Sm SW Stkg 13

FAQs about Small Marine System Livestocking 13


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

Thoughts On Livestock For 7 Month Old Biocube 29/Stocking Level 11/24/10
<Hi Lindsey>
First, thank you for the awesome site.
<You're welcome.>
I was hoping to get an opinion on where to go from here with the tank at work. I have set up and am maintaining a Biocube 29 at the nursing home where I work. The residents love the tank, their grand kids love it even more.
<Very thoughtful of you!>
The tank has been running stable with the last additions for about three months now. But I'm struggling with what to do about finishing stocking the tank as it has now been up and running for more than 7 months.
Current Infrastructure & Maintenance:
- Stock pump and stock lights, average heater.
- Biocube protein skimmer.
- Middle filter contains filter floss (replaced weekly) on top, stock bio media on bottom.
- Last filter section contains Seachem carbon and phosphate pouches replaced approximately every 6 weeks.
- 1/2" fine sand bed, approximately 15 lbs live rock.
- The tank has substrate siphoned weekly, resulting in a water change of 5 gallons and is dosed at that time with "8.4" buffer to maintain alkalinity and pH and any other applicable Seachem Aqua Vitro products as indicated by test results.
Latest pre-water change test results:
- Temperature 77 F
- Sp. Gravity 1.024
- pH 8.3
- Alkalinity 3.0 meq/L
- Calcium 415 ppm (Water change done & Calcification added.)
- Magnesium 1250 ppm (Water change done & Ions added.)
- Iodide .06 ppm
- Silicate 0
- Phosphate 0
- Ammonia 0
- Nitrite 0
- Nitrate 15 ppm (Water change done.)
Current Stocking:
- 2 Small Colonies of Zoas
- Pulsing Xenia
- Royal Gramma (about 3" long)
- Lawnmower Blenny (about 4" long)
- Ocellaris Clown (a cultivated color variation, about 3/4" long.)
- Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp
- Unknown Small Fanworm (accidental introduction, first noticed about 2 weeks ago)
- Assorted Snails and Hermit
Planned Future Invertebrate Additions:
- Small Toadstool or Finger Leather Coral
- Common Mushrooms (Actinodiscus spp.)
- Fromia Star (after tank reaches 18 months)
<This starfish will likely require supplemental feedings and is not considered
an easy species to keep.>
- Hawaiian Feather Duster (after tank reaches 18 months - with daily target feedings)
<The liquid food required can create excess nutrient levels leading to nuisance algae growth in your small system.>
- Flame Scallop (after tank reaches 18 months - with daily target feedings)
<Don't waste your time and money here, have a dismal survival rate.>
Because of the therapeutic goals of the tank for the nursing home residents I would love to make the final fish (or more?) added one that would be a more active swimmer than the clown or gramma. I'm having a hard time deciding given the existing tank residents and the limited space available.
Thoughts I'd had were:
- Cherub Angel
<Not enough room and is semi-aggressive.>
- Sixline Wrasse
<Likely your best choice.>
- Banggai Cardinal
<Not a very active swimmer per your above statement.>
- School of 3 Blue Green Chromis (space?)
<Too many fish for this tank. Adding the Sixline Wrasse would put your system at its maximum stocking level.>
But there are probably equally great fish out there I hadn't thought of.
I would greatly appreciate any ideas or input on what might fit the bill as far as the final fish, or other thoughts on the tank in general. In essence: if you were in charge of the tank, what would you add/do with it?
<Well first off, I wouldn't have the patience to work at a nursing home so that leaves me out from being in charge, but based on your tank size, I would consider a Neon Goby. They are active, will add little to your present bio-load, and are relatively easy to keep.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Lindsey
Re Thoughts On Livestock For 7 Month Old Biocube 29/Stocking Level 10/24/10
Thanks!
<You're welcome.>
Couple last questions: I'd thought about a goby but thought there might be a battle with the blenny. Is there an exception here due to the specific species or because the neon is recognized as a cleaner? Just curious.
<Despite its tendency to grow to 5" in size in the home aquarium, the Sailfin/Algae Blenny remains peaceful toward other inhabitants in the tank unless the tank mate is similar in shape or appearance to the blenny.>
Also...I'm assuming you would add either the Sixline or the goby...not both...or due to the goby's tiny size could both work?
<With your present load, one or the other, and I'm basing this on how large the blenny can grow which
will take up a large part of your bio load.
James (Salty Dog)>
Lindsey
Re Thoughts On Livestock For 7 Month Old Biocube 29/Stocking Level 10/24/10
Sounds reasonable. Thanks for all the help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Lindsey

bio-load 11/19/10
Hello all,
<Hey Joe!>
Looking to stock my 28g Nano cube with some live goods and want to know if its too much or at least a good fit.

First, I would like 2 stock a small pod of Orca's and a Blue Whale.
<Just get them as juveniles and then plan to upgrade to a 50 within the next 20 years. But if it takes you 30 I am sure you will be the one in a million that can break the rules.>
After they have acclimated, like an hour later, I would like to add a tiger shark and a school of lookdowns (for added flash). Of course this will be a FOWLR as ill add 60#'s of rock so they have places to hide and get the beneficial bacteria.
<Don't forget your BioSpira. Plus 100 damsels, preferably dominos, to cycle. I hear a sea apple and cowfish help out too. Really you need a dither fish to help these all get along. A blue ringed octopus will help out here. Maybe a dogfish (you do have beer to feed him, right?).><<Deelish. RMF>>
Sorry, Just get a kick reading your site with how much people stuff in their tanks. Lighten the load people!
<Oh crap, until this line I thought you were serious. If you have not read it, see my until now favorite query ever!
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharkslvgrm.htm>
Love your site, Its great
<Thank you, have a good one. Scott V.>
Peace,
J

Just a quick stocking question. 11/14/10
Hey Crew,
<Eli>
I have a 27 gallon aquarium, Which currently houses one orange spotted shrimp goby, two peppermint shrimp , two scarlet hermit crabs and a couple of blue legged hermits. Along with some pulsing xenia and metallic green star polyps. I wanted to add maybe one or two more fish and be completed with my setup. Aside from corals and more live rock to be added later. But back to my question do you think it would be ok to add a Pygmy angelfish (*Centropyge argi) followed by a Sixline wrasse? *
<I do think the Cherub would be a fab addition, but if you go w/ this Pseudocheilinus species (I would not) DO keep an eye on it... this sp. can be VERY picky, as in picking on other livestock, particularly in small volumes such as yours>
*Thanks in advance for any info!*
*you guys are awesome.*
**
*Eli*
<Thank you. Bob Fenner>
Re: Just a quick stocking question.
Thanks so much for your quick response! On your advice I won't even try the six line wrasse. Do you think 2 or 3 blue green Chromis would be alright or am I borderline overstocking?
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chromis.htm
and the linked files above. B>
Thanks again,
Eli
Re: Just a quick stocking question. 11/14/10
I immediately read your link. Definitely got my answer, I think ill just stick to the angel. Thanks so Much for your input.
Eli
<Ah good. B>

Coral Banded Shrimp with Sally Lightfoot 10/19/10
I have a 25 gallon FOWLR tank. I have a coral banded shrimp in there but wondered if I could add a sally lightfoot crab or will one kill the other?
Thanks
<I assume by "Sally Lightfoot" you actually mean a Flat Crab, Percnon gibbesi. Yes, these can get along with Coral Banded Shrimps, and a good friend of mine has had a specimen alongside a Banded Shrimp and a Blood Shrimp for several years. But with that said, her tank is about twice the size of yours, and as you probably realise Coral Banded Shrimps are very territorial. Conversely, Percnon gibbesi is an opportunist that can, will eat anything it can catch, and moulting shrimp that can't find a suitable hiding place will be on the menu. So while it's a do-able combination, it's not a risk-free one, nor a sensible one for a small aquarium. Cheers, Neale.>

Stocking question, Sm. reef 10/12/10
Hello all,
<Lea!>
I have a quick stocking question. My current system is a 20g tank with 3 hermits, 4 snails, 2 feather dusters, a leather toadstool (Sarcophyton sp.), a mushroom Corallimorph (blue - no idea what species.), some Ricordea florida, ~15lbs live rock, 2 false percula (A. ocellaris), and a green clown goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus). Everything is doing very well, and my water parameters are all consistent and considered normal - including water temperature at 78-80. I'm aiming for a non-aggressive tank that's stable
and colorful (easy enough considering tropical species).
<Mmm, okay... A comment: I would NOT add any more Cnidarian life here... as the Leathers/Alcyoniids would likely badly react chemically>
My question is regarding my next (and final) purchase of fish. I love George, the green clown goby, but he's rather reclusive (though I do love watching him "ambush" the flake food). The clown fish are great to watch, so I would like something that was more "up front". I was thinking of a Firefish (I <3 gobies), but have read that they're rather timid. Does that mean they'd hide as much as the green clown goby - I was assuming they'd be more of a darter than a hider.?
<Mmm, I would skip a Microdesmid addition here... 20 gal.s is really too small a world>
Pajama fishes and cardinal fishes have been suggested, but I think getting a few (to keep them happy) would overload my system.

and I'm not partial to them (sorry to offend anyone that likes them, they just remind me of my FW angel fish from years ago that bored me.). A guy at my LFS suggested a striped fang blenny - is 20g too small for him/her and is it an aggressive species?
<Is too small>
Any goby species less likely to make a living of hiding? Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thank you,
Lea
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm
scroll down to Small Marine Systems, Livestocking... Bob Fenner>
Re: Stocking question - 10/12/10
Hi Bob,
<Lea, "you got me on my knees!"... Have a friend here w/ the same pronomen>
Thanks for a quick response! Always appreciated!
I just wanted to follow-up on the answers considering the reading you suggested.
<Okay>
My first is why would you recommend against the Firefish?
<Mmm, too small a volume period... these are very "nervous" fishes... don't live well in small confines. See WWM re>
After reading the FAQ on small systems I've seen different members of The Crew say "ok" and some say "no". I realize it's probably based on personal experience, and you guys have way more but I'm curious. Is it due to the fact that the Firefish and false Perculas would occupy the same space in the water column?
<Mmm, no... most Microdesmids live near, indeed w/in the bottom substrate>
My next clarification is in regards to what the final fish should be (my original question). Based on my reading there isn't really any other "good" fish for what I want (an out and about type) - the dwarf dwarf angels all seem to require 30+ gallons and all others recommended are pretty secretive.
So, I'm getting the impression there's really no other fish I *should* get... is that correct? Hard to deal with, but if that's the case... that's what's best.
<... keep reading... Perhaps a Pearly Jawfish... comical, can live w/in your parameters>
My last clarification is in regards to your comment about not adding any other cnidarians. I'm glad you mentioned it as I was also looking for my last coral addition. But I guess that's out of the question. I'm not
opposed to "fancy" algae, though, and actually had some Chaetomorpha for a bit. If I have dual 24W 50/50 PC lights with 180GPH pump (fitted with a rotating water deflector), is this too little flow for maiden's hair?
<Nope>
I've read that it is supposed to have high flow. If the flow is too low, is Chaetomorpha still the best bet or would mermaid's fan plant (Udotea sp) be ok?
<Fine for all these>
Thanks again!
Lea
<Welcome! BobF>
Re: Stocking question - 10/12/10
Hi Bob,
<Lea!>
Again, thanks for the super-speedy response!
My only other follow-up is in regards to the pearly jawhead - I did read about those little guys in your articles on small systems; however, the article mentioned that they like to stay burrowed unless there is more than one (and I was aiming for a more "out and about" fish - similar in activity/behavior to the Perculas). But you said in your email that they're "comical". Do they like to venture out once acclimated? I guess I'm confused about what comical means.
<This species does come out a good deal with time, acclimation going on>
Hope this last question hasn't literally put you on your knees (praying I leave you alone)!
Thanks,
Lea
<Welcome! B>

Compatible? 9/21/10
Hey crew!
<Hello Sam>
I have a short list of what I would like to see in my aquarium (14g Biocube) within the next few months, but was wondering what your thoughts were.
<You can have them!>
1. Ocellaris Clown (Only current inhabitant of the tank besides a small green mushroom, if it gets large a friend has promised to show me the ropes and perhaps house whatever gets out of hand)
2. I was thinking of a Longnose Hawkfish, and I know 14g is a bit small but I am going to work on setting up a 30g soon.
<30g is far too small for this fish http://www.wetwebmedia.com/longnosehawkfish.htm?h=>
3. A peppermint shrimp (had one a while ago for Aiptasia, borrowed from a neighbour, but I returned it to them after the Aiptasia was gone.
4. A blue legged hermit crab? I've heard that no hermit crabs are truly reef safe, but was wondering if it'd be fine with the mushroom.
<Should be fine with these. A benefit to smaller systems is that it is easy to keep your eye on things like this>
5. Finally (and probably lastly) One of the many Acan lords available at my LFS, my first move towards a generic coral. Not certain if it'd be good with the shrimp or crab,
<Should be ok>
or even the green mushroom, hence why I think it's safer to pitch my ideas over to you guys.
<The mushroom/s would pose a bigger threat in this small system w/ allelopathy. Would be better to pick one or another if you can. Read on WWM re http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompfaqs.htm>
As far as water quality goes, everything is perfect.
<Mmm, one's perfect is not the same as another's>
I perform a regular 2-3 gallon water change, so in spite of the fact I have no skimmer, I think I can easily adjust for whatever comes my way. Tank has been up for 10 months so no cycling issues anymore.
If anything sounds like a novice mistake, don't hesitate to tell me; Better safe than sorry!
<Indeed so!>
Best Regards,
Sam Suttonovski
<Simon>
Re: Compatible? Sm. SW 9/21/10
Thanks for the quick reply Simon!
<No problem Sam>
Anyways, I was wondering if, instead of the Longnose Hawkfish (the beginners book I bought must be written by an lfs, because it says the Longnose Hawkfish is fine in anything over 20g!) I could perhaps get a Talbot's Demoiselle?

I was thinking one of the smaller gobies,
<This is where I would go>
but most of the ones I can think of require a partnered shrimp
<What is wrong with this? Very interesting>
or don't really catch my attention. I think everything else will be okay, and seeing as I paid only 10 dollars for the green mushroom, I think I could make room for an Acan Lord or one of the many button polyps.
<Ahh, you misunderstand slightly. Acanthastrea are Scleractinia and are best kept with other hard corals. 'Buttons' are generally Zoanthids, along with Corallimorphs are quite toxic, these two go together quite well generally. Basically, if you are dead set on the Acans, then you want to stay away from large populations of the others. You might be ok if you are diligent with maintenance and do not have too many of the 'toxic softies', but the Acans will be slightly more difficult as they will require attention to calcium, alkalinity, Mg as well as nitrate.>
Long term goal, of course, is something that would suit my Ocellaris, without being too much of a menace to other fish. Perhaps a Citron Clown Goby?
<Mmm, I'm not the expert on smaller fish compatibility, but I would be looking at a goby of some sort rather than a Damsel here. Have you read on WWM re? I'm sure the answer for you is here somewhere, start here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gobiodon.htm>
I read somewhere that they in nature are often found among anemones,

and therefore have some sort of an immunity from their stings.

Of course, I really am as green as it gets when it comes to this sort of thing, and any suggestions you have for a fish that would be suitable for a 14g at least for the next few months.
<Can you procure some back issues of the UK Ultramarine magazine? Bob is serialising just such a thing there and has been for the last few months.. Otherwise look here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/StkgSmSWsysArt.htm>
Grateful beyond words,
<A pleasure to help>
Sam Suttonovski
<Simon>
Re: Compatible? Sm. SW sys. stkg. 9/23/10
Alright, alright, thanks Simon.
<No problem Sam>
This book I have (The 101 Best Saltwater fishes ;)) must be pretty off . . . It recommends at least 20g for an Ecsenius midas (a fairly larger Blenny), and the same sized tank for an Ecsenius stigmatura, which according to this book is at least 2.5 times smaller (This is the same book which recommended 20g for a Longnosed Hawkfish). Really, all I've learned from this book is to always have more than one source.
<This is wise, yes>
I've finally sold myself on the idea of a larger tank.
<What? Already? You're moving fast, most people set one up first before they decide they want a bigger one!>
I plan on using the current 14g Biocube as a display, and moving into a 55-60g tank. There are just too many things I have had to pass up because of space limitations!
<Yes, I have found the same thing. Still, smaller Nano systems can make very interesting and unique displays, showing-off features of certain animals that would otherwise get lost in larger systems. Zoanthids are perfectly suited for this for example, as are certain smaller, more shy fishes>
To have to do a lot of research into plumbing for a refugium!
<Indeed.. I can already see you drilling your first tank here ;)>
I think I will hold off on more fish for now, but I am going to start looking at good candidates for anemones (never mind the green mushroom, when it comes to upgrading, wasting 10 dollars by giving away the mushroom is the least of my worries). What I really want to do is find an anemone that can coexist with another anemone/coral within a 14g for at least 8-10 months before I feel comfortable moving them into the larger display.
<I would have to recommend none for this volume I'm afraid. For the 55g you might be ok with a BTA http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/bubbletipanemones.htm but these are not animals for beginners>
Of course, if not possible in those quarters I could settle for some Zoanthids, as they seem to be quite common from what I've seen so far.

(I really love the Pink Acropora at my LFS housed in their Nano, but I'm certain it gets huge quickly as they have an 850g display crawling with the stuff)
<And requires much in the way of'¦ well, everything really>
Anyways, thanks yet again for the reply. On a side note, any recommendations for books pertaining to coral/anemone care/compatibility?
<For corals, I would go with Borneman's book 'Aquarium Corals'. For anemones, most everything you can find here on WWM. Corals and anemones are not really compatible as anemones tend to grow, move around thus stinging corals. Best to keep one or the other, or keep the numbers of corals in an anemone system limited at least. There is much written on this here at WWM>
As much as I love this website, having a book would obviously help me avoid many questions.
<Go with the Borneman one.. it explains much to both the expert and novice in terms easy to understand>
Best regards,
Sam Suttonovski
<Simon>

Charismatic small fish, 9/9/10
Hi Wet Web
<Hello>
Thanks for taking my email question.
<Sure>
I have a small reef tank (20gal) with live rock and several types of coral in it (SPS, mushrooms, etc.) Everything is doing well and all levels are low and stable. I've kept the higher life forms to a minimum after I pulled the damsel after the tank cycled.
Right now there are several Astrea snails and a pair of peppermint shrimp in the tank. I'm looking for a small fish that is charismatic and reef safe to add some activity and movement to the tank. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you
Jonathan
<Lots of options here, small clowns, damsels, Dottybacks/Pseudochromids to name a few family possibilities. As long as you are only planning on keeping one fish in your tank there are lots of possibilities.>
<Chris>

Stocking plan for a 30 gallon Nano, 8/10/10
Dear WWM,
<Hello>
I am working on my stocking plan for my 30 gallon Nano tank, which is currently cycling.
<Ok>
I am designing the tank to showcase a Blue Spot Jawfish. That being said, the tank is completely covered and contains a 4" sandbed with plenty of live rock, which has been placed on the bare bottom of the tank before the
sand bed was added (don't want any avalanches, please!).
<Good>
In terms of tankmates, I was thinking of a pair of the ORA Picasso or Black Ice Semi Snowflake clowns (I know, it is getting hard to keep up with these designer offerings of clownfish!).
<I'm still a fan of the plain old clownfish, but to each their own.>
Then, after careful consideration, I worried the clowns would, in time, become too aggressive.
Granted, the Blue Spot Jawfish will be introduced first and remain the only fish in the system for several weeks, possibly months, but still, clowns can become bullies as they mature. Let me know if you agree on this. I want a very peaceful tank for the sake of the BSJ.

After further research, I am considering a Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius Stigmatura) as a tankmate. Do you think the shape of the fish and the area it will inhabit in the tank (possibly lower) will pose a threat to the Jawfish?
<Possible some negative interaction here, but I give it similar odds to the clowns.>
From all of my research the Tail Spot Blenny seems to be a very peaceful fish with a wonderful personality, in addition to being small, attractive, and colorful.
<And rare.>
I have read they perch in the rocks and back into holes and crevices, yet spend much of their time swimmingly openly, similar to the Midas Blenny. Would love your opinion, as well as any other potential tankmate suggestions here for the BSJ. I had hoped to house 3 small fish in this tank including the BSJ.
Very best,
Laura Garmizo
<Seems like you have a good plan, now you just need to decide which way to go.>
<Chris>
Re: Stocking plan for a 30 gallon Nano, 8/10/10
Hi Chris,
<Hello>
Thank you so much for your response.
<Welcome>
What would you think about this stocking plan for the 30g: The Blue Spot Jawfish,
<<Pardon the kibitzing, but RMF would like to urge the querior to try another more tropical, less demanding species of Opistognathid. Please see WWM re these choices>>
The Tail Spot Blenny, and one Picasso, Semi Snowflake, or Ocellaris Clownfish?
<Should be fine, although my wife would be mad at me if I didn't mention that skunk clowns would also work here.>
Is it better to do the clowns in pairs and eliminate the blenny, or would the clown be fine singly so that I could incorporate the blenny?
Very best,
Laura Garmizo
<Clowns do fine solo, but I find them to be much more interactive and interesting in pairs.>
<Chris>

Stocking 24 Gallon JBJ Nano FO saltwater, 8/9/10
Hello,
<Hi>
I am back in the saltwater saddle again. Crew member for a very brief time in FW (maternity leave).
<Careful, Neale might try to bribe you back.>
I am looking to stock a few fish in a 24 Gallon JBJ Nano FO, Could use some insight. Do not wish to overcrowd.
<Ok>
I would like to have, 1 ocellaris clown (tank bred), and one angel of The Dwarf Dwarf Centropyges: just had the pleasure of reading Bob's article on these (love this site). I had lost all hope of an angel in this size tank.

So am I topped out with these two fish? If not would like another, something entertaining... Any ideas?
<I think just a pair of ocellaris would be great in a tank like this, they are personable, attractive and smart, they will learn to greet the "food bringer" whenever you walk by. Otherwise there are lots of other small fish that could be housed here, some as the only tenants like most Dottybacks or in pairs/small groups like neon gobies.>
Can you recommend an appropriate cleaning crew for this size tank? Thank you for your time.
<Just a couple of Turbos/Astreas, and maybe a couple Ceriths if you have a sand bed. A few will go a long way here. A few hermits may be ok depending on what else you stock.>
Best regards,
Joanne
<Take care.>
<Chris>
Re: stocking 24 Gallon JBJ Nano FO saltwater 8/9/10
Ok thanks, Don't need and angel, need a healthy tank.
<True>
Like the idea of a pair of clowns, Will they breed? (don't want them to... I don't think...really). I've seen mollies multiply by the dozens. Yikes!
<They may breed, but the chances of any fry surviving without your intervention is pretty slim, unlike mollies that are fully formed and feeding at birth.>
And do the two clowns top me off? It's enough, but like anyone else if I could just have one more :). Without compromising anything. 1 Dottyback nice, or 1 clown goby?
<The Dottybacks are generally too aggressive for this, clown gobies generally do best when paired with Acropora corals, which is their natural food and shelter. Perhaps a shrimp/watchman goby pair?>
<Chris>
Re: stocking 24 Gallon JBJ Nano FO saltwater 8/10/10
Forgive me if I am not understanding. Are you suggesting in addition to the clown pair, a pair of watchman gobies? (wasn't sure if you were suggesting a shrimp as in pistol or otherwise) with a goby. I like the watchman.... However, Unless a mated pair don't they become aggressive towards each other?
<Was referring to a pistol shrimp and goby pair. Sorry I was not clear.>
<Chris>
Re: stocking 24 Gallon JBJ Nano FO saltwater 8/10/10
I saw a pair with it's shrimp in divers den live aquaria. And those are ok
with the clowns?
<Generally yes.>
One more question, if you don't mind, and I'll leave you to it. The JBJ protein skimmer does not come with my unit, do you have any idea if it is a good skimmer? Or have any other you like better? Thanks again for all your help, Joanne
<I have not tried this model myself, but looks like an old style air-stone model which are not known for their efficiency. I would look into something better such as an Aqua-C or similar models You may run into a problem here that other manufacture's models will not work with the JBJ tank hood and you may be stuck using the JBJ or having to modify the expensive lid on the BioCube. This is one of the reasons I generally advise people to avoid these "all-in-one" systems.>
<Chris>
Re: stocking 24 Gallon JBJ Nano FO saltwater, 8/10/10
Perfect! Thank You, I appreciate you taking the time, to help me out. Best regards, Joanne
<Enjoy the new tank.>
<Chris>

Fire Shrimp Hurting Fish... stkg., sys. size prob. really 7/30/10
Thank you in advance for the advice on this!
<Soon to be welcomed>
I have a 2yr old 29g reef tank that I absolutely love. It contains 2 false Percs that host in a large toadstool, one tomato clown that hosts in BTA, 2 spotted cardinals that hang out with the Percs, a medium size purple torch coral and several leather finger corals. It also includes an electric blue hermit, Halloween hermit a few zebra hermits and a handful of Margarita and turban snails.
<Mmm... not a long-term tenable mix... the Sarcophyton alone gets bigger than this volume>
About a month ago I added a fire cleaner shrimp that seems to be anything but shy, he cruises the whole tank devouring any food source he can find.
<Healthy Hippolytids are ravenous>
He will actually swim into mid to upper tank levels to try to snag food that is floating. I feed him chopped table shrimp, frozen brine, pellets and flakes 2-3 times a day. None of the fish utilize the fire shrimp for cleaning although it seems like he is always trying.
A few days ago the LFS finally had a yellow watchman goby
<This small volume is already way overstocked>
that I have been waiting for (last addition to the tank). I had the employee at the shop feed the goby some brine shrimp and watched him eat.
After bringing the goby home I noticed he was not eating much and never seems to relax. I didn't think it was unusual for the first day or two in a new home. Last night I saw something I couldn't believe. The fire shrimp pounced on the goby, grabbed him, dragged him under some rock work and started going to town attempting to clean. The goby's mouth was wide open as if it was screaming and he broke loose from the shrimp a few seconds later, closed his mouth and swam away. I then noticed the goby's tail fin is all split up and the shrimp actually picked him raw. All the yellow is gone and its just white where the shrimp was "cleaning". This did not seem normal to me, what would you advise?
<Removing the Debelius's shrimp>
Oh the shrimp is about the same size of the goby, about 2".
The tank has 6.7w per gallon cf lighting (2 month old bulbs), a BakPak 2r+ skimmer with MJ 1200 and air stone mod, 15x turnover, 2-3" live sand bed and plenty of live rock that include numerous caves and hiding places. Tank parameters are always spot on and I usually use NSW collected from the various reefs here on Okinawa (unless its been raining a lot, then I mix).
Please help. thanks- Dave
<What you really need is a larger system, perhaps some reading. Bob Fenner>
Re: Fire Shrimp Hurting Fish 7/31/10
Thank you in advance for the advice on this!
<Soon to be welcomed>
I have a 2yr old 29g reef tank that I absolutely love. It contains 2 false Percs that host in a large toadstool, one tomato clown that hosts in BTA, 2 spotted cardinals that hang out with the Percs, a medium size purple torch coral and several leather finger corals. It also includes an electric blue hermit, Halloween hermit a few zebra hermits and a handful of Margarita and turban snails.
<Mmm... not a long-term tenable mix... the Sarcophyton alone gets bigger than this volume>
>This is not a long term tank, my tour in Okinawa is over in less than two years, I figured this would be a good place to learn since there are so many resources available. I suppose I should have said the toadstool is large relative to the Percs. The disk is about 5" max and the Percs are less than 1".<
<<Two years is too long for what you list>>
About a month ago I added a fire cleaner shrimp that seems to be anything but shy, he cruises the whole tank devouring any food source he can find.
<Healthy Hippolytids are ravenous>
He will actually swim into mid to upper tank levels to try to snag food that is floating. I feed him chopped table shrimp, frozen brine, pellets and flakes 2-3 times a day. None of the fish utilize the fire shrimp for cleaning although it seems like he is always trying.
A few days ago the LFS finally had a yellow watchman goby
<This small volume is already way overstocked>
> Overstocked in terms of fish? I have just over 1" per 5 gallons, I thought I was still good here. Should I consider something else, perhaps the inverts? I have never read that anywhere. All the corals and BTA have several inches separating them and I have no problem with water quality<
<<There is less than six inches total for all you list? Actinarians and other Cnidarian groups mixed in such small volumes are treacherous. Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompppt.htm
and the linked files above for the groups/Classes you maintain>>
that I have been waiting for (last addition to the tank). I had the employee at the shop feed the goby some brine shrimp and watched him eat.
After bringing the goby home I noticed he was not eating much and never seems to relax. I didn't think it was unusual for the first day or two in a new home. Last night I saw something I couldn't believe. The fire shrimp
pounced on the goby, grabbed him, dragged him under some rock work and started going to town attempting to clean. The goby's mouth was wide open as if it was screaming and he broke loose from the shrimp a few seconds later, closed his mouth and swam away. I then noticed the goby's tail fin is all split up and the shrimp actually picked him raw. All the yellow is gone and its just white where the shrimp was "cleaning". This did not seem normal to me, what would you advise?
<Removing the Debelius's shrimp>
Oh the shrimp is about the same size of the goby, about 2".
The tank has 6.7w per gallon cf lighting (2 month old bulbs), a BakPak 2r+ skimmer with MJ 1200 and air stone mod, 15x turnover, 2-3" live sand bed and plenty of live rock that include numerous caves and hiding places. Tank parameters are always spot on and I usually use NSW collected from the various reefs here on Okinawa (unless its been raining a lot, then I mix).
Please help. thanks- Dave
<What you really need is a larger system, perhaps some reading. Bob Fenner>
>There is nothing I would love more than a larger system and when I return to the US I will definitely have one. When you live in GI housing with a family in Japan, there's not much room left over.
<>
I am slightly surprised to learn this system is "way overstocked" I have spent countless hours reading before set up and over the past few years.
Aside from the potential size of the toadstool (learned something there) I didn't think I was that far off from a healthy set up.
<<The shrimp's agonistic behavior is intensified due to crowding>>
Your time and honesty is greatly appreciated. Thank You. - Dave
<<Thank you, BobF>>

Stocking for a 30 gallon fowlr, 7/26/10
Hello,
<Hi>
I am wondering if this would be a good stocking list for my 30 gallon tank (around 36" x 12" x 16").
-Tomato Clownfish x 1 (should I go with some less aggressive species?)

-Cherub Angelfish x 1
<You are right at the very minimum size wise to keep this fish, I personally would probably skip it.>
-Bicolor Dottyback x 1
<Fairly tame for a Dottyback, should be ok.>
<Chris>
Re: Stocking for a 30 gallon fowlr, 7/26/10
Thanks for your help.
<Welcome>
I would really like a fish with a blue/yellow combination, however.
Could I replace the Angel with something more suitable for my tank such as a Yellowtail Damselfish? Or would that be too aggressive?
<Might be a problem combining a damsel and clowns, they are often aggressive towards each other in smaller tanks.>
Revised stocking list:
Tank Bred Ocellaris Clownfish x 1
Yellowtail Damselfish x 1
Bicolor Dottyback x 1
<Not many yellow/blue combos that work well here, you may need to broaden you search to other color combinations to increase chances of success.>
<Chris>

Compatibility 7/20/10
Hello WWM,
<Hello GS>
I have a 30 Gallon FOWLR aquarium in my office. The only inhabitants include a Sixline Wrasse, Falco Hawkfish, and a Blue Green Chromis. All get along fairly well. I have been wanting to add another fish to the aquarium, yet when I do, The hawk and wrasse become extremely aggressive towards the new fish. For example, yesterday I added a Firefish, they instantly became aggressive so I returned the fish. Do I buy a fish that will hold its own? what would be some good choices?
<A Yellow Tail Damsel would be one suggestion, also consider one of the colorful gobies or blennies.>
Any help is much appreciated thanks! :)
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Re Compatibility, Sm. SW 7/20/10
So I should just stick with more aggressive fish?
<Your issue isn't because your fish are aggressive, it's more a territorial issue resulting from limited space. Adding an aggressive fish is likely to cause more problems. James (Salty Dog)>

28 gallon Nano setup, stkg., Jawfish sel., reading 7/10/10
Dear WWM Crew,
<Hello Laura>
I will be setting up a JBJ 28 gallon Nano cube system with LED lighting shortly. I will be using the tank primarily to grow out high end chalice frags that I have begun to collect for my 85 gallon reef tank, and I was hoping to keep a couple of fish in here that I simply can't keep in my larger reef, due to compatibility issues.
<Okay>
My dream is to keep a Blue Spotted Jawfish in this tank as the real "star" of the show.
<Mmm, Opistognathus rosenblatti is really a poor choice here... Needs larger quarters, roomier front to back in particular, and is really a cooler temperature species than the Chalice corals can well tolerate.
Please read here re: http://wetwebmedia.com/BluSptJawF.htm>
I have tried unsuccessfully to keep one in my 85 gallon before, due to bullying tankmates. Although the fish did not make it, I had it long enough to fall absolutely in love with it's personality, appearance, and antics in the tank. I have wanted one ever since. In the Nano, the BSJ would pretty much have the tank to himself, plenty of live rock, sand,
and rubble in attempt to make him feel safe and happy. There is also a tight fitting lid on this tank, to inhibit the jumping instinct that these guys are prone to having.
<Yes... and I'd suggest the "standard" Golden, O. aurifrons, but I think any, all Opistognathids would prove deleterious, at cross purpose with your growing out substrate placed stony corals here. They're digging, 'spitting'
of substrate will harm the corals>
Since the BSJ is a burrowing fish, I was hoping to add a very peaceful, free swimming reef safe fish as well. My thoughts were the yellow or blue assessor Basslet, Helfrichi Firefish, or another fish you might recommend
that would suit this setup.
<These last might well work out>
Also, I wanted to know if I could keep whatever your recommendation is as a pair in the tank, or would just one be the limit due to the small volume of water in addition to the BSJ?
<Again, I'd eschew the use of a Jawfish here>
By the way, I am open to using the Nano as a species setup for the BSJ, and getting more than one as my other fish, all based on your recommendation.
Please know that this tank will have a refugium, protein skimmer, and receive 10% weekly water changes with Tropic Marin Pro Reef salt, as does my main tank. I know the key here is good maintenance and low stocking of
fish.
Any books you would like to recommend to me on Nano Reef keeping are also welcome suggestions.
Thanks in advance for all of your help!
Laura Garmizo
<Mmm, please read here as well:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm
scroll down to the tray on Small Marine Systems, Stocking. There is a general survey article and am accumulating group coverage pieces as I pen them and they run in Ultramarine Magazine (UK). Bob Fenner>
Re: 28 gallon Nano setup 7/10/10
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm
Hi Bob,
<Hello again Laura>
Wow, a bit deflated by the (albeit wise) advice to avoid the BSJ. I know better than to not follow it, however.
Well, suppose I design the live rockwork where the chalice frags are grown out on the rock, keep the substrate free of corals, and focus on the o. aurifrons (yellow pearly headed Jawfish)? Would this work better?
<Yes>
I don't know if this particular species agrees more in terms of the temperature levels the stony corals prefer.
<... it does, and easy enough to search, look up. See Fishbase.org for instance, even WWM...>
I plan to run the tank (if heat issues are kept at a minimum) at approximately 78/79 degrees F. Not hard for me to
switch thoughts to a o. aurifrons - just as endearing to me! But, conditions need to be right...
Thanks,
Laura
<Welcome. BobF>

Re: 28 gallon Nano setup... Jawfish, reading 7/10/10
Hi Bob,
Oh, I am so glad to see there is hope to have a Jawfish!
Ok, next question (thanks in advance for your patience). Would I be better off in this setup doing 1-3 fish species tank of the pearly jaws (if so, please specify exact number for the 28 gallon Nano), or 1 pearly jaw and a Helfrichi Firefish or yellow assessor Basslet? Which is more conducive to success?
Laura
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/jawfishe.htm
and the linked files above. B>
Re: 28 gallon Nano setup 7/10/10
http://wetwebmedia.com/jawfishe.htm
Hi Bob,
Thanks so much for the replies. Will do the reading, and make a decision.
Very best,
Laura
<And you>

More questions! Sm. Reef, stkg... w/ Cnidarians, "corals" and anemone 7/10/10
Hi! Thanks for replying re: my plethora of previous questions. To summarise,
I now (soon actually) will have the following system:
*Have:*
24" x 15" x 15" tank (~ 22 gallons) with overflow weir
21" x 12" x 12" sump (~ 12 gallons)
110w compact fluorescent fixture (with a 10K 55w bulb and a 420nm actinic blue 55w bulb)
15" x 12" DSB (4 inches) over an eggcrate + PVC plenum (about an inch) as per Roy Meeke's article
http://www.saltcorner.com/Articles/ArticlePics/Meek_PlenumSystem.pdf
Lots of 'dead rock' (previously live rock that has been cleaned and out of water for 2-3 years)
*On the way (ordered, paid for and excited!):*
AquaBee 3000 (sump return pump)
AquaBee 2000 (protein skimmer pump)
AquaC Remora Pro (only $20 more than the non pro so I snagged it!)
*Getting from LFS:*
Lots of cured live rock! I've seen it, doesn't look like I'll get any nice critters on it... oh well
*I would love to run a reef tank and I'm really after the most suitable corals for this system*. I understand that I need to introduce them first (after cycling the tank for at least a month). My only pseudo-requirement is that I would love to have the classic clownfish with anemone pairing at some point in this tank, so would prefer things compatible with this.

The rest of my livestock wish list is fairly unimaginative: Goby (yellow clown or watchman I think),
<See WWM re... the Watchman will too likely starve in this small volume, and Gobiodon's require live coral polyps of a few genera>
clownfish (hopefully with anemone!), royal gramma OR royal Dottyback and if you think I can get away with it, maybe a dwarf angel such as a flame.
<... please search, read on WWM before writing us. A C. loricula cannot live in this small volume well or long>
I would love to get something with the look of a Singapore angelfish or double saddleback butterfly, but from reading the articles on this website, they're not a good option in this sized tank.
<Ahh, correct>
I look forward to your suggestions of what corals are most appropriate for this tank (type and specimens if you wouldn't mind making suggestions). I think I prefer the look of the soft wavy anemone like corals, but if they're
totally inappropriate, I defer to your wisdom!
<Do read further re Anemones. Can be done, but are most often lost to a few categories of easily avoided issues>
Thanks again!
Cheers
Ben
<And you Ben. Bob Fenner>

Re: More questions! Sm. Reef, stkg... w/ Cnidarians 7/11/10
Thanks for the great reply Bob. Always grateful for your website and advice...
I though a Centropyge loricula was pushing the boundaries of such a small system,
<More than pushing>
but when I asked my LFS guy he said it would be fine.
<He is incorrect>
Hence my checking, thanks for the definitive answer. I was suspicious because he also said a Singapore angel would be fine,
<... definitely not>
and I knew from the FAQ this DEFINITELY wasn't the case. I apologise for the stupid question.
I had not realised anemones made keeping coral a problem. From my understanding, coral/reef gives the tank stability, so I will be happy to ditch the anemone and pursue the reef instead. From this article (which I love the suggestion section of!)
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nanoreefsysart.htm the suitable gobies would be
-
Blue Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
-
Golden Neon Goby (Elacatinus sp.)
-
<Just one species, individual in this small volume>
Clown Goby (Gobiodon sp.)
-
<... no. Please... stop writing till you've read>
Red Head Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus)
I have seen a green clown goby in my LFS, but none of the others. Any others you might suggest (considering I'm based in NQ)? I guess I'm after a relatively good beginner fish with 'personality' (digging sounds good,
though engineer/convict sound like they get too big for my system).
I'm off to get some live rock!! Three buckets full sound like enough for this tank (~22.5 gallons)?
Thanks again!
Ben
Re: More questions! 7/11/10
ADDIT (with photos):
Sorry, I just came back from the LFS. Essentially, most of the live rock had coral stuck on it (which has now wound up in my tank). The LFS said they've had the rock for weeks and weeks (over a month) under light, but the coral looks like it's in a bit of trouble. I was hoping you could help me ID it and advise on caring for it...
<... you're joking? You're not joking?>
A lot of mucus came off it when I was cleaning the liverock down in some premixed water I had (I didn't add the
water to the tank though.
<?>
I guess this puts the kibosh on me getting soft corals... Oh well!
As I said, I have a 55w actinic light and a 55w 10K light (compact fluorescent). Should I run this 24/7?
<No>
I also am adding caulepra
<Don't add Caulerpa... see WWM re other species>
to the plenum section of the sump, should I run the light over this 24/7?
<You should read>
I again appreciate your advice and assistance. Photos attached...
<WWM is not a question and answer bb... it is a published reference... we answer queries for those areas that aren't archived...>

Re: More questions! Sm. Reef, stkg... w/ Cnidarians 7/11/10
I'm genuinely sorry to have annoyed you so much. I love this website and attempt to support its sponsors as much as possible.
<Ah good>
For the record, I have been reading the articles and FAQ on this site for 7 years now, but there is only so much one can garner before the need to ask questions arises (particularly with all the conflicting and polar opposite views on topics such as Caulerpa).
<... by simply searching (the search tool), you'd see that this genus, family is very "old hat"... went out of favor more than a decade back>
I will be very unlikely to identify these corals on my own and would appreciate your help with this,
<Please see WWM re the family Mussidae>
however, if this falls outside the realm of what you see WetWebMedia being for, I will post the pictures on some bulletin boards/forums and hope for the best.
I'll keep lurking and learning, hopefully with the final achievement of a reasonable reef system.
Cheers
<And you. BobF>

Good stocking list? 7/6/10
I have a 30 gallon aquarium (about 36" x 12" x 16") which is fully cycled and water parameters are good. I plan to make it an FOWLR.
Here is my stocking list:
Tank Bred Ocellaris Clownfish x 2
Blue Green Reef Chromis x 3
Would this be good?
<The Chromis won't likely survive in such a small volume for long. There are some other smaller fish groups that have members that would mix with the Ocellaris Clowns though. Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/smswstk12.htm
and the linked files in this series linked above, and embedded where you lead yourself for more ideas.
Bob Fenner>
Re: good stocking list? Sm. SW, reading 7/6/10
Thanks!
I have revised my stocking list:
Tank Bred Ocellaris Clownfish x 2
(some type of Dottyback)
<Do read on WWM, elsewhere re Pseudochromid sel./stkg... some species are fine, others terrors>
(1 other fish)
I really don't know what to include as my last fish...could you please help?
<Mmm, I have, by referring you previously... Read>
I want something that's really active, personable, and looks good.
I still can't understand why I can't keep the Chromis in my system...would you kindly explain to me? Thanks.
<... and re this genus on WWM. What you seek is archived. B>
Re: good stocking list? -- 7/7/10
I've been considering a Six-Line Wrasse for my system...what is your opinion on these guys?
<Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/linedwrascompfaq.htm
and the linked files above. B>
Re: good stocking list? -- 7/7/10
I've decided not to add the Wrasse since I've heard horror stories about them.
I am also thinking about a Yellow Clown Goby...should these guys be added in multiples?
Try searching the site

What Fish Options Do I Have? Sm, SW, 6/27/10
Hi crew. I have a 28 gallon JBJ Nano Cube with HQI lighting reef with live rock and live sand and recently lost a Six Line Wrasse, and was wondering what cool new fish would be an option.
<...?>
Here are the current residents minus snails and hermits:
Yellow Watchman Goby and Tiger Pistol Shrimp pair
Firefish
Ocellaris Clown
Mandarin Dragonet (yes, I know you will probably go off on me, but he is very healthy, eats Mysis, and has been well established in the tank and we have had him for a year now and he is still doing great)
Long Spined Urchin (we supplement him with Nori, and we do not clean the glass of algae. he appears to be healthy)
Short Spined Urchin (appears healthy)
Ricordea
Green Star Polyps
Candy Cane Coral
Grape Coral
Zoanthid Polyps
Any suggestions on new fish would be appreciated! I was thinking about maybe a pygmy angel, but they might nibble on my coral.
Thanks,
Drew

What New Cool Fish Should I Get?/Stocking Level, James' go 6/27/10
Hi.
<Hello Drew>
I have a 28 gallon JBJ Nano Cube with HQI lighting reef with live rock and live sand and recently lost a Six Line Wrasse, and was wondering what cool new fish would be an option. Here are the current residents minus snails and hermits:
Yellow Watchman Goby and Tiger Pistol Shrimp pair
Firefish
Ocellaris Clown
Mandarin Dragonet (yes, I know you will probably go off on me, but he is very healthy, eats Mysis, and has been well established in the tank and we have had him for a year now and he is still doing great)
<Good to hear, you are one of the lucky ones.>
Long Spined Urchin (we supplement him with Nori, and we do not clean the glass of algae. he appears to be healthy)
Short Spined Urchin (appears healthy)
Ricordea
Green Star Polyps
Candy Cane Coral
Grape Coral
Zoanthid Polyps
<When keeping Long Spined Urchins with corals, you always run the risk of the corals being stabbed by the urchin. As to adding another fish, I would add none.
Your present stocking level is at or near max now.>
Any suggestions on new fish would be appreciated!
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Drew

Quick Ecsenius Blenny Question/Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish/Compatibility, sm. sys. 6/24/10
Hi.
<Hello Nick>
Thanks for all of your help in the past!
<You're welcome.>
I just set up a 12 gallon Nano (total volume including the integrated sump in the back of the tank). The display portion measures approximately 12x12x12 inches. It houses a large piece of live rock with many holes and
caves. This will be primarily a reef tank with mixed hard and soft corals.
I have a Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish (about 3/4 inch) that was just introduced and is still hiding. My question is this - the only other fish I would like to add is a small Midas Blenny. What do you think of the compatibility between the two fish? Is the Midas likely to harass the Hawkfish to death?
<The Midas Blenny will get too large for your tank and any aggressive traits it does possess will be magnified in a confined space. The Pygmy Hawkfish is a closer relative to Anthias and Groupers than Hawkfish, but it's tagged as a Hawkfish because of its overall shape and behavior.>
Thanks in advance.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Nick N.

Questions On 12 Gallon Tank Stocking Choices - 6/11/10
Hello,
I am looking for fish for a 12 gal. saltwater tank I am planning. I have some thoughts in mind. But I would like your opinion before I buy them.
<Okay>
The first choice I am considering is the Tailspot blenny. They range from 2 in. to 3.9 in. On the sites I visited that offered this species for sale, they stated that this species would do fine in a 10 or 12 gallon tank.
<Agreed... just can be feisty w/ other fishes of similar shape, habitat>
Now I was also told this species needs live rock with microalgae. However, I do not fancy the idea of live rock.
<Mmm, a good idea to have even just a pound or two...>
I have Spirulina and green seaweed available. I have also heard this species might accept meaty foods. I have brine shrimp and Mysis shrimp available. I also have phytoplankton available. Would the Tailspot do okay without live rock if I supplied it with Spirulina, green seaweed, and Mysis, brine, and phytoplankton?
<Food-wise, yes>
The second choice I had in mind was and orange spotted goby. They reach 3.5 in. This species requires a tank that is 10 to 30 gal.
<Mmm, yes... mainly Valenciennea spp. need the bottom/space for scavenging... sufficient foodstuffs>
One site I visited stated this species could survive in a 12 gal. system.
<Not really large enough>
And if I get this species it would be the only thing in the tank. I have brine shrimp and Mysis shrimp available for it to eat. If it was the only thing in the tank, would this species survive in a 12 gal. tank?
<Marginally>
My third choice would be to get 3 neon pygmy gobies.
<Eviota spp.?>
They are only 1 in. each. They sources I looked at offering this species stated these tiny gobies can survive in a 2 gal. tank.
<Highly unstable>
So I figure if neither of my 1st 2 choices works, perhaps a small group of these tiny fish would work in my 12 gal. tank. Would 3 neon pygmy gobies work in a 12 gal. tank? Would a group of 6 of these fish work in a 12 gal. tank?

My fourth and final choice for possible 12 gal. tank inhabitants would be a Hasslet's Goby (Callogobius hasseltii). They reach 3 in. And according to the site I visited that sells them, 1 can survive in a 5 gal. tank. The site states this species is an omnivore. I have phytoplankton, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and Spirulina flakes it can eat. Would 1 of these gobies work for a 12 gal. tank? Would 2 be able to survive in a 12 gal. tank?

All of these species are considered Nano fish.
Thank you.
<Mmm, please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm
scroll down to "Small Marine Systems", the sections on Stocking, the various groups covered and FAQs files... better for you to do a bunch more reading for now... Bob Fenner>

Can 1 Tailspot Blenny, Live Rock, and 3 Snails Thrive In a 12 Gallon System? 6/13/10
Hello,
I have some questions regarding a blenny and snails in a small tank.
<Okay>
I currently have 3 saltwater snails (1 Nassarius, 1 Cerith, and 1 Nerite).
I had a devastating loss in my 12 gal. tank due to my beginner's mistakes, overstocking, and detritus buildup in the substrate. The snails were the only survivors. They are currently in a 1.5 gal. tank because we are having renovations done to the floor. The 1.5 gal tank is easier to move. However, I plan to set up the 12 gal. tank again after the renovations are complete.
I plan of placing 1 Tailspot blenny in the tank (perhaps with some live rock, if the rock will fit). Would live rock compromise water quality in a 12 gal. system if the blenny is added?
<Mmm, no; not if "cured" sufficiently... Will help w/ water quality rather than compromise>
My questions are can I place all three of my snails in the same 12 gal. tank with the blenny?
<Yes>
Or would the tank be overstocked? If all three would not work, would two of the snails work? (The Nassarius and the Nerite perhaps). And if only one would work, would the Nerite snail work, or would the Nassarius be better?
And if no snails can live in the tank with the blenny, just let me know so I can make plans to get better homes for the snails. Can the live rock thrive in a 12 gal. tank with all 3 snails and the blenny in the same tank?
Or would this be overstocking?
Thank you.
<All should be able to fit, live in this volume. BobF>
Re: Can 1 Tailspot Blenny, Live Rock, and 3 Snails Thrive In a 12 Gallon System? 6/13/10
Thank you so much for your reply. I was concerned I would have to keep the poor snails in the 1.5 gal. tank indefinitely, or not get the blenny. You have relived those concerns. Thank you.
<Welcome Camron. BobF>

What Killed The Chromis? Mystery death 5/28/10... env.
Dear sir or Madame,
<Hello>
I have a problem perhaps you can help me with.
<Will try.>
Currently I have a 12 gal. bowfront acrylic aquarium. It has an i40 model BioWhisper filter. The filter has a mechanical sponge filter and a bio bag cartridge filled with carbon. It cycles up to 40 gallons. I also have a UV
with a powerhead, a protein skimmer, and a sintered airstone (4 inches high) for a bubbler. In the tank currently there is 1 Nerite snail, 1 Cerith snail, 1 Nassarius snail, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 red Firefish goby, 1 redhead goby, and one blue green reef Chromis (not the larger green Chromis).
<Overstocked.>
I feed them Mysis shrimp and phytoplankton once everyday. Sometimes I will feed them Cyclop-eeze (Instant Ocean gel brand), small amounts of green seaweed or Spirulina alga, freeze-dried brine shrimp, or freshly thawed frozen Mysis shrimp. I add a calcium, magnesium, iodine, strontium, other trace element supplement, vitamin C supplement, Garlic Guard (a supplement with garlic in it), and Selcon (a vitamin supplement) once a week.
<Do you test for all these trace elements, if not I would not be adding.>
Is the gph too much, or too fast?
<No>
Is there too many fish in my tank?
<Yes>
The problem is with my Chromis. Originally I had 2 Chromis. But one died just this morning. Before the poor sick Chromis died it was lying on its side and breathing rapidly. It also acted like it had some neurological problems. It was spinning around in circles when it tried to swim. I tried some ammonia and nitrate remover in the tank, to see if that would help the sick Chromis. It did nothing.
<What are your water parameters?>
I saw no detectable injuries on the fish. Its eyes were not cloudy.
Although its eyes were darting about wildly (hence more evidence of some sort of neurological problems).
So then I moved the sick Chromis to a hospital tank. I tried to give it a little Selcon and phytoplankton. In hopes the vitamins and food would help. The sick Chromis was trying to eat at this time, lifting its head up to try and catch food as it went by. But it was not able to get enough in the main tank. I thought perhaps it might have better luck in the hospital tank in regards to obtaining something, anything, to eat. I also gave it a little vitamin C and added a little strontium, calcium, magnesium, and iodine supplement. I did this to help the fish with an nutritional
problems, or lack of iodine problems.
<Again, don't add what you don't test for.>
I was trying everything I could think of because I have no idea what the matter could have been.
The sick Chromis had been acting agitated in the bag when I got it the day before.
<How long did you have this fish?>
The second Chromis seemed fine and was relaxed in its bag. But the sick one was acting very agitated in the bag. The sick one had been swimming up and down rapidly and was darting around, as if trying to escape something.
Well, anyway, I tried everything I could think of to try and save the sick Chromis, but it died a few hours ago. I inspected the poor fish's corpse not long after it expired. I one side of the fish appeared normal. But when I flipped the fish over to look at its other side, I found something peculiar. Just behind its anal fins there was a line of raised scales. I gently lifted back the scales and saw necrotic tissue there. I found this odd because that wound had not been there yesterday. And yesterday the sick Chromis had seemed fine. I did not even see any injuries on the sick
Chromis until after it had died.
<Possibly was there and just missed or the beginnings of post-mortem decay.>
The two Chromis had never shown aggression towards each other. And the Firefish and redhead goby are very peaceful fish. They are not known to attack other fish. And the shrimp and snails are likewise not noted for
aggression towards fish. There are not many very sharp objects in the tank for it to have scraped itself on.
Could the sick Chromis have eaten something that caused an internal intestinal blockage?
<Possible but unlikely.>
Could it have been a parasite?
<Possible but again unlikely.>
I also seem to have a chronic problem with brown algae growing on the acrylic panels in my tank, obscuring everything from view. And my snails are acting lethargic and do not seem to want to come out. And the Firefish,
redhead goby, and shrimp also spend a lot of time hiding.
<Sounds like an environmental issue.>
Should I do a water change?
<When in doubt...>
Should I change the filter cartridge?
<How much live rock do you have?>
Should I cut back on how much I feed the fish at feeding time?
<Might help.>
Is my remaining Chromis in danger?
<Perhaps>
If so, what do I need to do save it?
<Tough to say without your water parameters, how old the tank is.>
Do I need a bigger tank?
<Absolutely with this stocking level.>
If so, I cannot get one at this time.
<Then return all fish but one, either the Firefish or goby would be best here.>
What can I do to help my tank inhabitants until I can get a bigger tank?
<Lower your stocking levels.>
Thank you for your time, help, and advice. It is most appreciated.
<Welcome>
<Chris>
Companion for a Chromis... Not stocking a small SW volume 5/28/10
Hello. I wrote you just recently on another problem I had. I have another question in regards to my remaining Chromis
<This genus, species of Chromis are social animals, live in shoals... can't live in small volumes well or long>
I neglected to ask in my last e-mail.
I currently have a 12 gal tank with a Whisper Bio filter (capable of filtering 40 gph). I also have a protein skimmer, an UV sterilizer with a powerhead, and a 4 in. tall sintered airstone for a bubbler. The current tank inhabitants are 1 Nerite snail, 1 Cerith snail, 1 Nassarius snail, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 redhead goby, 1 red Firefish, and 1 blue green reef Chromis.
My question is in regards my Chromis. You see, as stated in my last e-mail, my little Chromis lost his companion today. My little Chromis is acting very nervous now. It is swimming rapidly all over the aquarium, almost in a panic. I want to get him another friend to help him feel better. But almost every time I look for blue green Chromis the stores are out of stock, or carry the larger green Chromis, but not the blue green Chromis. I do not want the larger green Chromis. They would grow too large for my little 12 gal. tank.
<... give this fish away, return it to the store>
Are there any other small and very peaceful fish (besides blue green reef Chromis) I could put in the tank with my little Chromis?
I once considered adding a yellow-tailed blue damselfish. I decided against it due to advice from Wet Web Media and facts I discovered later. The facts I latter discovered pointed to a semi-aggressive nature for the yellow-tailed damsel. So that fish species is out of the question for a companion for my Chromis. And I have also tried an orange lined Cardinalfish and a pajama Cardinalfish prior to obtaining my current blue green Chromis. Neither one of these fish did well in my tank. I also tried a yellow clown goby before my Chromis. This did not work out either. The
cardinals and the clown goby all died for some reason.
My redhead goby has been an occupant of my 12 gal. tank from the day it was ready for fish. And the redhead goby is still alive and thriving. My Firefish also seems to be doing fine.
<... what species is this? See WWM re Microdesmids... most live in "pairs", some in shoals... Again, misplaced here>
Except for right now. Right now the Firefish is hiding a lot. I just introduced the blue Chromis two days ago. My Firefish is probably just a little intimidated by the much smaller Chromis still (lol :) ) And I have seen the Firefish out swimming with the tiny little Chromis. So I think the Firefish will get over his fear soon enough. :)
<More likely it will perish, jump out>
I was reading on the Maldives velvet fairy wrasse.
<... no Cirrhilabrus can live in such a volume either>
My sources say it is very peaceful. And it only grows to 3.1 inches (not any larger than what my blue green Chromis is expected to reach). They like to swim in open water. It is recommended they be kept in an 80 gal. tank.
But they did not specify if this was for 1 individual, or a group. Could 1 Maldives wrasse survive in a 12 gal. tank (especially with my other current occupants in the tank)?
And if I just left my Chromis and Firefish to themselves, do you think eventually the presence of the Firefish would be enough to make the Chromis feel better (you know, once the Chromis figures out the Firefish is even more timid than it is)? Or would it still be better to obtain another fish friend for the Chromis?
Thank you for your time.
<I salute your at least "looking before you leap"... and I will tell you that this past year I've been penning a series of articles on stocking small systems... pieces of which are posted on WWM... but the mix you have now, what you have proposed will not work. Bob Fenner>

Re: What Killed The Chromis? Mystery death, What Else Can I do to Help My Fish? 5/28/10
Thank you for your reply and advice.
<Welcome>
In your reply you recommended I take back the fish. Unfortunately I ordered them all by mail.
I cannot return any of them. I plan to get a larger tank. But it may take a long time. (Several months, maybe even a year or more). What can I do in the meantime?
<Maintain water quality as best as possible, feed good food, and keep up on general maintenance. Unfortunately none of these are a substitute for space, but may buy you some time.>
Water changes, cutting back on food, and stocking levels aside, what could I do that you have not already recommended or that I have not already tried?
<That's about it.>
Thank you.
<Welcome>
<Chris>

Re: Companion for a Chromis, mis-, overstocking small volumes 5/29/2010
Thank you for your advice. I will not add anymore fish to my current tank.
But unfortunately all my current livestock was shipped via mail order. I cannot return them.
I have a book that states 3 blue green reef Chromis can live in an aquarium of 13 gal.
<Mmm, no... that is, you may have such a book, and such a statement may be contained/printed in it, but this is a mis-truth>
And the remaining Chromis I have seems to be doing wonderfully. If a bit lonely. And my red Firefish (a Dartfish) seems to be doing fine. I read on an internet source it is possible to keep 1 red Firefish in a 10 gal. tank.
<... not well, or long>
And I heard with the species my Dartfish is that unless they are a mated pair, they argue amongst themselves and other similar species. They recommend 1 Firefish per tank unless they are a mated pair.
<What is that statement... "Don't believe all you read or hear">
The Dartfish comes out to feed when it thinks I am not there. The Firefish is a wild caught fish.
<All captive Microdesmids are>
They say hiding is normal behavior for wild caught fish. The Firefish dose not seem that afraid of the blue green Chromis. And I preformed a water change and cleaned the brown algae from the acrylic surface yesterday. The fish seem a little more active today. The current tank I have I began in February of this year. So that would make it around 3 months.
I waited about a week before adding any fish when I set the tank up. Then I added my redhead goby, the Nassarius snail, and the now deceased yellow clown goby. I waited two to three weeks. Then I added the peppermint shrimp.
I was going to add a pajama cardinal
<Can't live here either... please, stop writing us till you read what is archived on the site>
along with the shrimp, but this pajama cardinal got too hot while being shipped and died. I tried another pajama cardinal from another store with the same results. After much frustration (and specific pestering instructions) I tried once more and tried another pajama cardinal and an orange lined cardinal. The orange lined cardinal died by the next day, it had been acting like it had neurological damage before I even got it out of the bag. Probably too much stress from shipping or something. The pajama cardinal lasted about two weeks before it died. Shortly after the final cardinal's death the yellow clown goby died from causes that are unknown to me. Around this time I got my current Firefish.
Then I got the Nerite snail and the Cerith snail (to help with a brown algae problem I have been having). Then I added two Chromis (of which now only one remains). And that is the history of my current tank as far as its age and livestocking go.
I plan on getting a 30 gal. tank someday. If I get the 30 gal. tank, would I have enough room for all my current residents? If not, would it at least be better than the 12 gal. I currently have them all in? And if I get a 30 gal. tank, would the Firefish have a better chance of not starving to death with the Chromis in the tank? Or would the Firefish die anyway? Thank you.
<Have just skipped down. BobF

Barrage of questions. Tiny SW, mis-stocked, no reading 5/24/10
Hello!
<Hi there Nick>
Well, I have a 6 gallon Nano-cube
<Such small volumes are very hard to maintain, keep stable...>
with 2-18w actinic bulbs and 1-18w 10k daylight. I have a yellow clown goby,
<Lives amongst live Acropora... nowhere else. Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/gobiodonsysfaq.htm>
but he doesn't swim around a lot because the current is a little strong (although it's just the stock pump). The tank has 3 Zoa colonies,
<Very toxic... Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/zoanthidcompfaqs.htm
1 Kenya tree, green star polyps, a tiny (about 1 cm in diameter) frogspawn, a 2" section of Montipora, and a beautiful rock covered in coralline with a few neon green mushrooms.
<... also quite toxic chemically>
My concern is the frogspawn and the Montipora.
<Losers here... read... actually, just go back to where you found to write us and go through the mat.s re how to use the site>
So far the frogspawn looks like skeleton, I haven't seen any tentacles or anything. I'm also worried that my lighting won't be strong enough for either the Montipora or the frogspawn. Everything sits about 6" from the hood, but it only takes up the bottom 1/3 of the aquarium. The Montipora, frogspawn, mushrooms and green star polyps have only been in the tank for a few days (which I realize is why I haven't seen the GSP or the frogspawn).
My thinking is, that if my lighting isn't strong enough perhaps I can give the frags to someone who does have the conditions for them. Everything was set up in a 5 gallon standard AGA tank, and within the last week I transferred everything to the Nanocube. I believe I started a soft cycle today,
<...>
because I'm seeing some brown shades on the rocks.
I would really appreciate any advice you guys could offer,
Have a good day!
Nick
<Write back after you've read if you have specific questions. What you have here won't work. Bob Fenner>
Re: Barrage of questions 5/25/10
Bob,
I'm really sorry. I'm very passionate about this hobby (and so are you, obviously) and I am often afraid of asking questions
<Why?>
because many hobbyists can seem quite rude in their responses. At first I was slightly offended by your response,
<Oh?>
however after thinking (and rereading it, sometimes the "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" complex can come up) about it I realized I would be a little rough in my response had I been you too. Working in retail
<Ahh, can be a grind... I worked "on the floor" in petfish retail for some 14 years>
I sometimes get quite rough when people expect me to spoon feed them, so I understand your side. I have about 10 books on fish/reefkeeping, and several specifically on nanoreefs. However, I'm a very charismatic person and find 'speaking' with someone much easier.

I've researched more on this hobby than probably anything else in my life, but unfortunately there are always too many questions and not enough answers.
<Mmm... maybe at this juncture... but either the ratio changes here with time, or I've just become "fuller", less aware of the plethora of unknowns>
I would rather take the few minutes to speak with someone about specific problems than spend hours reading forums and FAQs looking for an answer.
<Unfortunately, "we" are but a few volunteers, and "you" are a few tens of thousands of users per day. WWM is not really a question and answer service, but an ongoing self-help reference work>
I really enjoy this website and have apparently only tapped the vast wealth of knowledge it contains.
<As stated, the site is an ongoing, unfolding work in progress>
Ultimately, I wanted to apologize for wasting your time (however the above probably wasted more, but I felt you deserved an apology and explanation)
<No apology necessary or desired>
and I wanted to thank you for teaching me a lesson.
I will do more research, and prepare an exact question for you.
Thanks again,
-Nick
By the way, what did you mean by "Tiny SW, mis-stocked,"?
<My title for your msg... This volume is too small to be of the use you've put it to... My opinions on suitably sized systems are posted/archived... SW is an acronym for SaltWater, and mis-stocked is in reference to your livestock choices... BobF>

Yellowtail damselfish, Stocking 5/24/10
Need help, 20 gal tank cleaner shrimp, 2 red legged hermits, 2 ocellaris clowns and 1 bicolour blenny, think I might have made a mistake, bought a lovely yellowtail damselfish today.
<Too much and incompatible with your current fish.>
Now in tank, but the Blenny is not happy keeps chasing the damselfish who does turn on him, the clowns keep out of the way, do I need to get it out?
<Yes>
Is there going to be a disaster?
<Possibly, the clowns and damsel may not tolerate each other for long.>
How do I get it out?
<A net and patience, may have to remove rockwork to get it out.><<Two nets. RMF>>
benita pullen
<Chris>

Tank Stocking Assist, sm. SW 5/13/10
Hello crew, James from North Carolina here. Thank you for providing this truly great service to all of us! I have spent several hour combing over the stocking section but I am still a little lost. I recently purchased a
Red Sea Max 130d 34 gallon system.
<Nice units>
Have 40pds cured LR and three inches live sand. I am interested in some soft corals but want to get my fish stocked first so my water is perfect. I currently have a Green Chromis,
<A social species, but you don't have sufficient space for a small shoal>
a Ocellaris Clown, a Yellow Watchman Goby that is paired with a pistol shrimp, and a Blood Red Fire Shrimp. I also have a couple of hermits and snails. I would like to add another small fish or two. Would any of these be acceptable a clown goby, a flame or Coral Beauty Angel, or any hawkfish?
<Gobiodon's really need Acroporids, this system is too small for a full-size species of Centropyge, but there are some smaller Cirrhitids that might go... one specimen>
If none of these will work please suggest something else colorful and interesting that would be compatible. Thank you for your guidance!
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/smswstk11.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Lemonpeel angel - keep or take back? Angelfish systems - 20 Gallons is too small... 5/11/2010
Hello,
<Hi Carin.>
First off, I very much enjoy your website. I did read through the information already posted about lemonpeels. I have had my Lemonpeel angelfish for about two years? The tank is small, only 20 gallons, but nitrates are always 0 ppm when I test.
<20 gallons is too small for any sort of angelfish.>
I do have a problem with low ppk, <Alkalinity> which in turn causes low pH; I have started adding buffer and increasing the frequency and quantity of water changes (2-3 gallons about every 1 1/2 weeks). I have managed to get the pH to stay above 8. Other residents include a cleaner shrimp, one true Percula clown, a scooter blenny, an emerald crab, a snail I rarely see, and a newly acquired bubble-tip anemone.
<Your tank is severely overstocked. In a tank that small, the anemone is likely to sting everything else.>
I bought the Lemonpeel after reading that it is an easy keeper. Well, it is alive, that is true. But I am constantly battling fin rot on this guy.
I understand that this can come from stress, from poor water quality, and a poor diet.
<Yes. Stress and poor water quality most likely.>
I was feeding Nori several days a week to start, but when he seemed to eat anything, I gave it up. Now I'm back giving Nori a couple times a week. I feel Mysis, brine, emerald frozen food, and I switched to the flake with the highest algae content I could find. I took a happy damsel back to the store because it was harassing the Lemonpeel. And yes, I have treated once with Erythromycin; the antibiotic helped, for a short while, then the fin rot came back. Stress+ Lemonpeel= Finrot. And now...the Lemonpeel not only struggles with fin rot, but it is more aggressive than ever.
<No surprises there.>
My Lemonpeel, previously docile, now antagonizes my clown non-stop (which led to the anemone purchase--no hosting so far).
<Further contributing to the overcrowding.>
In fact, two weeks ago, the clown's mate of four years jumped out of the tank, presumably because the angel would not even leave it alone at night.
<The Lemonpeel is stressed due to overcrowding and poor water quality. You need a bigger tank or you need to get rid of some fish. In either case, you are going to have to step up the water changes. Lose the anemone, unless you have enough of the right light and pristine water, it is doomed as well.>
Cut to chase. I'm attached to this fish. It came from the wild, and I want to give it a good home. I fear that taking it back to the local fish store will cause it to end up dead in some one else's tank. But it's not happy. What do I do? Is my tank just too small?
<Yes >
Should I rehome the fish myself, screening the prospective new owners? I'll miss that bright yellow meany, but I want peace back in my tank.
<This, or get a larger tank
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/StkgSmSWsysArt.htm.>
Thanks,
Carin
<MikeV>

Re: Lemonpeel angel - keep or take back? 5/12/10
Thank you for your speedy response.
<Hi Caron, my pleasure.>
I took the angel and the scooter blenny (it was eating well, but the feeding of Mysis and brine in large enough quantities for it to catch was hell on my filter) back to the lfs this morning.
<Ahh, good.>
I am waiting for an appropriately sized Percula in exchange. I think I am going to keep the bubble-tip anemone for the moment. It is eating and settled, seems to be okay right now. I have a Coralife 50/50 65 watt (10,000K with 50% True Actinic 03 Blue phosphors) lamp. Lots of live rock, a hang over Marineland filter for a 30 gallon tank(mine is a 20g), and a little powerhead on one end. No skimmer. My salinity is about 1.024 (working on gradually raising it for anemone), the temp is 79-80, my nitrates are zero, as well as NH3...still the alkalinity is low, but I am working on it. I do not have a calcium test kit. I have been using the Kent Nano supplements. How often do you suggest I perform water changes, and of what size?
<20 - 25% every week.>
I thought that 3 gallons almost once a week was a lot.
<It isn't bad, but anemones are very sensitive to water quality issues.>
Also, what do you mean when you say the anemone will sting almost everything else in the tank?
<Anemone tentacles are loaded with nematocysts or stinging cells - that is how they capture their prey. Clownfish are immune, but any other fish or invertebrate can be stung, perhaps to death.>
I have no corals; will it sting the other invertebrates and clown?
<Other invertebrates yes.>
I was considering morphing this tank into a clownfish tank with some corals and the anemone. Can you suggest any? The anemone is in the corner of the tank under the powerhead. Could I put nothing on the opposite end of the tank?
<It is generally considered unwise to add other corals in an anemone tank unless the tank is very large. Anemones release stinging cells, corals release toxins - all of this is designed to ensure the anemone or coral has enough space to grow. In the ocean, it isn't a problem, but in the small confines of a tank, it turns into a form of chemical warfare.>
I would love to get a bigger tank, but it is not feasible for me right now. I have neither the space or the funds to start one. Am I still overstocked with: a pair of true Percula clowns, a bubble-tip anemone, a cleaner shrimp, a snail, and an emerald crab?
<That is very tight, but workable if you keep the water quality up.>
Can I ever add xenia or frogspawn?

Thank you again for your input.
<My Pleasure,>
<MikeV>

40 breeder stocking plan: A nice sensible plan for a 40. 5/11/2010
Greetings my dear WWM Crew! As others have properly noted, you are a most valuable resource.
<Hi Chris, thank you!>
I am planning a 40-gallon breeder (36'x18'x17') with a 40-gallon breeder sump; 60-70 gallons total water volume. I have a Wave2K wave maker for display circulation and a 1.5' glass-holes.com overflow. Lighting will be 4x96 Watt dual-bulb fluorescents. The display will have about an inch of sand and at least 40 pounds of live rock.
<Sounds good so far.>
The glass-divided sump will have an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer in the left compartment. The right compartment will house a 15'x17.5' refugium with 6' deep sand bed, rock rubble and Chaetomorpha with a reverse photo period. The refugium will be fed by a small pump from the left compartment and will
overflow into the center. I plan to return about 400 GPH from the sump to the display tank with the flow teed to the left and right corners.
<All good here as well.>
Stocking plans will not include crabs or starfish. I plan a host of snails.
Planned fish:
2 Neon Goby
1 Clown Goby
2 False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
2 Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica)
I would like to include a small clam and a few species of soft coral.
Rock and live sand will start the cycle. Critters will go in once the cycle completes. I plan to wait a few months after the cycle completes to begin my stocking.
<This is a nice, sensible stocking plan and should work well for this setup.>
Questions:
Is this plan overstocked?
<No. >
Should I adjust the groupings (up or down in count)?
<My preference would be for one clownfish rather than two. The reason for this is if and when they become a mated pair, they become quite belligerent.>
Do you foresee compatibility issues?
<Firefish like to burrow, so you may want to have an area with a deeper sandbed. Also, Firefish are jumpers, so keep the tank covered.>
Could you recommend an introduction order (using proper quarantining)?
<Clownfish last, so everything else has a chance to establish themselves.>
Regards and thank you for all you do,
<My pleasure.>
Chris
<MikeV>

Is There Room In My Tank For A Small Damsel Or Chromis?/Stocking Level/Compatibility 5/6/10
Hello,
<Hiya Camron>
I currently have a 12 gallon saltwater tank. It has a bio-wheel carbon cartridge hybrid type filter. I have 1 Nerite snail, 1 Cerith snail, 1 Nassarius snail, 1 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Redhead Goby, and 1 Flame (red)
Firefish goby (Dartfish). The Firefish I have is reported to only reach 3.5 inches. I was told that the type of Firefish I currently have can survive in a 10 gallon tank. Mine is a 12 gallon.
Do I have room to add another fish, or would I be overstocking my tank?

If another fish is possible, I have a question regarding damselfish.
I am thinking about adding 1 Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish (3.1 inches maximum)
<Very territorial and a "devil".>
or 1 Yellowtail Damselfish (2.75 inches max).
<Would be much better if you had the room.>
(One species or the other, not both). But I thought I should get some more advice before buying either species. I have heard conflicting reports about tank size for these two species. From one source (a book on types of marine fish) stated these two species could both do okay in a 13 gallon system (at least in regards to keeping one member of either species goes). Then another site (liveaquariua.com) stated 30 gallons is best. Perhaps liveaquaria.com was thinking in terms of groups. Damsels will form groups (or so I have been led to believe by my sources). Yet I hear damsels can also do alright alone. So based on this, I have decided to think on trying 1 of the two species I mentioned above. (But not both.) I also hear damsels
can be territorial and can be aggressive when defending their territory.
Yet I figure these two species can find a comfortable place to hide among my fake coral and other decorations (if they feel they need to hide) and the water column is usually open . The only one out in it is Ralph (my Firefish that I mentioned). And Ralph is completely harmless to other fish (except perhaps similar species or other flame Firefish, which a damsel is nothing like). The only problem I can think of here really is Ralph being bullied by a damsels (or the shrimp or snails being bullied or eaten). Red (my redhead goby) is fine. Red usually just darts around the bottom of the tank. Red is good at getting out of the way when need be. And Red is also quite peaceful. Stripes (my shrimp) does steal food sometimes. But this behavior is more of an annoyance and has nothing to do with predation or aggression. He's just hungry. Nothing personal against the fish or anything. And I feed everyone enough to ensure everyone gets fed. Stripes
also learns very quickly (or so it seems). Stripes can learn to get out of the damsel's territory, and not to annoy damsels by attempting to steal from them. My only concern is the slow moving snails and Ralph. Will either species of damselfish eat my snails? Will either species of damselfish bully my Firefish or snails?
<Damsels are very aggressive feeders and food would be very limited to the Firefish.>
And also I have a question regarding blue green reef Chromis. I have a book of marine fishes that states a trio of these fish can live in a 13 gallon tank. It also states blue green Chromis only reach 3.1 inches. And
apparently these fish are quite peaceful. There is another species of Chromis called the green Chromis. The green Chromis are evidently larger than the blue green reef Chromis. The green Chromis is definitely way too
large for my 12 gallon aquarium. I will not be getting the large species of green Chromis (though I think there is a smaller species that shares the same name of green Chromis as well. I could be wrong here. It could be just another name for the blue green Chromis.) Anyway I was thinking, if the two damsel species I mentioned above will not work, perhaps I could get 1 or two blue green reef Chromis (again, NOT the larger GREEN reef Chromis). The blue green Chromis would definitely not harm Ralph or the snails. Nor
anything I currently keep in my aquarium, from what I gathered from my sources of information. What are you thoughts on this?
Thank you for time, patience, and most importantly your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Is There Room In My Tank For A Small Damsel Or Chromis?/Stocking Level/Compatibility 5/6/10
Hello,
<Hiya Camron>
I currently have a 12 gallon saltwater tank. It has a bio-wheel carbon cartridge hybrid type filter. I have 1 Nerite snail, 1 Cerith snail, 1 Nassarius snail, 1 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Redhead Goby, and 1 Flame (red) Firefish goby (Dartfish). The Firefish I have is reported to only reach 3.5 inches. I was told that the type of Firefish I currently have can survive in a 10 gallon tank. Mine is a 12 gallon.
Do I have room to add another fish, or would I be overstocking my tank?

If another fish is possible, I have a question regarding damselfish.
I am thinking about adding 1 Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish (3.1 inches maximum)
<Very territorial and a "devil".>
or 1 Yellowtail Damselfish (2.75 inches max).
<Would be much better if you had the room.>
(One species or the other, not both). But I thought I should get some more advice before buying either species. I have heard conflicting reports about tank size for these two species. From one source (a book on types of marine fish) stated these two species could both do okay in a 13 gallon system (at least in regards to keeping one member of either species goes). Then another site (liveaquariua.com) stated 30 gallons is best. Perhaps liveaquaria.com was thinking in terms of groups. Damsels will form groups (or so I have been led to believe by my sources). Yet I hear damsels can also do alright alone. So based on this, I have decided to think on trying 1 of the two species I mentioned above. (But not both.) I also hear damsels can be territorial and can be aggressive when defending their territory.
Yet I figure these two species can find a comfortable place to hide among my fake coral and other decorations (if they feel they need to hide) and the water column is usually open . The only one out in it is Ralph (my Firefish that I mentioned). And Ralph is completely harmless to other fish (except perhaps similar species or other flame Firefish, which a damsel is nothing like). The only problem I can think of here really is Ralph being bullied by a damsels (or the shrimp or snails being bullied or eaten). Red (my redhead goby) is fine. Red usually just darts around the bottom of the tank. Red is good at getting out of the way when need be. And Red is also quite peaceful. Stripes (my shrimp) does steal food sometimes. But this behavior is more of an annoyance and has nothing to do with predation or aggression. He's just hungry. Nothing personal against the fish or anything. And I feed everyone enough to ensure everyone gets fed. Stripes also learns very quickly (or so it seems). Stripes can learn to get out of the damsel's territory, and not to annoy damsels by attempting to steal from them. My only concern is the slow moving snails and Ralph. Will either species of damselfish eat my snails? Will either species of damselfish bully my Firefish or snails?
<Damsels are very aggressive feeders and food would be very limited to the Firefish.>
And also I have a question regarding blue green reef Chromis. I have a book of marine fishes that states a trio of these fish can live in a 13 gallon tank. It also states blue green Chromis only reach 3.1 inches. And apparently these fish are quite peaceful. There is another species of Chromis called the green Chromis. The green Chromis are evidently larger than the blue green reef Chromis. The green Chromis is definitely way too large for my 12 gallon aquarium. I will not be getting the large species of green Chromis (though I think there is a smaller species that shares the same name of green Chromis as well. I could be wrong here. It could be just another name for the blue green Chromis.) Anyway I was thinking, if the two damsel species I mentioned above will not work, perhaps I could get 1 or two blue green reef Chromis (again, NOT the larger GREEN reef Chromis). The blue green Chromis would definitely not harm Ralph or the snails. Nor anything I currently keep in my aquarium, from what I gathered from my sources of information. What are you thoughts on this?
Thank you for time, patience, and most importantly your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Re Is There Room In My Tank For A Small Damsel Or Chromis?/Stocking Level/Compatibility 5/6/10 - 5/7/10
Thank you for your help and prompt reply. But based on our last discussion, would 1 or 2 blue green reef Chromis work? Would 1 work? Or would I still be overstocking?

Also my Flame Firefish (Ralph) seems to hide a lot in the cave decoration I have for him. I have had him for about 2 or three weeks now? Ralph was a wild caught fish. Is it normal for wild Firefish to hide most of the time?
<Is normal behavior for these fish if adequate safety zones are not provided, wild or not.>
I hear settled tank raised Firefish will explore their tank. Will Ralph eventually do the same? Do you think Ralph just needs a bigger tank? Is there any way to get Ralph to come out and enjoy the tank without getting a bigger one?
<These fish do better in groups of three or more, gives them a little more sense of security with
more eyes on the lookout for danger. Creating multiple safety zones also eases their timidness.>
If you need to refer to my previous e-mail, I have included a copy of my previous e-mail discussion with WetWeb Media.
<Yes, should always reply to the original thread, we cannot remember what transpired with each
individual.>
Feel free to omit this last short paragraph and the repeated letter on your site, if you post this letter.
<We post all mail.>
The e-mail is listed below. Thank you again for you so much for your superb help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Too much, too soon... Induced troubles in a small, new/er SW sys. 5/4/10
Hi
Your site has been wonderful for information! Many Thanks! ... I have a huge problem :-(
We have a fairly new tank set up about a month and a half old. We have slowly added fish week by week.
<Mmm, I'd slow down here a bit, make sure this system is thoroughly cycled>
Our tank inhabitants are as follows:
2 tiny clownfish
1 small regal tang
<Not a good species for a new system... How many gallons is this?>
1 cleaning shrimp
1 fire shrimp
1 sand sifting star fish
and for corals:
1 mushroom, leather coral,
2 feather duster worms
and... a bubble tip anemone
<!!! NOT to be mixed with "corals" in this sized tank>
100 litre tank (small I know, but we didn't plan on adding any other fish at all, just some more corals)
<!? Much too small for Paracanthurus>
Today, we decided to rearrange the rocks in our tank. As we found the water flow not reaching areas that needed to be cleaned out, e.g., inside the cave and round the back of the rocks.
We put the clowns and fire shrimp in a nursery and the rest stayed in the tank floating around, crawling on my hand or just hiding.
We used marine safe putty to attach rocks together to make it all safe etc.
<Mmmm, trouble in such a new, small volume>
Our anemone can be a bit temperamental at times so thought nothing of him closing.
We put all the fish back in. When we were moving all the rocks etc, the water became cloudy but soon settled.
The fish were swimming ok for about an hour... then ALL the inhabitants lay together in one corner of the tank dying. even the cleaner shrimp was with them. And the corals were closed, even the dusters. Funnily enough the fire shrimp is going about his business as usual though and don't seem to be affected.
We suspected the anemone but it is so difficult to work out whether it was dying or not, letting of toxins?????
<There is a high likelihood of trouble here period... mis-mixed species of livestock, limits all the way around>
We did about a 30% water change and fish kind of sprung back into life. We decided to take the anemone out :-(
<Good on both moves>
We have no more water left and it is night time! I am thinking the fish are probably going to die by tomorrow :-(
<Let's hope not>
I would still love to know if you think it was the anemone OR did we totally stress the tank out by altering the tank?!!!
<Both and the whole system being too "new" period>
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond(hopefully!) to my email.
From a very sad Hayley :-( UK
<Hayley, please peruse WWM,
http://wetwebmedia.com/index.html
the search tool, indices... re the species you list. What you have here won't work. Bob Fenner>

Re: Hi, Too much, too soon... Induced troubles in a small, new/er SW sys. 5/5/10
Thank you so much for your reply Bob.
A miracle has happened and all of our livestock have lived! The whole tank was incredibly close to death.
I felt so guilty that I am responsible for this tiny drop of living ocean in my living room, and failed them. :-(
We did own a much larger tank a few years ago, and actually bought a smaller one this time round as we
thought it would be more manageable. We do plan on upgrading to a larger tank once we move house
as we know our regal tang will grow too big for this tank.
<... already is, "psychologically"
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/paracsysfaqs.htm>
Our tank now is about 25 gallons.
Our water change seemed to have done the trick, along with lots of small pieces of live rock as media,
a carbon filter change and another small water change the next day. I cant believe all of our livestock are back to their normal selves! Bless them! I know there are plenty of learning curves along the way when it comes to keeping Marine. But we should always remember that what we have is a piece of
nature at its best, and it wouldn't be fair to just ''see how things go''.
So excuse me, I'm off to do my homework!
Thanks again! H x
<Welcome. BobF>

20 gallon tank too small?, Marine Stocking 4/20/10
Hey crew!
<Hello>
In all honesty, I am a beginner at this hobby, I know it's a lot of work, but so worth it. I bought a 20 gallon tank and it has been cycling for almost 4 weeks now. I have two a. ocellaris, live rock, and just recently added a chocolate chip star fish.
<A difficult species to maintain in this sized tank, will need to be spot fed often, and is an opportunistic omnivore which will eat what it can catch. Also can grow fairly large, too large of a 20G tank.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chocchipfaqs.htm >
We also have a really small brown colored sebae with purple tips, which concerns me and probably you.
<Yes, needs a much larger and more stable, mature tank, good lighting and water flow. See here for more
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/heteraccrispa.htm .>
We have been hearing that " the tank is too small, and "the cycle is not complete".
<I would agree, stability is achieved with time and space, neither of which is available in your tank. Besides the fact that you have not mentioned your lighting which leads me to believe it is inadequate for any anemone.>
I am confused, why is our tank too small?
<Because this animal grows quite large and produces copious amount of waste that needs to be diluted.>
And is our starfish really ok to have?

The shop we bought these guys from said it was completely safe to have a sebae and a starfish in our 20 gal. with our other fish.
<And they made a sale.>
I do not want to over crowd our tank. How many fish are REALLY appropriate?

....Sorry is that was about much, but I am over-whelmed with the misleading information from websites and store associates. We also do not have a power head, is that a necessity?
<Water flow is very important, looking for at least 10X turnover if not more.>
Thanks so much,
Nicole and Dylan
<Welcome>
<Chris>

Anemone And The Kitchen Sink, Sm. SW sys. mis-stkg. 4/18/10
Hi guys
<Hello Sai>
Thank you so much for the website. two thumbs up!!!
<You're welcome.>
Enough about you. now about my tank ;)
I have a 24 gallon Current USA Aquapod. the tank is a hand me down, it has been running for at least over a year now.
It is 19" x 11.5" and 14.5" high. I have a Aqua C Remora protein skimmer with a MaxiJet 9000 attached to it. It has a MaxiJet 9000
<You did mean 900, didn't you? The MaxiJet 900 is a little small for the Aqua C skimmer, the 1200 model would be the minimum I'd use.>
and Koralife fan to create water flow. It has a mechanical filter. It has 32W PC, 32W Actinic and 2 lunar led lights.
The tank residents are a pair of baby clowns (1" male and 1.25" female) and a Fox Face Rabbit (2.5").
<Your tank is much too small for the Fox Face which can grow to 7 inches in length. A 70 gallon would be the minimum tank size for this fish. I do suggest returning or trading in this fish for store credit.>
There are a pair of cleaner shrimp, an Emerald Crab, a Porcelain Crab and four hermit crabs. the soft coral include Green Starburst Polyps, a Finger Leather Coral, three 1" mushrooms, a few Zoanthid polyps (I think, they look like tiny toadstools that open up under the light, the insides are either green or orange). The tank has quite a bit of live rock, I apologise but I do not know the weight, but it takes up about half the tank. I have crushed coral instead of live sand.
The pH is at about 8.0, alkalinity good, nitrates and ammonia are good.
Temperature is at 78 degrees. I have heater, no need for chiller as yet.
I change 5g of water once every two weeks. I purchase the sea water directly instead of attempting to make my own. The fish get frozen brine shrimp and fish flakes.
<Consider adding more nutritious foods to the diet, very beneficial for the health of the fish. The Fox Face also gets sea weed everyday.
questions
1. I put Kent's liquid Ca and Kent's Microvert. 5 drops every 3 to 4 days.
What else do my soft coral require?
<Best to read here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/growingcorals.htm>
I was thinking about adding a Toadstool Coral also. I have heard Mysis Shrimp and Cope-pods (sp?) <copepods> would be great.
<Would be nutritional for the fish.>
2. Do I need more water current in the tank?
<You are fine with what you have.>
3. Is there better food than brine shrimp? I heard that brine shrimp are pretty much like junk food to the fish.
<Has very little nutritional value. Much better foods available, consider frozen cubes such as Ocean Nutrition offers.>
4. I had a BTA, it passed away :( it lasted a little over three weeks.
It was about 6" in diameter.
<Much too small a tank for an anemone, and not a good idea mixing anemones with corals in small systems.>
It hosted the Porcelain Crab and the pair of clowns. I fed it everyday with brine shrimp.
<Not necessary to feed the BTA daily and not with brine shrimp. It passed away before
I could switch to krill. I am not sure if the reason for its demise was the lighting, the lack of sand, inadequate feeding or that a sea horse had passed away the
six days prior.
<Sea Horses are best kept by themselves. Did you search/learn before purchasing the Sea Horse or anemone? Would have saved you some money and grief.>
Another thing was that it was attached to the side of the tank. One day it moved all the way to the top of the tank next to the output flow nozzle.
<Not unusual, wasn't happy where it was placed.>
I was worried that the anemone would go into the rear chambers of the Aquapod. I tried to bring it down by turning the flow towards the anemone.
I am not sure if that stressed it out or damaged it.
<Do not replace the anemone but do read here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/bubbletipanemones.htm>
5. I would like to get another anemone, most probably a BTA.
<Again, your system is too small for success with this animal and not easy to keep to begin with.>
How much light do I need?
<Read link.>
I have read that an anemone would need an Iwasaki MH 150W 6500K light source with a 55W 7100K PC. This seems like a lot of light for my little tank. Also do I need to add actinic and lunar LEDs to this also?
<They have little to no photosynthetic value, not necessary.>
I plan on getting rid of the hood to the tank and replacing it with a light fixture with legs. Which of my options would be the best for the fish, coral and anemone;
<No anemone, you will be wasting your money again.>
which will be the most cost effective (power consumption)? so my options are:
(A) a Coralife Aqualight advanced series - hang on tank mount. it is only a MH light, no actinic or lunar lights.
(http://www.oceanicsystems.com/products/aqualight-advanced-series---hang-on-tank-mount.php)
(B) a Coralife 24" deluxe lunar Aqualight deluxe. lunar LEDs, 65W actinic and 65W 10000K PC. Coralife deluxe series that uses power compacts, actinic and lunar lights. 130W and 10000K.
(C) a current USA 20" Sunpod with a 150W MH 20000K and lunar LEDs
<Your lighting fixture is fine for with what you presently have, but I would replace the actinic with a 10K, will be very beneficial for the corals.>
6. I want to replace the crushed coral with live sand. Can I do the switch all at once or do I have to do a gradual removal of the crushed coral and gradually replace it with sand.
<Best to do it gradually during water changes by siphoning out the crushed coral, avoid stirring up detritus.>
I would do that before I introduce any other species into my tank.
7. Can I get a starfish? If yes, what kind? size?
<No, and obviously you haven't searched our site for answers on these questions before writing, all would have been found. Do read here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm>
8. I would like to get a baby Longhorn Cowfish also. I was told that they are easily stressed and could end up poisoning the tank.
<Would be a bad move on your part, a very difficult fish to keep and can also poison the tank after death.>
How easily do they get stressed out?
<Would all depend on tank conditions, tankmates.>
Is it the same with puffer fish?
<Do search/read, all found here. Here is a link to our Marine Index.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm>
I know a lot of questions. I have been reading for the last four months and I finally decided to ask since I am getting a lot of contradicting information.
<Understandable, and information found on our site is reliable.>
thanks guys
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Sai

Damsel/Angelfish Compatibility Question, Small SW Sys. stkg. 4/11/10
Hey everyone!!!
<Hello Rachel>
First I read you site allllllllll the time and I refer to it at least once a week. Super super helpful :) Okay, now for my question. I have a 29 gallon Biocube set up as a mini reef that has been running ever so smoothly for about 9 months now. Inside I have 3 Green Chromis and a Sergeant Major Damsel. Everyone gets along great and I haven't really had any territory problems from the Sergeant (just the occasional charge, but that's it, no biting or chasing). BUT I would like to add a little more color in the form of either a Coral Beauty Angelfish or a Flame Angelfish. I would like to know if doing so will upset the balance of my mini ocean or will it be okay?
I appreciate your help!
<Most if not all angelfish in this genus can be feisty, especially in smaller systems such as yours and fairing much better in larger systems of 50+ gallons. I would not recommend adding one. Your tank would then be overstocked leading to other issues.
My advice would be to replace the Chromis with colorful, compatible fish>
Thank you so very much everyone!!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Have a fabulous day! :)
<And you also.>
Rachel E.

Compatibility Question 4/6/10
Hello,
<Hi Jeff>
I have a 20 gallon reef tank with a 1" sand bed and 20 lbs. of live rock with some zoos. I have a False Percula Clownfish, a Fire Shrimp, two Narcissus snails, two Cerith snails, and one Astrea snail. I want to add
one more fish to this tank. I would like something colorful, so I was thinking maybe a royal gramma or a Firefish.
<Would not do the Firefish.>
My problem is that I have an open tank and I know that these fish are known to be jumpers. I would like to leave it open.
<May I ask why?>
My question is, "what fish could I add that would be compatible with what I have and easy to care for?"
<Consider a goby. There are many colorful gobies that are rather easy to care for. One example would be the Neon Goby.
Have a look here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gobies.htm>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Jeff

Green Chromis and Peppermint Shrimp Questions, stkg. sm. SW -- 04/03/10
Hello.
I have a 12 gallon saltwater tank. I currently have 1 Nassarius (pardon if the spelling is wrong) snail, 1 yellow clown goby,
<Mmm, Gobiodon really need to be kept w/ live Acropora species>
and 1 redhead goby in the tank. They get fed Cyclop-eeze, Red Tiny Bits fish food, phytoplankton (again pardon if the spelling is wrong here), and Mysis shrimp.
I plan on getting 1 peppermint shrimps (which I read could live in a tank that is a minimum 10 gallons), and 1 green Chromis.
<I'd skip on this last... a social species... that needs more room...>
I know Chromis like to school and they recommend a 30 gal. tank for them.
However, due to the size of my tank, I had little choice but to limit myself to 1.
<None>
I chose the green Chromis because they are peaceful, they are apparently not predatory around other fish and invertebrates, and do not grow to be enormous.
<Look into the genus Chrysiptera...>
Questions: Will the Chromis and shrimp be okay in the 12 gallon tank?
<Maybe>
(I have a spare 10 gallon tank I can place them in if the 12 gal. tank is an issue.) Will green Chromis eat fish and snails smaller than themselves?
<Not usually>
I am a little worried about this because both my gobies and the snail will only grow 2 inches max. And apparently the Chromis will be 3 to 4 inches max.
<Not here, no>
And will the shrimp eat fish and snails smaller than itself?
<Can... if hungry>
(Same concerns here as with the Chromis.) I hear the green Chromis and peppermint shrimp are fish and invert safe.
<All a matter of degree>
However, they did not specify is this was with all invertebrates and fish, or just fish and snails that are the same size as the Chromis and the shrimp. And also I hear green Chromis can be a little aggressive during breeding time. Being bottom dwellers, would the Chromis leave the gobies, snail, and shrimp alone? Or would they still get picked on by the Chromis?
<See WWM re...>
Thank you for your time.
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Green Chromis and Peppermint Shrimp Questions 12 Gal Stocking Keep The Chromis Out...4/3/2010
Hello.
<Hi>
I have a 12 gallon saltwater tank. I currently have 1 Nassarius (pardon if the spelling is wrong) snail, 1 yellow clown goby, and 1 redhead goby in the tank. They get fed Cyclop-eeze, Red Tiny Bits fish food, phytoplankton (again pardon if the spelling is wrong here), and Mysis shrimp.
I plan on getting 1 peppermint shrimp (which I read could live in a tank that is a minimum 10 gallons), and 1 green Chromis. I know Chromis like to school and they recommend a 30 gal. tank for them. However, due to the size of my tank, I had little choice but to limit myself to 1. I chose the green Chromis because they are peaceful, they are apparently not predatory around other fish and invertebrates, and do not grow to be enormous.
<A 12 gallon tank is completely inappropriate for one Chromis. It will not do well at all in such a small tank. Read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chromsysfaqs.htm >
Questions: Will the Chromis and shrimp be okay in the 12 gallon tank? (I have a spare 10 gallon tank I can place them in if the 12 gal. tank is an issue.)
<Shrimp should be fine, the Chromis will not.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/stocking1.htm >
Will green Chromis eat fish and snails smaller than themselves?
<No.>
I am a little worried about this because both my gobies and the snail will only grow 2 inches max. And apparently the Chromis will be 3 to 4 inches max. And will the shrimp eat fish and snails smaller than itself? (Same concerns here as with the Chromis.) I hear the green Chromis and peppermint shrimp are fish and invert safe. However, they did not specify is this was with all invertebrates and fish, or just fish and snails that are the same size as the Chromis and the shrimp. And also I hear green Chromis can be a little aggressive during breeding time. Being bottom dwellers, would the Chromis leave the gobies, snail, and shrimp alone? Or would they still get picked on by the Chromis?
<Keep the Chromis out of such a small system.>
Thank you for your time.
<MikeV>

Nano tank, big worms. -- 03/20/10
Hello, to all.
I appreciate your time in advance. I am new to this hobby, and am just starting to study for a future tank. (To give you an idea of how green I am.) I am visiting my dad though, and he has a Nano with a small problem, so I am writing on his behalf.
He has a 12 gal, stable, reef Nano. Water quality, temp is good and 20% water change weekly.
In it is:
1 goby
1 Brittlestar
couple sm hermits
several sm snails
3 peppermint shrimp
1 pistol shrimp
1 pom pom crab
He also has some small soft corals
The problem is the worms. There are several types of worms taking over the tank.
<Taking over?>
I know, they are part of the glorious ecological system and some are beneficial, but they are getting huge and actually displacing other species from their homes. (The brittle star and the peppermint shrimp abandoned their homes and now the shrimp is "missing".)
<Yikes!>
I wouldn't have thought this was possible, until we put in a trap
<Good>
and I saw the size of these monsters.
They were way too big to get in them,
<Bigger trap/s>
but certainly investigated it. One type are now pencil thick, long (I have only seen half their bodies because they are long enough to actually reach the sides of the tank without coming all the way out), maybe 8-12 inches, and there are several of them. Their coloring is black, except for the white fluffs they have equally spaced down their bodies. This is a problem for a couple reasons. Things, small shrimp, the feather dusters my dad loves and polyps, are disappearing, at night. Second, they are big enough to force our other animals out and in such a small tank, "hidey" holes are at a premium.
The advice I need, what kind of species are appropriate, given the size and species already in the Nano, to include in this tank as a natural predator.
<You have some of these already... and the volume is too small here for the others...>
I have researched many species that have been recommended in the forum, but, each has its' own problem. I don't think there's enough space for a harem species, as some of the smaller wrasses are and I don't want a species that will eat all the shrimp and polyps. It's a small tank, and I fear that species that "might" cause problems are more likely to in that environment.
I just don't want to cause more problems than we solve. What would you recommend, or is there another type of mechanical assistance that we might do?
<Bigger, better trap/s... Try a glass soda bottle, laid on its side, on the bottom, with something meaty at the end, toward 'lights out' time... when you can/will be there to watch, reach in with a net and scoop out some of these large/r worms>
So far, we have bought commercial traps (worked for the smaller species of worms), built bigger ones on our own from advice on forums that should have, but haven't caught them, baited with all kinds of foods, and even tried to physically catch them. They are fast, lol. We even starved them to aid the traps, (but, you starve them, you starve everything else).
Looking for advice from someone with a lot more experience than me.
Like I said, thank you so very much for your help in advance and apologize if I was unable to find a clear answer posted already in the forum. I appreciate anything you can come up with.
Deana
<Do read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/polychaecompfaqs.htm
and the next file in this series linked above for solace and input. Bob Fenner>

Nervous Newbie, SW, Sm., reef mis-stocking... maint. f' as well 3/17/10
Hi WWM Crew!
<Hi Katie, Simon with you today>
First and foremost I would like to tell you how wonderfully informative your site is. I have been on it everyday since we started our tank.
<Great! There is a lot of learning to do for sure!>
My husband and I are very new to the hobby (1 month) and I am a huge worry wart. Everything seems to be thriving. SG is at 1.022,
<Too low'¦ this wants to be 1.025-1.026>
Ammonia, Nitrates, Nitrites are all at 0.
<It is better to have a 'trace' of nitrate.. essential for life>
And the PH is 7.9. (I know this is a little low and we are working on raising it.)
<This is actually ok>
Our tank is a 35gallon octagon with the following:
5" base of live sand
23 lbs of Live Rock
15w aquarium lighting
<What type of lighting? I notice you have an Anemone. These need intense lighting>
Penguin 200 Bio wheel (double filter)
<You don't really need this, as you have a lot of live sand and rock, these will provide all the nitrification (and probably denitrification as well) that you need. Potentially you could convert this Penguin to a refugium http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hagenrefugart.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm>
2 Clown Fish (Percula)
<As your system is quite tall as opposed to long, you should have JUST these as fishes and no more>
1 Blue Tang
<Badly misplaced here.. If this is 'Dory' she needs a six foot tank or she won't be happy at all, in fact she will die very small and very young. The same for the other 'Blue tangs' as well. See here for some great beginners info on the care of your fishes: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nemoproart.htm>.
1 Long Tentacle Anemone
<Also VERY badly placed/ purchased. Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm You need a much bigger and older system, Better lighting I suspect, and much more experience to keep this animal>
The Anemone is the newest addition to the tank. I have read on other sites that they can be very difficult to keep. Is this true?
<Yes>
He/She has moved around a bit,
<Because it is/ was not happy>
but when I came home today he/she was upside down.
<Dead, dying, not surprising>
I read on WWM that this was bad. But it seems as though he/she is trying to climb up a rock. Is it normal for them to flip upside down in order to climb? (I apologize if I am repeating this question, but I did not see it on your site.)
<Most definitely not. This is a sign of death. I would remove this animal lest it pollute your system. Take it back for a refund, as the LFS was irresponsible to sell it to you>
My final question has to do with our equipment? Our LFS has not recommended a Skimmer or any upgrades to our filter system.
<I would not listen to this LFS, he has proved his unworthiness already by selling you two animals that are completely inappropriate for your tank and level of expertise. You may or may not need a skimmer on this sized system. If running without, you need to understand WHY you are running without>
Would you advise on an upgrade to anything? (I am thinking we need to upgrade our lights?)
<This depends on what you wish to keep. If just fish then you don't need to upgrade your lights. For most everything sessile (including Anemones) you probably will need to>
I guess I should be thankful that our LFS doesn't try to sell us anything we don't need,
<You're mistaken, because he has done just this, and with the most important things of all -- he has miss-sold you the animals>
he is also very helpful and doesn't let us go too fast. So I was surprised to read that new tanks should not host an anemone.
<The LTA in particular needs a very well established, 'dirty' even, deep sand bed of age. Impossible in a system that is less than a year old. It also needs an open area of at least a foot square, free of rock, on the sand bed>
It was on his recommendation that we get one since our Blue Tang has taken over the caves in the live rock and chases out our baby Clown.
<This is some of the worst advice I've ever heard, and trust me I've heard some bad advice. Your Tang is chasing the Clowns because there simply is not the space in the system for them. The only thing you can do to rectify this is to remove the Tang>
Which left him nowhere to call his own. We bought him a friend and the Anemone in hopes that they would "live" in it.
<..dismal>
I hope I have included all the information you need to understand our set-up.
<Yes, you have provided enough for me/ us to get the picture..>
I apologize again if I have repeated any questions located on your site.
<No problem..but these issues have been gone over hundreds of times and more, over periods of years.. especially with Tangs and space. I do think that in order to sell animals, shopkeepers ought to be made to learn/ get some type of qualification on their most basic care at least beforehand. This LFS for example simply does not have a clue.>
Thank you in advance for you time and knowledge!
<No problem Katie>
Katie
<Simon>

CUC, and stkg. sm. SW 3/8/2010
Hello WWM Crew,
My question was regarding a compatible clean up crew. I have a 29 Gallon Aquarium.
Livestock:
1 Falco Hawkfish
<Mmm, really needs more room than this>
1 Orange Spotted Diamond Goby
1 Sixline Wrasse
<Can be/come a bully>
1 Blues Chromis
<Will have the blues here... is a social species and you have no room for others>
1 Ocellaris Clown
I also have about 30 lbs of LR and a 2 inch sand bed.
As of right now I just have two Turbo Snails. In concern with the Hawkfish and the Wrasse, is there anything else I could add to my aquarium for cleanup purposes?
<Your arm periodically, with a siphon, algae cleaning gear... are best, along with adequate filtration, attention to water quality, foods, feeding...>
Thanks,
Jacob

Damsel compatibility with Blood Shrimp 3/6/10
Hello!
<Hello Shawn>
Really enjoy reading your responses
<there certainly are quite a few interesting and occasionally fruity exchanges for sure!>
and am hoping for some valuable information for my dilemma.
<Ok>
I have an 8 gallon Bio-cube with 7lbs of live rock and 5lbs of live sand,
My original occupant is a Yellowtail Damsel (the bully),
<too small a system for this fish>
I have a green bubble tip anemone hosting a True Percula Clown,
<way too small a system - this Anemone will easily fill this whole aquarium if looked after well>
various snails a couple of hermits and the recent addition of a Blood Shrimp. The Damsel won't leave
the shrimp alone.
<There is not enough space here for the animals you have listed>
It seems to swat it with it's tail, backs up into it, nips its antennae.
It doesn't bother the clown or the Anemone, but it won't leave the shrimp alone. Is the behaviour normal?
<Yes, for a small aggressive fish, housed like this with no space, it will pick on the easiest target>.
Can it pester the shrimp to death?
<Yes>
Or is it trying to get a cleaning?
<The way you have described the fishes actions indicate aggression>
it doesn't act like it's trying to be cleaned. In the meantime, I've sequestered the damsel to the pre-filter sump section of the aquarium until I decide what to do.
<Take it back to the shop>
I think I know that I have to find a new home for the Damsel but wanted some verification of the behaviour I am seeing.
<Consider this action/ behaviour verified! With the Clown and Anemone you have no space for anything else, and not enough space for what you have>
Thanks in advance,
<No problem>
Shawn
<Simon>

Stocking Opinion For My 25g Cube -- 02/07/10
Hi,
<<Hello>>
I just wanted your opinion on my proposed "fish list" for my newly transferred setup--a 25g cube w/ 10g sump.
<<Okay>>
I have about 20lbs of live rock and run a skimmer rated to 75g. What I'm ultimately thinking is three orange lined cardinal fish, one yellowtail damsel and one clown goby. Is this feasible in your opinion?
<>
Thanks.
<<Happy to share'¦ EricR>>

I think I know the answer but I should check, Sm. SW mis-stocked -- 02/02/10
Hi WWM.
<Hello Carter.>
My cleaner shrimp is brand new to the tank. its a 30gal with live rock, blue devil, two mated clownfish, 4 green Chromis, and a blue tang.
<In a 30? See the little animated smiley beating his head on the keyboard and then: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/StkgSmSWsysArt.htm.>
I placed them in last night. I wake up this morning and the shrimp is acting fine. I get home this evening and I can't find the shrimp. Finally I look for it under a plastic castle. I find him sitting there but doesn't try to run. I picked him up and I really think he's dead. I don't see anything wrong with him physically, and last night he was not cleaning though the green Chromis was begging. I'm kind of wanting conformation that he is dead or if he is in shock, or molting, I don't know I thought I'd ask I've gotten great answers to my questions from your site before.

Keep up the good work!
<Will do.>
Thanks, carter shank
<Welcome, Scott V.>


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

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