Open ended question/s... re SW
Hello, I have a quick question. I have recently upgraded to a 75 gallon tank from a 29, the 29 will become a sump, I don't want to do another reef tank, I would like to keep some "larger fish", the LFS keeps trying to get me to mix triggers and lions, which probably is a bad idea, was wondering if you all had any recommendations for making a nice 75 saltwater tank. 
Thanks for your time
Eric
<... read, on WWM re... Bob Fenner> 

Beginner Fish for Dave/Luigi/Steve
Hey it's me Steve here again thanks for your helpful responses in our last conversation, I just recently searched through LiveAquaria.com excellent website by the way anyhow I found a section stated beginner fish I thought I would
name them: Bicolor blenny, Kaudern's cardinal, Midas blenny, spotted Cardinalfish, blue/green Chromis, snowflake Eel, yellowtail damsel, bicolor Pseudochromis, zebra barred Dartfish, clown goby green, clown goby citrinus, court jester
goby, firefish, purple stripe Pseudochromis, neon gold goby, neon blue goby, orange spotted goby, longnose Hawkfish, scissortail Dartfish, sleeper banded goby, sleeper gold head goby, diamond watchman goby, pink spotted watchman goby, yellow watchman goby, bursa triggerfish, Humu Picasso triggerfish, volitans lionfish, raccoon Butterflyfish, blue tang, sixline wrasse, yellow tang, coral angel beauty, Foxface lo, ocellaris clown, percula clown and fridmani Pseudochromis these fish were all said to be easy in this section is there any actually truth to that? I thought I would like to hear back from the professionals thanks Steve out. 
<Steve, here is a link on FAQ's compiled by the Wet Web on beginner fish. Read on. http://www.google.com/custom?q=beginner+fish&sitesearch=wetwebmedia.com  <James (Salty Dog)>
<<He already did hear back, but as "Luigi".. or was it "Dave"?>>

Fish/Compatibility
I have posted this elsewhere.  I am trying to get as much info as I possibly
can.  I hope you can shed some light on my agonizing choices for fish.
I am not really planning for any corals, I am not really interested in going
reef. I currently have some mushrooms that is it. But if I get a cheap frag
of an easier coral maybe a candy cane or xenia, I might give it a shot.
Depending on lighting requirements of course. I do plan to see about getting
a used set up in the future.
But here is a list of fish that I plan on looking in to for my tank. By the
way the tank is 90 gallon, and is 10 months old, and only has 1 firefish.
(2)clowns (false perc)
Copperband butterfly (my wife's choice)<Not one of the easiest butterflies>
Threadfin butterfly (my choice) We'll see who wins!!
Tang (purple, yellow, or blue) If I go with yellow, I would like a blue
fish, or purple. (suggestions please)<Orchid Dottyback>
Flame Angel
A bottom dweller.   Looking at Bi-color Blenny
I did have a lawnmower (He hid a lot, and he passed shortly after the "hair
algae pulling, rock falling, sand storm incident" I think he was stressed
from it)
What else could I consider. for a bottom fish that will not hide all the
time. <I suggest a google search on the Wet Web, keywords blennies and gobies>
I want to see about getting the clowns next weekend, and maybe another fish,
along with some inverts (crabs, snails, etc.)  Which order should  go in?
Also what fish on my list, or suggested fish should I go with next? <I'd put the more timid fish in first.  Clowns first, then butterfly and tang last.  James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks <You're welcome>

Compatibility
Good evening.<Good morning>
I'm thinking about new fish for my 55g FO (Bak- Pak, Eheim, 18w UV) Currently inhabited by a Flame angel, Royal Gramma, and a percula clown.  I'm interested in a tang and butterfly and understand that in the marine aquarium world a 55g is not very big (kicking myself for not going larger).  Would a Kole or Powder brown tang be reasonable.<A 55 is a little small for tangs.>  How about a Raccoon or small Heniochus (had to return a larger specimen for disciplinary reasons).<I'd go with the Heniochus.>  Any advice or other fish recommendations would be greatly appreciated.<Your choice, go with smaller fish for your size tank.>  As always, no better advice than WWM on the web or any LFS that I have encountered.<Thank you, James (Salty Dog)>

Aggressive Marines, who will Stand Up?  
WWM Crew,
<Bob>
Due to some aggression issues I find myself with, perhaps, room for one more fish in my tank. It appears as if my Blue Face Angel and my Lunare Wrasse took a strong disliking to my Red Barred Hawk and did him in (so to speak). Obviously, my tank is on the aggressive side. It is a 180 FO, without live rock. 20 gallon wet/dry, PC UV sanitizer, Aqua C EV protein skimmer and a Mag 12 for circulation, It's been running for 2 years. All decorations are artificial and consist mostly of Living Colors Artificial reef and corals. Zero ammonia and nitrites, 20 ppm Nitrates, pH of 8.2, 80F temp. I do 35 gallon water changes with water from a 5 stage RO every 2 weeks. They get fed a variety of Mysis, silver sides, frozen krill and Nori once a day. The fish load is a 4" Blue Faced Angel and Lunare Wrasse, a 2.5" Huma Huma Trigger, a 3.5" Maroon Clown, a 4" Stars and Stripes Puffer, a 9" Golden Tail Moray and 13" Comet Moray. My LFS's are of no help because they will sell me anything I am stupid enough to buy.
<Mmm, seems to be their role>
I've done quite a bit of searching through the FAQ's and articles looking for an aggressive fish that would be compatible. The Sohal would probably be just plain mean or way too an aggressive feeder. The Naso's just get too big. I think the 2 Sailfins get too big as well.
<Actually, the fishes you list will out-grow your present tank...>
The Powder Blue is ich-prone and needs live rock. I had a bad experience with a Blue Lined Grouper (sucker thought the whole tank was his and picked on everyone). A larger hawk might work but my wife wants more movement in the tank. How about a Spiny Box Puffer? Or is one puffer enough?
<I would not put a boxfish in your system... too likely to be starved by more aggressive feeders>
These are but a few of the fish I have researched. I am more than willing to rearrange the decor to "stir things up" and mess up existing territories but have run out of ideas as to the next fish. Any advise? Ideas?
<I would just let time go by... perhaps pick up another species... of tang... if/when one catches your eye... otherwise, your present livestock assortment, like Microsoft Corp., will grow to assimilate all available resources... Bob Fenner>
As always, thanks for this help and the tons of help you provide without even knowing it. <Hee! I do know it>
Bob 

One Last Fish?
WWM Crew,
Due to some aggression issues I find myself with, perhaps, room for one more fish in my tank. It appears as if my Blue Face Angel and my Lunare Wrasse took a strong disliking to my Red Barred Hawk and did him in (so to speak). Obviously, my tank is on the aggressive side. It is a 180 FO, without live rock. 20 gallon wet/dry, PC UV sanitizer, Aqua C EV protein skimmer and a Mag 12 for circulation, It's been running for 2 years. All decorations are artificial and consist mostly of Living Colors Artificial reef and corals. Zero ammonia and nitrites, 20 ppm Nitrates, ph of 8.2, 80F temp. I do 35 gallon water changes with water from a 5 stage RO every 2 weeks. They get fed a variety of Mysis, silver sides, frozen krill and Nori once a day. The fish load is a 4" Blue Faced Angel and Lunare Wrasse, a 2.5" Huma Huma Trigger, a 3.5" Maroon Clown, a 4" Stars and Stripes Puffer, a 9" Golden Tail Moray and 13" Comet Moray. My LFS's are of no help because they will sell me anything I am stupid enough to buy. I've done quite a bit of searching through the FAQ's and articles looking for an aggressive fish that would be compatible. The Sohal would probably be just plain mean or way too an aggressive feeder. The Naso's just get too big. I think the 2 Sailfins get too big as well. The Powder Blue is ich-prone and needs live rock. I had a bad experience with a Blue Lined Grouper (sucker thought the whole tank was his and picked on everyone). A larger hawk might work but my wife wants more movement in the tank. How about a Spiny Box Puffer? Or is one puffer enough? These are but a few of the fish I have researched. I am more than willing to rearrange the decor to "stir things up" and mess up existing territories but have run out of ideas as to the next fish. Any advise? Ideas?
As always, thanks for this help and the tons of help you provide without even knowing it.
Bob 
>Hello Bob,
Let me start of by saying that I don't think you've given the genus Cephalopholis a fair shake. What you witnessed with your Blue line grouper is by no means the norm. I've kept hinds of that genus in tanks similar to yours many times without any problems.
Having said that, there are MANY options open to you right now. A Naso tang will actually do just fine. Although in theory it get's too large for your tank, if you purchase a nice 4 or 5 inch individual, it will be years before you have an issue, if ever. Size in the wild and max size in your tank are often two different things. A trio of Yellow tangs is another option. You might also want to consider a Harlequin tusk fish. Or how about a Niger trigger? A bit of a dicey proposition considering the presence of the Huma Huma, but as long as he's a bit bigger you should be fine.
Foxface Rabbitfish? Green bird wrasse? Dragon Wrasse? I could list fish for days. It comes down to your taste. The puffer should work too. I think I'd go with the Naso if I were you. I kept one in a 135 years ago for a good 3 years, and he ate well and grew from 4 inches to maybe 8 inches in that time.
Please let me know if you have any more specific questions. Be aware that your Huma Huma trigger is going to be a VERY slow grower, maybe an inch a year.
Good luck!
Jim<

Bioluminescent Creatures For Reef Tanks (10/7/04)
Hi there. <Hi. Steve Allen here.>
Great site! it sure has helped me selecting fish for my reef aquarium. <Myself included. AN honor to play a small part.>  I've read the post for pinecone fish and flashlight fish, but they seem to be better for public aquaria and other expert aquarist. <True.> Is there any bioluminescent animal you would recommend for a reef aquarium? <There really aren't many, because most are, of course, deepwater animals. There are some bioluminescent brittlestars available at www.inlandaquatics.com. I haven't seen them myself, but I am a big fan of brittlestars in general, and they are easy to keep.> Thanks in advance, Robertino <You're welcome. Hope this helps.>

Stocking Questions
Hail to the Crew:
Hey, I just wanted to bounce my stocking list off of you folks for my 55
gal.  I have about 50 lbs of LR, and I am setting up a 40 gal refugium
with more LR to come.  Here goes:
I HAVE THESE:
1-False Percula Clown (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1-Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)
1-Fire Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
1-Cherub Angel (Centropyge argi)
The above fish have gotten along very well over the last year.
I WANT THESE:
1-Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
1-Twinspot Hogfish (Bodianus bimaculatus)
1-Sixline Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)
1-Yellow Devilfish (Assessor flavissimus)
Please do not hesitate telling whatever you need to.
My research has shown that these fish will max out between 2" and 4".  I
have read that, individually, these are not overly aggressive fish.
However, I understand that cramping livestock changes the "rules".  As
far my LFS goes, they normally carry my "want these" list at 2" or less.
I think that it may be too many for my 55, but I am not sure because of
the additional refugium volume.  IYO, what size tank would I need for
these fish to live out their lives, should I choose to have them all?
Thanks, Rich
>>>Hello Rich,
For starters, C. argi is one of the most aggressive little fish out there. A GREAT fish, one of my favorites - but scrappy. They should always be added last. If yours is behaving in a calm fashion, you're lucky, or he's just acclimated to his current tank mates. Adding anything else in a tank that size is a risk usually with this fish, especially something smaller. Sixline wrasses are fairly aggressive themselves, and often victimize smaller, calmer fishes. Your orchid Dottyback may be in danger here. In fact, I have a sixline wrasse that will not let my orchid Dottyback out of the hole he hides in, and the orchid Dottyback was added first.
Lawnmower blennies are notorious for starving in captivity. Yellow assessors don't ship well, so hardiness is a problem with these sometimes.
Really, I would leave the tank alone, especially since it's currently stable. If you start messing with things, you might regret it. If anything, add the hog fish. :)
For all those fish, I'd say a 90 gallon or so. Even then, a fish or two might be harassed to the point where it has to be removed.
Regards
Jim<<<

Stocking Question Follow-up
Jim:
Thanks for your analysis of my situation.  I guess my research
concluding that all my fish were "not overly aggressive" was a bit
incorrect.  My C. argi has behaved like a docile fish, and it appears to
have the full yellow-faced adult coloration as pictured on your
Centropyge page.  For historical purposes, here is the order of my
introductions and their time in my care so far:
False Percula Clown (Amphiprion ocellaris) [88 weeks]
Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) [78 weeks]
Fire Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) [69 weeks]
Cherub Angel (Centropyge argi) [63 weeks]
Does the time factor solidify your first inclination for me to leave
things be, or is it simply "if it ain't broke..."?  
I thought the P. fridmani was a fish that could "hold it's own".  You
have the purple one with the black stripe through it's eyes, right?  I
am not doubting your specimen ID, I am just double checking.  I will
heed your advice, and I will either not add anything more or go with the
B. bimaculatus (love that fish!).  I will try to resist.  Hey, within
the next  two years I will be upgrading to either a 72x18x22(125gal) or
72x24x24(180) [96x24x24-240 is just a dream, but what a dream!].  Unlike
some, I will NOT be filling my larger tank with big or aggressive fish.
We will talk about many more colorful small fish then!  By the way,
welcome!  You are a relatively new responder, yes?  I like you're your
style.  
Thanks again, Rich
>>>Hey Rich,
Thanks for the compliment, and yes, I'm one of the newer folk around here. :) Although we've just "signed" several new people, so I'm not the new guy anymore. Yes, I'm absolutely sure we're talking about the same fish - P. fridmani. They are not very aggressive usually, and can easily be victimized by much more pugnacious fish.
Regards
Jim<<<

Reef Stocking - tank limitations 10/5/04
I love the website, tons of info. I have a 90g 3'x2'x2' tank, 25g fuge above and 20g sump below. There is about 170 pounds of LR, 90 or so of LS. Tank has been up for about 5 mo. and fug about 8 mo. Water is good except 5-10 nitrates.
<no worries here... a little bit of nitrates are good for most corals>
I have 2 clowns, 2 Chromis, 2 Lyretail Anthias and a lawnmower blenny. The clowns love their BTA which has become a SOB. He has turned brownish and won't stop moving and gets under rock work. What can I do except get rid of him?
<anemones really do not belong in mixed reef tanks as you are discovering. It is unnatural to keep them in a reef display (they do not occur in/among high concentrations of corals on the reef proper)... and they are impractical. Anemones truly need species/biotope tanks IMO>
I have a torch, hammer and fox doing great. Fox looks a little brownish. Why?
<they turn brown from excess light. This is a deep water coral>
I use a 400w 14K Hamilton bulb. The male Anthias keeps beating up female about six weeks now. Should I get another female to give her a break.
<the tank is too small for a shoal of Anthias, my friend. But yes... more females in a larger tank might do the trick>
My main goal is to get a mandarin. I bought 1000 copepods, 100 Mysis and I have tons of amphipods.
<they only eat copepods mate... do focus on buying, culturing them>
I'm also trying to raise copepods in separate tank. Do you have any good links to do this?
<Florida aqua farms have a lot of good information and supplies for plankton culture. Reed Mariculture over on the West Coast too>
How much longer should I wait for Mandarin?
<depends on how productive the refugium is or how willing you are to buy copepods. As soon as you have a stable source>
The local fish store has a Watanabei for only 40. He looks good and about 5" or so and fat. Should I even be looking at this fish?
<Genicanthus angels are fabulously peaceful, but require very large/long aquaria. Your 90 is not even close my friend. Thinking 180 gall/6 feet long minimum>
Really hard to find stories on this fish and little info. I guess not to many people have one.
<many sad stories here as they are too passive and need such large tanks. They usually dwindle and die in average home aquaria. They can fare very well with a peaceful, large tank though>
I wanted to get a tang but the tang police busted me.
<good <G>>
I was also think of a wrasse but not if the mandarin competes for food.
<very wise... agreed>
Any help would be great
<it sounds like you are aware of your needs and limitations, my friend. Kudos to you. Best of luck, Anthony>
Billy

Stocking Questions 10/5/04
Good morning, I've been reading a lot of FAQs on your site, it has been extremely helpful. Thank you for your continued help in this never ending endeavor.
<very welcome... good to hear from you>
I just have a few questions in regards to stocking. Here is a description of my tank setup.
75 gallon Oceanic
Coralife Lunar Aqualight (two 65 watt 10,000K and two 65 watt True Actinic 03)
3012 Ecosystem
AquaC Urchin skimmer
1/2" to 3/4" sand bed
40 lbs of Marshall rock
40 lbs of Kaelini Tonga
Panworld/Blueline 100PX @790gph
3 Maxijet 1200's aimed at return pump.
The following is a list of the fish/inverts I would like to get over time.  Each of them will go through 4-5 weeks of quarantine. I am also planning on adding some Zoanthids over time.  I am wondering if this is a suitable list and if the order I am adding is acceptable.  Also will any of these fish/inverts become
aggressive towards any of the others? I will be adding the fish/inverts at least 5 weeks apart from each other.
<all sounds very good so far>
1. 3 Mexican Turbo Snails, 3 Peppermint Shrimp, What others would you recommend for the clean up crew?
<Ophiuroid serpent type stars (excluding the green brittle star) are very fine and hardy scavengers. Do consider>
2. 2 False Percula Clowns - Aquacultured
3. Fridmani - Aquacultured
4. Rose Bulb Anemone (or ??? for clowns)
<yes... if any anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor is best>
5. Diamond Goby?
<not needed for the sand, but a reasonably hardy choice. The blue spotted yellow watchman's are even hardier and quite handsome>
6. Flame Angle
Would you recommend any other fish?  If so any suggestions?
<many possibilities, but do stick with those with small adult sizes as you have thus far. Some shoaling cardinals would be nice... scissortail or bar gobies (also schooling) many species here, do look into the microdesmids and see our article in the first issue of conscientious aquarist online e-zine for more]>
Sorry for all the questions, just want to create the best environment I can. Thank you kindly for your time and response.
Mark
<it sounds like you are well-prepared my friend. No worries, your patience and research will pay off! Anthony>

Fish Selection for Reef Tank
Enjoy your site, appreciate your advice, would love your help.
Tank Specs:  DIY 110 gallon nominal acrylic tank (48x18x30), 6-7” DSB
oolithic aragonite, ~100lbs. Live rock, primarily Fiji, DIY 25 gallon
acrylic sump, AquaC-180, DIY calc reactor, lighting 4 – 110 watt VHO tubes,
return pump Iwaki 30 RXLT, MaxiJet 1200 for added circ.
Current Inhabitants:  Pink xenia, Florida Ricordea, yellow polyps, green
button polyps, colt coral, frog spawn, dwarf cup corals, stripped mushrooms,
brown mushrooms, various sponges, Porites, foraminiferans, tunicates, turkey
wing oyster, trumpet coral, few turbo snails, few hermit crabs, lots of
various macro algae, and a brownish-green Florida cucumber.
I received much of the live rock and all of the inhabitants from a person
getting out of the hobby a modest price. ($250.00)
The tank has been without fish for a few months now, it seems stable, water
parameters are good, and my pod population seems ample (the little guys are
found everywhere even during midday in the lighting schedule.)  Macro algae
is growing well, and coral seem okay….although some of the stripped
mushrooms seem to be shrinking in size.
5 questions follow:
1. What do you think of the following potential stocking list? (Where two
alternatives are provided please indicate your preference and why)
            a.  Ctenochaetus strigosus (yellow eye Kole tang) OR Zebrasoma
scopas (scopas tang)
b.  Neocirrhitus armatus (flame hawkfish)
            c.  Single/pair of Amphiprion frenatus (tomato clownfish) OR
single/pair of a. melanopus (red-black clownfish) [figured the frog spawn
would serve as home]
            d.  Pair of Nemateleotris Magnifica (fire goby) OR pair of
Nemateleotris Decora (purple firefish)
            e.  3 Chromis Viridis (green Chromis)
            f.  3 Lysmata Amboinensis (skunk cleaner shrimp)
Note: was also considering Amblyeleotris randalli (Randall's prawn goby)
with Alpheus djeddensus or aa. Bellulus, but after reading I am concerned
that even If I was able to find a symbiotic pair, the pistol might be too
much for the cleaner shrimp and/or firefish.  Not to mention the Flamehawk.
2. In what order should each be added?
3. Is additional circulation warranted with my current (pun intended) and
future stocking plans? (I like the idea of those Tunze streams)
4. Any suggestions as far as additions, deletions, changes, concerns,
improvements, etc?
5. Finally, the answer to this last question is not necessary, but I am
curious.  What are your (individual-the collective) thoughts of Controlled
Plenum Wasting (CPW) as opposed to DSB? See the link below for an in depth
discussion, but again only if you have the time.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=289910&perpage=25&p
agenumber=1
<http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=289910&perpage=25&
pagenumber=1>
Please let Anthony know that I took his advice as outlined in Coral
Propagation on the tank construction (40 inch horizontal overflow) and live
rock setup (pvc supported cliff structure) and am quite pleased with the
results thus far.
Much thanks,
Mike
>>>Hey Mike,
Your stocking list sounds fine. I'll leave the options up to you, as they make little difference given the choices you've laid out. The tomato and melanopus clowns have identical personality issues for instance. :) I would definitely add the firefish first, the tang second, the clowns, then the hawkfish. Also, don't count on the clowns hosting in the frogspawn. While it happens sometimes, you can't plan on it. Also, it irritates some Euphyllia.
As far as circulation, you may be just fine. Euphyllia don't like tons of current anyway. If you have any dead areas, or start to have diatom problems, a bit more circulation may be in order. Tunze products are a huge waste of money in my opinion. They work, they just charge too much for them. It's a pump...
There is plenty written on DSB vs. Plenums, and I suggest you do a further search and arrive at your own conclusions on the matter. I don't honestly have time investigate that link you sent at the moment. I've been part of DSB discussions on that site as well as others. I've read plenty by now, believe me. At the end of the day, it's still up in the air. As for myself, my next tank will have a shallow sand bed. I'm done with DSB's, either with a plenum or without.
Cheers
Jim<<<

Can you export a marine fish @Japan?  
Can you export a marine fish to Japan?  Narita Airport
If it is ok unit Please inform of price list and stock list and charges
price and aviation expense etc.
Can he understand Japanese?
If it understands easy to connect.  Takada
<Please contact Amy at www.MarineDepot.com. Bob Fenner>

- Setting up a 120 Reef -
Greetings Crew
I'm in the process of setting up a 120 gal tank and have a series of related stocking questions.  Hardware should be something along the lines of:
Overflow split into two 29 gal tanks.  One will be a refugium with a DSB, LR and macroalgae (suggestions here? Preferably something non-floating). <Many choices, all reviewed on Wet Web Media.> The second tank will hold an Aqua-C EV180 with ozone, then through carbon into a chamber with two heaters and then into a collection area.  The refugium will return to this collection area and then be shot back into the display tank via an Iwaki MD30RLXT (Thinking about hooking up a SCWD into the return and directing it to two nozzles. thoughts?). <Sounds good to me.> Additional current in the display via Tunze Turbelle and closed loop or manifold.  Lighting will be two 250w MH, either 10K, 12K or 20K.haven't decided yet.
I'm looking at mostly softies at this point, but want the flexibility to go in other directions later in life without completely re-tooling the tank.
My limiting factor fish-wise is a Mandarin (S. splendens).  Along with that little guy, I'd like to keep a dwarf flame angel, a white cheeked tang, a pair of clowns (ocellaris or perc) and some other small something-or-other.  Several folks have suggested cardinals, but I have a strong preference against those particular critters.  I'd like to be able to keep a triad or so of firefish, but wonder if they might out-compete the mandarin. <Is possible.> My hope would be that there'd be enough food to sustain both given the size of the display, the refugium (to be seeded with pods and the like), and about 6 months of critter growing time before any swimming fish are introduced. <Good plan.>
Now the questions:
1) Think the group of firefish is feasible? <Is feasible, but as you mentioned will be competition for food for the Mandarin.> If not, do you have any non-cardinal suggestions? <Well... if color is not a huge issue, why not go for some fish that aren't exactly pretty but very fun to watch, Barnacle Blennies.>
2) If the firefish would work, are the various species of firefish compatible together in this size space? <They often pair up... would get two of one species, and if I were in your situation I'd get the ones your wife likes.> (My wife likes the purples ones, I prefer the white/orange ones)
3) Given this list of fish, in what order would you stock? <If you manage to wait the full six months, and have a good quantity of live rock, you should be able to stock this list in any order with one proviso... you should wait as long as possible for the Mandarin, the longer the better.>
Thanks in advance for your guidance.  The above plan owes quite a bit to the trust of dedicated folks associated with your site.
Sam
Anacortes, Washington
<Cheers, J -- >

Well Thought Out Stocking Plan
Good evening,
I've been reading a lot of FAQs on your site, it has been extremely helpful.
Thank you for your continued help in this never ending endeavor.
I just have a few questions in regards to stocking. Here is a description of my
tank setup.
75 gallon Oceanic
Coralife Lunar Aqualight (two 65 watt 10,000K and two 65 watt True Actinic 03)
3012 Ecosystem
AquaC Urchin skimmer
1/2" to 3/4" sand bed
40 lbs of Marshall rock
40 lbs of Kaelini Tonga
Panworld/Blueline 100PX @790gph
3 Maxijet 1200's aimed at return pump.
The following is a list of the fish/inverts I would like to get over time.  Each
of them will go through 4-5 weeks of quarantine. I am also planning on adding
some Zoanthids over time.  I am wondering if this is a suitable list and if the
order I am adding is acceptable.  Also will any of these fish/inverts become
aggressive towards any of the others?
I will be adding the fish/inverts at least 5 weeks apart from each other.
1. 3 Mexican Turbo Snails, 3 Peppermint Shrimp, What others would you recommend
for the clean up crew???
2. 2 False Percula Clowns - Aquacultured
3. Fridmani - Aquacultured
4. Rose Bulb Anemone (or ??? for clowns)
5. Diamond Goby ???
6. Flame Angle
Would you recommend any other fish?  If so any suggestions?
Sorry for all the questions, just want to create the best environment I can.
Thank you kindly for your time and response.
Mark
>>>Greetings Mark,
First let me congratulate you on an intelligent, and well thought out plan for your tank. Good on ya!
Your plan of action sounds just fine. About the Fridmani, a GREAT aquarium fish! In fact, you might consider getting a pair. I had one in a 7 gallon nano on my desk at work for over a year. Every day this guy from maintenance would come by and say "how's my little Holmes doing?" So I named him Holmes, and now he resides in a 150. :) Anyway, they are hardy, colorfast and relatively personable compared to their cousins.
The flame angel is a possibility, but make sure you quarantine it for the full period you mentioned, and add it last. In a tank that size, I'd rather see an argi or acanthops, but a flame should do fine. In all the time I've been doing this, I've never bothered with the gobies, so I can't be of much help there.
I'm not sure if your aqua cultured ocellaris will take to the E. quad (bubble tip), but give it a try. On that note, your lighting is a little lacking for keeping anemones in my opinion. I'd feel more confident in your setup of you were running more wattage. I have 6 bubbletips under 250w double ended metal halides. 150 watt double ended bulbs would work, as would 250 watts under a single ended setup. If you stick with PC's, I'd up the number of bulbs.
Other possibilities/alternates for fish are: sixline wrasse, mystery wrasse, candy Basslet, royal Gramma, trio of Chromis damsels (underrated, a great fish), the list goes on. As far as the number of fish, I think 6 or so small fish is plenty for a tank that size. If you opt for a sixline, add it last after the flame angel, and make sure it's smaller than the fridmani.
Good luck
Jim<<<

- Fish Choices for a 30 Gallon Tank -
Hi,
I have a 30 gallon tank with 30 lbs. of live rock and about 15 lbs. of base rock. It has no fish in it as of yet, and has been running 4 weeks. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate are at 0. I was planning on adding a flame or Falco hawkfish, followed by a Pseudochromis fridmani, and then a cherub angelfish. I am wondering whether these tank-mates will be too aggressive for a 30 gallon tank. <Hmm... well, it sounds like a good mix, quite frankly although in 30 gallons of water there's not a lot of room to get away from anyone. You may need to keep an eye on the Pseudochromis... he might get a little aggressive as time goes on but given the amount of rock you have, I think things will go ok. Just don't extend the list beyond this.>
Thank you for you're insight; great site.
<Cheers, J -- >

FOWLR Follies
To the most excellent crew at WetWebMedia:
<howdy>
I'm currently considering converting my 65 gallon reef tank into a
FOWLR tank. I'd like a combination something like this:
Picasso trigger
small Scorpionfish
wrasse
butterfly fish
I have a 3" sailfin tang as a remnant of the old system. I know this guy will eventually outgrow the tank.
<true... and quite possibly be a severe bully before then as it continues to grow/mature>
I'd like a butterfly that would munch heartily on the Anemonia sp. and Aiptasia that plagues my tank.
<a lunula/raccoon ranks high here... hardy and utilitarian>
The tank has a large sump underneath filled with live rock with an AquaC skimmer. I also have a large green anemone which I'd like to keep, even though I understand the butterfly
might enjoy it as a snack.
<nibbling, yes>
Are there butterflies that would ignore the large anemone and chomp on the small ones?
<most do... to the extent that you need to lacerate the larger Aiptasia for them to get eaten by predatory BFs>
Also, what species of wrasse or Scorpionfish would you recommend for this system?
<many fine wrasse species.. but a Christmas wrasses (Hawaiian) would be a good medium sized and colorful/hardy choice IMO. For scorpionfishes... it will be tough here. You need a smaller (dwarf) species that will not outgrow this tank as a volitans would... but the dwarf varieties are not ideal feeders in active community tanks. I frankly would leave the scorpion out of this tank>
Thank you for any feedback. -Ian Berger
<best regards, Anthony>

Stocking and Feeding a New  Marine Tank (9-28-04)
I recently purchased and set up a 75 gal SW tank. It has 80 plus pounds of live rock (Fiji and Haiti). For the filtration system I have an Eco 60. The tank is going to be a fish only tank, and I was curious how many fish I can put in it.
<That really depends on the fish. Have a look at this article Live a Marine Aquarium http://www.wetwebmedia.com/stocking1.htm >
Currently I have a small under 3'' puffer and 2 snails in the tank.
<Most of the Puffers get pretty large and require greater than a 75g.
I would recommend you read this article All My Puffers, Tobies, Box, Porcupine, Cowfishes
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/puffers.htm >
I want to add a lionfish and a couple of triggers. Could you suggest the best type of triggers to add to the tank.
<Triggers are a one per tank fish unless you have a very large system.
Also I was wondering if it is OK to feed the SW fish freshwater feeders such as guppies.
<No, marine fish need marine protein. I only feed live, if the fish refuses frozen or fresh.
This article should help you get off to the right start feeding your new marine critters.....
Nutrition; Foods & Feeding for Marine Aquariums: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/feeding.htm
Thanks for your help.
<You are most welcome. Best of luck with your new tank! Leslie>

More Inverts In The Mix!
To you all I say Hi
<And a "good evening" from here! Scott F. with you>
What a great surprise I had this morning when I stumbled onto your site by accident, I'm sorry but as an Englishman some of your descriptions on things like brand names and remedies are somewhat strange but nonetheless I have enjoyed my visit and will continue to probe your pages with excitement.
<Glad to hear that. Fortunately, with the internet, brands that were once found only in the States or Europe are found more readily all the time!>
Well enough praise and on to my question!
I have a 260ltr glass Juwel aquarium with built in filter, an Eheim External filter, protein skimmer (Prism).
Livestock consists of the following
            1x Maroon Clown (5cm)
            1x Raccoon Butterfly (6cm)
            1x Emperor Angel (6cm)
            1x Flame Angel (5cm)
            1x Yellow Tang (5cm)
            1x Yellow face Goby (8Cm)
            2x Torpedo Blennies (5cm) each
            1x Midas Blenny (4cm)
Inverts consist of
            1x Blue Starfish
            1x Cleaner Shrimp
            2x Dancing Shrimps
            1x Brittlestar
            12x Turbo Snails
            3x White Clawed Hermits
            1x large Orange Sponge
I would like to add at least another two starfish and half a dozen blue legged hermits to my tank, would this be possible?
<I would think that they would be fine, as long the Starfish are of the detritivorous variety, and as there is enough food present to support the population.>
Keep up the good work Steve Whale
<Our pleasure, Steve! Thanks for stopping by at WWM! Regards, Scott F.>

Starting a tank Follow-Up
Ryan, <Adam>
Thanks for the quick reply. I was doing some follow up research on my tang
choice and also realized my tank is too small for this fish. I'll have to
save that one for when I get my 300G. <A perfect tank for tangs> What is your opinion of the bristle
tooth tangs? <Great with algae, not as attractive> I'm now thinking that a Chevron tang would be a good addition
to my tank, but WWM says "hobbyists have not had "much luck" historically in
keeping these tangs species alive". I was thinking that if I waited 6 -12
months to purchase my Chevron through Marine Center, to ensure it was
captured correctly, I should have a good specimen and plenty of food growing
in my tank for this fish to graze on. Any advice for this fish would be
appreciated. <Lots of live algae, and make him the first tang added.>
Thanks for the Clown Goby recommendation. Sounds like an interesting fish,
it's definitely a consideration. I've always liked the personality of
Hawkfish but didn't think they were right for this tank, but it sounds like
a clown Goby behaves similarly. Do I need to have some corals in my tank for
them to be happy or will the live rock work the same. <all the same> Do you think it would
be possible to have two of these fish and possibly have them spawn. <Good question. Possible, but unlikely.  Almost impossible to rear fry with mechanical filtration>
So my tank would consist of the following fish introduced to the tank in
this order
Filamented Wrasse
2 Clown Gobies if + reply
Long nosed butterfly after 6months
Flame Angel a month after butterfly
Chevron Tang around 8 months again if + reply
One last question do you think I should remove the wet/dry media and for the
filter and use the space for more live rock.
<Yes, remove media and jam a lot of rock in there.  Otherwise, I think you're all set.  Make sure to add a nice little clean-up crew as well!  Ryan>
Thanks for all the help
Adam

Skimmer questions
I have a 35 gallon hexagon tank.  I have approximately 30 lbs of live rock. I have an emperor filter, that hangs on back of the tank (no room for a skimmer, yet).  I have had this tank for over a year, lots of ups and downs.  I do 5 gallon water changes every two weeks.  I have  two starfish, a choc. chip and thorny star who have survived throughout.  I also have an unknown snail, which may be a Stomatella variata, climbing around in there.  I have a two feather dusters.  I also have a Bicolor Dottyback that is doing well, and a ocellaris clownfish.  The clownfish has Popeye in one eye, he has had it for several months.  I put it in a QT tank a few months ago, and treated it with both Epsom salts, and later Maracyn. 
Nothing seem to help, so I decided to put in back in the main tank, since I had little to loose.  He seems to be blind in one eye, but is eating regularly, and the Dottyback is not bothering him, he has been this way for a few months. <Sometimes its irreversible depending on what caused it initially.>
My questions are.  Should I get a skimmer and try to get my husband to modify the top of the tank to fit it, by cutting it carefully with a special tool (any suggestions would be appreciated).  I was thinking of purchasing the AquaC Remora, which uses little space. <Aqua C's are very well thought of, but couldn't you get a hang on the tank version and hang it on the side of the tank?> Or would a smaller Emperor, along with the new remora due the job as well, in this way I would not have to cut the top. <That's a possibility as well, the skimmer, along with your live rock will serve as the filtration. Perhaps an additional powerhead for circulation.> I was also told that perhaps putting Purigen in the filter, would do the job, without the use of a skimmer. <Don't get me wrong I like Purigen but I hate to use chemicals to get rid of problems without figuring out where the problem is.>  Is this true Another question, once I get this all straightened out, and things are going well, I would like to get some new fish. <Makes sense and very wise to wait.>  I am not sure what fish I could add, that my other fish will tolerate. <No clown fish nor Dottybacks for sure.> I have had a lot of bullying in the past.  And at his point I am not picky, anything will do, as long as they get long (worse than sibling rivalry with my kids). <Maybe a small wrasse? something like a six line?>  Or should I start all over.  I could return my Dottyback, and put the clown in the QT tank, and restock.  I would like to have only 3-4 fish in my tank. <There are some lovely gobies that might work well with what you have, although depending on how aggressive your Dottyback is that could be a problem.> What types would you suggest that would do well in a small 35 hex.  I would not even mind having three of the same types of fish.  Any suggestions? <Honestly I would probably start over BUT before you do, decide on the types of fish you want to keep. Get a stocking Plan and follow it. Good luck, Debbie from MacL>
Any help you can offer would be appreciated
Thanks a bunch, Debbie

Fish additions
Hello <Hey Steve, MacL here with you today.>
Hope this question finds everyone at WetWeb media well. <I have a cold and not happy about it lol.>
I am upgrading from a 58g reef tank to a 200g acrylic  reef tank (about 10 feet long). Will have plenty of live rock/sand, 70 gallon sump, 40 gallon refugium, and plenty of circulation (and a large protein skimmer), etc..
The transplants from the smaller tank are a pair of very peaceful yellow striped maroons, a Lemonpeel angel, a coral beauty, yellow watchman goby/pistol shrimp, orchid Pseudochromis, a few LPS, a Few SPS (lighting will be four 250w  HQI pendants), a few mushrooms, and a bubble tip anemone that just keeps on splitting. <Sound wonderful and you'll love the bigger tank.>
What is your thoughts on these possible additions and perhaps the order in which they should be added?
4-5 blue "hippo" tangs a Copperband butterfly and then either a Achilles or Naso tang <Nasos get very large and you might need to be careful for the watchman goby if he's a small one. Achilles need almost perfect water conditions and a lot of oxygenation. I personally believe most people can keep most things if they are willing to do the work necessary to keep them.> and/or a blue girdled angel or regal angel. <The blue girdled and regal will eat some corals, you'll need to research carefully to determine what would be suitable coral wise with them. Also both tend to be delicate although the regal is by far the most delicate of the two.> Depending on what works above would any wrasses be appropriate in this scheme such as six-line? <I enjoy the six line wrasses, and have had good success with them.> Any input would be appreciated. As always , thanks for your time and expertise. <Hope that helps Steve, MacL>
Steve

Blue throat triggers
I was wondering If a male and female blue throat trigger would pair up if that were not that way to begin with?
<There is a good chance they would IMO>
I'm betting on that they wouldn't but I'd like to know. Also what would be a good larger angel for a 125 gallon tank? Would a Euxiphipops Navarchus or a Pomacanthus annularis work?
<Please see www.WetWebMedia.com re angel selection. The subgenus Euxiphipops are not recommended, the annularis is a good hardy choice, GIVEN you have a large-enough system>
What would be good tank mates for triggers? I'm sorry for writing so much it's just there's' so many paths too take and I'm trying to decide which one
<Please see WWM re selection. Bob Fenner>

Stocking List, Pacific Choices
The Crew <Hello, Ryan with you>
I'm looking for a check on my probable list of livestock. I have a 65g w/
wet/dry filter, off brand protein skimmer (possible upgrade), I'm purchasing
approx. 80lbs of live rock. Not sure on depth of sand needed. I'm also
considering purchasing a canister type filter for additional filtering.
(Eheim or Fluval) Do you think this is a good idea or is it overkill.  <Yes, combined with high circulation, sounds good.  Keep an eye on nitrates if you're using wet/dry media in the filter.>
My stocking list is
Desjardini Tang <Highly inappropriate for this size tank>
Long nosed Butterfly
Flame Angel or Coral Beauty
Filamented Wrasse
And a goby that I'm hoping you could recommend. I'm looking for a sand
sifting goby possibly Sleeper Gold Head or Yellow watchman. <Yellow Watchman sounds like the right choice...Maybe a clown goby?>
If you think more fish can be added would it be possible to put some Banggai
Cardinal in with this mix. <Possible, but stock slowly and watch for signs of high nutrient levels.>
I'm looking to get only fish that are considered hardy. <Add the butterfly and Angel in about 6 months to ensure success> If you think
anything needs to be changed with any fish choices could you please pass on
your recommendations. Thanks <A Tang is just too much fish in a 65...Adulthood will be cramped.  I think the Flame Angel is a good choice, and will go well with the butterfly you've selected.  The wrasse will be a jumper, so make sure that you have a tight fitting lid.  Good luck, Ryan>
Adam

New setup - Fish choices
Hi guys,
As a new starter, your site has been invaluable in pointing me in the
right direction.  2'x2'x2' Display Tank (Internal water volume roughly 44 US Gallons)
2'x1'x1' Sump Tank (Internal water volume roughly 8.5 US Gallons)
Deltec APF600 Skimmer
600 gallons/hours pump pumping back to display tank (approximately 265
gallons with head)
2 * 265 gallons/hour pumps circulating water within the display tank
Currently the sump just houses the skimmer and return pump, but there is
space for a smaller refugium.<excellent>  There is approximately 66lbs of live rock
and an average substrate depth of 3 inches.
I've kept tropical freshwater fish before, but as this is my 1st time
with marine, I'm looking to start with a fish/invert and then gradually
introduce corals when I'm happy that the tank has matured and stable,
and that I have the necessary experience.
All things going well, I would hope to get a 6'x2'x2' in the future
(when I get a decent offer for the wife!).<lol...180's are nice"
So that's the setup......now the questions (after the tank has cycled):
Would you recommend any additions to the filtration ?<I think you are fine>
Would the following be ok: 5 Blue Chromis, Pistol Shrimp & suitable
Goby, 2 Percula Clowns & cleaner shrimp (also the normal clean crew of
hermits, snails etc) ?<Yes they all will be fine>
Many thanks for the great source of information and puns!
James Knight <good luck with your new aquarium and livestock, IanB>

Stocking a 55 gal
Thanks so much for the response Blundell.  I'm glad to see that I am going
down the right path with my plans.  I do have a couple of other questions
now that the basics are confirmed.
1. My 55 freshwater setup currently has a wooden canopy that covers the
hoods and lights and hides the Emperor 400.  There is about 4" to 5"
clearance between this canopy and the top of the tank.  Is there any PC
lighting that will fit in this space or should I plan to re-work this
somehow to allow for better cooling of the lights?
<< No problem.  Most light systems will fit that.  Especially a 55 gal tank because that is such a common size. >>
2. I am planning to cycle the tank with live rock as long as it takes (6 -
8 weeks).  And make sure that I can keep all levels optimum before adding
anything.  I am sure my wife will wonder about this long delay but I will
just have to tell her that it is best for the animals we want to keep.
When I had attempted a saltwater tank a few years ago, I had a huge diatom
bloom that never really went away and my attempt ended in disaster with the
loss of all fish.  I realize now that I got in way over my head with little
knowledge of really how to do this and trusted too much in LFS advice.
Should I expect to have a diatom bloom (brown algae) everywhere again but
that it should go away soon, or will my plan of heavy skimming be able to
stop this from happening?
<< It'll happen.  Maybe two weeks into the tank, and last for two weeks. >>
3. After everything is running well, it looks like you are suggesting that
I add the corals right away.  Is there any particular order that I should
do this with what I have planned?  Mushrooms first, than Leathers, than
Starburst Polyps, etc.? << That is a great way to go. >> I am still debating on even trying the Anemone.  I
have heard that they are more difficult and not even necessary for clowns.
Maybe I'll try after a year or so of success with the other corals.
<< Yeah try that later, and make sure you have plenty of light first. >>
4. As for fish and inverts.  I see that you said my list looks good but
that I will have to wait several months.  Are there any fish or inverts I
could add with the corals? << Inverts yes, like peppermint shrimp or cleaner shrimp or urchins and seastars. >> and which fish should I start with?  << Green Chromis >>  Most
aggressive first or least aggressive? << Oh, least aggressive first for sure. >>  Also, I really don't want to push my
bioload too high, will all of these fish (planning on about 6 with either a
flame hawkfish or the Coral Beauty) and assorted crabs, snails, and stars
be a high load for a 55 with 70 ponds of live rock and a 30 gal sump with
small refugium? << Should be about right. >>
Thank you again for your assistance.  I am very much still in the planning
stages so this is all tentative and subject to change but I am trying to
lay the ground work for a system I can enjoy for the long term.  I will
probably have more questions once I am closer to actually realizing my
dream. << That's why we're here. >>
Jeff Smith
<<  Blundell  >>

Creating a Sustainable System
Hello,
<Hi there! Scott F.>
I just ordered Reef Invertebrates and thanks in advance for all your help.
<We're glad to be of service!>
I have a 75 gallon acrylic tank that is 20 in. tall and has been running for 4 months. I currently have all the fish I want and I think it's time to start adding corals, an anemone, and a clam. First, is my tank mature enough to add invertebrates at this time (I have 60 pounds of live rock and a refugium with macro algae with excellent water parameters for the last 3 months)?
<If water parameters are stable, and the tank otherwise looks healthy, you can certainly begin stocking with appropriate invertebrates>
Secondly, the lighting I have is a 4X65 watt (2 10,000K
and 2 Actinic) PC strip 2 inches above my aquarium and the light has to pass through the acrylic top on the tank. I would like to add a rose bubble tip anemone, a T. crocea clam, a few soft corals, and something like an open brain coral, but I have a couple of tank inhabitants that raise concern based on your forums: 1 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, and a 3 in. Passer Angelfish.
<Definite potential for problems with these guys...Not guaranteed trouble, of course, but potentially problematic. I'm more concerned about the lighting for anemones, and your plan to combine stinging cnidarians with corals- an unnatural mix, with potential for compatibility problems...Do re-think the stocking plan a bit>
Will my lighting be sufficient for my wish list of invertebrates?
<Your lights will work for soft corals, the Brain Coral, and possibly the clam, if it's placed very high up. However, my personal opinion is that PC lighting, although very efficient and powerful- is not really intense enough for long term maintenance of anemones. I'd highly recommend metal halides if you intend to keep anemones. Light intensity is THAT important in their husbandry>
Do my shrimp and angelfish pose a serious risk to the invertebrates I have listed?
<I'm more concerned about the angelfish>
Finally, do you have any specific recommendations for invertebrates, and will I need to remove any of my current tank inhabitants? Cheers to the WWM Crew!
Regards, Greg
<Well, Greg, with the exception of very noxious soft corals, like Cladiella, Sarcophyton, Sinularia, Zoanthids, and the like- just about any coral and sessile invertebrate is a potential snack for the Angel. If you are inclined to keep the angel, think in terms of the species listed. Hope this helps! Regards, Scott F.>

Stocking a 150 (9/13/04)
Hello, love the site and informative articles but I had a stocking question I was hoping you could answer for me. I have a 150 gallon fish only aquarium with about 25 pounds of live rock. <Get more.> I have a wet-dry filter and a power head currently running. Here is the dilemma: I have a 3.5 inch harlequin Tuskfish, a 5 inch Naso tang ,  a tomato clown and five damsels. I would really like to add a flame angel as the newest member of the family. I would be willing to give up my Naso because he will get too big for the tank to handle eventually but I would like to replace him with either a regal tang or an emperor angel. <The Tuskfish is borderline too. The Naso definitely should go--needs at least 240 long-term.> I know both the regal and emperor get big too but they are two of my favorite types of fish. <The Regal (not the Emperor) should be OK, but do bear in mind that they are ich magnets. Quarantine 4 full weeks before adding to display. I'd say that this plus the Flame maxes out your tank. BTW, Flames require a lot of live rock with lots of life. You will need to wait several months to add one. The Emperor is a poor choice due to issues of size, feeding problems and lack of hardiness in captivity.> I really need your input because I don't know if I can trust the information I get from the local fish store. <Might want to look around for another then.> I plan to buy more live rock and add a skimmer before I trade the Naso. <Good idea> I am also curious as to what the best protein skimmer would be for my aquarium. <You need a good one. Most people have had very good results with any of several excellent brands, including EuroReef, AquaC & Precision Marine.> Thank you for your time. <Hope this helps. Steve Allen.>

Room to Grow (9/19/04)
Ok Steve, here is what I have done. Tell me if I have improved or went down hill. I eliminated the Niger Trigger, the Bursa Trigger, the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, changed my skimmer to a Berlin, and set up a regimen to do water changes at 5 gallons a week, and frequent glass and sand cleaning (twice a week) So, here are the measurements of my fish left:
Naso Tang--5 inches
Zebra Eel--24 inches
Chainlink Eel--18 inches
Red Volitans--7 inches
Black Volitans--7 inches
Bamboo Shark--6 inches
Based on this, I am ok for at least a couple of years?
Dan...
<Well, this is certainly an improved situation. Keep and eye on the skimmer in terms of getting good skimmate, and adjust as needed. The shark and the Naso will indeed need bigger quarters down the road. I'd guess the Naso should be OK for a couple of years. Hard to say on the shark, as they do grow fast. Probably OK, as long as you resist the temptation to add anything else. Steve Allen.>

It's Getting Crowded in There (9/12/04)
I apologize for what I'm sure is a redundant question but I need another opinion. <OK. Steve Allen here to take a stab.> I will start with the setup.
55gal 36"x18"x20" w/ 3-5" DSB aprox. 75lbs LR
25gal refugium w/ 3-5 DSB
Berlin PS powered w/ mag12 (these skimmers will work w/ a large pump 3-5oz daily)
380 watts VHO light 60 watts NO
Aprox. 800gph flow
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate  0-10ppm
PH 8.2-8.4
Calc 400-450 via Kalk. & B-ionic
Alk 10-12dkh via B-ionic & Reefbuilder <All sounds good.>
Now for livestock.
1 large green Sinularia
2 small yellow torch
1 small frogspawn
1 large yellow scroll
2 small Candycane frags
1 med bubble
1 4" T. squamosa
A butt load of xenia that I thin monthly and trade to LFS to support this hobby
1 3" yellow tang
1 3" convict tang
<Both of these Tangs need an absolute minimum tank size of 75G even without another Tang. Very likely to fight eventually. I've seen what they can do with those little scalpels on their tails that give them the name of "surgeonfish.">
1 2" copper band butterfly
<This delicate, finicky fish may survive in there with the Tangs gone, but also is recommended for at least a 75G tank.>
1 1.5" mandarin
<Very good chance it will starve to death in anything under 100G and not established for at least a year before adding. The refugium is a great tool that could save it, but those voracious Tangs may not leave anything for it.>
1 1" Clarkii
<One of the more aggressive clowns, but ought to be OK.>
1 3" watchman goby
<Nice fish--mine is paired with a burrowing shrimp.>
1 1" fire goby
<This bashful fish may go into permanent hiding as those Tangs grow to dominate the tank.>
This system has been running for 10 months now and all corals have been growing well. I saved the convict from a local pet superstore, it was being kept in 5gal bucket as it was sent to them on accident and they did not have saltwater tanks. <Kind of you, but it definitely needs a bigger home soon.> All of the fish get along fine <for now> and so far water quality has been easily maintained w/ 10gal weekly water changes. <Even this good regimen may fail you as the fish grow. Tanks produce a lot of waste.> I know that long term the tangs need a tank 3X this size. <Yes> I have a 180gal tank but fear it will be a year or so before it will be up. <If it is not longer than this, you may be OK as long as you keep up the great maintenance regimen and if the Tangs don't start fighting.>  OK the long awaited question... If I manage to keep the water quality up and fish tempers down do you see any immediate problems? <Not right away, but they loom in the foreseeable future.> Or should I get rid of the tangs or any other fish now? <If you could get rid of one Tang, that would be a good idea. OTOH, if you don't go to any movies or buy any CDs or alcohol or wedding presents, etc for the next several months, you might be able to afford to get that 180 up and running in less than a year. ;) > Thanks for all your valued advice and patience, Aaron <You're welcome. Good luck.>

What Fishes Can I Have? (9/12/04)
Dear Wet Web Media, <Steve Allen tonight.>
I have a 75 gallon saltwater aquarium with 81 lbs.  of live rock.
Attached to it are two Rio 600 pumps, a Marineland Magnum 350  canister filter, two 200 watt heaters, and a Eco-Aqualizer X-75. <I'd love to see any scientifically valid evidence that this device works. The alleged mechanism of action makes no sense.> All the water perimeters are where they should be. <Zero ammonia & nitrite, not much nitrate??> I wanted to know if I could keep an Emperor  Angel <tank needs to be at least twice as big for this one> an Auriga Butterfly <OK--nice & hardy fish, as butterflies go>, a Harlequin Tusk <same as angel--needs a much bigger tank>, and a Picasso Triggerfish in it. <For a couple of years, until it outgrows the tank.> I  thought that if the fish got to big, I could give them to a public aquarium. <What makes you think that they'll take them? Also, you may have to tear everything out of the tank to catch them--been there, done that--no thanks. Far kinder and smarter to buy only fish that can comfortably live out their lives in the tank you have.> Can  I keep any of these fish? <The Butterfly, along with some of the many wonderful, hardy, beautiful fishes that would be appropriate for this size tank. Check out Scott Michael's "Marine Fishes."> Thank you for your help. <You're welcome.> Sincerely, Nick Muzyka

Aggressive fish compatibility
Do you see any potential problems with a Large Yellow Tang, Medium Emperor Angel, Medium Radiata Lion, Picasso Trigger, Blue Dot Puffer, Masked Puffer, and a medium clown trigger in a live rock filled 162
Gallon tank. 48x30x28. << Yes, a lot of bioload. Man those are big waste producing fish. No problems in terms of compatibility, but I'd be careful in terms of filtration. >> I have a few clams that might be lunch meat to
the clown trigger, but that's a risk I'm willing to take for this mix, if possible. I have 2 sumps with 2 protein skimmers (CY294) and a Large Refugium filled with a ton of wonderful black slime algae, that seems to
absorb nitrates and phosphates well?!?!?! << Never heard anyone say they had wonderful black slime algae. I'm assuming it is Cyano and if so most people are looking to get rid of it. >>
Thanks as always, you guys blow the roof of the mother reefs!
<< I'd add those fish to that system very slowly. It will take a tank several months to develop the filtration to handle all of them. >>
<< Blundell >>

- Stocking a 55 -
Howdy guys ... love your website!  I've been researching some very  peaceful fish and came up with the following possible tenants for my 55  gallon.  Wanted to see what you thought about housing them together  before I started ...  2 false clownfish, 1 CBS, 1 yellow-headed  jawfish, 1 firefish, 1 pajama cardinalfish and 1 royal Gramma  Basslet.   My water parameters are exquisite, with 75  pounds of live rock, 6 inches of live sand and a small herd of  copepods.
:)
<Sounds like a good list, but the jawfish may be a little put out by the available room in this tank. Would consider dropping this fish, perhaps in favor of something like a neon goby. Cheers, J -- >

Re: what who next
Hello I  have a reef tank emerging
<"emerging"... you mean like a "turtle-head" in Fat B. in the Austin Powers movie series?>
and I would like some advice as to what I should add next. I have a 110 gal 100 lbs of live rock, tank with 6 tank bred clown fish, 1 yellow tang, Chromis 2 cleaner shrimp hermit crabs and emerald crabs, 1 sea slug.
<some concern about the sea slug... very few survive in captivity long term>
I would like to add gobies can I keep several gobies together.
<hmmm... they can be territorial and aggressive to each other>
I was thinking of shrimp gobies like The Orange Stripe Prawn Goby or The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby  what is the type of shrimp that they work  with?
<they are best bought together at the same time when you can find them... many will not easily repair in captivity>
I can not find burrowing shrimp is there another name and can they live with peppermint shrimp?
<no idea without a scientific name to go on>
is the Pistol Shrimp the one I am looking for?
<perhaps... many species... multi oceans>
I would like to add an anemone what is the best way to acclimate an  which anemone is the best to star with in hope the clowns will inhabit it?  
<please do not add an anemone to a mixed community tank. Species tanks only... do read more about how and why in our archives at wetwebmedia.com... do read the many many pages and links we have for you here>
what should come first any suggestions of what will do well in this situation?
<an Entacmaea quadricolor is your best choice and to be added first some weeks or months before you get the clowns or introduce them>
Thank You -A
<best of luck, Anthony>