better to start with
smaller size (3-4 in) or larger size(4-5in) as I have a choice.
I realize I have to feed each of the tubes but I have a great time
feeding the fish and I am a night owl so I could feed at night each
polyp by a turkey baster. Any other ideas,
<Re?>
is this a good choice to try to care for.
<Not generally hardy, no>
I have a sand bottom that has areas where the frogspawn lean over
decreasing the light or a area of a cave with a outcrop overhang. I am
understanding that they need less light.
<Actually very little... are not really photosynthetic>
I would love for any comments about the new my new additions to the
tanks-shrimps and are they OK with the serpents I have. Feather
dusters.
And the Tubastrea aurea. I hate to try things that will not last as it
is such a waste of life. Which is why I have few items in the tank and
relatively peaceful fish.
The fish are funny, the midas blenny about 4 inches long and the 7
small green Chromis all like to swim together the swim upstream in
front of the powerhead sort of like finding their own treadmill. I
appreciate everything that this crew has done for people like me. Thank
you so much. What a beautiful site. Even more so with the new
format.
I feed a variety--Cyclop-eeze (frozen) Mysis shrimp formula 1 and grow
my own algae. I have compact fluorescent lighting with 2 bulbs 65 watt
10 K and 2 bulbs 65 watt actinic lighting. I have used a variety of
salt and found that I like Tropic Marin salt the best. I also used
Oceanic, Kent but still go back to Tropic Marin. I have a protein
skimmer CPR bak pak on the 75 gal tank. I will add a third pump as it
seems the critters love the water flow.
Sue
<The Shrimps and tubeworms should be fine here. Bob Fenner>
Tubastrea aurea... Rambling re SW stkg... reefs
4/14/10
Hi,
<Hi>
I have 2 salt water reef tanks. I have one a 30 gal Nano tank with a
yellow watchman goby, a purple fire fish, a peaceful serpent
star-Ophiolepsis superba, Nassarius snails which I love, one or two
turbo snails, green striped mushrooms, branching frogspawn, some polyps
that grew from a live rock I had for 4 or 5 years first, pulsing xenia
and a yellow polyp rock.
4 inch sand bed (had 6 inches but was 1/3 tank so removed some).
I would like to know if it would be safe to add sexy anemone shrimp (3
of these) and a feather duster.
<Mmm, not likely... too easily consumed here, no likely
symbiont...>
I do a water change every 7-10 days and all the parameters are so far
perfect. Because I have been feeding more I have been careful to keep
up the water changes and noting for any nitrate increases. This tank
has been up for 2 years. A Bak Pak protein skimmer as this is a oceanic
biocube and I use the back empty (no balls for filters just a pump a
kind of sump)
The first tank we had is a 75 gallon reef tank with about 75 pounds or
more of live rock(had so much more but used some in the 30 gallon and
some seems to crumble or dissolve away. Still have plenty. Sand is
variable, in a wave so that the front center has 4 inch sand bed around
the bases of the rocks less and to the back less.
I have a huge large cantaloupe sized open brain who is just happy as
can be, and branching frogspawn that has really grown (given some to a
friend who started a tank, and have some in the 30 gallon) I have some
pulsating xenia.
And a blue mushroom. I just added a green striped mushroom rock.
I am trying to keep with the LPS as it seems they grow so wonderfully,
at least the 2 I have in the tank.
I have just added fish, a midas blenny and 7 small green Chromis. 2
serpent stars (Ophiolepsis superba), 3 reef crabs who are also ancient
and getting bigger, my Nassarius snails, a turbo or two. I would love
to add to this tank a feather duster, a fire shrimp (just one) and 3
skunk cleaner shrimp.
I also have a pencil sea urchin who has lived there since we started up
the tank--8 years ago.
I don't see any copepods in either tank. I do have bristle worm
dusters in the sand. I could add live copepods or get some from my
friend/
I would love to had a Tubastrea aurea--is it better to start with
smaller size (3-4 in) or larger size(4-5in) as I have a choice.
I realize I have to feed each of the tubes but I have a great time
feeding the fish and I am a night owl so I could feed at night each
polyp by a turkey baster. Any other ideas,
<Re?>
is this a good choice to try to care for.
<Not generally hardy, no>
I have a sand bottom that has areas where the frogspawn lean over
decreasing the light or a area of a cave with a outcrop overhang. I am
understanding that they need less light.
<Actually very little... are not really photosynthetic>
I would love for any comments about the new my new additions to the
tanks-shrimps and are they OK with the serpents I have. Feather
dusters.
And the Tubastrea aurea. I hate to try things that will not last as it
is such a waste of life. Which is why I have few items in the tank and
relatively peaceful fish.
The fish are funny, the midas blenny about 4 inches long and the 7
small green Chromis all like to swim together the swim upstream in
front of the powerhead sort of like finding their own treadmill. I
appreciate everything that this crew has done for people like me. Thank
you so much. What a beautiful site. Even more so with the new
format.
I feed a variety--Cyclop-eeze (frozen) Mysis shrimp formula 1 and grow
my own algae. I have compact fluorescent lighting with 2 bulbs 65 watt
10 K and 2 bulbs 65 watt actinic lighting. I have used a variety of
salt and found that I like Tropic Marin salt the best. I also used
Oceanic, Kent but still go back to Tropic Marin. I have a protein
skimmer CPR bak pak on the 75 gal tank. I will add a third pump as it
seems the critters love the water flow.
Sue
<The Shrimps and tubeworms should be fine here. Bob Fenner>
Re: Tubastrea aurea, reef stkg., Lysmata amboinensis
comp.... 4/15/10
Bob,
Thanks for the quick response.
I am a little confused, the 30 gal as described below--
I was wondering if I could put in 3 Sexy Anemone Shrimp and a tube worm
fan into this tank.
You said they might be consumed but by what?
<The two fishes listed>
And, in the 75 gallon tank as described below-- for the 75 gallon tank
with the 4 65 watt bulbs I can put the Tubastrea under a rock overhang
so the light doesn't reach them. I would think then I would have to
carefully feed them by turning off the protein skimmer and using a
turkey baster with Cyclop-eeze (is what I thought to feed them) for
each polyp a couple times a week.
Is this a good idea or would you recommend I finding a different LPS
that might be easier to work with.
<I'd peruse WWM re>
I have been encouraged to stick with the LPS.
And, I wanted to also add to this tank 1 fire shrimp, 3 skunk cleaner
shrimp and the tub worm fan.
I am sorry if I seemed to be rambling, I was hoping to give you a idea
of my tanks and the inhabitants.
I would appreciate clarification.
And, I love they way your new site is set up. It is wonderful!!
Sue
<Thank you Sue. BobF>
Pink Tail Trigger.....Reef Safe?/Triggerfish Compatibility
4/10/10
Hey guys,
<Hello Jeromy>
I keep getting conflicting reports. Some say yes, others no. I have a
180g reef tank with a Yellow and Purple Tang, two Tomato Clowns, Green
Chromis, Flame Hawk. Will a 6" pinktail be ok here?
<It will eat crustaceans and likely go after any small fish. A
better choice would be the Blue Throat/Chin Triggerfish (Xanthichthys
auromarginatus). They have a decent track record in reef tanks.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Jeromy
Reef aquarium fish stocking 4/1/10
Hi gang!
<John>
Your site is looking great as always.
<Okay...>
*Current tank details at end.
I would like to add a couple of fish to my reef aquarium and would like
some thoughts on it. I do not want to end up overstocking my tank and
also compatibility is a concern. Right now I would like to add a goby
and/or blenny. I was looking at the "Amblygobius decussates"
goby (possibly as a pair) and an "Ecsenius stigmatura" or
"Salarias
fasciatus" blenny. I'm thinking my tank can support at least 2
fish of these types (as they're small fairly peaceful fish) but I
would appreciate your thoughts.
<Mmm, Salarias can be VERY territorial... some Ecsenius to a lesser
degree... Amblygobius are quite passive>
Additionally, would you have any thoughts regarding adding a wrasse
similar to "Halichoeres iridis" down the road?
<See WWM re... a very nice species for moderate aquarium/reef
use>
I've read some FAQ where
Bob suggested there may be trouble between a wrasse and Premnas.
<Premnas can be trouble period. I would not crowd any fish, or even
motile invertebrate w/ Maroons>
Side question:
Can you offer a direct comparison between the "Ecsenius
stigmatura" and "Salarias fasciatus" blenny in terms of
microalgae consumption?
<The latter is the huge winner by far>
From my reading, Salarias sounds like a bigger consumer, but I've
read good things about Ecsenius too.
<Not so much, no>
I have a 72 gallon reef tank (running 5+ years). It holds approximately
100 lbs of live rock. It is open top and a bit more than 655 sq. in. of
surface area. Salinity 1.025. Temp. 78.5 at night, 79-80 during the
day.
Fish inhabitants include (one of each):
Centropyge bispinosus (Coral Beauty) -- Approx. 2.5"
Zebrasoma flavescens (Yellow Satin Tang) -- Approx. 4.5"
Amphiprion clarkii (Clark's Anemonefish) -- Approx. 3.0"
Premnas biaculeatus (Spine-checked Anemonefish) -- Approx.
3.2"
<This is the alpha fish... should always have an eye kept on
it...>
The clowns and tang have been in the tank for roughly 2 years and their
physical size hasn't changed in a while. I've had the angel for
about 3 months now and expect it will grow a bit more.
The biaculeatus (maroon clown) is very territorial (although he spends
most of his time cuddled inside my toadstool leather), yet only against
the clarkii. The clarkii is very peaceful and cuddles with my elegance
coral. The angel appears to get along with everyone for the moment. The
tang use to chase the clarkii and then the angel when it was
introduced. It stopped chasing either a week after introducing the
angel.
Sincerely,
John
<There will likely be more overt aggression in time here... These
fishes really need more room. Bob Fenner>
Stocking ideas / suggestions 3/26/10
Hey crew
Hope all is good in your world
<Could be much better, but thank you for your concern, courtesy
acknowledgement>
I am currently in the stocking mode for my 155 gallon (30 gallon sump/5
gallon fuge) reef with the following corals currently under my
care.
Brain, hammer, frogspawn, coral elegance (eating well), 2 leathers,
polyps, 2 Zoas, 1 clam, 1 Acan (placed way in the corner)
<I hope the Catalaphyllia and Euphyllias are well-spaced as
well>
Fish currently include 1 bi color blenny
My planned stocking and please help me out here are a mated pair of
clowns (Sebae or clarkii) 1 purple tang, 1 powder blue surgeon,
<Do take care w/ this... Read: http://wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm
and the Related FAQs linked files above... re Selection, Systems, and
Disease particularly>
2 engineer gobies,
marine beta.... additional thoughts are a fairy wrasse
<Really need to be kept in a haremic setting... an alpha male, two
or more females>
and a dwarf angel
My lighting consists of 3 MH and 2 VHO actinics, so I have an ample
amount of algae growing everywhere
Can you advise your thoughts on the proposed animals above, as well any
suggestions in regards to additional corals that could integrate into
my above system
Thanks for your time
<Actually, what you seem to be asking, and much more related that
you are likely currently unaware of that is pertinent and related is
posted/archived on WWM. I suggest you make a list of all these species
and avail yourself of the search tool (linked on the left shared border
of every page), and read, make notes re Systems, Compatibility and
Selection of all you have in mind. And we'll be chatting, Bob
Fenner>
Re: stocking ideas / suggestions 3/26/10
Thanks Bob
<Welcome Chris>
Yes, those 2 are at opposite ends of the tank as well
I've been doing a ton of reading on your site...was just trying to
fast path on the stocking question..
Will be talking to you
Cheers
<And you! BobF>
Re: Nervous Newbie.. poor advice from LFS.. again... reef
mis-stkg. -- 03/18/10
Hi Simon,
<Hi Katie>
Thank you so much for your quick response.
<No problem at all>
Sadly you were right and the Anemone died this morning. <Yes>. We
removed it from the tank last night so it did not taint the water. I
feel really duped by our LFS.
<Mmmm, probably not 'duped' as such, as he/ she probably
thinks they've done a good job. You and I know better
though.>
I thought we could trust him and it got a beautiful animal killed. I
feel sooooo responsible.
We love all our animals and treat them better than most people treat
their children. So to be responsible for it's death is very
upsetting.
<Yes....you are partly responsible here... but don't beat
yourself up too much, you have learned from this experience which is
important.. maybe a pointer for the future to 'read before you
buy'...something that most do not do, but I feel sure that you
will>
We are looking for a new LFS. (Know of any good ones in Northern
Illinois?)
<Unfortunately I am on the other side of the Atlantic -- England in
fact. I can point you to a good one in Bristol!>
I am very wary now of anyone, and am even more nervous now than
before.
<Please read & write here, on WWM, and you will get some good
direction>
We will be moving the Blue Tang shortly. For the moment we only have a
four foot long tank as a backup.
<Much better, but still not big enough long term. Dory is not going
to be able to 'just keep swimming' in a tank that is only a
little bit wider than she is long!>
I'm hoping this is at least a little better than the tall tank.
<Is better for now, but a six foot minimum 'run' is what an
open water swimming fish like this needs>
Thank you again.
<No problem>
Katie
<Simon>
Marine Stocking List, reef 3/13/10
Crew,
<Andrew>
First I'd like to take a moment and say thanks for everything you
do for the hobby, I can only imagine how many people have benefited
because of help received here. Hopefully I can keep this *brief*.
<Take your time>
Starting with the basics here's what I have, after much planning I
bought all the pieces.
Oceanic 215 gallon Ultimate w/ dual 600 gph overflows
<Mmm, what diameter are these lines? I'd like at least
1.5", better 2">
3 x 250w Metal Halide / 4 x 96w PC Actinics for a total of 1,134w
Reefkeeper Lite Level 3
ADHI Refugium 60 gallon sump / refugium w/ 3 x 36w 50/50 PC fixture
2 x Finnex 500w heating elements
PanWorld Blueline 40PX-X 1270gph return pump
Lifereef SVS3-24 Protein Skimmer w/ Mag 9.5 pump
Vertex UF-20 w/ Eheim pump (for running carbon)
2 x Koralia 4 powerheads 1200 gph
Well I believe that describes my setup for the most part, I am hoping
to keep SPS so a calcium reactor will be in my near future, any
suggestions?
<Do look about, ask on the various hobbyist bbs re such gear
input... I'm partial to the Knop line, only because it's what I
was/am most familiar with, but there are a bunch more
manufacturers/brands in recent years>
My question(s) are more about stocking than hardware because I already
have everything I listed, I also have the liverock, and the sand.
After much thought and consideration on what fish I'd like to keep
here's the list that I came up with:
Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles)
<A toughie... can be very prone to especially Protozoan
complaints... I'd add this fish last... after it's been
quarantined for at least a month>
Powder Brown Tang (Acanthurus japonica)
Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
8-10 Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
Blue-Spotted Jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti)
<A cool water species... I'd go with a more tropical
Opistognathid in its stead>
Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
Pair Black Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris var.)
Flame Angel (Centropyge loricula)
Inverts:
4 Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata Amboinensis)
2 Fire Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
The only things I already have are the shrimp, powder brown tang and
lawnmower blenny in my other tank, the rest have yet to be purchased
and are definitely open to scrutiny. Besides keeping the above
mentioned fish I'd also like to keep some clams as well as SPS
corals.
Please do let me know if you see any problems with my list and if
there's a better suited substitute in your mind.
<My input above. All else reads as suitable>
Once again I'd just like to say thanks for everything you do for
the community!
Andrew
<Welcome our friend. Bob Fenner>
08/03/10 New 100 Gallon Reef Tank. various incl.
Stocking.
Hi,
<Hello Jeff>
I'll try to keep these questions short. I've read over your
website and a multitude of others and I was just hoping to verify my
information before I go ahead and start setting it all up.
<Ok, let's see what we can do>
I currently have a 38 Gallon tank with 40 lbs of live rock and play
sand (definitely have to get rid of the play sand as I've had
nothing but problems with it), 36� T5HO with 2X
39W
T5HO Daylight 12000K, 2X 39 W T5HO Actinic Blue, 3X LED Moonlights. My
tank inhabitants are a Blue Hippo Tang (3 ½ inch),
<needs a six foot tank>
Copperband Butterfly (3 1/2inch),
<Also needs much more space than this>
small Coris Gaimard,
<grows to a foot long>
Sixline Wrasse, Royal Gramma, 2 Ocellaris Clownfish.
<lots of fishes here for a 38g tank. Vastly overstocked to the
extreme>
Cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, Emerald crab, Crimson Knobbed
Starfish, Serpent Starfish, snails, hermit crabs etc. I also have a
large leather Coral and a Pink Tip Anemone.
<Mmmm>
This weekend I purchased a 100 gallon aquarium and I'm in the
process of getting it set up.
<MUCH better, but please be aware that this tank will not enable you
to buy more animals here, especially fishes. Even 100 gallons is too
small for what you have>
My plan is to use the 38 gallon as the new sump, which will contain my
protein skimmer, heaters, a refugium and return pump.
<Ok>
I currently have a DSB in my 38 gallon and I was considering doing the
same thing in the 100 gallon, about 4 inches deep.
There are so many back-and-forth views on the DSB I'm not sure
which way to lean. Is it better to go with a remote DSB?
<In my opinion it is, yes, but as you say there are many
others>
For the lighting I'm going to use the same 36� T5
attached in the hood and then I was thinking of adding 2 250W Metal
Halide to compliment these lights.
<Ok>
Currently my protein skimmer is rated for 65 gallons, so I was
considering getting a second one and running 2 protein skimmers or
would it be better to get 1 big one?
<It depends on the quality of your present skimmer. If it is a good
one, then keep it and buy another like you say -- that way you do have
a bit of redundancy if something goes wrong with one(which always
happens when you're on holiday!), but if it's not such a good
quality skimmer then you can just upgrade to a larger one>
I've made 100 lbs of DIY live rock which has cured for the
month
<Have you seeded this with 'real' live rock? If the rock you
have made is just active with nitrifying bacteria then it is not really
'live' at all, just biologically active>
and the pH is stable so I want to add that to the aquarium with the
sand and fill it 2/3 of the way full and then add the water from my
display and all the live rock and inhabitants or would that be a bad
idea.
<No, I would do it this way. Just shift it all right over>
Do I need to start over with this tank and let it cycle?
<No, in fact you could have done this the day the tank arrived. Just
moved everything right over between the two tanks>
Sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to make a mistake
with my fish.
<Mmm, you've already done that by crowding them so much in your
present system'¦ an accident just waiting'¦>
Especially the Copperband which I know can be really sensitive
<yes> and I'm lucky to have (have had him for about 2 months
and he's eating great).
<That's good -- I am not a fan of this fish.. MUCH better the
Forcipiger Flavissimus if you want a pest anemone eater, does the job
and also stays alive..>
Also I have a Koralia 3 power head and 2 Koralia Nanos,
if I add 1 or 2 Koralia 4's would that be overkill?
<No, but if you have the money I would invest in a Vortech either
MP40 or MP20>
I'm currently deciding whether to go this route or whether to set
up a Closed Loop System.
<The Vortechs are superior to everything else>
Thanks in advance and I'll keep reading.
<Yes! This is the answer to life, the universe and everything.. not
42 but reading! Start here & related FAQ's:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/stocking1.htm>
Jeff.
<Simon>
Re: 08/03/10 New 100 Gallon Reef Tank. various incl.
Stocking. 3/9/10
<Hi Jeff>
Thanks for the response.
<No worries!>
I've come to realize I'm quite overstocked and this is what
made me decide to upgrade.
<Ok... you are not alone here, the same thing happened to me a long
time ago when the only one I had for advice was the LFS!>
My plan is to have the 100 gallon set up for 1-2 years while I work on
building a larger (400 gallon) plywood tank.
<Wow! A fantastic project indeed, and so exciting to plan!>
Definitely trying to learn all I can before I even consider starting on
that so I thought the 100 gallon would be a good upgrade for now.
<Ok>
Sorry the only question I still had was, that you answered that you
thought that a remote DSB was a good idea.
<If you want a DSB then yes I think this can be the best way, but
the thing is, by remoting it you usually do not get such a large one..
there are arguments for and against>
If I do this what depth would you recommend I keep in the display tank
1-2 inches?
<Just 1 inch is fine usually>
Thanks,
<No problem>
Jeff.
<Simon>
Tank Stocking
Stocking a larger reef tank. 3/2/2010
Hey there I have been reading the great advice you guys give out and
thought I owed it to my livestock (current and potential) to ask for
your help at the planning stage rather than leave it until I get into
trouble.
<Hi Sean, welcome.>
I have a tank that is 3.3 m long by 0.6 metres deep and 0.5 metres
wide. I estimate its volume at just under a gigalitre.
<I figured it to about 990 liters or 261 US gallons for those
challenged by the metric system.>
20 cm at one end is separated by an overflow. Currently, I have a
wet/dry trickle filter and protein skimmer in that space. In the long
term I will install a sump, remove the wet/dry trickle filter and
relocate the protein skimmer to the sump. I will also establish a
refugium.
The display tank has a DSB averaging 4-5 inches deep throughout and I
am gradually adding more live rock - currently only about 40kg in
there.
The tank is lit by 6 x 54 watt 4ft T5 HO tubes, 4 x white and 2 x
actinic.
I know this will need to be upgraded in order to keep corals especially
SPS.
<Yes.>
I have four Wavemakers: 2 x 12,000 lph and 2 x 3,000 lph. The stronger
ones are at each end and the smaller ones providing counter/cross flow
and turbulence at intervals down the length of the tank.
Current water parameters (which have been stable for about 2 months)
are ph 8.4, ammonia between 0 and 0.25, nitrites 0, nitrates 0,
phosphates between 0 and 0.25, calcium 500, carbonate hardness 12
degrees.
<The ammonia reading is troubling. Will need to add some more rock
and or allow the tank more time to cycle.>
There are lots of pods of both kinds in the tank, and I have placed
some large shells with coral skeleton fragments in the openings to give
the pods a place to breed.
Current livestock:
Fish: 7 x green Chromis, a mated pair of maroon clownfish, a bicolour
blenny
Corals: 7 various Zoanthid fragments, Duncan frag (3 polyps, two more
forming), assorted brain coral, Candycane coral and Acans which came on
the live rock, unknown single polyp on live rock.
Inverts: 5 peppermint shrimp, 3 Trochus snails, 1 cowry, about 40
random snails, 10 dwarf blue-legged hermit crabs, a couple of sundry
hitchhiker crabs
Other: bubble tipped anemone (host to the maroon clownfish pair), lots
of feather dusters, various rock anemones (no Aiptasia, I nuked
them).
My questions are, whether you can give me an idea of how much stock I
can keep in a tank of this size?
<You have a nice large tank. Ideally, you will want to select fish
that stay smaller that 50cm, which is the width of your tank, so they
have adequate space to turn around.>
Any suggestions you might have as to stock?
And finally, I would quite like to add a sohal tang as the last fish in
the tank. However, there seems to be some conflicting advice. Some say
it can be kept in a large aquarium (such as mine), while others say
don't bother.
Any thoughts? And would it bother my current livestock?
<A Sohal will become the undisputed boss of the tank, but it should
work well in this setting, as they rarely get much bigger than 30cm in
captivity. With a Sohal, I would discourage adding any large angels or
triggerfish. You should plan accordingly, focusing on smaller fish and
add the Sohal last. I would recommend that for the time being, you add
more rock and give the system more time to 'age' before adding
any other fish. Have a read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Asohal.htm
>
<MikeV>
Stocking advice... open ended for sure... Reef
3/1/10
Dear WWM. I'm in the process of setting up my first reef tank. I
have a 210g reef ready AGA aquarium (72X24X29). I have the following
equipment: A 75g sump with a Mag 18 for a return pump, the sump has a
DSB of 6 inches with some Chaetomorpha in the same compartment, four
Hydor power heads, two that deliver 1200gal/hour and two at
800gal/hour, Aqua C EV400 protein skimmer, AquaMedic 72inch (3X)
250watt MH with T5s light with 20K bulbs, more than 200lbs of live rock
most in the display tank. some in the sump.
I'm looking for some advice on what to stock based on my current
set-up, or a recommendation on a good book to help me out.
Thanks in advance
Dan
<? Dan, any idea of a theme, a central "must have" display
animal, idea here?
The "Pocket Guides" on fishes, invertebrates by
Microcosm/T.F.H. would be of use to you... and...
Please start by reading here: http://wetwebmedia.com/MarLvSel.htm
and lastly: http://wetwebmedia.com/biotope.htm and here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/ReefBiotopeStkg.htm
then here: http://wetwebmedia.com/stocking.htm
and the linked files above in the series...
Enjoy the process, take good notes, and we'll be chatting. Bob
Fenner>
Brand New Reef, Stocking Questions/Marine Set-up
2/22/10
Hello guys & gals
<Hello Chris, and please...all the double spacing is not
necessary.>
The set up of my tank is fully complete and is currently going through
the cycling process Tank is 155 gallons and has approximately 150 lb of
live rock
<Good.>
Filtration is a sump with a built in refugium along with a monster
skimmer
Calcium reactor is in place
Lighting consists of 2 VHO Actinic and 3 x 20,000K MH.
I have 3 crabs that came along for the ride and 2 baby star fish about
the size of a dime
My question is in regards to stocking
I'm thinking to get an anemone first so that it can establish its
location in the tank..once there, I'll start to load with corals
(primarily softies to begin with)
<You run a risk of the anemone stinging corals and/or other sessile
invertebrates should it decide to move.>
Fish will probably begin with a clown or a mated pair if I can find
them and then go from there.
Clean up crew will be introduced as soon as I can find a local
supplier...
Can you offer any suggestions regarding stocking order or am I on the
right path.
<Future fish selected should be compatible with each other and timid
fish should be introduced first. Do read/learn about desired fish as to
compatibility, requirements/needs before buying.>
Let me know
thanks
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Chris
Re Brand New Reef, Stocking Questions/Marine Set-up
2/22/10
Thanks James
<You're welcome.>
The Reason for introducing the anemone first was so that it could
establish it's location in the tank and then add the corals
afterwards in an effort to reduce this possibility. I was told that
once settled in a spot, they generally don't move.
<No guarantees here.>
Another question is in regards to powerheads. I am purchasing a Koralia
4 and a Koralia 8. From the FAQ it was stated to have them at opposite
sides of the tank pointing in to each other. Question is, how important
is a wave
maker in all this and can I get by without as they are pretty
expensive...
<If you are referring to the Koralia Wavemaker, this unit was
specifically designed for use with the 12 volt Koralia Pumps. I'm
thinking you are getting the standard Koralia 115 volt pumps which are
not designed for use with Wavemakers. I feel a wavemaker better
simulates current on the reef rather than a laminar flow. Actually, a
decent wavemaker can be had for about 38 bucks. The Aquarium Systems
Wavemaker is the one I am referring to and the inexpensive MaxiJet
pumps work best with this unit. I've been using one myself for
about two years with no problems. See here.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Co
de=NATURAL-WAVE&Category_Code=Wavemaking>
Other current comes from my 2 returns in the corners.
Let me know
Thanks
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Chris
Stocking 90 gal soon to be reef 2/19/10
I just wanted to say first off that your site is an amazing
encyclopedia of knowledge and experience. Ok so I am in the
process of finally getting to set my tank back up after a year
and a half of waiting patiently. My question pertains to stocking
levels and compatibility which I think should be fine but a
second opinion is always good to have. System specifics are 90
gallon acrylic tank with 1.5 inch drain to a 30 gal. sump that
houses a Vertex IN-180 and a Mag-9.5 with 1" PVC as the
return. For in tank flow I have the Hydor 4-way wave-maker with 4
Koralia #3's, was going to get the #2's but figured if I
upgrade these would be better since you can turn them down on the
wave-maker.
<Good planning>
Lighting consists of 2-250w halides and 4-65w CF's. Currently
the tank is still empty of water but has 55lbs of dry rock and
60lbs of CaribSea sugar-sized sand. I plan on adding another
40lbs or so of live rock to seed the dry rock but am unsure if I
should add more sand or not.
<Up to you; I would, here and/or make a DSB of sorts in your
sump>
It is right about one inch right now and don't want a nitrate
factory down there.
<Au contraire>
Ok so the purposed stocking list for the tank is:
1-Kole yellow eye Tang (Ctenochaetus Strigosus)
2-True Percs (Amphiprion Percula)
5-7 Blue/green reef Chromis (Chromis Viridis) or
5-7 Blue reef Chromis (Chromis cyaneus) really like these!
1-Tail spot Blenny (Ecsenius Stigmatura)
1-Green mandarin (Synchiropus Splendidus) eventually after
12months maturity.
<These should all work together fine>
I know the tank can house more but not sure what will work well
with the proposed (any inputs?).
<To just wait further, continue to explore
sporadically...>
As far as corals go it will mostly be LPS but will probably add
some Montipora species and maybe a Acro or two if all goes well.
Any advice, inputs, or potential problems that you see with the
proposed list would be great.
<Mmm, really, to keep reading, sorting through choices,
possibilities as they become live to your conscience>
Thanks,
Kris
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
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stocking advice, yet again, 90 reef
2/18/10
Hello WWM Crew,
<Wayne>
I am once again working on a stocking plan for my system (little
details keep changing!) and I am seeking your advice.
My tank details are as follows: 90 gallon display tank; 40 gallon sump;
30 gallon refugium; Vertex IN-180
skimmer; closed loop with Mag 5 pump; Mag 9 return pump; 90-100 lbs
live rock; 80 lbs sugar fine aragonite; 20 lbs miracle mud; Koralia 4
for circulation. There are also some assorted Zoanthids, a
Duncanopsammia axifuga, Xenia, Green Star polyps, and Sinularia. Other
current residents are a single Amblyeleotris randalli and two skunk
cleaner shrimp as well as Nassarius, Astrea, Cerith and Trochus species
snails.
Water parameters in the system are pH 8.3, specific gravity at 1.026,
temperature at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, ammonia, nitrate and nitrites are
all not detectable
<No NO3? Your photosynthates need some>
and total alkalinity is 3 mEq/L. My rock structure contains numerous
caves as well as a large overhang which casts some nice shaded areas
along the bottom and leaves plenty of swimming room at all levels in
the water column. The system is about one year old and my refugium
hosts a respectable number of copepods. Unfortunately my setup does not
allow for the refugium to gravity feed into the main tank, it drains
into the sump and then is pumped back up to the main floor and display
tank.
<Fine>
I'd like to add a couple Nemateleotris magnifica, perhaps a Gramma
loreto
<I'd add one or the other... my choice? The Microdesmids>
and a group of another fish. I had, at first been considering a group
of five Bartlett's Anthias but after doing more research, I have
been wondering if I should consider a group of wrasses such as
Paracheilinus carpenteri (What would be a good number? Three or perhaps
more?)
<Three>
or even single individuals from 2 to 3 separate wrasse species.
<Nah>
What would you suggest for the grouping of fish? Should I stick with
the Bartlett's Anthias and if so, would I be able to add a single
wrasse (species suggestions?)?
<Again, an either/or choice here>
Or would one of the wrasse groupings be better, and if so what would
you suggest?
<Keep studying, thinking it over till you're sure what you
want>
I think the Cirrhilabrus scottorum is a very beautiful fish, however it
is rather expensive and I would like to establish tank mates that would
encourage it to 'show off' and maintain its colouration.
As always, I look forward to your reply.
Best Regards,
Wayne
<And you, Bob Fenner>
Patch Reef Planning/Stocking/Marine Set-Up
2/7/10
Hey WWM crew!
<Hey Rachel>
I'm in year 4-5 (suffer from sometimers, can't always
remember when I start things)
<Just wait until you get older and see what happens.>
of my planning for a saltwater tank. It's going to be a few
more years yet before I can implement things, but was just
wanting some input on my ideas to make sure I'm on the right
track. Have been reading and researching so much I fear I'm
suffering from information overload. Not a bad thing, but hard to
keep it all straight some days. There are times I've begun to
wonder if I haven't over thought this whole thing.
<The extra time researching/planning before diving in will be
a plus for you.>
I'm planning some odd little version of a Pacific patch reef
biotope (I started out planning a FOWLR), or at least as close as
I can possibly get. Will be setup in a 40gal breeder, with a
planned 50gal sump (run capacity of 34gal with how I have the
baffles setup) and a separate 6gal PodFuge to reside on a shelf
above and behind the main tank. More on this at the end of my
ramblings here. I'm looking into LED lighting setups, and
hopefully in another 4-5 years when I'm ready for setup
they'll not cost an arm, leg and
other various body parts.
<I look forward to that as well.>
Basically looking for a few areas to save on power consumption,
as with 10+ computers running in our house we already use quite a
bit right now.
<Yikes! I'm developed quite a vocabulary using just
one.>
Though, I might get the husband more involved with letting me do
this if I add a reef computer to the mix (ha ha).
<Ah, a computer geek in the household, a valuable asset these
days.>
My patch reef is going to be rather selective and probably
minimal stocking compared to most. I don't want every coral
imaginable, nor umpteen million fish, so I've narrowed down
my wish list accordingly. I'm down to the "either
or" part of livestock planning I guess. Here's my
list:
1 Entacmaea quadricolor - haven't sold myself 100 percent
just yet on adding
one of these. It's my one "impulse" item on the
list.
<Corals or an anemone, both do not mix well, especially in
small quarters.>
Very small selection (no more than 4 types I've picked out)
of Palythoa, Zoanthus and Clavularia.
Some Chlorodesmis (Maiden's Hair) and Red Gracilaria in the
main tank as well - maybe.
Looking for different colors/textures with what all I'm
putting in the tank. Probably getting a little artsy here, but I
can't help it.
Planning for future addition of Playgyra, <Platygyra>
Favites, Dendorphylliidae, <Dendrophylliidae,
and some members of this group can be difficult to keep.>
Acanthastrea lordhoweensis frags
<Pricey.>
as well (just one of each and probably not all I have on my
list).
Would love to add one T. squamosa or H. hippopus to the list, but
I'm not sure on adding a clam to the mix with everything else
and my planned LED lighting path. Know my coral selection is
probably going to be okay, but still iffy on the clam.
<These species will require moderate to high light
intensity.>
Other Inverts:
1 (or two?) Lysmata amboinensis (Scarlet Skunk Cleaner
Shrimp)
10 Trochus sp. snails
5 Calcinus laevimanus (Dwarf Zebra Hermit - I like crabs, so must
avoid the urge to have too many of them)
And now for fish:
1 pair Amphiprion perideraion (Pink Skunk) or Amphiprion
sandarcinos < sandaracinos> (Orange Skunk) clowns
As far as I can tell from my research, these two are the least
aggressive of the clownfish. One book I have even says Orange
Skunks don't do well in the home aquarium without a host
anemone and that they're timid and will be bullied by more
boisterous tank mates.
<I would ensure plenty of shelter is provided for these
clowns, yes, they are rather timid.>
Not quite sure I buy the whole "must have anemone"
thing, but then I'm no expert either.
<This specie may very well do better with an anemone due to
their timidness.>
3 Sphaeramia nematoptera (Spotted Cardinal)
<If you are going to have an anemone, do not mix non-immune
species of fish with the anemone, they will be at risk.>
or
5 Apogon cyanosoma (Orange Lined Cardinal) - leaning more towards
these guys
<I like these, a little smaller than the above cardinals, a
better choice
for your system.>
1 Nemateleotris magnifica (Firefish Dartfish)
or
1 Ptereleotris zebra (Zebra Barred Dartfish) - though I have read
these should be kept in small groups???
<Yes, they do better in groups.>
For a final fish, I'm stuck on one of the following four. No
matter how much I read, I just can't seem to decide which one
would be a better addition to the above stocking list.
Amblygobius rainfordi (Rainford's Goby)
<A beauty and another requiring an abundance of hiding
places.>
Valenciennea wardii (Tiger Watchman Goby) - really like the look
of these.
<Will fight with others of the same specie unless a mated
pair. I would not recommend these fish for your system/tank
size.>
Ecsenius stigmatura (Tailspot Blenny)
Ecsenius midas (Midas Blenny)
<Needs rocks to hide in, eats food out of the water column, so
you need to feed it things that will slowly sink in the tank.
They need to be fed quite a bit otherwise they'll die of
starvation.>
Not going to be too many fish is it? 1 pair clowns, 3-5
cardinals, 1 Dartfish and 1 goby or blenny.
<Much so if you planned on putting all of these fish in.
I'd stick with four or five smaller fish
in this size tank. Make up the difference in coral with
attractive easy to keep corals.>
I can skip the goby/blenny addition and just go with the others.
Would rather have less "happy" fish than one too
many.
Stocking order should probably be cardinals, Dartfish, clowns,
goby/blenny?
<Sounds good.>
My setup/stocking plans are rather long term as well. If all goes
according to plan, I'd be looking at 9-10 months minimum from
initial start up to cycle and get a maintenance schedule setup.
Then I'll start with the BTA if I get one, or the corals
first if no anemone, then start adding fish slowly after a few
months or the next summer unless I can get from LFS.
<Let your tank age at least three months before adding corals.
>
Shipping livestock to Wyoming in the middle of winter seems crazy
even to me - so plenty of time between livestock additions as we
wait for winter to pass
<Good idea >.
Planning for 40-45 lbs live rock setup in little patch islands in
the tank instead of one wall-o-rock. Extra rock in the fuge with
Chaeto in the sump.
Probably go with a shallower sandbed of about two inches or
so.
Sorry this has ended up so long - didn't mean to ramble on so
much. One more thing before I forget though, just to make sure my
crazy idea sounds ok.
I'm wanting to avoid powerheads in the main display - but I
also don't want too many different pumps running. So I
planned for a return loop in the style (sort of) of a closed loop
- run off a Mag12 pump (or something similar/better? Pump choice
still confuses me) placed in the sump. Going with a Glass-Holes
overflow with 2 - 1.5" drains rated at 1500gph total - will
this all be too much or not enough?
<A good flow rate for your system would be around 400-500
gph.>
Fuge will be fed either from the return line, or a second smaller
pump in the sump. I want as little equipment in the main tank as
I can possibly get away with. Just worried that my return loop
won't give the tank enough flow with how I've designed
it.
<I'd consider adding a Sea Swirl to your return line. Will
give you flow to all areas of the tank and minimize flow related
equipment in the tank.
See here.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Co
de=SEASWIRL&Category_Code=Wavemaking>
Link to the image I attached in case it doesn't come through
with the email.
Just a quick planning model I threw together.
<Nice to have a geek in the house, isn't it. Well done.
I'm guessing it would take me a week of Sundays to accomplish
that.>
Doesn't have all the plumbing done yet since I changed a few
things, but enough to show the general idea.
Green box is my skimmer placeholder (wasn't going to model
everything down to the smallest detail). There will also be a
20gal QT with a sponge filter
I can keep in the sump and just bring out when needed.
http://www.realmofsavage.com/Aqua/Images/New40_1.jpg
I had better stop before I end up with some multi-page essay
here.
<Yes, my fingers are stiffening up:-)>
Sure I'll be back when I actually get to set this all up.
More reading and research for me over the coming years though.
May have to write up a guide on how to survive long term tank
planning!
<All part of the hobby, enjoy.>
Thank you all so much!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Rachel
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Re Patch Reef
Planning/Stocking/Marine Set-Up 2/8/10
Thank you James!
<You're welcome, and in future queries, always respond to
the original thread so I can refresh my mind. I can be difficult to
remember every queriors content.>
I have people telling me I'm too young to forget as much as I
do, must be too much time spent zoning out in front of the computer
(haha). Sorry for all my typos, I didn't double check as good
as I thought with my slightly funky keyboard here. I press a letter
but it doesn't always want to cooperate and my brain reads it
and says it's okay. Doh!
<Is best to type out your query as a Word document where a
spelling and grammar check
can be done. Then copy/paste to the email and send.>
Gives me some more thought on stocking - either an Orange
Skunk/Anemone setup, or a polyp garden with Pink Skunks and other
fish. As I said I'm more than happy to cut down on what fish
and how many knowing a 40gal breeder doesn't leave one with a
lot of room. Will need to see what all fish I can get in through my
LFS (only have one, and it's a chain store). They have a pair
of Orange Skunks in right now that I go drool over about once a
week.
Poor little guys aren't selling, probably due to
"Nemo" popularity (and not the James Mason Nemo
unfortunately). A macro algae/anemone tank might look interesting,
but then there were all those Zoanthids calling out to me (that
list was harder to cull than my fish list).
Thanks be to the fish gods I have some time to think about things
still.
My husband already thinks I'm crazy, what's a few more
years muttering about fish and corals? Pretty sure though that
I'm going to be cut off at one tank, only reason I'm so
back and forth on stocking right now. Could very easily see myself
with an office full of reef tanks eating Ramen for the rest of my
life.
<Alternating/supplementing with Spam will create a much better
culinary experience for you.>
If I do go the anemone route, what other families of fish should I
research for another possible addition? Would this be an okay tank
for one of the blennies? Or just stick to my clown pair and call it
good with a few other inverts (shrimp, hermits, snails)?
<No blennies, but if I were determined to have a couple of other
fish in an anemone/clown system, I'd likely go with the
Yellowtail Damsel (Chrysiptera parasema)
Is one of the better mannered damselfish and will add some color to
your tank. I would introduce the clownfish first in this
scenario.>
I am planning to make sure my pod population is good and stable
before introducing any fish to help supplement feedings since
I'm at work all day.
<A good idea.>
Of course, this is probably one of those things that looks good on
paper and who knows what will happen when I get my system up and
running.
<Your refugium plan should provide a good stock of pods. Several
etailers do sell pod cultures and is a good way to initially stock
the refugium.>
On the Sea Swirls - would two placed at opposite sides of the tank
be enough? Or do you think just one with a few other stationary
outlets on my return loop work fine? Plumbing/flow is the one area
I still confuse myself on a great deal. I know it's relatively
simple, but I start getting into all the numbers, rates and such,
and my brain just runs off to the hills.
<I believe one Sea Swirl would do the trick in your tank coupled
to a MagDrive 950.
There will be a flow drop using the Sea Swirl and with this in
mind, a Mag 950 should give you a good flow rate for your 40 gallon
breeder.>
3D modeling is one of my other hobbies.
<Ah, so you are responsible for the graphics and not
hubby.>
I've tried to sketch out diagrams on paper, but modeling is
just easier for me - not to mention you can look at it from any
angle quick and easy. Have been thinking about doing up various
aquarium models and props to help people plan out systems as there
is free downloadable software for rendering/viewing. If I ever get
that up and running (one of those too many projects, not enough
time things) I'll be sure to let you all know.
<Yes please, and a link to this software may also be useful to
our readers.>
Kept it shorter this time, since I gave you a bit of a workout with
the last email. I tend to ramble on occasion when my brain fills
up.
<Detailed queries are generally more helpful in providing better
answers/suggestions.>
Thank you again,
<You're welcome, and allow me to provide you with an index
to our marine articles/FAQ's. I believe it will aid you in
searching.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Rachel |
SW Stocking: 2/4/2010
Crew,
<Hi Gary.>
I am at the stage of just about stocking my tank and was wondering if
you could help me with a question.
<Welcome to the hobby.>
My tank stats are below.
45 Gallon Tank
28lb Live Rock
20lb Live Sand
1850lh Protein Skimmer
6000lh Propeller powerhead
3000lh Propeller powerhead
T5 35 watt Marine tube
T5 35 watt Actinic tube
The question I have is this, this is my proposed tank stocking
list.
I have put in some Clean Up Crew 5 x Turbo Snails, 3 x Hermit
Crabs.
1 x Clown, A. Ocellaris or A. Percula
1 x Yellowtail Blue Damsel
1 x Royal gramma
1 x Watchman Goby
If possible 1 more fish if you could give me some pointers as to
what.
<Something small and peaceful - Firefish or something along those
lines.>
3 x Soft Corals from these listed, Discosoma, Sarcophyton, Ricordea,
Zoanthids.
Now for my main question, Would you put in the Damsel first or the
Clown or could I get away with putting them both in together so to
distract them from bullying, I am going to purchase them as small as
possible.
<If it was my tank, I would pick one or the other, as both can be
rather territorial. If you really want to add them both, They would be
the last fish added and I would add them together.>
Thanks in advance
<My Pleasure.>
Gary
<MikeV>
|
|
|
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 |