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FAQs about Large Marine System Livestocking Related Articles: Large Marine Systems, Fish-Only Marine Set-up,
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.JPG)
Psychological as well as physiological space requirements need to be
considered in putting together a stocking plan. RMF |
New 750 gallon aquarium, stkg SW
4/27/08
hello bob.....i am so happy to see that many of you try to help people that
you don't even know... i love your website and i need some answer from you
please... my tank is currently cycling and in 2-3 weeks it will be ready for my
first few fish.. i just want to ask you the compatibility of these fish...
1) Annularis angel 5-6 in
2) Blue face angel 5-6 in
3) Koran angel 7-8 in
4) Majestic angel 5-6 in
5) French angel 7-8 in
6) Cream angelfish 3-4 in
7) Asfur angel 5-6 in
8) Queen angel 5.5-6.5 in
9) Emperor angel 5-6 in
<I'd start all these Angels at the 3-4 inch length to start... much more likely
to be healthy, get along>
10) 3 Heniochus butterfly 3-4 in
11) 2 falcula butterfly 3-4 in
12) 4 pacific blue tang 2.5-3.5 in
13) desjardinii Sailfin tang 4-5 in
14) Naso tang 5-6 in
15) powder blue tang 3-4 in
16) 2 Scopas tang 3-4 in
17) 2 purple tang 3-4 in
18) 2 yellow tang 3-4 in
19) magnificent foxface4.5-5.5 in
20) blue throat trigger 3.5-4.5 in
21) Humu Humu trigger 3-4 in
22) black trigger 3-4 in
23) niger trigger 3-4 in
24) rectangle trigger 3.5-4.5 in
25)2 tomato clownfish 2-3 in
26) 2 Pakistani butterflyfish 2-3 in
27) 2 auriga butterfly 2-3 in
28) 6 cleaner wrasse 1-2 in
<Either skip these or just two>
please tell me your opinion and if you think i shouldn't add some fish.....i
really appreciate your opinion...i know cleaner wrasse are hard but someone told
me that they very important and with a fish population this big. they'll have a
lot of food..
<All should be carefully acclimated, quarantined (per WWM) before introducing.
Bob Fenner>
Large Aquarium- Large Fish? –
03/18/08
Hi there to whom may reply to this, and thank you for your time in doing so.
<You're quite welcome! Scott F. in tonight.>
I am planning to amalgamate 2 existing systems that I have into 1 large and
would like some advice on stocking plans. My first system is a 180 litre reef
that is home to a 2" Centropyge loricula, a 3" Ecsenius bicolor, a 4"
Cryptocentrus cinctus and an Alpheus soror pair, a 1.5"Pseudochromis Springeri
2" Priolepis nocturnus pair of 1.5" tank bred Amphiprion percula,2 x
Catalaphyllia Jardinei Protula Bispiralis and a handful of Superman spotted
Discosoma all of which I would really like to keep as they were some of my first
fish nearly 3 years ago.
<Nice variety!>
That was my wife's tank and now mine which is a 6ftx2ftx2ft main display, a 2ft
sq. refugium and a 4ftx18"x18" sump and is a full on reef garden and has the
following inhabitants:
6" Calloplesiops altivelis
5" Zebrasoma xanthurum
4" Zebrasoma veliferum
3"Paracanthus hepatus
1.5" Acanthurus coeruleus
3" Pomacanthus imperator
1.5"Holocanthus bermudensis
5" Siganus lo Vulpinus
6 x 2.5" Pseudanthias squamipinnis (1 Male,5 Female)
3" Chrysiptera cyanea
4.5" Amphiprion melanopus (hosting with a 22" dia.Sarcophyton leather)
2.5" Synchiropus picturatus (now nearly 3yrs old)
3" Paracheilinus mccoskeri
3" Bodianus bimaculatus
In the refugium there is a single Lysmata Amboinensis and a 1" Stonogobiops
nematodes and in the sump somewhere there is a Belonepterygion fasciolatum.
<You have some wonderful fishes in there, but you'll have to make some
concessions, particularly in regards to the Tangs and the Angelfish. Yes, as I
read below, the new aquarium is spacious, but you're still dealing with some
fishes that reach large sizes, need lots of physical space, and give off large
amounts of metabolic waste. I'd re-think the long-term implications of this plan
and narrow down you choices to one or two of the Tangs.>
The new system is a 96"x30"x36"tall with a 48"x24"x24" sump and a 2ft cubed
refugium. Existing rock which is approx 145 kilos combined from the 2 systems to
which I am going to add another 120 kilos. There is an existing 4" sand bed of
sugar fine Aragamax in both systems to which I am going to transfer along with
more fresh sand to make a 4" bed in the new system. All existing filtration will
be transferred (live rock rubble approx 20kilos,Chaetomorpha)into the new sump
and am thinking of adding a 6-8"bed of mud/or DSB what are your thoughts?
<Sounds really good! The DSB can be an additional source of nutrient processing.
Perhaps you might get adventurous and light it in reverse of the display system
and grow some Seagrasses in there. Just a thought!>
Obviously I have my doubts regarding a few of the inhabitants mainly the Tangs
and Angels and also the predatory nature of the Marine Betta in respect of
smaller fish and shrimp.
<I appreciate your concern regarding these fishes and their potential predatory
habits. Is a true concern.>
Firstly I would like to ask would my new system sustain (size wise) all the
inhabitants for years to come or am I pushing the boat a bit too far,
<You are; please see my comments above. Reviewing your animals' needs and
ultimate sizes will give you a good idea of what to do. Concessions must be
made.>
and if yes would I be able to add more smaller fish like a small shoal of
Serranus tortugarum,another shoal of Anthias, Halichoeres ornatissimus/ Iridis?.
<I love the idea of small fishes in a large aquarium. I am a huge fan of the
genus Halichoeres, too! Consider stocking this large aquarium with small
fishes!>
In respect of the Tangs and Angels do you think I have my work cut out in trying
to keep these fish in harmony together and if so what would you recommend I
change?
<I'd eliminate most of the Tangs, quite honestly. Stick with one that you like,
preferably the Z. xanthurum. I would tend to go with a smaller Angelfish, like a
Centropyge species.>
These have all been together for around 11 months apart from my last addition
was the Blue angel which was about 10 weeks ago. Initially there was a little
chasing between the Emperor and the Blue Angel but the Emperor (Henry) has long
since given up as he can't fit in the same nooks and crannies.
<Not sure how long this behavior will go on. Could be a long-term problem. In
fact, it could proof fatal for someone. I'd think seriously about this stocking
plan for the long run. Really, give some thought to the large aquarium/small
fish philosophy.>
Thanks again for the valuable time and effort you may take in reading and
replying to this your efforts are most appreciated.
Kind regards
Jason, Wales UK
<My pleasure, Jason. You sound like you have the basis for an excellent system
there. Just refine your stocking list and make the necessary concessions. Think
long term when stocking, and you won't go wrong! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>
Large, SW, new tank set up...
stkg. 2/1/08
I have owned a 105 gallon reef aquarium for about 4 years now and it has
done very well. All the fish are happy and celebrating their 4th year in the
tank this February.
I am wanting to get a fish only tank and my budget and space would allow for a
580 gallon aquarium. It would be 144" long x 30" wide x 31.5" tall. I have
spoken to my LFS person (the owner of the store) and he has come up with a setup
using two large protein skimmers, about 500 lbs of live rock, a 120 gallon sump
tank below, about four pumps (for redundancy),
<Mmm, you'd be better off with just two good ones...>
two heaters (for redundancy). I feel confident in the tank setup he has come up
with. I will also set the tank up to its own 2 electrical breakers with a home
generator that will come on automatically if the power goes out (I have
discussed all this with an electrician, and based on the required power needs
for the tank it should pose no problem).
<Good idea>
The tank would be glass (rectangular) and have steel reinforcements at all seams
and 3 two inch steel supports across the top as well.
<How will you coat, prevent these from rusting, poisoning the water?>
It would be built by Oceanic with a 7 year warranty.
<... am surprised that Oceanic would provide a steel frame...>
I thought about acrylic, but I was afraid about the scratches and removing them
when they occur. Everyone seems to be going to acrylic but I am willing to pay
for glass and the place I am putting it will support the weight.
<Mmm, weight not important re the tank... when you consider the rest...>
I plan on keeping this tank for many years. My question is the livestock. Here
is what I would like to put in the tank, all starting at around 4 inches (with
the eel appropriately sized for the fish):
Panther Grouper
Lunare Wrasse
Queen Angel
Snowflake Eel
Harlequin Tusk Wrasse
Porcupine Puffer
Naso "Lipstick" Tang
Pink Tail Trigger
Blue Chin Trigger
Volitans Lion
<May have a hard time getting to the food...>
maybe a Clown Trigger (may be too mean)
<Not suitable>
maybe a Blue Line Trigger
I would like to get these fish at a relatively small size and try to keep them
to full size in this tank. I realize the grouper does and will get 20-24 inches
and I may just have to remove him at some point.
<Many years hence>
The others would get around 10-15 inches or so. Maybe 16-18 inches for the
Angel. Do you think this tank is too small for that?
<Not in time. And you will very likely "graduate" to other organisms, a reef of
sorts...>
I guess I could transfer the fish to an even larger tank in several years and
use this one for something else, perhaps a reef. Is there any other problem you
see with this set of fish for this tank?
<Mmm, no. But I would like to suggest you start them off early on an exclusive
diet... of Spectrum pelleted foods... for all the reasons stated here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/foodsppt1.htm>
Also not sure as to the order to add them to the tank. I know the triggers would
need to come last.
<Probably best... though not much of an issue in a system of this size, starting
with smaller specimens period>
Thank you for your time and information (great website, by the way. Very
informative)
Steve
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: new tank set up... large
SW f' 2/1/08
Bob,
<Steve>
Thank you for the info. What did you mean below when you said "weight not
important regarding the tank....when you consider the rest".
<Simply that the weight of the tank itself, fashioned of whatever matter is not
relatively important, compared with the contents mass>
Do you think I should go with acrylic instead of glass?
<Mmm, no my friend; not necessarily. I might well opt for glass here myself. You
can read here re the principal pro/con argument: http://wetwebmedia.com/tkmats.htm>
Oceanic is covering all the metal seams and the cross supports themselves with
some kind of black sealant.
<Ah, good>
The guys that own the aquarium store here said that they see so many acrylic
tanks around town that they service and all of them are badly scratched over the
years. Scratches occur so easily it is hard to keep on top of it and remove them
all the time.
<As stated... there are benefits, drawbacks to all materials...>
So you don't think the clown trigger is a good idea. I understand, my fish store
guy told me the same thing. What about the blue chin and the blue line triggers?
<Please read on WWM re Balistids... these issues are covered...>
As for the food, I feed my current reef fish in the 105 gallon tank Spectrum
pelleted food and they love it.
<Is an amazing product line... the owner/manufacturer, Pablo Tepoot is a good
friend>
And it is very clean as there is none really left over when the fish eat.
<Ahh!>
I was just worried about the eel, angel, and lion. They need squid and more
protein based stuff, don't they?
<Actually no... the Spectrum product is akin to the best lines of commercial
dogfoods (Science Diet, Nutro, Eukanuba...) it is completely nutritious to all
food consuming groups of fishes...>
My panther grouper is currently in my reef (he is the smallest fish at 3.5
inches in length), and he will only really eat the freeze dried krill. He won't
eat the pellets. Any thoughts?
Steve
<Mix some of the pellets in with the krill, keep decreasing the amount of
Euphausiid... the Chromileptis will eat the Spectrum... B>
Stocking 300
gallon tank
The "Chromis Factor" (Keeping a Large School of Chromis with Aggressive
Fish?) 11/26/07
Dear WWM crew,
<Scott F. at the keyboard today!>
Just set up my 300 gallon circular tank (see attached pic), it has a
72x20x20 refugium attached to it (about 150lbs of live rocks with live
sand) plus a closed mechanical filtration system (a Jacuzzi
filter).<<Will need more... RMF>>
<Nice configuration.>
I have a Hippo tang 4"-5", Clown trigger 3", Pink Tail trigger 4",
Tomato clown 3" and a Lunare wrasse 4"-5" which I'll be transferring to
this tank but First. I would like to add a school of Chromis viridis. I
actually would like the school of Chromis to be the focal point of the
tank, so how many should I add?? Twenty or so?
<Well, I'd be inclined to go with a smaller number, like 12-15, but
that's just my gut feeling. Your aquarium could probably support 20 if
well maintained. I'm not a huge fan keeping large schools of these types
of fishes, as you will see shortly.>
Will they be compatible with all those aggressive tankmates?
<To be honest, you might see some attrition among the Chromis. The Clown
Trigger and the Lunare Wrasse are of particular concern to me, not to
mention the possible hierarchical issues that can occur among the
Chromis themselves. It's really your call here, but I would not be
fulfilling my promise to you as a fellow hobbyist if I didn't warn you
of possible problems. Large groupings of Chromis always seem to work
better on paper than in practice, in my experience! There always seems
to be some factor (disease, possible predators, interspecific
aggression, etc.) that arises when keeping multiple damselfishes.
Believe me, I've lost quite a few in various attempts over the years!
Throw some aggressive tankmates into the mix, and the odds for success
decrease further, IMO.>
Would also like to add a Harlequin Tusk after the Chromis and before the
transfer too. Will the Tusk get along with my Lunare?
<Man, this isn't really helping me feel better about the Chromis! As
mentioned above, there will no doubt be some "issues" with the Chromis.
As far as getting along with the Lunare, it really depends on the
specific individuals involved. In a sufficiently large aquarium, your
odds of success are far greater than they would be in a smaller system.
Supplying ample territory for each fish is important.>
I'm also going to add an Kole tang to take care of algae so will that be
ok with the Hippo tang?
Thanks a lot,
Bill
<I don't think that you'll have much trouble with the Kole and the
Hippo. They inhabit different ecological niches, and should not have an
real difficulties. In the end, though-I'd rethink the Chromis issue.
With some interesting larger fishes, why "clutter" the system with these
fish, or risk them becoming someone's appetizer? Just my opinion. Good
luck! Regards, Scott F.>
Re: Stocking 300 gallon tank
Alternatives to Schooling Fishes- Aquarium Stocking 11/28/2007
Dear Scott,
<Hey there!>
Thank you so much for your quick & honest response.
<My pleasure!>
Ok, so if I scrap the Chromis schooling idea as a main focal point of the tank,
what other fish would you recommend taking consideration of the fish I already
mentioned??
<I'd look into some Wrasses, myself. Perhaps some Fairy or Flasher Wrasses, or
even Halichoeres species. They are colorful and interesting in groups, especially
n a large aquarium.>
You see, I like to stay away from Angel fishes and Butterfly fishes since I
think they are too hard to keep healthy. Any other schooling fish suitable for
this tank?
Thanks again,
Bill
<Well, Bill- as above, I'd look into s Wrasses for interest and beauty. Hope
this helps! Check 'em out! Regards, Scott F.>
Re: Stocking 300
gallon tank
New Aquarium and Cloudy Water 11/28/07
Dear Scott,
<Hi there!>
Thanks on the advice about schooling fishes, I'll definitely check out
the Fairy or Flasher wrasses. I plan to transfer my Lunare wrasse to
this tank and I plan to buy a Harlequin Tusk too so will they be ok with
the wrasses you mentioned?
<I'm a bit leery about both of them, really. I mean- if you start with
small specimens of these two, you'll probably be okay...but it could be
a problem over time if these fishes develop aggressive tendencies.>
One more thing, about a week about I filled my 300 gallon circular tank
with RO water, added crushed coral for substrate. My refugium (100
gallons) is also filled with RO water and it has a 4" sand bed.
I'm also using a close loop Jacuzzi filtration system with a 1/3 hp
Sequence pump on the tank. The tank has that faux coral in the middle
(like Living color) and that is why I have such a huge refugium. I want
to put as
many lbs of live rock as I can to make up for the lack of it in the
tank.
<Understandable.>
It took a day or so to clear up after adding the substrate but it did,
it looked super clear but the very next day it was cloudy. The tank have
some micro bubbles but not a lot and it's definitely not the dust from
the substrate. It just looks hazy.... foggy like. Why did that
happened? What caused it? Bacteria? If it is bacteria, then where did it
come from since I have not added any livestock.
<Hard to say. Could be bacteria from the sand itself, could be simple
fine silt from the substrate, or just about anything else that is
suspended in the water.>
Yesterday, I added a bag full of carbon and some 10 lbs of live sand and
today I'm going to add about 100 lbs or more of live rock. Will the
cloudiness go away?
Thanks again,
Bill
<Well, Bill- in time, the cloudiness should go away. If it is suspended
particles, they will ultimately settle or be removed by the filter
system. If it is bacterial, the bloom will probably subside over time
when conditions correct themselves. Small water changes, regular use and
replacement of chemical and mechanical filter media, and the passage of
time will help. Keep doing what you're doing, and all should work out in
time. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>
Re: Stocking 300 gallon tank
Stocking a Refugium 12/1/2007
Dear Scott,
<Hey there!>
Yesterday I changed 60 gallons and today the tank looks a little
clearer..... I think it will clear up
like you said in time. I'm adding 100 lbs or so of live rocks today
(fully cured) and that should help as well
(I hope).
<Well, if nothing else- the addition of the extra rock will add some
biological "filtration">
As I mentioned before, my refugium is 72 x 20 x 20 and it has a 4"
sandbed. I don't know much about algae so I was going leave that alone
for now and just really add loads of live rock to help filter the water.
<Not a bad idea. But do look into growing and harvesting "purposeful"
macroalgae, such as Caulerpa, to assist in nutrient control and export.>
Do the live rocks need very strong lighting on their own? Like 2-65w
compacts or 2-96w ones? Sorry for these dumb questions but I've never
done a refugium before.
<Not dumb at all! Lighting is important if there are photosynthetic
organisms on the rock that require light (which there are, no doubt). If
you're not growing high-light-demanding corals in there, your PC
lighting should suffice, IMO.>
When should I add a cleaning crew to the refugium? And what do you
suggest? Do I need any critters that might help move the sand a little?
Detritus eating ones too?
<Well, I'd probably stick to some small snails, such as Turbo,
Nassarius, or Trochus. Maybe a brittle star. Add them at the outset.>
There will be only a few pieces of live rock in the main tank and no
cleaning crew since most of the
fish I intend to put in, are not invert
friendly.
<Smart strategy.>
Any other suggestions are welcome and very appreciated..... thank you so
much for all your help.
Bill
<Well, Bill- you sound like you put a lot of thought into the system. Do
stock your refugium to take advantage of its valuable
nutrient-processing/food production capacity. There is a ton of
information on refugia right here on the WWM site! Check it out! Good
luck! Regards, Scott F.> |
|
Nice! But maint.?! |
Stocking/Compatibility...Even
Big Tanks Have Limits – 10/08/07
Hi to all at WWM,
<<Hello Ann>>
I have a 350 gallon tank which has been up and running for approx 1 year.
<<Cool...love big tanks...>>
I currently have a juvenile clown trigger,
<<Mmm...this “Triggerus reallymeanus” is likely to eventually kill all its
tankmates...even in this size tank. Best kept in a specimen tank, in my
opinion>>
1 big-eyed soldierfish
2 black and white clownfish
<<These may end up as a meal for the Soldierfish...depending on size disparity>>
1 coral grouper
1 dog-faced puffer and
1 file fish (unfortunately I’m not sure which species of file fish it is) my LFS
called it a combat19 as he couldn't remember the name.
<<Hmm...I wonder if the “combat” is indicative of something they failed to
mention to you?...>>
What I would like to know please is if it would be okay to introduce either an
emperor or queen angelfish into this community?
<<You don’t make mention of your filtration or any ancillary systems (e.g. –
refugium), but even so, you already have some large (or will be) and heavy/messy
feeders here. And with the presence of the Clown Trigger I’m doubly hesitant to
recommend adding any more “chew toys” for this mighty alpha-bruiser of a fish>>
I have been given conflicting advice and am therefore confused please can you
help?
<<And likely my advice will only cause you more conflict [grin]>>
I would also like to eventually get a blue lined snapper as well if possible.
<<Find another home for the Trigger and the addition of a beautiful and
relatively hardy Queen Angel (do read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/holacanthus/ciliaris.htm) should
be fine...foregoing any further additions to allow the fishes you have room to
grow and mature without the stress and retardation of overcrowding>>
Thank you in advance,
Ann
<<Happy to assist. Eric Russell>>
Stocking (And Overstocking!) A 300-Gallon
Marine Display – 07/18/07
Hello WWM Crew!
<<Hiya Bryan!>>
I am currently cycling a 300-gallon reef tank, and I am working on my stocking
list.
<<Congrats! I do love big tanks...have a 375g reef tank myself>>
I want to get a solid plan laid out before I start stocking, and I am going to
stick to it (no exceptions for fish that were "just too good to pass up").
<<Always good to have a “plan”>>
I bought the tank from a mortgage company that had it in their office. I don’t
have all of the info on all of the parts, but from what I’ve gathered the system
is pretty overkill, the tank was maintained by a LFS that my friends and I have
decided is a pretty shady outfit...
<<Oh?>>
They won’t take payments to hold livestock, will try to sell you anything you
show any interest in, even if it would be a terror in your system (they told me
a Picasso trigger would be a fine addition to a 50-gallon community reef tank,
<<Yikes! Shady indeed...>>
I only asked to see if they were trustworthy enough to buy from...) anyway, the
tank was set up as a fish-only system and has a 70 gallon sump, a really bulky
protein skimmer,
<<But is it a “good” really bulky protein skimmer?>>
a 1/2 hp chiller (which was totally unnecessary in! So-Cal)
<<Mmm, was there just a couple weeks ago...can see where a chiller might be
handy/needed...depending on the system>>
and two BEEFY canister filters (the bigger one is an Eheim, can’t tell the model
though) and a UV sterilizer. I will have 3 X 150 watt halides,
<<I don’t know what Cnidarian/invertebrate livestock you are planning, but I
doubt this lighting will be sufficient on this size tank...but then, maybe you
have a plan for this also...>>
not sure what brand or intensity yet, I am currently negotiating a trade with a
maintenance company I am familiar with for the chiller.
<<You mention in your first sentence this will be a reef tank, yes? You really
should decide on the livestock/niche you want replicate and then tailor the
lighting to fit>>
The people I bought it from said everything was three years old or less, and
they were getting rid of it because it was too expensive. They said every time
the maintenance company came out they were told they needed to spend hundreds on
new equipment. Which I figure is pretty par for the course with this particular
LFS...
<<Sound like crooks...>>
Anyway, their loss is my gain...
<<Indeed...and better in the end for the livestock that was likely mal-tended in
the “company” tank>>
I will be setting up the system as a community reef tank, with a mostly Pacific
flavor (with one or two exceptions). It will be a reef, but the focus will not
be on the corals, I have access to just about as many free frags of most common
species as I could want, so I will be stocking the coral around what is
compatible with the fish I will be stocking, and not the other way around.
<<Ah, I see…then with this in mind, the lighting may indeed be sufficient>>
I have pretty much made up my mind on the stocking list, but I would like your
input on a few things that I am unsure of,
<<Okay sure, but if your mind is made up...>>
so first let me start with the stocking list (this is not in the order in which
they will be stocked):
1 Acanthurus sohal
(this one is not negotiable, if you think anything below will not fare well with
the Sohal let me know and they will be out)
<<Okay, so you will build the system around “this” fish. I would suggest
obtaining a small (3”- 4”) specimen and letting it “grow up” in your system.
Even so...it will likely get mean...it “will” rule this tank...and sooner or
later, it will probably even “bite” the hand that feeds it (or is working in the
tank). But other than this, these are indeed a beautiful fish...and quite
“aquarium” hardy>>
1 Paracanthurus hepatus
<<A big/beefy fish. Requires much open space like the Sohal but with plenty of
suitable “hidey-holes” as I consider this species to be more “twitchy” than
normal...as Tangs go>>
1 Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
1 Ctenochaetus strigosus
1 Zebrasoma flavescens
1 Zebrasoma xanthurum
1 Zebrasoma gemmatum
<<The tank is big, but I don’t think it is “this” big… I think you should limit
your selections to a “single” species of each Genus>>
Let me pause here and ask one of my biggest questions: The first two tangs are
the two fish that I absolutely HAVE to have in my tank, the second is the fish
that first attracted me to the hobby as a child, and the first is what drew me
back as an adult.
<<I understand, both are magnificent animals…and both can be terrors in “too
small” systems>>
I want these two no matter what, and as I understand a large group of tangs is
preferable to only two, but the other 5 tangs listed are only in the mix to keep
the aggression down amongst the tangs, but I think I will be overstocked with 7
tangs.
<<Me too>>
If I can get away with 3 or 5 let me know.
<<Four seems like a good figure...as already stated>>
Or if you think the passive Hippo will be ok with the aggressive Sohal by
themselves let me know, and I won’t stock the others.
<<I’ve never considered Hippo Tangs as “passive”…can be quite aggressive in
their own right. I’ve even heard of this species killing “non-Tang”
tankmates…though I think these extreme behaviors are often due to behavioral
development/retardation issues from being kept in an improper (too small!)
environment. Even so, I think a couple more Tangs as stated will be fine/may
indeed prove helpful in this instance>>
Continuing on:
I would like to keep at least one pair of the following: (more than one pair if
you think I am able to keep them peacefully)
2 Genicanthus watanabei (another that I really, really, want to have, unless
there are serious objections to it, do you think the males look close enough to
the Sohal Tang to maybe garner aggression from the Sohal?)
<<Will probably be fine…but your challenge here is to provide enough
escape-routes and hiding places among the live rock while leaving plenty of
swimming room within the tank>>
2 Genicanthus lamarck
2 Centropyge interruptus
2 Centropyge bispinosa
<<Again…pick one species from each Genus. Finding a pair of angels in of the
Genicanthus genus won’t be too difficult as they often seem to be collected/come
to the LFS in this manner...finding a pair of angels of the Centropyge genus may
prove more problematic and may take “special ordering” of such. Though I must
say, the number of fishes/species selections I saw at a couple stores in San
Diego was much better than anything I’d seen before...including some very nice
shops I frequented/visited while in the UK. This is an obvious advantage to
being located on the West Coast (can only imagine what the wholesale facilities
are like...[sigh] maybe next time...)>>
I would like to have at least one mated pair of angelfish, more if it is
possible without putting any undue stress on the rest of the community. Shoaling
fish have always held a big fascination for me, and I would like to keep a few
small shoals of a few different species, here are some of the species I am
considering:
40-60 Chromis viridis (another that I just have to have, I don’t see any
conflicts besides the obvious bioload considerations, I may consider going with
less, but I do want a swarm of 'em)
<<Mmm, methinks you muchly overestimate the capacity of this system. If you want
to keep any other fishes at all, let’s shoot for about 12 of these guys. If
that’s not acceptable then we (you) need to start rethinking this stocking plan.
Even at 300-gallons, the capacity of this system is not infinite>>
5-15 Pseudanthias bicolor (do you have any other suggestions for a shoal off
Basslets that would be community friendly?)
<<There are several good choices in my opinion. But with “bio-load” in mind,
maybe something on the “small” side (comparatively) like Pseudanthias
bartlettorum. These are gorgeous little fishes and if added first/allowed to
settle in will not be so likely to “jump”...about seven should do>>
7-12 Serranus tortugarum (would I be ok with more?)
<<I love these little guys...but let’s keep the number at five...again, in the
interest of long-term sustainability of this system>>
7-15 Pterapogon kaudneri
7-15 Apogon leptacanthus (will the two species of cardinal be ok together and
with the rest of the tank? Can I stock a little more of them, particularly the
leptacanthus? There will be a large section of the tank devoted to the
cave/under shelf region of the reef.)
<<Choose one or the other (my vote is for A. leptacanthus)...you are quickly
running out of room>>
And then there are these two species, I find conflicting reports as to whether
they are ok in groups or not, I’d like to know if they would be ok if I stocked
15 or more, or if I should stock only one or two:
2-15 Nemateleotris magnifica or helfrichi (one species or the other, not a mix
of both)
<<Not an appropriate Genus for this tank in my opinion. These shy fishes are
very easily intimidated, very often to the point of starvation...not to mention
the effects of continual stress. Most will die/disappear within weeks to
months...all will eventually “go.” They are best kept in systems “designed for
them”>>
1-15 Ptereleotris evides (are these a bad idea with tangs?)
<<Another one I would skip...>>
The rest are misc. bottom feeders, cleaners, etc...
1 Salarias ceramensis
1 Synchiropus splendidus
<<No... Too many competing species already>>
4 Elacatinus puncticulatus
<<Let’s leave these out too>>
8 Gobiosoma oceanops (could I stock more, should I stock less, or is this a good
number?)
<<May prove beneficial, assuming they can find enough to eat/sustain
themselves...maybe a trio>>
4 Amblyeleotris guttata & accompanying shrimp
<<I wouldn’t, likely to be some territoriality issues...and besides, there’s
going to be more than enough fish flesh in this system>>
1 Valenciennea strigata
4 Opistognathus aurifrons
<<Another “not so good” choice...best in a species-specific system>>
This group will be stocked over a period of 1-2 years, and I do not want to
introduce anything that will be put under a lot of stress or harassed, and I
certainly don’t want to be murdering livestock by putting them into a system
that they will not do well in.
<<Is good to know...do look over and rethink your stock list/stocking levels. To
recap (using “my” numbers) for my own edification, and maybe put this a bit more
in perspective for all... We’re looking at 1-Sohal Tang, 1-Hippo Tang,
1-Ctenochaetus spp Tang, 1-Zebrasoma spp Tang, 1 Pair-Genicanthus spp Angels, 1
Pair-Centropyge spp Angels, 12-Chromis viridis, 7-Pseudanthias bartlettorum,,
5-Serranus tortugarum, 7-Apogon leptacanthus, 1-Salarias ceramensis, 3-Gobiosoma
oceanops, 1-Valenciennea strigata. Luckily many of these species are on the
“small” side (2”- 3”), even so I think you will find this to be a pretty good
“load” for your 300-gallon display tank. If you employ a large “quality” skimmer
w/ozone and can plumb in a large-as-possible in-line refugium...you could
probably get away with adding a “few” more of the smaller shoaling species>>
Please let me know if any of the above species stand out as obvious mismatches
in this system. (or if I should lower/raise the density of any particular
species) and I would love to hear any suggestions you may have that would fit
well with this system (of course I will thoroughly investigate any suggestions
you make before adding them, so please feel free to give me several
suggestions). I won’t just be throwing everything in just because someone
suggested them, but I’d like to look at a few more species that might fit into
my setup.
<<I think you’ve got about all you can handle as it is. But honestly, I would
rather see you research/set up a more “biotopic” display... Not that you can’t
be successful with this “mix” (many hobbyists are), but choosing fishes from the
same region is more natural...to those “in the know” and to the fishes
themselves, and also precludes introduction of diseases/parasites they may have
never encountered/built immunities against>>
Thanks a ton!
~Bryan in San Diego
<<My visit to Aquatic Warehouse was awesome!... Bryan, please do consider my
input, and let’s discuss this system setup as well. Regards, Eric Russell...back
in hot and very humid Columbia, SC>>
Re: Stocking (And Overstocking!) A 300-Gallon Marine Display – 07/20/07
Eric,
<<Bryan>>
Thank you for the quick and detailed reply!
<<Most welcome>>
That was exactly what I needed.
<<Glad I could serve>>
I had a feeling what I wanted was going to end up being overstocked...
<<And then some…indeed>>
But sometimes ya just need someone who knows more than you to slap your hand and
say "No more fish!"
<<Mmm, more like a “big stick” needed with you…[grin]>>
Anyway, I’ve been meaning to research the skimmer and filters, but I’ve been way
overloaded at work for the past two months and have barely had time to set the
thing up... but I will try to make that a project for this weekend.
<<No worries…but do let’s chat re this setup before you begin stocking>>
As far as the lighting goes, I don't really feel the urge to have an electrical
bill bigger than a car payment,
<<Understandable>>
and it took a few weeks of convincing on my roommate's part to even get me to
make the jump into putting in some kind of halide...
<<Best bang/look for the buck…in my opinion>>
And as far as a refugium goes, the sump and canister filters are very big...
they take up about 2/3 to 3/4 of the space under the tank, so I don’t have a ton
of room to work with, and I had planned on a 20gallon QT, and 3 10 gallon tanks
for phyto/zoo plankton and 'Pod production. And that pretty much takes up all of
the room I have under the tank.
<<Hmm, I see… Do let me impress upon you that an in-line refugium will be
exponentially more beneficial than these large canister filters under your
circumstances. The canister filters have their place/uses…but can be nightmares
if not kept up with/maintained diligent and maybe even counter-productive in
your case depending on how they are configured and considering the number of
planktivorous feeding fishes you want to add to your system. The refugium would
also supplant the need for the three 10-gallon tanks you mention. You do
understand what a refugium is, yes? (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm)>>
Although the tank is very close to a large window leading to the backyard and my
roommate has spent the better part of a week suggesting we cut a hole in the
screen and plumb in one of those big 4'X4'X3' plastic refugiums that you see in
wholesalers, outside of the window. Though I don’t know if it would make that
big of an impact with the current plumbing situation (single 3" overflow, one 2"
return bulkhead in the back of the tank, and 3 1.5" exhaust bulkheads) I am not
too crazy about the idea of drilling more holes in the tank, and I think that
without at least a second overflow box the 'fuge will be a bit overkill and
unnecessary...
<<Doesn’t have to be this complicated>>
As far as the livestock goes, I had wanted to set up a Hawaiian biotope, but I
am finding that a biotope is going to exclude a large number of specimens that I
want to have,
<<Mmm, well…is what makes it a biotope>>
and more than one tank is just not practical in my current place (square footage
is at a premium in So-Cal)
<<Indeed>>
so I figured if I can’t have 4 100-gallon biotopes then I’d get the biggest tank
I possibly could and if I couldn’t replicate a specific location I would at
least like to replicate a few different zones of the reef within the tank.
<<Okay, but…the issue here isn’t multiple reef “zones” but rather pooling
organisms from completely different oceans. As I mentioned before, what you
propose is what the majority of hobbyists “do”… Just using my bully pulpit here
to voice my opinions…>>
Basically I am going to have the left 1/3 of the tank aquascaped to replicate
the under-shelf/cave/low light regions (going to be reinforcing the rockwork
with PVC and building a pretty large shelf) that is going to give way to a
branch-rock/rubble zone with a large (about 4 square feet) open bottom free swim
area in the center of the tank. On the other side of that will be a wedge-shaped
slope with a straight drop-off towards the right corner of the tank about 4”-6"
from another pillar, to try and simulate a small gorge. I am hoping that by
simulating a few different habitats as opposed to just putting in a "pile of
rocks" I will be able to alleviate some stress and try to provide many suitable
territories for all of the inhabitants.
<<Sounds like a good plan…places to hide/disappear from view while leaving room
to swim>>
As far as the tangs go, I thought it was best to keep odd groupings of as many
as possible (the reason I picked the arbitrary number 7),
<<Mmm…this really applies more to when keeping a single species…and our own
(human) sense of aesthetics I think>>
but if 4 will be ok together than I will be stocking the A. sohal, P. hepatus,
and most likely C. strigosus and Z. xanthurum or Z. gemmatum (do you think
either one of these two are more or less aggressive? is one better suited to my
mix?).
<<A “toss up” I think…perhaps economics will decide as Z. xanthurum will be
decidedly less expensive than the rare Z. gemmatum ($3,500 at Marine Center…if
you can even get one!)>>
I would even be fine with stocking three and leaving the Zebrasoma out all
together, unless I am likely to see more aggression with three rather than
four...
<<This would be fine…and would create some “room” for a few more individuals of
the shoaling species you covet>>
I had pretty much figured that I would only be able to keep one pair of each
genus of angels, but wasn't sure if I would be able to keep one pair of each
genus or only one pair total!... G. watanabei is in, and I still can’t decide
between C. interruptus and C. bispinosa (I’m leaning towards interruptus, but
will probably ultimately go with whichever one is better suited to the system.
Suggestions?)
<<Mmm…C. bispinosa can be difficult to keep…C. interruptus is sexually
dichromatic making it easier to sex, but also much more scarce in the trade on
“this” Continent. Might I suggest a third choice?...C. loricula… This is a
hardy, readily available, and in my opinion, very beautiful dwarf angel that
“can” be paired up in the home aquarium (I have done so). Though doing this
takes a bit of luck and somewhat of a “trained” eye for the species/its
behaviors>>
As for the shoals... I really do want a swarm of the C. viridis, I was really
hoping to have about 24-30 at the absolute minimum... I am willing to sacrifice
somewhere else to accommodate a larger group... maybe instead of 5-15 P. bicolor
I could go with 7-9 P. bartlettorum, and maybe 5 S. tortugarum (or maybe just
leave them out altogether, I do really like these guys, but I like a lot of
other species I want to stock too...).
<<I do understand your attraction to shoaling species…a large group of small
shoaling fishes in a large aquarium is attractive to many hobbyists, myself
included. I started to bring this up in my earlier response…but if I may take a
moment to comment a bit more in detail on your chosen species… It has been my
experience and the experience of others’ with whom I’ve discussed this genus
that Chromis have a hierarchal structure that like some other shoaling species
seems to “self destruct” in the confines of an aquarium. By this I mean that two
or three dominant individuals will develop, and by whatever means, whether it be
damage from direct physical aggression or the stress of constant harassment, the
other members of the shoal slowly decline/disappear until only the few most
dominant individuals remain. If you really want a “swarm” of small shoaling
fishes I recommend Pseudanthias bartlettorum or Apogon leptacanthus. You could
possibly try other species within the Families/Genera of each, but these are two
species I feel work well for creating schools/shoals within the confines of home
aquaria>>
As for P. kaudneri & A. leptacanthus I would really like to have a few of
both... As I mentioned before there is going to be a large area of the tank
dedicated to under-shelf/cave, could I get away with 5 kaudneri and 9
leptacanthus?
<<Possibly…though I find groups of P. kaudneri to often display similar issues
as the Chromis>>
Will they be too competitive with each other?
<<P. kaudneri will be the more aggressive of the two for sure…but I can only
speculate as to whether they will cohabitate…>>
(if I were to stock only one species how many would be the max with the current
mix?)
<<If you drop the Zebrasoma species Tang and the Chromis…I think a school of 20
or so A. leptacanthus is feasible>>
Also do you have any other suggestions for species that would thrive in the
under-shelf region?
<<Not that can/should be added to this already heavy fish load>>
I don’t think squirrel/Soldierfish would be a good fit, what about assessors?
(Of course at this point if I add any other species I will subtract from
somewhere else...)
<<With this last in mind…Assessors might be a viable option>>
I will probably round it off with the following (based on your suggestions): 1
Salarias ceramensis, 1 Valenciennea strigata , could I have 1 Elacatinus
puncticulatus? (will leave it out if you think it is likely to starve, but I do
really like the little guys...),
<<Mmm…upon reflection, will probably be fine…perhaps a trio of these as well…>>
3-4 Gobiosoma oceanops (mostly I want them for cleaning purposes, the tank has
mostly a Pacific feel, and I’d love to have a Labroides dimidiatus or Labroides
phthirophagus (was lucky enough to spot quite a few of the latter snorkeling off
of Lanai last May, that has got to be the most intense violet I have ever seen).
<<I have been diving off the Big Island a few times (Bob is over there now). I
don’t recall seeing these, though they must have surely been about. Perhaps I
was just overwhelmed at the profusion of fishes/bio-diversity that abounds
there…>>
But in my book "Loving" a species of fish does not equate to "Starving &
Torturing" (talk about loving your pets to death!)
<<Indeed>>
So I figure even though the captive bred G. oceanops isn’t even from the same
ocean as most of the rest of the tank mates, it would serve the same purpose,
and would not be detrimental to the wild environment. (I can't tell you how
livid I’d be if I found out any of the little beauties I saw last may had been
taken from their home only to die in a bag somewhere halfway around the world).
<<Numbers in the thousands…>>
Do you have any better suggestions for cleaners? And how many will I really
need?
<<A handful of “cleaner shrimp” (Lysmata amboinensis) would be an interesting
and beneficial addition>>
As for the Amblyeleotris guttata & shrimp and the Opistognathus aurifrons, I
really like these guys, there is going to be a rather large open sandy area,
could I get away with one to a few O. aurifrons and/or one or two shrimp/goby
tandems (I’d be open to looking at a different goby species than A. guttata, any
suggestions?)
<<I’m going to stand by my earlier comments re these fishes>>
So to clarify I am now looking at: 1-Sohal Tang, 1-Hippo Tang, 1-Kole Tang,
1-Purple or Gem Tang, 1 Pair-Watanabe's Angelfish, 1 Pair-Japanese Pigmy
Angelfish or Coral Beauty Angelfish, 24-30-Chromis viridis, 7-9-Pseudanthias
bartlettorum,, 5-Serranus tortugarum, 5-Pterapogan kaudneri 9-Apogon
leptacanthus, 1-Salarias ceramensis, 3-4-Gobiosoma oceanops, 1-Valenciennea
strigata, 1 Elacatinus puncticulatus, and maybe one/some red-headed gobies and
1-2 shrimp gobies & shrimp. Does this still look too overcrowded?
<<A bit, yes…per my earlier statements>>
I really don’t want to take any more out, guess I should have gotten a 400
gallon tank...lol.
<<Mmm, more like 600 [grin]>>
Maybe it will help once I figure out what the exact spec is on all of my
equipment...
<<Not really…the “specifics” of the gear without the changes I suggested will
have little impact in “my” opinion>>
Please do let me know if you think this mix is still too volatile, I really want
a large mix (hence the reason I bought a 300) but I want it to be stable, and I
for sure do not want to be torturing/killing any of my pets, that’s not fair to
them or my wallet!
~Bryan
<<Have attempted to be concise with my suggestions/explanations…but the final
decisions rest with you, mate. Regards, Eric Russell>>
Thinking Big- Stocking Small! (Stocking A
Large System) – 07/18/07
Planning a 200 gallon saltwater tank, what do you think of the following
fish:
Clown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus Lineatus)
Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides Conspicillum)
Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon Fasciatus)
Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus Imperator)
Maroon Anemonefish (Premnas Biaculeatus)
Harlequin Hind (Cephalopholis Polleni)
Blood Red Hawkfish (Cirrhitops Fasciatus)
and either a Coral Hind (Cephalopholis Miniata) or Metallic Blue Grouper (Anyperodon
sp.)
<Yikes! A neat mix of fishes, but I foresee all sorts of possible aggression
issues, not to mention the seriously overcrowded result and its devastating
effect on the fishes in the long term. You'll definitely have to make some
concessions here! I would not even consider the Clown Surgeon in anything less
than several hundred gallons of size, if only for the fact that it's an
extremely aggressive, large and intolerant fish! The Clown Trigger is another
very large fish, which will give off copious amounts of metabolic waste. It
could work as the sole large fish in this aquarium, but it's definitely not
going to be a good choice in this aquarium with the stocking plan that you have.
The Emperor Angel is a beautiful, popular fish, but it can and will reach 12 to
15 inches in the wild-and in the aquarium, and it needs a very, very large
aquarium to live anything resembling a normal life span.>
How badly would I be overstocking and how would they get along?
<It would be REALLY badly overstocking. It's a mix of large,
high-metabolic-waste-producing fishes that demand tremendous physical space. The
potential for aggression is great. Personally, I'd compromise. I do like some of
the selections in the latter half of your stocking list: The Anemonefish and
Hawkfish, perhaps with the Harlequin Tuskfish as the "alpha" fish, would be a
possibility. Really, I'd go with smaller fishes: A Centropyge or smaller
Chaetodontoplus species of Angelfish would be a nice start, along with smaller
fishes like Pseudochromids, Halichoeres species Wrasses, etc. These smaller,
less space-demanding fishes are equally as colorful, interesting, and (in my
humble opinion) sexy as the big guys! However, they adapt better to captivity,
require dramatically less room, and will live long, healthy lives in a
well-maintained system of this size.>
Would also like to add a Green Mandarin ( I read somewhere that other fish leave
it
alone)
<Just say "no" to the Mandarin! Although it might be ignored as a food items by
some of the fishes that you're talking about, it will be intimidated into
starvation by the activity of the other tankmates. These fishes are really best
in quiet, lightly stocked aquariums with very peaceful species. They eat slowly
and are often quite shy. They'd do really well in a species aquarium designed
just for them! Wow- could you imagine how cool a 200 gallon Mandarin biotope
system would be, with seagrasses, some Fungiids ("Plate Corals"), Goniopora, and
some other peaceful fishes? You'd have a huge tank with a meadow of seagrasses,
populated with some unique, interesting fishes and corals...That would be
different- and inspiring to other hobbyists! Wow- listen to me- going off the
deep end again! Well, think about trying something different. Remember, just
because you have a large aquarium doesn't mean that you have to keep large
fishes!>
What would you take out, change, what size tank would hold these fish, Nick
<Well, Nick- my comments are above...If you were dead set on keeping this mix of
fishes, I'd literally suggest a system of 800 gallons or more (preferably more).
Anything less is sentencing these large fishes to a life of misery. Kind of like
you or I being forced to spend the rest of our lives in our living rooms..
Comfortably initially (especially if you have Satellite TV!), but maddening over
time. My philosophy has always been "Think Big-Stock Small". Hope this provides
some insight. Regards, Scott F.>
- A Large Tank Inquiry 6/23/06 -
Hello WWM Crew. First off I must say how much I appreciate such an
incredible website from so many excellent aquarists, you have answered most of
my questions, and helped me along with this wonderful hobby where information is
sometimes scarce. I've had a 120G (48in x 24in x 24in) reef tank set up and
running nicely for about a year now, and I've been researching/looking into
setting up a larger predator type tank (220G 72in x 30in x 24in). I've had quite
a few sources of information, but it seems difficult to find the exact answer to
my question. The fish that I am interested in keeping in this tank are as
follows:
1 Goldentail Moray (Gymnothorax miliaris)
1 Blue-ring Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)
1 Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus)
1 Palette Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) AND/OR 1 Naso Tang (Naso lituratus)
1 Clown Trigger (Balistoides conspicillum)
1 Picasso Trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
1 Porcupine Pufferfish (Diodon holocanthus)
I am fully aware of the potential size of each and every on of these specimens,
and I am open to any worries/suggestions/changes that you have to offer.
<Really, my main concern would be the clown trigger. These fish often become
absolute terrors as they get larger and could easily kill everyone in the tank.
I'd drop this one fish off the list or consider keeping it by itself in the 120
if you're going to keep that tank running.> I'm much more accustom to working
with smaller reef fish which are much cleaner eaters and much less vicious. If
anyone could let me know if that list is too much for that size of tank, or if
there is room for anything else, I would be very thankful. <These fish will fill
this tank so I'd just remove the clown trigger from the list and go for it.> So
I hope someone can give me some input, and help me in my decision. Thanks for
your time.
Alex C.
<Cheers, J -- >
Stocking a Large Marine Tank...Sequence of Introduction/Compatibility Issues
– 01/15/07
Dear distinguished Wet Web Media Crew:
<<Greetings!>>
Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year,
<<Thank you...and may I wish you the same>>
and thank you for the benefit of your experience and wisdom.
<<Tis a pleasure to share>>
My wife and I spent nearly a year reading the information on your site and in
your books before purchasing a 70-gallon marine system some eight months ago.
<<Most excellent to read this! I love it when budding (and not so budding)
hobbyists take to heart our pleads to read/research/learn what they can; and
yes, ask questions, “beforehand” >>
All is going very well with the tank, set up as follows:
-oversized wet/dry filter with bio-balls
-Euro-Reef RS 135 protein skimmer
-Eheim 1262 recirculating pump
-50 lbs. Fiji live rock, 25 lbs. coral skeletons
-50 lbs. live sand
-3 fish: Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris), Purple Tang (Zebrasoma
xanthurus), Clown Trigger (Balistoides conspicillum) - now all 3"-4"
<Mmm...you need a bigger tank mate>>
When we purchased these fish, we did so with the understanding that a larger
tank would be needed in the future.
<<Sooner than later...>>
Thus, we have purchased an 8 foot, 450 gallon tank.
<<Ah! Outstanding!>>
It will be recirculated by two Dolphin pumps at approximately 15x/hour, filtered
through course, 100 micron and 50 micron filter pads, run through two protein
skimmers with a combined capacity of 1,000 gallons and passed through Chemi-Pure
before returning to the tank.
<<This sounds very good...and hopefully your research has made you aware of the
importance of cleaning those micron pads “at least” weekly>>
The tank will contain 3/4" live sand, 500 lbs. of live rock and 100 lbs. of
coral skeletons.
<<A word of caution/opinion here... Don’t get caught up in the “pounds per
gallon” adage for including live rock. Instead, consider what you will need to
provide an aesthetically pleasing display while also providing hiding/sleeping
places for the fish but also leaving “plenty of room” for the fish to swim/move
about. Even in reef systems it is my opinion that hobbyists tend to cram way
too much rock in to the tank...often fueled by the belief that “more is better”
or because someone told them they needed “X” number of pounds per gallon of
volume. I have found in my systems that I have been able to get by with as
little as half, and even less, the “recommended” quantity of live rock (most
often pushed by those who “sell” the rock) and still maintain adequate
bio-filtration (which in your case, a FOWLR system, can be easily and
effectively augmented through the use of supplemental fluidized-bed
filtration). My suggestion to you would be to start with about half what you
list of good quality porous live rock (do be cautious of dense/heavy limestone
“cultured” rock), and nix the coral skeletons altogether>>
We would like to stock the tank in the following manner. Initially, one mated
pair of Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) and one Mappa Puffer (Arothron
mappa) would go into the large tank (after cycling) in order to acclimate, grow
and establish territories.
<<I would add the clownfish last...due to the very reasons you state. Once
these fish become established/grow large they can be surprisingly aggressive to
the point of doing physical harm making it difficult to introduce more
timid/gentle species later>>
After several months, the three existing fish (angel, tang and trigger) would be
added to the large tank to join the clownfish and puffer.
<<A month between group additions should be sufficient>>
Three additional fish, a Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciata) , Red Sea Bird
Wrasse (Gomphosus caeruleus) and a Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) would be placed
in the 70 gallon tank for 6-12 months before moving to the large system.
<<I don’t understand this...why not just place in the larger tank as
acquired? Also worth mentioning in my opinion...despite their sometimes fierce
appearance, the Tuskfish is relatively peaceful, sometimes even timid, (with
regards to fishes...shrimp/crabs/snails are another matter) and should be one of
the first fishes placed in this larger system>>
No other fish are planned given the concern for bioload in the future, as the
fish grow.
<<Very good>>
Your thoughts, comments and suggestions (e.g., alternate or additional species,
equipment recommendations, husbandry ideas, etc.) will be greatly appreciated.
<<Ah yes, one more thing... Do read up some more on the Clown Trigger. These
fish are REAL BRUISERS...as this fish grows/matures it will very likely kill
everything else in the tank along the way. A better/alternate species in my
mind is one from the genus Rhinecanthus. Since you appear to have a penchant
for Red Sea fishes, perhaps Rhinecanthus assasi would appeal to you>>
Sincerely,
Don and Jill
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>
Stocking/Compatibility, Lg. SW 12/18/06
Hi Crew,
I'm saving up for a 265G tank and have developed my stocking 'wish' list. I
wrote a few weeks back, but my wife has reviewed and thus the list has changed.
<Heeee!>
It will be a FOWLR with some ornamental shrimps. My concern lies with the
compatibility of the angels below (2 pairs of the same genus) and whether the
overall tank size for this list is appropriate. Are there any other concerns
that you see with this?
Scribbled Angel Chaetodontoplus dubolayi
Blue Spotted Angelfish Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus
Flame Angel Centropyge loriculus
Golden Pygmy Angel Centropyge aurantia
Powder Blue Tang Acanthurus leucosternon
Fridmani Pseudochromis (2)Pseudochromis fridmani
Yellow Tang Zebrasoma flavescens
Golden Butterfly Chaetodon semilarvatus
False Percula Clownfish (2)Amphiprion ocellaris
Helfrichi Firefish (2)Nemateleotris helfrichi
Your thoughts/inputs are greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Ian
<In a tank this size... starting with "mid-size" or smaller individuals, you
should be okay here. Once these fishes are grown a bit, established... it may
prove difficult to introduce much in the way of others in their niches. Bob
Fenner>
Large SW Aquarium Stocking - 1/25/07
Mr. Fenner:
<Hey Dennis, JustinN with you today.>
I would very much like your input as to a salt water aquarium that I am setting
up.
<Ok>
The dimensions are as follows: 6' long, 2' tall and 30" wide.
<2 foot deep? I hope you've got some long arms, my friend! *grin*>
I want to purchase a young salt water angelfish that will be the star
attraction of the aquarium.
<Ok>
I want an angel fish that will be hardy, but the main thing is to have a
personality much like a fresh water Oscar or a salt water bat fish. Would you
please give me a list of some of the angels that are noted for their
personality.
<To my knowledge, all larger angelfish are noted for their personality. We
cannot make this choice for you, Dennis, as it is not our aquarium. In an
aquarium the size you describe, any aquarium-suitable species should do
wonderfully. See here for more info on the species available:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/bestmarangs.htm and the
files linked in blue above.>
Also, there will be live rock in the aquarium. I would also like a school of
Chromis, either the green or blue variety. I do not want to overstock
the aquarium.
<Not a whole lot of chance of that with your aquarium size, and current intended
stocklist... you will do fine.>
How many Chromis would you suggest?
<7 to 9>
And would you also give me a list of some other small fish that I could add to
the aquarium that would be 4" and under. Many thanks for your help. Dennis.
<The list of smaller fish here is innumerable, Dennis. We really cannot make the
choices here for you, and all this information you request is available, both
here at WetWebMedia, and at many other locations around the net. Perhaps a
thorough browsing through our species selection sections is in your future?
Start here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm and follow the indices to the
information you seek. -JustinN>
Preparation, SW, large sys... still not ready 3/21/07
Hello all!
I have emailed your site for over a month now. The advice I have received and
the knowledge I have gained is immeasurable! Thank you.
I will be setting up a 240g (96x24x24) in the near future. I am going to
forgo the clown trigger due to what I have read on this site and references for
other local fish store owners.
I am deeply intrigued by the Hawaiian dragon eel. I have read up on it and
asked several questions before. Thank you once again for your help.
The Hawaiian dragon eel is going to be the center piece of my aquarium. As
for the tank mates I would really appreciate your advice. I was thinking of
adding a Pinktail trigger, Naso tang, emperor angel (I was told that the emperor
angel will get to
<too>
big for the dimensions of this aquarium.
<Yes>
If so, what other large angel could suggest?)
<Mmmm, for having the Moray as your center piece... none>
and a volitans lionfish. For filtration I will be using a Euro-reef RC250 with
and ozonizer.
<Mmm... need more... biological, mechanical...>
I will be employing a closed loop system for added water movement. As per
Anthony Calfo's diagram. I will have two overflows and was wondering how to
make it a closed loop with not being able to put pvc in front of the overflow?
<Mmm... could loop around, truncate on either side, even drill through...>
My questions are as follows. Are these fish compatible with the Hawaiian
dragon eel?
<All are potential prey>
Is this too many fish for the system?
<Mmm... not initially>
If the fishes are not compatible, what fishes would you recommend?
<Heeeee! You're not joking? To go with what? The Moray... see WWM re the
"Compatibility" and "Systems" of what you list, are interested in...>
Do I have adequate filtration and water movement?
<No>
I would really like a trigger and a lionfish but know that this may not be
possible.
Thank you once again for your patience and time. It is greatly appreciated!
Brent
<You're getting closer... but I'd still be reading, studying, dreaming and
scheming at this planning stage. Bob Fenner>
Livestock Choices for Large Fish Only – 05/03/07
Guys,
<Hello Adam...this is Adam with you this morning.>
Right now in my 240 g saltwater, I have 20 blue Chromis, 2 yellow tail
damsels, a dogface puffer, a Sweetlips, a lawnmower blenny and 4 large
hermit crabs.
<So the puffer and the Sweetlips are either too small to eat the
damsels/Chromis or too slow.>
I'd like to add an assortment of angels, butterflyfish and tangs but
want to add the right number and right kinds so that the tank
remains--it's doing great now--a peaceful community.
<Well; what specific animals out of the families you mentioned are you
interested in? Some angels, even in a tank of this size, will not do
well with co-geners or conspecifics; same with the surgeons.>
Also, if there other fish to recommend please do so.
<This is a matter of personal preference of course and I don't know
what your set-up is like. You have some compatibility issues
already...the puffer can/will become "nippy" as he ages and if the
Sweetlips lives to adulthood (most don't in aquaria) he will eventually
begin hunting your smaller specimens. So before I recommend livestock
choices, I'd like you to divulge a little more on your preferences and
what the direction of the tank is.>
Thanks,
<Welcome.>
Adam
<Adam J.>
Re: Stocking a 240g saltwater tank – 5/5/07
Adam,
<Adam.>
Thanks for this info. Give me a few days to read up on the links and names you
provided and I'll get back to you with some more questions.
<Ten-Four.>
Thanks,
<Welcome.>
APH
<AJ.>
Re: Stocking a 240g saltwater tank – 5/4/07
Adam,
<Adam.>
Thanks for getting back to me.
<No problem, anytime...usually I'm quicker.>
The Sweetlips is about 7 inches long and I've had him for about a year.
<Good, that's longer than most folks have them.>
He loves feeder goldfish
<Mmm...do read this;
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/goldfshfd.htm .>
but I mostly feed him frozen shrimp, squid, octopus, etc.
<All good.>
He's yet to chase the Chromis or damsels.
<Interesting for him to recognize the goldfish as food yet not chase
fish of similar size.>
Dog face puffer is the same size and is slower than the Sweetlips but a
bigger eater <As most puffers are.>
--eats same food as above.
<Cool.>
So, I'd like to have as many angels/tangs/butterflyfish in the 240 g
with as much color variation as possible.
<As far as angels I'm a huge fan of Genicanthus angels; they are
planktivores and they can be kept in harems (one male, multiple female
groups). I'm also a fan of the three amigos (though only two are
attainable really;
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/pomacanthus/zonipectus.htm).
As far as butterflies; a duo of Heniochus could suit you. Surgeons, well
I'd stay away from most of those in the Acanthurus genus...they get
pretty big, though a few may suit you, same goes for those in the Naso
genus. Check out the Zebrasoma genus first. Much more detailed info is
posted on WWM.>
If moving the Sweetlips and/or puffer down the road is needed I do have
room for another (4th) tank.
<Awesome.>
Right now I have a very peaceful 130g tank (5' x 30" tall x 18" deep)
and an aggressive tank 6x2x18" that has a clown trigger, niger trigger,
Foxface lo and snowflake eel.
<The eel and the Foxface might actually be more suited to the
peaceful
tank; I'd consider swapping them out with the Sweetlips or the
puffer...or even both.>
Basically what I need to know is the exact different types of tangs that
can live together (if introduced together) plus the same with
butterflies
and angels.
<There's really no hard and true rules, too many variables among species
and individuals for that matter. How about if you come up with a
stocking list I'll look over it and/or modify it for you.>
And also what's the most fish I can add at once to a 240g without
upsetting any chemical/waste issues for the water.
<Well obviously you need to quarantine them first, and it depends on the
size temperament of the fish but generally I prefer no more than one or
two at a time. Of course there are exceptions...likely with the
surgeons/tangs if you choose to get more than one.>
I care for the fish daily but I also have a pro come in twice a month
for water changes, salinity checks etc.
<Cool.>
Also, I know these fish can be costly but give me advice as if cost were
no object--I can always work down from there.
<Use the WWM search engine on the home page and enter the animals I
talked about above...there are pictures as well...see if you like any of
those.>
I appreciate your advice and really enjoy the site.
Please let me know if there is anything else you need to know about my
set-up that can help you in your counsel.
From one Adam to another,
APH
<Adam J.>
The Big Picture (Big Fish- Big Tanks!>
I've read though all your FAQs about lionfish. I found
them very interesting and informative. I wanted to ask
your opinion about the number of fish in our tank. I'm
concerned after reading all the FAQs that we have too
many fish.
<Definitely worth looking at...>
We started out with George and Lenny. George is a
black Volitans lion. He's now about 5 inches long.
Lenny is a panther grouper. They were tank mates at
the pet store for a long time before my husband fell
in love with George, so we bought them both. They were
in a 55 gallon tank with live rock only. But we have
since moved them into a 72 gallon bowfront, with the
live rock. And since the move we have also added Leo
and Cleo, 3 inch black Volitans lions. And Frank, a
green wolf eel, who is about 8 inches long. Just
today, he brought home Frick and Frack, two yellow
tangs. They are about 2 inches a piece.
<Okay- no need to go further- it's seriously crowded, and you'll definitely
need to move up to a MUCH larger tank for the long-term benefit of these fishes.
They are small now, but they will get bigger- soon. And, there will be a lot of
metabolic waste production with these fishes. Lon-term environmental stability
is a concern here>
We do have good filtration and a skimmer. I can't give
you specifics without asking, but can provide them if
its important. I do check the water and its doing very
good. We have too many fish don't we?
<I'm afraid so. On the brighter side- your husbandry techniques have been
good so far- imagine what they would do in a much larger tank!>
Our goal is to get another 125 gallon tank, but we
haven't decided what to put in it. My husband has
dreams of an Hawaiian Dragon Eel...insert sigh
here...
<Yep- major sigh...Insert custom order for 70 gallon acrylic tank with 300
gallon refugium here...>
we have one 125 gallon already, its full of
clowns, dwarf angels and a lot of other cool fish that
George and Company would scarf down in a second. I'm
thinking if we do get another 125 gallon tank that we
should keep George (the big one and my baby), the two
tangs and the eel. Is that too much even?
<Better, but I'd honestly look at two 240 gallon tanks! I know that is a
conservative stocking approach, but with big-time eaters and big-time waste
producers, such as the ones that you have- the old adage about "dilution
being the solution to pollution" holds true. More water, higher flow rates,
major skimming, and lots of water changes will all benefit your animals.>
My husband could keep his dragon eel in the 72 gallon. Alone.
<I think it would be better in a 125 plus- alone. Or, consider a "Golden
Dwarf Moray". Pricey, but it has lots of the "features" of the
big guys in an 8-10 inch package!>
Any advice or opinions you could share with me would be greatly appreciated. I
love my lion. I don't want to hurt him unintentionally just because my husband
has a fish fetish. LOL
Thanks, Teri
<Understood, Teri! I'd just think about expanding to either one much larger
tank, or a few smaller ones (by "small", I mean 100 gallons plus). It
seems kinda frustrating, but the big fishes do need big tanks for long-term
success...Best of luck! Think BIG! Regards, Scott F>
- Large Tank, Large Fish -
hi! really, really love the sight!
I have these fish now in many lg tanks but I'm wanting to put them together! I
know some fish wont do well together but if I had a lg enough tank would it
work? tank size - 120x48x30 and fish are as follows:
blonde Naso, BlueLine trigger, shoal tang, powder blue tang, Emp. angel, Mac
angel, Moorish idol, zebra eel, Epaul. shark, Aussie tusk fish, blue dot
grouper, Mappa puffer
thank you
Bart
<Well, Bart, even with a tank of this size, there are still bound to be some
problems. The Tangs and Angels would likely be fine. The Grouper would probably
get large enough in such a system to make a meal of your other specimens, in
spite of their size. Likewise, I would probably leave the shark in a species
specific system - but otherwise, if you put together a tank of this size and
have sufficient places for all the fish to hide, then it should work out.
Cheers, J -- >
Big Tank- Big Plans!
Hi Crew.
<Hi there! Scott F. here today!>
First off, thanks for all of your ongoing help to us marine enthusiasts. I do spend hours reading through articles and letters while enjoying and learning.
<We're glad that you enjoy it! We sure get a kick out of bringing it to you!>
I have an established 55 gallon marine aquarium with crushed coral substrate, live rock, some mushrooms, polyps, and a Ritteri anemone which house two Perculas. My other inhabitants are the usual cleaning crew of Blue Legged Hermits, Turbo snails, a Sally Lightfoot crab and a Serpent Star, a Green Wrasse, a Royal
Gramma, a Mandarin and the boss of the tank, a Flame Angel. All in all, they seem to cohabitate fine together. In a few months I will upgrade my to a 180-200 gallon system.
<Cool!>
Of course, I will let the new system cycle properly (I hope to give it a head start with some water from my existing set-up), and I have all the proper skimming equipment, powerheads, mechanical filters etc. Will the following new additions be good members of this community system? A small eel of some kind (any specific suggestions
?)...
<Well, there are a number of small Moray species that may be interesting. However, Morays do require significant water volume and great attention to husbandry. I've never though of them as "community fishes", to be quite honest with you. I think a dedicated display would prove to be a better route!>
2-3 Banggai Cardinals, possibly a smaller Lion fish (again any recommended species?) a few tangs i.e.: a Hippo, a Naso,
and Yellow (or Kole) hoping these are different enough from each other to discourage fighting,
<I'd avoid the Naso, as these guys get huge, requiring a really large tank (like 8 feet long and over 300 gals) to be truly happy, IMO. The other tangs seem like they could work, if introduced as young, smaller specimens.>
...and lastly as the showpiece some type of larger angel (French or Queen maybe?).
<Again- the size issue is foremost with these angels. They can reach up to 18 inches in length, and require really large quarters. I'd go for a smaller variety. Perhaps, with enough cover (and if they are all introduced together), you could try another two Centropyge angelfish. It's still a calculated risk, but it could
prove interesting if it works.>
Please comment on the type that might be best for my system. I do realize that each of these must be added slowly over time.
<Agreed! Slow and steady does the trick.>
I don't want this new set up to become a predator tank so I am wondering about the Lion and the Eel.
<Well, the Lion and Eel will give you an instant predator tank! if you want to be truly different, I'd shoot for a neat community of smaller blennies and gobies, and maybe some other interesting fishes, like Pseudochromids and the like. Big tank with small fish-a bold concept that I wish more hobbyists would try!>
I don't want stressed fish so I am asking your opinion on these selections. Sorry for the long letter but I value your opinion.
<Happy to be of service! I wish you luck with your new tank! Regards, Scott F.>
Tank Recommendations - 06/20/05
WWM Crew,
How's it going?
<<Well, thank you.>>
I'm sure you get a lot of these types of "Is this right?" questions so I
appreciate anyone who can take the time to reply.
<<Just glad you're asking the questions now <G>.>>
I'm currently planning (I over plan everything. From substrate to filtration
to livestock to daily/monthly routines) a 375 gallon reef tank.
<<SWEET! That happens to be what I have too!>>
It will be 96x30x30 with a sump of around 80 gallons.
<<Hey man!...you been peekin' in my window?>>
That is unless I can get it plumbed into the closet in which case I want to
go bigger.
<<There ya go!>>
As well, it will have a 100 gallon refugium that will be on a stand next to
it.
<<Excellent!>>
My goal is to actually make the refugium interesting and not something
hidden away.
<<Is just as fascinating as the main display, yes.>>
With mainly Chaetomorpha and Gracilaria Parvispora for occasional tang
feeding.
<<Both great algae for a vegetable refugium...but I would recommend picking
just one to go with. Just like corals, the algae will compete for
space/dominance in the refugium.>>
The refugium will have a 6-8" sand bed, 150-175 pounds of Fiji live rock,
and will be where I can finally put my 3-stripe damsel.
<<Dude...I was right there with ya up to this point! With the sand bed
(which I applaud) and the live rock, you won't have much room for macroalgae
growth. I would suggest choosing one method or the other (rock 'fuge or
veggie 'fuge). And whatever you do...DON'T put that damsel in the refugium,
it will quickly deplete your pod population (read: defeat the purpose of the
refugium).>>
As well, I'm planning on keeping a mated pair of coral banded shrimp, and a
flame hawk in this tank as well.
<<All good. But do be aware hawk fish are neither peaceful nor particularly
reef-safe.>>
Moving on, the main display will have over 500 lbs of live rock (mainly
Fiji, but some Tonga branch), a 3-4" sand bed.
<<Way too much rock, in my opinion. Think about going for a more "open"
seascape. Open space/rockwork looks fantastic in a large tank like this,
gives corals/fish space to grow "big", not to mention the ease on the pocket
book. You really don't need to "fill" the tank with rock for effective
bio-filtration, specially with the DSB (I'd bump that to 5-6 inches, by the
way.)
The skimming will be done with a Euro-Reef CS12-3 and I'll also be using a
KNOP Calcium Reactor S-IV. This is the only brand that I've found for this
size at a reasonable price. Any recommendations would be great.
<<No problems here with either product. I have the same skimmer on my 375,
though I went with the PM-CR622 for my calcium reactor.>>
As well as Maxi-jet's, Tunze Turbelle Streams, and such for water movement.
<<Love those Streams! I'm pushing around about 11,000 gph...would recommend
same (or more) for you.>>
My first question is about lighting.
<<Uh oh...shoulda been pacing myself.>>
My goal is to primarily keep LPS with some Zoanthids and a couple of
Montipora SPS species. Would you recommend 4 400W MH or 4 250w MH?
<<Wouldn't recommend 400w even of you were keeping "high light" acros...go
with the 250w... or better yet 150w (DE), considering what you want to
keep.>>
Also, do you think PC actinics or VHO actinics would work better?
<<Moot point...use 10,000k halide bulbs and the actinics will be for your
pleasure, not the corals.>>
Would 1 watt blue LED's reach the bottom of the tank for moon lighting?
<<Yes. But again...this is for you.>>
Also, what do you recommend for Kelvin rating? I've seen really good tanks
with 10,000k and 14,000k, but have also heard recommendations for mixing
different ratings.
<<Maybe...tis up to you. My recommendation is all 10K.>>
I know much of this is opinion questions, but I really do like getting
honest opinion.
<<No prob! Opinions I have in abundance <G>.>>
As far as livestock, I'd like to know if you foresee any problems with this
livestock list (attained over a very long period, 2+ years). All quantities
are 1 unless stated otherwise: Opistognathus aurifrons,
<<Hold off on the mandarin for at least a year (good advice for all fish if
you can do it!) until the refugium can provide a sustainable food supply.>>
6 Chromis viridis, Centropyge Aurantius, Centropyge Multispinis, Ecsenius
Midas, Salarias Fasciatus,
<<I don't really consider ANY blenny to be "reef-safe.">>
2 Amphiprion Ocellaris, 2 Black Amphiprion Percula, 2 Elacatinus Oceanops, 2
Pterapogon Kauderni, 1 Stonogobiops Nematodes, Gobiodon strangulatus, 1
Gobiodon Okinawae, 2 Nemateleotris Decora,
<<The gobies will be great in this tank.>>
Paracheilinus Filamentous, Wetmorella nigropinnata, Cirrhilabrus, Laboutei,
Pseudanthias Dispar, Oxycirrhites Typus,
<<Longnose hawks are fascinating, curious fish...but you'd be surprised at
the size shrimp they can get in their mouths...you are forewarned.>>
Centropyge Loriculus, Centropyge Bispinosus, Tank Bred Pseudochromis
Fridmani, Tank Bred Pseudochromis Springeri, Acanthurus Achilles,
<<I can't endorse the Achilles Tang...needs more flow/more space than even
this tank can supply.>>
Ctenochaetus Hawaiiensis, Paracanthurus hepatus , Zebrasoma Flavescens,
<<Honestly...not a tang person when it comes to reef tanks...but these last
three should be fine in this size system...if you must <G>.>>
2 Blue Synchiropus Splendidus.
<<Again with the mandarins? Please do wait on these.>>
As well as various snails, hermits, and cleaner shrimp.
<<Other than noted...a fine selection...do keep an eye on the pygmies
though...can be risky to mix so many, even in a big tank, as well as a risk
to corals.>>
Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated. I'm just looking to make
sure I have the best possible start that I can provide for my underwater
friends. Also, one last question, I want to use a 55 gallon tank just for
holding live rock to culture algae on it so I can put it into the main
display for the tangs and angels and then remove it and continually replace
it with other pieces in the algae tank about once a week. My question, what
lighting would you recommend for growing algae on the rock and would I have
to use any supplements on this tank as well to encourage growth?
<<No supplements...and a couple or three 65w 6500K PC lights will serve you
well.>>
Thank you again for your help.
Nick
<<Is a pleasure, Eric R.>>
Large System - 08/16/05
I recently acquired a 600 gallon tank that I am planning some
upgrades for.
<<cool>>
The tank came with 2 - 6' VHO's. It's a 4' tall tank, and I just want it to
look REALLY nice, not necessarily try to grow anything in it (aside from healthy
fish).
<<ok>>
I haven't gotten it filled yet, or the lights hooked up so I'm
not sure how bright it's going to be, but I'm curious if VHOs can hack it or
would it be recommended to bump it up to halides even though its a FOWLR.
<<The VHOs will work fine for the fish (may want to add a couple more tubes),
but I wouldn't expect any life to "flourish" on the live rock in the bottom
third of the tank. I prefer the look of a single-point light source
myself...and considering the depth of this tank, would likely opt for the
halides.>>
I want to mount my 125 above the 600 if that is possible and use it as a
refugium/invert display to complement my FOWLR, so it would be nice if I could
avoid the heating issues that would inevitably arise with halides.
<<A valid concern...but don't be fooled in to believing VHOs won't be hot. The
use of cooling/exhaust fans will likely be required for either application.>>
That leads to my next question and that is...are there any nifty tricks aside
from drilling (glass tank), and overflow boxes (the devil) to getting a top
mounted tank to overflow to a tank below?
<<Not that I'm aware/would trust. Drilling really is you're best option.>>
Third question - The tank came with two Oceanclear canisters (which I am
scraping for this project), and two 1200 gph external pumps. There are four
drilled holes and bulkheads in the bottom of the tank from this, and two pumps I
have no great use for. Would it be hazardous at all to just run two small
closed-loops right out the bottom - provided that I elevated the drains above
the substrate?
<<Employ "true" closed-loops and you have no worries.>>
And would that be worthwhile?
<<Absolutely!>>
I'm going to plumb a Dolphin AquaSea in for a closed loop on the back so if I
had to plumb them any other way it probably wouldn't be worth the hassle.
<<More flow the better...whether a reef or a FOWLR.>>
Lastly - just before my dreams get out of control - assuming I have top notch
water quality, and 600+ lbs of live rock how many "stocking rules" can I break
in a tank this size?
<<Every tank has it's own set of rules...>>
Can I keep a school of Yellow or Blue Tangs...or
multiple Pomacanthus angels...or keep a Sohal with other types of tangs...or....you get the picture :)
<<Unfortunately yes, I do <G>... You don't give the tank dimensions, but at 4
feet in height I'm guessing it's no longer than 8 feet (96"x48"x30" ?). The
Sohal gets too big even for this tank to be happy/well adjusted for its
lifetime...the blue tangs (Hippo?), though not quite as large as the Sohal at
maturity, are so robust, active, and high strung/twitchy as to (in my opinion)
require more swimming room, more flow, and more "hidey holes", than most casual
hobbyist can provide...especially if more than one. As for the yellow tangs, I
might be tempted to try a trio (all same size introduced together) in this
tank. Careful selection of a Pomacanthus might prove interesting as well (two
might be trouble)...tho be warned, these can/will become bruisers at
maturity...choose tank mates well. At least research your selections
(fishbase.org provides good info on adult size, gut content (food), etc.) and
seriously consider their requirements/needs before purchase.>>
Muchas Gracias, I always appreciate your input.
Scott
<<Happy to be here to assist/give opinion. Regards, EricR>>
Big Fish- Big Tank? 10/12/05
Hi Crew!
<Heya! Scott F. at your service!>
I did look at your FAQ's to make sure the question I have was not previously asked/answered and did not find specific answers to my question.
<No problem...>
Basics: 220 gallon Oceanic 72" long tank with Tonga Supreme live rock, live sand substrate, 40 watt UV sterilizer, Aqua Medics protein skimmer, Seio power heads, large wet/dry with filter, refugium, etc...
Currently have a beautiful 30" Zebra Moray, 2.5" Volitans Lionfish, 5.5" Bicolor Fiji Rabbitfish, with several Turbo Snails and Hermit Crabs.
Question: I am adding this week a Chevron Tang and wanted to know if I added a
Desjardini Red Sea Sailfin and Prionurus laticlavius (Yellowtail Sawtail Tang) if you thought they would get along??? This mix is a divergence from the more popular Purple, Yellow, and PB (Blue Hippo) Tangs that most people buy. I know some folks indicate that tangs should be introduced together; however I will be adding them individually.
<Well, my best advice is to consider the "end game' here. The Desjardini can hit 15" plus, and the Prionurus gets even larger. I think the issue here is more the size of the fish than their possible
compatibility. I'm sure that they could get along socially, but not in this sized aquarium. Even a 220 is too small to house both of these guys together for anything close to a natural life span, IMO. I'm looking at my 225 right now, and I cannot imagine these two guys living together comfortably in my tank for an extended period. Perhaps in a 400 or 500 gallon plus tank, yes.>
My last fish after the tangs will either be a Majestic or Emperor Angel, which will make 7 fish. Do you think this is a good mix and fine with the tank size I have?
<To be honest, no. My personal philosophy has always been, "Why keep large fish just because you have a large tank?". Granted, that's my kooky world view, but it warrants consideration. You're talking about fishes that can and do reach well over a foot in length. Placing them in even a 6-foot plus tank is questionable. Kind of like you and I living the rest of our lives in our living rooms. Sort of comfortable, but after a while, you'd go nuts! Why not consider stocking fishes that hit a maximum length of say, 6"-8"? There are plenty of neat fishes that are in that range, and they'll be a lot happier in your tank. One more fact to consider: A study I read indicated that the adult Emperor Angel typically ranges over an area about half the size of a
football field! Obviously, you can take this argument to absurd lengths, but the point
is - think small!>
One last question: my Lionfish will absolutely not eat frozen, only live feeders. I can only get ghost shrimp, prawn shrimp, and feeder guppies in which I place Zoe drops into the bag they are in and let them set in there until they are fed to the Lion. Would this be okay long term if he just won't eat the frozen?
<It can work, but you really want to wean him to prepared foods, ideally foods of marine origin, as they have the
proper nutritional profile for this fish. Keep trying>
I have gone a long time in between feedings to hope to entice him with frozen food on a clear feeding stick (wiggling it) but he hides in the rocks every time. Your thoughts?
<My advice is to keep doing what you're doing...Don't give up. He will eventually come around-could take a long time, but it will happen eventually.>
Thanks for your help and outstanding dedication to this hobby and I look forward to your comments.
Steven
<Best of luck, Steven. Regards, Scott F.>
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