Clownfish? Stocking a saltwater tank with a Crowbar   6 gal.  F
Hello Robert,
<friend, author and Malt Ball lover Anthony Calfo in your service>
I was reading through some of your articles online and noticed the section that said a reader could email you with a question. Here is mine:
I have a 6 gallon saltwater tank, which successfully held a clownfish. 
It originally came with 2 cardinal fish, the clownfish, a Basslet, anemone, live coral and a featherduster (not sure what they are called) 
<My heaven's... was it stocked with a crowbar? Hehe... that really is a dreadful bioload for 6 gallons and rather cruel of the previous owner>
One by one these things died leaving the clownfish and the Basslet the longest. The tank had those tape worm looking things and just fell apart quickly. It was a gift and an unexpected one at that. I'm thinking there was far too much in there. 
<excellent intuition...very well>
I went away for a month and took that time to put the survivor - the clownfish - in a tank at a pet shop....he was all by himself. cleaned out the aquarium totally, put in shells and one large rock. conditioned the water and put survivor back with a new friend. This was in Sept. A couple of weeks ago the original died. 
<the tank is beyond it's critical threshold with even two fish... if you must keep a 6 gallon, please keep only one small fish indeed>
His mouth faded in color although I didn't see any white spots or threads that the articles refer to. His gills were sticking out and his lower "lip" was quivering all the time. he was lethargic and finally died about 2-3 weeks ago.
<not indicative of any specific pathogenic symptom unfortunately>
The remaining fish was fine until about 10 days ago. his gills aren't sticking out nor is he as faded around the mouth. He is extremely lethargic and always in the lower corner of the tank at a 45 degree angle. We think he is blind because he used to shoot to the top of the tank when we'd even walk by in hopes of being fed but now he moves but doesn't track our fingers anymore. we feed him in the a.m. and at night. I haven't seen him eat in days.
<please test the water chemistry (pH, ammonia, salinity)... really bad things can happen so fast to water chemistry in such a small tank even if you test the parameters weekly. It really is a torture chamber as marine aquaria go by virtue of its size>
The water temp was 86. I lowered it to 80-82.
<yes, a must. The low dissolved O2 in that small tank was much lower still at such high temperature and could have easily killed the clownfish>
Any other suggestions?
<honestly... do consider a larger aquarium... and if not, just one fish and weekly maintenance and water testing please>
Do you think he has the parasites?
<not symptomatic... more likely water quality>
Thanks, Christine
<kind regards, Anthony>

Stocking Question  20 F
Hey,
<what?>
I have been assembling my 20 gallon tank over the past 6 months and I feel that it is time to add some live stock. Right now I have a 20 gallon tank with a 6 in DSB, 25 Lbs of live rock, a Prizm protein skimmer, I also have a fluidized sand filter which includes a carbon and is returned via a hang on UV sterilizer. I have about 25 snails (baby Turbos and Strombus) and whatever else came with my live sand activator from IPSF. The tank has been running like this for about 4 months with 5% weekly water changes and weekly dosings of a 2 part calcium, Alk buffer. Since everything seems stable I would like to add my first fish. I plan to eventually have a cleaner shrimp, a pair of Percula clowns, a possibly a 4 line wrasse. Do you thing this would work considering I am going to add each piece of live stock monthly? 
<yes...sounds very prudent although the wrasse could be feisty for a smaller tank>
Also, I have seen some other wrasses like the lunar, Mexican Rainbow, and Paddle fin. Are these wrasses similar in size and behavior to a 4 line?
<nope...they are more aggressive and get way larger. None of the latter could possibly go in a 20 gallon tank for long. Consider a small fairy wrasse instead to keep the perc company>
Thank You, Jonathan Pac
<always welcome, Anthony>

Fish Compatibility   20 FO
<Anthony Calfo here in your service>
Can you keep a Burrfish or porcupine fish in a twenty long
<tank is too small for either one of these fish alone... Burrfish are not at all hardy anyway... please do avoid>
with a fire goby, scissortail goby and a purple Firefish
<in most parts of the world... the above listed fish are considered "bait" for pufferfish. Please consider a good marine aquarium reference book to help you through the wonderful maze of questions you have as a beginner. Bob Fenner's Conscientious Marine aquarist, Dick Mills The Marine Aquarium and Mike Paletta's The new Marine Aquarium are all good choices to start with>
some other like shrimp and crabs in a reef tank if so what species and any special requirements?
<none of the fish you mentioned above are suitable beginner fish... I'd recommend you start with more durable fish at first like clownfish. Anthony>

Overstocking/Not Doing Proper Research/Disregarding Advice 
Eric Tells it Like it is - 12/10/05   5, 26 FO
Hey again,
<<Hey>>
and sorry for bothering you awesome people there, but I have another question.
<<Alrighty>>
Some websites where you shop online for live fish and corals give you some info on what the tank conditions should be like for corals and fish, and the size of the tank for every fish.
<<Mmm, take with a "grain of salt" and do your own research. Maybe I'm jaded <G>, but I'm always skeptical about advice given by someone trying to sell me something. Best to do your own research before a purchase.>>
The site says that for a damsel your tank should be at least 30-gallons or higher.
<<Much to take in to consideration...tank mates (if any), filtration, adult size of the fish...typical activity (sedentary vs. hyper)...etc.>>
So I was told that I could only keep one fish in my 5-gallon tank,
<<Told by whom? Would "you" enjoy living in a closet?>>
instead, I got two damsels and a clownfish
<<(sigh)... so you overloaded the tank three times over the recommendation (not that I agree the tank was large enough for a "single" damsel in the first place).>>
(but the clown died in a week or two maybe because it was not healthy, saw the shop with sick clowns the next day).
<<Or maybe because it was shoehorned in to a 5 gallon tank!>>
So my two damsels kept living for a few more months till one died because he stopped eating.
<<You make it sound like it was the fish's fault.>>
And then later on when I started my 26-gallon tank I decided to transfer what I had in the 5-gallon tank to the bigger one (I just had a damsel and three blue-leg hermit crabs).
<<Please!...no tangs in this tank...>>
So I was thinking, it did not matter the size of the damsels, which are an aggressive type, the size of the tank.
<<???...what doesn't matter?...based on what?>>
And my real question is, can I transfer my Lemonpeel Angel to the 5 gallon tank to keep it from harming my star polyps?
<<No...if you can't properly care for this fish then you need to take it back to the store.>>
I think it may matter for the Angel the size of the tank.  If I cannot house the angel there, I'm going to have to sell it.
<<It matters to everything. You really should better educate yourself on the aspects of this hobby. Please do your own research (from more than one source) before buying anything, and then use the information wisely and with common sense. You owe this to the animals you wish to keep. EricR>>

Overloading a tank 24 FO
Bob,
<Steven Pro this evening.>
I must say that your website has been the best source of information on salt water fish than any other source I have found, including a friend that has been in the business for over 5 years! I have learned more in the last 2 weeks since I found your site than in the last 2 years.
<Thank you very much. I am sure Bob appreciates the high praise.>
I currently have a 24 gallon FO tank with an Eclipse 2 filter system here. I have been told that a fish tank can support 1" of fish per 3 gallons.
<These rules only work well when you are talking about small fish. A six inch grouper metabolizes much more than six one inch Chromis.>
The tank has been setup for over 3 months and currently have a magenta Dottyback, yellow wrasse, and a yellow grouper. How stringent is this rule?
<See above comment.>
Can the tank support more fish, i.e. an snowflake eel and a couple more small fish, if I keep the nitrates low by doing frequent water changes?
<Sorry, but you already have too many fish. Your grouper will outgrow this tank shortly or perish from problems arising from being cramped.>
This tank is stable at 82, with 0 ammonia & nitrites, 1.023 salinity. Thanks, Craig
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Live Christmas Surprises, Unfair To All Involved - 12/30/2005  27 FO
Hi my name is Mason Gecsey. For Christmas I got a 27g saltwater nanocube with 4 damsels and I was wondering how long I need to let the tank cycle.
<Umm...No set time limit really. Requires testing to determine cycle conclusion.>
Then after I was wondering if I could put in a goby, a dogface puffer, and a seahorse without the damsels.
<Please don't do this. A seahorse? How much do you actually know about what you're getting yourself into?>
If that doesn't work what would you prefer.
<I would prefer that you read our Marine articles and FAQs, buy yourself a good collection of references and study before moving ahead. If at all open to the idea, you could also return the damsels (to be fair to them) and use that money toward the start of your library. - Josh>

Stocking question et al.  30 F
Hi WWM Crew,
I've got a few questions actually after re-reading a lot of the FAQs on the site (love how the content is always new!)
1. In my 30 gallon, I've got an ocellaris pair, 1 six-line wrasse, and 1 royal Gramma. All under 2 inches each. I'm quite happy with this mix so far, no aggression whatsoever from any of them to each other (except occasionally from the big ocellaris to the smaller male) and all healthy and active. If I wanted to get a butterfly or angel, which do you recommend? I'm leaning towards the Centropyge acanthops or eibli for the angels, or the threadfin butterfly...After reading the FAQs, it seems as though I'm either at the limit or could *maybe* fit one more small fish, not sure on that.
<One more small fish, C. acanthops or argi would be ok.>
2. Tons of brown algae (very fine dots all over) after reading the FAQs, it seems my best option is to get a protein skimmer (I only have a big "bio-wheel" filter hanging now)...which do you recommend? I was going to get a Remora that hangs on the back, it's about 180 bucks, so I want to make sure that's a good one. I also want to upgrade to a 55 or 65 gallon tank in the near future, so the skimmer should support up to that amount (along with me getting a new wet/dry filter).
<The Remora should serve you well, now in for the larger tank.>
3. One more question, should I get some snails to help with the algae? I had put two turbo snails before and they died fairly quickly (after eating some of the algae) and am scared that something is wrong with the water for invertebrates...is that possible?
<More likely a problem with their acclimation. Snails in particular can be problematic. A slow drip is best. You can probably find more info with a search of WWM.>
Thanks for any hints or suggestions, keep up the good work folks! -Jack
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

New Reef Tank Looking For Fish   30 FO
Dear Bob,
I just found your Tang FAQ's section and wanted to get some suggestions. I used to have a 30 gal. salt fish only tank. After 2.5 yrs everything went bad and I lost the fish that were left. (I live rural and had several >10 hr. power outages). I have recently (January 2002) set up a 90gal reef tank with an ATS, 100 lb live rock, 100 lb live sand. I have snails, brittle stars, a couple shrimp, hermit crabs, 4 Chromis, 2 small tank raised cinnamon clowns, 2 feather dusters and two Spaghetti leathers. I also have 4 emerald crabs, a Sally Lightfoot, and a cucumber. All are doing well, ph is 8.2, Ca is 500, nitrates, nitrites are both zero. Sump is 20 gals. I am adding B-Ionic and strontium. My Coralline algae is starting to pick up. I would like to add several other fish but am unsure about the compatibility. I am installing a refugia for my Mysis shrimp and critters to increase as I would like to add a Mandarin (Pterosychiropus splendidus) when the tank is mature enough for it.
<A very challenging fish that does not compete well for food.>
I would also like to add a flame hawk (Neocirrhites armatus).
<Fine.>
I am planning on getting a Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum).
<Also, fine.>
Can I also add a Powder blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon).
<Not a good idea to crowd these two tangs. You will surely have territorial disputes.>
Are all of these compatible and in what order? Any other suggestions?
<See above notes. -Steven Pro>

Stocking a 30 F
Hey Bob. Good job on the website. I have a question about my 30 gal. marine tank. I know there can't be too many fish in there, and I have the three damsels I started out with and added a Heniochus butterfly a couple of days ago. He's doing very well. My question is, would it be ok to add a longnose butterfly with him after a while or should I take out some of the damsels. I really would like to have more than one nice looking fish in there.
<Actually, in my opinion, a 30 gallon tank is too small for the Heniochus or the Longnose. I would stick to fish with an adult size of 3" or less. -Steven Pro>

Stocking question   38 FO
Hello Mr. Fenner. I am a 14 year old hobbyist who has really enjoyed your book. I have been interested in marine fish for along time and know a lot about there needs. But I always have trouble knowing the minimum fish size I could add to my tank. 
<Hmm, no minimum... you likely mean maximum, the most fish livestock you should keep, considering likely average ultimate size>
Right now I have a 38 gallon live rock tank with a red lip blenny and a blue devil damsel. I am interested in adding a juvenile yellow tang or hardy butterfly species. If I did that, I'd probably have to trade in the fish when it gets too big. If I decide to do that, at what size do you think I would have to trade the fish in at?
<Both (I would not try a Butterflyfish in this size system) at four or so inches>
The other possibility would be to get 2 smaller fish, like a Sixline wrasse and a dwarf angel of some sort. Which way sounds better?
<The latter... but please do read through the "Livestock Selection" pieces stored on our website: www.WetWebMedia.com and the survey articles there on fish groups... to help you develop other stocking ideas>
I really like this hobby so any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!
<A pleasure to meet you. Great to have intelligent, curious young minds joining this great interest. Bob Fenner>

Fish stocking  40 FO
Thanks for your help on skimmers, it has been very helpful. I have read that stocking order is important. Could you suggest an order for these: (I have already put in the wrasse)
pajama wrasse
2 common clowns
Scarlet Hawkfish
Orange-spotted goby
Royal Gramma
Scooter blenny
<Hmm, would have been better (here's someone's law at work) to place the Wrasse last (of course!)... but from here the Clowns go in with the Scooter (wait on the Orange-Spotted till there is sufficient "interstitial fauna" (critters growing in/amongst your substrate, lest it starve)... then last (a month or so later) the Gramma and Hawk>
Will they all swim near the bottom, or is there anyone I can add who will swim higher up the tank?
<Gramma and Wrasse midwater, rest near bottom>
What inverts could I add? My tank is a 40 gallon containing approx 2 gallon worth of rock.
<More rock... this tank will be overcrowded fish wise with the growth of your wrasse. Read about the invertebrates on our site, starting here: http://wetwebmedia.com/non-vert.htm>
Your help is appreciated, James Matthams
<As is your conscientious involvement. Bob Fenner>

Fish Selection  40 FO
Hi Robert,
I got a 40 gallon fish only tank and I've been wanting to get some fish but I just don't know which ones. I want a fish that is nice in color, active, hardy and isn't to expensive. I'm asking you for your advice. What specific kinds of fish would you recommend? Thanks.
<Perhaps a pair of tank-bred and raised Clownfish here... Yes, a very good choice... for beauty, behavior, hardiness. Please read through the "Marine Livestock Selection" area on our website here (WetWebMedia.com) for a good introduction to what to select for and how to go about choosing. Bob Fenner>

Peaceful fish 47.6 FO
<Cheerio, old sport. Anthony Calfo in your service. Bob is preoccupied after eating a meal of Chinese food with waaaaaaaaay too much MSG in it. He had a strange request for a fire extinguisher>
I have a 180l aquarium with a:
pajama wrasse
yellow tang
scooter blenny
blue-cheek goby
2 Common clown
I want one more fish which would be peaceful, active and colorful. In my local shop they have a cherub angel and a Banggai Cardinalfish (on his own.) I wondered which would be a better choice, considering behavior (as I don't want to rearrange the rock too much). 
<either are fine. both are hardy... although the cardinal as you suspect would live better with company. Being alive for weeks or months alone does not mean it will live its natural lifespan outside of a shoal. Besides they are marvelous to watch in a group>
Or is there another fish which would be better? 
<too many good choices... lets find something you like>
I have an Eheim 2233, a Sander maxi-skim 400 and an internal Juwel filter. Also, is at worth upgrading my skimmer at some point, or is it OK?
<more live rock and better skimmers are always good moves>
As always, I am grateful for your opinion, James Matthams
<thank you for caring to know it. Anthony Calfo>

Novice Choices, Marine Fish  12/2/05  50 FO
Hi!
<Hello.>
I'm getting a new 50 gallon tank soon, I will cycle it with live rock.
<O.K. there's a lot more to it than just that though. Be sure to research the tanks other needs, such as a protein skimmer and so on. Also have a test kit on call during this cycle process.>
What kinds of fishes would you recommend me? I would like to make my marine tank very bright and interesting. Unique would be nice too.
<Well your in the marine hobby so bright and interesting includes most of the fish that hang out on the reef and all fish have unique personalities…so you’re already covered there. Of course what looks/personality is better than the other is up to you. When I think of easy fish of course damsels is the first one that pops into mind as they are nearly bulletproof care wise. 
<<Except for the peaceful green and blue Chromis - they aren't handled well during collection/shipping, end up being problematic for many beginners.  Marina>>
Of course there aggression level and general disdain for other fish makes them a poor choice in a tank most of the time, those labeled as Chromis are generally an exception to the rule but not always. The one fish that is great (in my opinion) for beginners is the neon goby (E. oceanops) very hardy and it’s quite easy to find tank-raised specimens. Just to name a few more that I like for novices: Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor), Clown goby (Gobiodon sp.), Sixline Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) and the Banggai cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni). These are potentially good choices though I would only purchase tank raised specimens of the latter. Keep reading and researching and you will find many more good suggestions.>
Thanks a Lot!!! (Your site is really helpful!)
<Welcome and thank you, Adam J.> 

New addition (no room at the inn)   55 FO
Hello Robert!
I live in Greece and have been reading articles from your site since a few days now. Let me give you my congratulations for your great site. I really enjoy visiting it almost every night!
<Thank you my friend>
Well, O have a 55 gallon only-fish tank where I have put a complexity of corals (that makes nice places for the fishes to hide).
Till a week ago I had :
- one Damsel - 3 years in the aquarium
- one Heniochus Acuminatus - 5 months - 2 1/2 inches
- one Acanthurus Lineatus or Clown Tang - 4 months - 3 1/2 inches
- one Paracanthurus Hepatus or Blue Tang- 3 months 2 1/2 inches
- one Odonus Niger (Blue) 1 month 2 1/2 inches
My aquarium is 10 years old, but in the last couple of years I had neglected it, so since last summer I started taking good care of it (water changes, took out the existing undergravel filter and put away a lot of sand while cleaning the gravel, etc). Now I have 0 Nitrite, 0 Ammonia, PH 8.3 and a lot of Nitrate (100!- even darker red than the 100 of the Tetra Nitrate Test Kit!).
First I would like an advise about me fish selection, after I give you a short description of the situation in the aquarium:
As you see I wrote the fishes I have in the term from te older to the newer. The Heniochus was the second fish to add, and he was well adjusted from the first day (as well as all the other fishes - they even ate leaf-food on the second date! this was something I was lucky about). After I introduced the Clown Tang nothing changed, in fact the three fishes in the aquarium ignored each other in a way, I mean they had no problems at all with each other. The first problems started when I introduced the Blue Tang. e is small, but very active, clever and happy fish. I really liked him a lot when I saw him at the dealer's shop. (He is the same until today). After the blue Tang found a coral to hide and started being not afraid (this took only a couple of days) he started confronting the Clown Tang , who is almost double than him. 
<Not unusual for these two species... in such a small system>
From this day they keep fighting each other when one finds the other near him. However the Clown has never harmed the Blue Tang. Their fights take only a few seconds and you can not tell who is the winner!
When I introduced the Niger, the balance was lost for a few days. The Niger (even if I had the info that is a peaceful fish) was moving towards the damsel and the blue tang and ignored the Heniochus and the Clown. Then there was a relative "balance" with thee two clowns still fighting all the time and the Niger being sometimes aggressive, but not to the point that a fish would be afraid to swim near him.
All of a sudden a morning I realize that the tail and upper fin of the Heniochus was cut (I was sure this was coming from a bite not from an illness) and the fish did not eat but instead he was staying near the bottom moving a little bit up and down. I made the mistake not to isolate it in a separate place in the tank and went to my work. In the afternoon , when I arrived home it was too late. The fish could not swim well. I took it in a separate place, but next morning it was dying. I still do not know who could be the responsible for this (the Niger ignored ir, so did the Clown and the Damsel). May be the Blue Tang, who knows.
<I suspect the Niger>
Now I have the 4 fishes left in the aquarium and getting along "well" (I do not really know what will happen in the future, there is an aggressiveness and a territorialism among all the fishes, but still there seems to e a balance).
I would like to think however about my next tankmate: a new fish that would "fit" to this environment, so I have started making a research. I have been told about having an angelfish and I have started been informed about the several genus and members of this family. What would you suggest ? 
<None actually... this system is topped out, full of fish life>
I know everything is relevant and works different in every aquarium, but still an opinion like toys would have a weight.
My other question concerns the Nitrate. I have been told that that I should turn my brown algae into green, in order to reduce my Nitrate. This can be done by increasing the lightning hours (to 14) and by letting the sun coming directly into the aquarium (I can do this, the sun can see my tank for 1 hour in the morning). What is your opinion?
<A good idea to turn the algae to the Greens... with lighting as you mention>
Thanks in advance for your response,
Regards,
Thanassis Papavassiliou
Thessaloniki, Greece
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>

Fish Mix  55 FO
Mr. Fenner,
<Steven Pro this evening.>
Just found your website and it has been a wealth of information as I am fairly new to the hobby. I had a question on fish mixing for my first aquarium and would appreciate your regarded opinion. First my setup:
-55 gallon aquarium dual bulb hood with full spectrum and blue actinic
-60lbs Marshall Island Live Rock (currently curing)
-roughly 1 inch of Aragonite Substrate
-Red Sea Berlin Turbo Hang-on Skimmer
-Emperor 400 filter with additional sifting filter media
-Ebo Jager 150 watt heater
-2 Hagen 402 Powerheads
I am currently interested in placing these fish into the aquarium over a specific amount of time to allow for bio buildup and will also add a "clean-up crew" prior to fish introduction:
1 -Foxface
2 -Ocellaris Clowns (tank reared)
1 -Flame Angel
1 -African Fireball or Flameback Angel
1 -FuManchu Lion
3 -Yellowtail or 3 Stripe Damsels
Will the tank be overcrowded and can these species live in relative harmony?
<No to the harmony part. The two angels will not tolerate one another in a 55 and the lionfish will end up eating the damsels.>
I have read in many places to skip the Damsels as they are too aggressive and present stress in other fish merely by their presence (I can still recall being attacked near a reef as blue damsels nipped at my foot and leg hairs!)
<The yellowtails are better than the 3-stripes, but both can be territorial.>
Perhaps a colorful group of gobies would be better?
<Still potential lionfish food.>
Can any Trigger species be successfully housed in a tank of this size?
<Some Triggers will harass the Lionfish and ones that don't may make the Lion so nervous they go off of feeding.>
Is a Flame Hawk a viable substitution for any of the above fish?
<A good substitute for either of the Angelfish.>
I welcome any advice you might have and if there is a fish which is out of place, a replacement suggestion would be great.
<Leave out the Lionfish and the Damsels and make the Hawkfish substitution. Maybe add a tang.>
I thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and am rushing back to your site to gorge on more information. Thanks Again! David Yurko Aspen, CO
<Glad to hear you are reading on your own. -Steven Pro>

Stocking a Marine Tank Tetris Style (Disguising the Question Won't Work!)   12/1/05  55 FO
Hello,
<Hi.>
I'm running a 55 gallon corner tank with a Mag 350 and CPR skimmer for about 4 years now! 
I have a
Niger 3 in
<<That is spelled with only ONE "g", mate.  Marina>>
Huma 3 in
banner fish 3 in
Pygmy angel 2 in
Royal 3 in
Yellow Tang 4 in
And six line wrasse 2 1n
I would LOVE to put in my last fish a Clown trigger!
<...>
<<The tank's four years old, and those fish are still that small...??  MH>>
Do you think the clown would be to much?
<Uhhh....Yeah. My friend not only would I not add that last specimen to the mix but I would strongly consider finding new homes or planning on finding new homes for these fish in the future. Not only will there be territorial/aggression problems in the future but there will be serious over crowding. Your first two triggers on the list reach at least a tank busting 12" the tang and the Bannerfish as well will get quite large. If you were to keep all of your current fish you would need a tank in excess of 200 gallons and that's if your triggers don't "snap".>
Thanks
<Keep reading, Adam J.> 

Stalking the Overstockers - 12/1/05  55 FO
Hey John,
<Hello again>
Sorry, I have another question for you: I have Niger and Huma Huma Triggers, a Royal <?>, a Bannerfish, a Pygmy Angel, a Six-line Wrasse, and a Yellow Tang. I would love to buy a dwarf Zebra Lionfish for my 55g. Can I add this fish?
<Nope. No way. Sorry. Your tank is already heavily overstocked with fish that get much too large for the tank. Time for a stocking re-think.>
<<Not to mention that the wrasse and pygmy may very well become a tasty snack for that lionfish.  Marina>>
Thank you for your time
<You're welcome, John> 

Rethinking A Stocking Plan? Don't Buy the Naso Tang!!! 10/10/05  55 gal FOWLR
Dear Crew,
<Hey there! Scott F. here today!>
I appreciate that there is much relevant information on your website, but I would be most grateful if you could please spell it out for me - apologies in advance for taking up your time. I have a 55 gal FOWLR system, with 66lbs of live rock. I use a Fluval 304 for mechanical filtration, a Red Sea Prizm skimmer and two MaxiJet 600 powerheads for circulation.
In the aquarium, I currently have 2 mated Percula Clownfish, 1 Mandarin Dragonet (who thankfully is happy to eat frozen food) and a Flameback Pygmy Angel. Unfortunately, the Pygmy Angel has become unsurprisingly territorial. I recently tried to add 2 Cardinal fish but these were chased by the Pygmy Angel until I had to return the surviving one to the LFS where I had bought him. 
I subsequently tried introducing a Lemonpeel Pygmy Angel, taking in part the advice from your site to rearrange the rocks into two distinct piles and removed the Flameback for a couple of days into the QT tank to allow the lemon peel to establish himself but again he did not survive.
<Unfortunately, the Lemonpeel was a really bad idea. First off, it's one of the largest of the Centropyge group, and needs a much larger aquarium. Placing it in the tank with an established, known "bully" Centropyge in residence sealed his fate. This was an unfortunate lesson that you had to learn the hard way (Don't feel bad, we've all learned that way). Unfortunately, the fish was the one who paid the price. 
The breaking up of the territories is a recommended move when adding another Centropyge to an established system, but that assumes that the system is large enough to support more than one to begin with. My thinking is to allow at least 50 gallons per Angel, or at least two feet square for each. Even then, you could have problems, depending on the individuals involved. It's generally best to add all the Centropyge at once when attempting this, to allow them to establish their own territories and hierarchy. Adding them as juveniles is a better move still.>
My question therefore, is whether there are any fish that you could recommend to me, in particular, fish that will be strong enough to not be affected by the behaviour of the Flameback, but at the same time gentle enough not to frighten my Dragonet (of whom I am incredibly fond!). I read on the saltwater.about.com website that a Yellow and a Naso tang might be possible contenders?
<The Yellow Tang would be a possible candidate, but I think that the tank should be a bit larger for this fish. As far as the Naso - Please, NO! These Tangs require very large systems, and even then can be problematic due to their sheer size and requirements for swimming room. Possible candidates for your sized tank would be fishes like Gobies, Blennies, or small Wrasses, like the Sixline Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, or the mid-sized Canary Wrasse, Halichoeres chrysus. Fishes like these inhabit different environmental niches, and may not arouse the "ire" of the feisty little Angel. Even then, there are no guarantees here. Do your homework on potential candidates, and make your decisions accordingly.>
I appreciate that I will in a few years need to buy a larger aquarium to accommodate the Naso.
<Less than a few years- more like less than a year, really. I will repeat the oft-stated recommendation that we use on WWM; Don't buy a potentially large fish on the basis of your plans to get a larger system "someday". Too often, something happens to derail our best laid plans, and the fish can suffer as a result. 
When planning a fish population, make your plans on the system that you are running NOW, and assume that you will NOT be upgrading in the near future. This is the best way to plan a system, IMO.>
Or do you recommend that I remove the Flameback and return him to the LFS (although he is all but impossible to catch without removing all the LR from the tank)?
<If you are not happy with the fish, then I would certainly make efforts to remove him, and possibly trade him with another hobbyist. Otherwise, you may simply need to compromise and stock appropriate additional fishes, as discussed above. This little fish is one of the more aggressive of the Centropyge group, and is unlikely to change his behaviour.>
Thank you so much for all your help and assistance!
Kindest Regards,
Tim Kroemer
<My pleasure, Tim. I hope I don't come across as overly negative, but I wanted to use this opportunity to revisit our philosophy on stocking once again for the benefit of our other readers. Your heart is in the right place...it's just that the execution was a bit off. 
Study a bit more, rethink your goals for the system, and think about which fish will be the "principal" in your "cast of characters". Derive your stocking list based on this fish, and you should be fine. Make use of the ample resources on WWM to research potential candidate fishes from the groups mentioned above. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

New Tank...Stock List - 12/07/05    72 FO
Hi!
<<Hello>>
I am in the process of setting up a saltwater tank.
<<An exciting time!>>
I purchased 45 pounds of pre-cured live rock. It's been 2.5 weeks and my ammonia and nitrites are at 0ppm.
<<What about nitrates?>>
Should I wait for coralline algae to grow on rocks before adding fish?
<<Not necessary...but do check the nitrate level first and make sure it is at "zero" as well.>>
It is a 72 gallon and I want to add a yellow tang and a Heniochus black and white butterfly fish.
<<Mmm...wish you hadn't said that.>>
Also, since both fish will be large, would that be considered a full load for the 72 gallon tank?
<<And then some... I would like to see you choose one or the other for this size tank, and then add a few smaller fishes to go with your choice. Regards, EricR>>

Big tank questions (stocking), 50's and 150 FO
Hello Bob,
<Hi there>
It is me again. Thanks for your help with the xenia questions. I moved them and they are doing better.
<Ah, good to hear/read>
Now my next question is this. An office building in town is remodeling and is planning on installing several aquariums in the walls. I am not sure of the exact size at the moment but I am guessing 150 gal for the large one and 50 gal or so for two smaller ones. A friend who works there knows I love fish and they have asked for my advice on setting up the tanks. (Great fun, I get to design wonderful tanks using someone else's money) 
<Yes, and a worthy task all the way around>
Several of the office staff have requests for the large tank: a full size angel, a puffer (porcupine preferred), and a trigger (possibly a clown). Would this work?
<For the 150 (or hopefully even larger), yes, could be made to work... given careful selection of the species and specimens. Some Angels and Triggers are unsuitable for such a volume on their own, so you will need to look for smaller, easier-going types>
I know anything else in there is fair game for lunch but I am suggesting considerable live rock anyway for water quality help. 
<Good idea>
Is this going to max out this tank? 
<Yes>
The smaller tanks are going to be a seahorse tank (I know they are a pain in the rear but he really wants them)
<Do look for the ones from Ocean Rider (link on the www.WetWebMedia.com site) from Hawai'i... tank bred, trained on dead Mysid shrimp... as wild-caught specimens are trouble here>
and a clown fish with anemone tank.
<The Seahorses in a separate tank I trust... lest the anemone consume them. This is my understanding from your statement that there are to be three systems.>
These two I can handle, it is just the big one I was wondering about. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. Olivia
<Keep good notes on what you will do. Bob Fenner>

Fish (stocking selection)  55 FO
I am in the process of cycling my saltwater tank and preparing to stock with fish. I have a list of fish I would like you to look at and possibly make a recommendation as to which ones and how many of each. I have a 55 gallon tank
The fish I am interested in are:
Naso tang, yellow tang, Sailfin tang, clown triggerfish, black lion fish, Klein's butterfly, raccoon butterfly, Atlantic blue tang, queen angelfish, Korean angelfish, flame angelfish, and tomato clown fish. 
I realize I cannot put all of them but I would like you to recommend the fish that will survive and how many of each. Thanks, Sal
<Mmm, well... would rather suggest which of the above to consider further... I would leave off with a Naso in a 55, a four foot long tank won't be big enough for long enough for this species. Skip the Clown Trigger... too mean, big... Ditto with the large Angelfish species (Queen, Koran)... The others could get along together... but would limit your stocking to just three of them in a tank of this size, shape. Please read through the various survey pieces on these groups of fishes and general livestock selection pieces on our site (WetWebMedia.com) for much more. Bob Fenner, who has a brother in law named Salvatore).>

Re: Aqua c EV 180 protein skimmer & stocking opinion differences   1/19/06   55 FO
Hi Bob,
             I contacted the customer service agent at Aqua -c and he said that they changed the manual and now recommend running the water level at  the dark gray box level or sometimes higher for the New EV model series.
<Thank you for this info.>
Quick question, I discovered the marine fish supplier Marine center, (which comes highly regarded from many people I know including some people from your site) states that fish such as the clown trigger at full size can be kept in a 30 gallon aquarium by its self, honey comb morays in 55 gallons, and other large fish is much smaller tanks than I have heard anywhere else.
<Yes... we do have differences of opinion here>
Maybe this is plausible but would impact my design on how I could stock my tank in the future.  What do you think?
<These species need/deserve more space>
  I also visited my local fish store and talked to the manager, highly regarded as wise fish geniuses and has been in the hobby for many years, I discussed with him my tank size(110) and future tank mates and he said I could keep a Porc puffer Diodon holocanthus, clown trigger, Bluelined grouper, zebra moray and several other rather large fish in this tank indefinitely except for maybe the porcupine What are your thoughts about this?
<I disagree... the likelihood of real trouble... fighting, anomalous loss, maintenance headaches is too large to suit me>
           Thank you for your valuable time and consideration,
                  Chris
<And you for yours. Bob Fenner>
 

Question about butterflies, bag fish sales, and hello    55 F Hello! I have never asked you a question so far but I have been reading the articles on your site for quite some time. <Glad to finally be chatting> My question is this: what is the main difficulty in keeping copper band butterflies? <Adjustment through the rigors of capture, moving, holding mainly... vying with the trauma therein...> I have not been able o find a thorough straight answer. Also, I hear butterflies should not be added to a newly set up tank, but a long nose butterfly can?  <The genus Forcipigers dual species have proven more inherently tough for captive use> My set up is a 55g FWLR. I have about 50lbs. The fish are currently an ocellaris clown, a Christmas wrasse, and a red finned fairy wrasse. My inverts are two brittle stars, 7 hermits, a blue tuxedo urchin, 9 Nassarius snails and a couple Astreas. I will get more Nassarius in the future. Also this tank has a 6" in tank DSB, a prism protein skimmer that is doing a good job, and an emperor 400. My last question is a bout a bagged fish sale. You see, every Sunday my LFS has a sale where fish direct from the wholesaler are put for sale floated in the bags they came in. I think this is a good idea, do you think any fish should be avoided? <Mmm, a few stipulations here: IF one knows what one is looking for... IF one knows what one is looking at... IF one has the capacity (tanks, background, patience...) to properly acclimate, thoroughly quarantine such specimens... THEN such "in the bag" sales can be a good idea/practice. HOWEVER in actual practice, these are a source of more livestock and hobbyist loss (not dead hobbyists, thank goodness) to the trade than any store has ever generated net income or retained consumers... Caveat Emptor!> As I see it, it is almost the same as if you ordered fish online and got them at your doorstep. Please respond ASAP. Thank you. <Thank you for writing. Bob Fenner> Re: Question about butterflies, bag fish sales, and  Thanks a lot Bob. I have a 20L with some LR and a DSB I am planning to use as quarantine. It used to have fish but I moved those to my 55g. Would a butterfly or dwarf angel in the range of 3"-4" be comfortable in this tank for the quarantine period? <Yes> Also about the sale, I know of fish to pass up because of fragility, but do you have any recommendations as to what fish to avoid?  <Many recommendations... these are posted all over WetWebMedia.com and specially in a few livestock selection articles... Please start here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/MarLvSel.htm following the links where you lead yourself> I know of angels, butterflies, Anthias, etc, do you find this to be true if the fish in question is healthy in the bag? I know health can only be assessed so much by just appearance, but would one of those fragile fish be an unwise purchase? <Much to discuss my friend. See WWM for a while. Bob Fenner> Re: Question about butterflies, bag fish sales, and hello I have read through that part and saw some hardy examples. I have also gone through the fish articles and read the profiles. I am beginning to see the picture. So if it is a hardy fish, go for it, but be prepared for the worst if doing the wholesale from dealer thing.  <Yes, well stated> I see that the square spot Anthias is recommended as hardy. <Relatively> Also, it says one to a tank. So I am assuming one male will do fine in a tank by itself? <Better than two... or two of dissimilar sex in a too-small system> Also one link that I typed in for good and bad fishes did not work. Do you have an alternative one? <I don't understand the last paragraph. Which page/s? Bob Fenner>

What fish combination would work best?   55 FO
Hi,
I'm currently cycling a 55 gallon saltwater tank.  It will be fish only.  The tank has an undergravel filter, two powerheads, and a penguin BioWheel filter.
<No skimmer? You want one.>
  We obtain our saltwater at our city's aquarium and we use crushed coral for substrate.  We are now researching which types of fish would be best for our tank.
Our three kids, of course, want a clownfish, Nemo and all.  We also like pajama cardinals, bowtie damsels, yellow-tailed blue damsels, Bannerfish, humbug damsels, blue doctors, and triggerfish.  We know that some are more aggressive than others, and unfortunately don't  feel that we can trust most of the people working at our local fish stores for some good advice.
<Best to do ones own investigations>
I would appreciate any suggestions on a good combo of fish in the tank.
We know that we shouldn't put them all in at the same time and all that other new tank info.  We're just trying to get our plan in place so to speak.
Thanks for your help,
Katrina
<Leave off with the trigger, tangs... even the butterfly... just try damsels for now... Keep studying... and add another fish or two per month as you know more. Bob Fenner>

Cleaner fish and tank mates  55 FO
I have a 3in porcupine puffer set up in a 55gal by itself with live rock and sand. I am wanting to add some tankmates. Any suggestions?
<All sorts... How about a hardy tang? See our coverage here re hardiness and temperament: http://wetwebmedia.com/tangs. Maybe a Zebrasoma or Ctenochaetus species... Or a hardy wrasse, or bass of small maximum size... You can sort through all of these... and much more on our site (www.WetWebMedia.com)>
Also wanting to add something to help clean the tank? Once again any suggestions would be appreciated? Thanks.
<All posted on the WWM site. Enjoy. Bob Fenner>

Questions about Stocking a 60 Hex  60 FO
<<JasonC here filling in for Bob while he is away diving.>>
Hi Bob, I have a question I have a 60 gallon hex I have one 5" Huma Huma trigger that I got the other day and then the next day I bought a 3" white tail trigger I put him in the tank and the Huma Huma just would not stop trying to eat him. so I gave the fish back to the store. my question is can I go and get a 6" golden puffer and stick him in there and trust that everything would be safe?
 <<I'm not sure this is a good plan for a hex tank, even if it is 60 gallons - not enough horizontal space to get away.>>
 all I wanted was 2 triggers and a puffer now I am down to one trigger and should I get the puffer. Thanks
<<One trigger and one puffer in 60 gallons is about all you could do, but again, I'm not sure the shape of the Hex Tank is working in your favor in this instance. In any case, it's probably worth trying a small puffer as the trigger will probably care less because the puffer doesn't look like a trigger [no competition]. Only time will tell and you are welcome. Cheers, J -- >> 
Fish Compatibility/Incompatibility 60 FO
Hi - I currently have a 60 gallon salt water tank that contains a small Picasso trigger (approx 2 1/2 in), a coral beauty angel and a bicolor blenny. 
<With this trigger I see compatibility issues in the future, not to mention the potential size of the trigger.>
All are doing great and get along fine. Salt sits at about 1.023, ph is 8.2, and all other testings done at the fish store say to be excellent. 
<That’s good, however in the future I would purchase my own test kit to verify readings as well as in case of emergencies.> 
I have an antenna lionfish on order that I am waiting for. 
<This is another animal that will grow large and possibly consume smaller tank mates…it may also fall prey to the trigger. They have a tendency to pick at the lions delicate fins.> 
I would like to add one more fish to the group. I am considering a Scott's fairy wrasse or possibly a blacklip butterfly fish. Do you think that either one of these would work? 
<No.> 
If not, could you recommend something. I am looking for something with a little more bright color. 
<To be honest the lion and trigger will be quite heavy on your bio-load making it unwise to have much more than that. Furthermore its even harder to recommend a compatible fish since this group will eventually be incompatible with one another.> 
Thanks for your help!
<You are welcome, Adam J.> 

Fish List (Possible Overcrowding) - 02/14/06   65 F
Hello again,
<<Howdy>>   
Before I get to my question I would just like to say thank you again for your quick response and all the useful information you gave me with my previous question.
<<Not sure who that was...but I am sure you're quite welcome.>>
Now, I am going back and forth trying to select the fish I want to be in my tank.  I have been researching for months and must have changed the list about fifty times.
<<Oh but for the want of a larger tank <grin>.>>
I’m pretty sure I have the final cut, but before I do anything I want your ideas/opinions on the list.
<<Would be happy to oblige.>>
Keep in mind I have a 65 gallon tank.
<<Ok>>
The fish include:
(1)- Banggai Cardinal fish - Up to 3”
(?)- Blue-Green Chromis - Up to 3”
(1)- Flame Hawkfish - Up to 4”
(1)- Fridmani Pseudochromis - Up to 3”
(1)- Ocellaris Clownfish - Up to 4”
(1)- Yellow Tang - Up to 8”
<<Was looking pretty good up until the tang.>>
The tang, Pseudochromis, and Hawkfish will be the last fish added to the tank for territorial reasons.
<<Honestly, I feel your tank is too small for the tang.  These fish (tangs) really need quite a bit of space to roam/graze/prevent development issues.>>
Can the Chromis be kept single or is it almost mandatory to keep in a group of at least three?
<<Can be kept singly, though groups are preferred.>>
If they have to be in a group I’m pretty sure that would crowd my tank right?
<<Not if you forget about the tang.>>
Or is my tank already going to be overloaded with just one Chromis and the rest of the list?
<<Yes...with the tang.>>
I tried to focus on compatible hardy fish that would stay relatively small.
<<I think you did a pretty good job for the most part.>>
Also I’m sure you have already noticed a variety of colors as well.
<<Indeed>>
Do you see any problems with my selections?
<<As already stated.>>
If so, what do you suggest would fix the problem?  Also if the problem is about one of the selections what are some similar fish to replace them?
<<Were this a larger tank I would say "press forward" with your selections.  As it is, I would recommend replacing the tang with a trio of Chromis...and if you still want a "yellow" fish, a Lemonpeel Angel (Centropyge sp.) would about put you at your limit.>>
Thanks, Chris
<<Regards, EricR >>

Massive Fish Loss, 72 gal., FO
Hi Bob,
<That title is unsettling...>
I have a 72 gal bow front marine aquarium started in Feb 2001. It is a fish only tank with sand and Tufa rock. I have a large Amiracle wet/dry, AquaC Remora Pro protein skimmer, UV sterilizer and a 2 powerheads for circulation.
Live Stock is: Panther Grouper, Snowflake Moray, Clown Trigger, Yellow Tang, Blueface Angel (juv), 4 Damsels and a FFExpress cleanup crew. I realize this is a significant load and every 4 or 5 days I measure a slight trace of ammonia & nitrites (.2 or less) -
<Not good... as you know... very stressful to have to live in a veritable sewer... this system is way overloaded... physically and psychologically>
it comes and goes,
<So do we... let's make it later>
and PH is at 8.2. This is been going on for a while (2 months or so) with no adverse affects - till now.
<No deadly apparent ones...>
About 5 days ago my Clown Trigger seemed to have this white powdery residue on him, and in spots it's pealed off similar to a pealing sunburn (that's the best way I can explain the pealing). His spirit is somewhat reduced but he is still eating. I did have a high Nitrate reading (100+ ppm) in the tank, and did a large water change (50%). I also noticed this on one of my large Domino Damsels, but not as severe.
<This is too much water, too much waste, too much fish...>
Well, things got significantly worse......I removed the trigger and put him in a quarantine tank and treated it with Maracyn (recommendation by a LFS).
<Did they recommend a much larger system?>
Well, the trigger didn't make it overnight. A day or so later I noticed the grouper has what seemed to look like pop-eye in one eye and the damsel
getting worse. So I did another 50% water change and medicated the main tank with Maracyn. This was probably not the right thing to do, but I don't have sufficient equipment to individually hospitalize all of my fish. On Monday I lost my yellow tang - he looked pale, but was eating the day before it died. Tuesday I lost my angel and a damsel. Both were eating and looked okay the day before they died. Man, I feel helpless!!!!!!
<You are not helpless... you are the one to make things right.>
Today, the grouper is still hanging in there.....Still has pop-eye and nothing else visual. The eel I can honestly say shows no debilitating signs and is still eating. Ironically, the snails and hermit crabs seem totally unaffected by what's happening...Why?
<They're scavengers for the most part... waiting and scavenging>
I introduced about 30 lbs of live sand about a month ago. I feed them a variety of foods. Frozen krill, frozen silversides, brine shrimp cubes, frozen specialty jell-based foods (formula 1, trigger formula, etc.) frozen squid cubes, fresh chopped clam, fresh scallops and romaine lettuce. All of them soaked in Zoe.
<You're just lacking space... perhaps more vigorous filtration for the larger space>
I have also use supplements such as Zoe, Zoecon, and essential elements. I have twice fed the carnivores live shrimp (krill size and transparent in
appearance) that the LFS says are caught locally (Long Island, NY). Do you think these could be a carrier of something, or something in the other foods?
<Not likely a/the factor>
Can certain types of algae growth do this?
<What? Bring about livestock losses? Yes, but this is probably not a cause here>
I have a tight glass top, due to the eel, so could there be a lack of oxygen present?
<Maybe... can be tested for...>
I know my water quality has been on occasions sub-par, but would that cause this massive fish loss,
<Absolutely>
or am I going through this "wipe out syndrome" I've only briefly read about? I read a lot on your site but obviously not enough. - Please Help
Thanks, Ed
<Keep reading, studying, thinking deeply on your situation my friend. You've placed a few thousand gallons worth of fishes in a seventy two gallon box of water... this is the primary reason for your losses. Start with fishes that are and stay smaller, or look to getting a much bigger system. Bob Fenner>

Saltwater Stocking - 2/17/2006 75 FO
Hi Lisa
<<Hi Elise!>>,
I need your advice once again.  My new 75 gallon FO saltwater is up and running fine, so far.  We cycled it with Bio-Spira, live sand and 5 damsels, which worked out great.  However, I took the damsels back to the LFS because they were aggressive little things and I feared for my future fish.
<<Can be quite aggressive; more so with age.>>
I replaced them with three percula clowns that seem very happy and we just adore them.  Do you have any suggestions for future stocking?  I've been researching and I am totally overwhelmed.  We had wanted a blue tang (Dory) but from what I've read my tank isn't big enough.
<<Unfortunately, you're right.>>
Basically, I just want fish that will get along and not get too big for my tank. I'd like to keep the tank somewhat under stocked; I want to avoid trouble as much as possible.
<<Look at Basslets, gobies, cardinals, wrasses.>>
Can I get an angel or something else bigger than the clowns?
<<You could.  I would look into a Flame Angel, or another Centropyge.  Look here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/centropyge/ and here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/centropyge/loricula.htm.   Do keep in mind that these may or may not be reef-safe, should you decide to go that route later, and do MUCH better with live rock, as do most reef fish.  I highly recommend you add some.>>
Are there small fish compatible with clowns that I could get 2 or 3 of?
<<Some green or blue Chromis would be a great peaceful addition.>>
I'm open to any suggestions; my only rule is I'm keeping the clowns!
<<I don't blame you, I love mine ļ>>
Thanks so much for your help!
<<Anytime.  Lisa.>>
Elise

Your recommendation for stocking 75 gallon tank  - 01/24/06 FO
Hello WWM Crew,
Thank you for your very informative website. At times it seems nearly overwhelming with the amount of information available, but I keep on reading! I l am very excited to learn all I can about this hobby. Because of your site, I have successfully cycled a 75 gallon saltwater tank and am now ready to add the permanent residents. I have elected to begin with a FO tank. My substrate is a mixture of very fine aragonite and live sand. I have lots of (not live) rock and (not live) coral and some other tank decorations that provide good hidey holes. The tank came "reef-ready" and has an under tank refugium. Water flow is excellent. There are two Turbo snails and two small hermit crabs as well as an elephant-nosed snail who is really a blast to watch. The tank cycled with some black and white (domino) damsels, who have completed their mission and will be going back to the store because of what I have learned about their aggression levels. I have grand visions of a very peaceful, very colorful tank. I have done lots of reading but can't decide which fish to buy or how many this size tank can sustain. Since so many of you are passionate about fish, I thought you might be able to offer some fun suggestions. I do not have a "favorite" fish although I saw some bright orange angels at the store that were pretty. What would be a good, peaceful mix?
<?>
I'm open to any recommendations from your fine crew, and excited to see what you think would look nice and be
sustainable. I am willing to learn all I can about each species before doing any purchasing. Thanks for everything!
Morgan
<"Man of the sea"... keep reading. Bob Fenner>

Compatibility   75 F
Hello, would I be able to have a Long-nosed Butterflyfish, 4 Firefish, a Blue Tang, Longnose Hawkfish, 3 Ocellaris Clownfish, and a Flame Angel live happily together in a 75 Gallon tank? And if they would, would they be ok with a Longspine Urchin, and a Chocolate Chip Starfish? 
<Jason, the 75 is not going to be large enough for all those fish. I like to use a ratio of five gallons per one cubic inch of fish. Read this article on firefish before you buy them. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i1/wormfishesArt/wormfishes.htm. James (Salty Dog)>

First tank-species and capacity  75 FO
Hi Bob - your "house" is incredible - thanks for this site.
<You are welcomed to come into it>
Plus the effort you make to educate both the beginner like myself and assistance for the experienced user.
<An honor and pleasure my friend>
I'm trying and do it right the first time and pick fish of interest first, then tank size, etc. Am looking at the following fish for FO tank.
Porcupine Puffer (or Dogface)
Dwarf Lionfish
Picasso Trigger (or Sohal Tang)
Bird Wrasse
Zebra eel
<Quite an assortment of potentially "medium aggressive fishes".>
Am contemplating Oceanic 75 rect. (reef ready), wet/dry with either T1000 or AquaC EV90. Which skimmer will be the QUIETEST?
<The Aquamedic product, Turboflotor T1000>
And do you have a skimmer preference for a FO tank? (This tank will be in my bedroom).
<This is a very good choice... for quiet, efficiency, workability>
I wondered if an oversized wet/dry would be beneficial but suspect the sump wouldn't be that much bigger than one sized for the tank. Was thinking maybe it would give some extra breathing space in case of a mishap - even if no more fish capacity. Or is my reasoning way off here?
<No, right on. But a bit more noise if can't be sequestered in a cabinet>
I am concerned about the number of fish I have picked and have listed them in order of interest. Too much?
<Ultimately yes... the Trigger may harass the Puffer and/or Lion, the Puffer might at least prevent the Lion from eating if not nibble on it itself... the Eel may be harassed too much as well... You'll have to keep an eye on all to make sure they're getting food, not being chewed>
I know this is long winded. If you have time your opinion will be greatly
appreciated. Again, thanks much for the wealth of information. It has helped me decide to take the step from freshwater to marine. Thank-you.
<No worries. Take your time, enjoy the planning, anticipation. Bob Fenner>

Wondering (about stocking in anticipation of a huge system)  75 to much larger FO
Hello,
<Hi there>
I have a 75 gallon aquarium set up. it has a Amiracle sl-150, two Fluval 404's for filtration and about 60-85 pounds of live rock and 3/4" of live sand. in the tank I have a 4" harlequin tusk, a 4" volitans lion fish, a 1" red emperor snapper, and a 1 1/2" Humu Humu trigger. 
<Wow, surprised the Lion hasn't sucked the last two down!>
is this too much for this size of tank for now?
<Mmm, not yet>
What if anything can I add to the tank, or should I remove any fish (I would get ride of the trigger) right now my wife and I are building a house and have AquArt (Dublin Ohio) building a 1200 gallon bow front acrylic tank (120" x 48" x 46" ) (roughly $6900) so I will be upgrading the above fish to this tank.
<I'll say!>
Right now we are looking for the tank to be set up and running for a little while by Christmas. Just wondering what your thoughts and concerns maybe at this time in regards to my 75 gallon tank.
<All should be fine till then>
Ohh yes, I also have a engineer goby who is hiding among the live rock and I am unable to catch him for the last 6 months and he is nearly 8 inches long
and is eating flake as well as frozen meaty foods.
<Sounds fine>
Thank you for your time. Jeff Morningstar, Dayton Ohio
<And you for your input. Bob Fenner>

New tank and a whole 'lotsa fish, 75 gal., FO
hello
<Anthony Calfo in you service>
I have just purchased a new aquarium, and I wanted to ask a few questions about the compatibility of the fish that I would like to put in this aquarium. 
<fire away...>
It is a 125gallon tank (72" X 18" X 22"), with wet/dry filter and protein skimmer and will be cycled in about 5-6 weeks. in the 125 I would like to have- 5-6" emperor angel, 3-4" Sohal tang, 3-4" clown trigger, 4" Australian harlequin Tuskfish, 6-8" Vlamingi tang, golden puppy dog puffer, 3-4" Lyretail hogfish, 3-4" powder blue surgeonfish, 4-6" queen or blue-face angel. do you think it is a wise idea to house these fish in this tank? 
<admittedly it would be seriously overstocked even while many of these fish are juveniles. The Vlamingi and Sohal are not even candidates for a tank this size even as the only fish! An adult Vlamingi grows to 2 1/2 feet long (60cm)!!!! and the Sohal is not far behind. We really must be responsible aquarists and plan for this growth in the 2-5 year picture just as one would do considering a big dog in a small apartment>. The puffer is way too clumsy and dangerous for this crowd (really belongs in a predator tank perhaps with the clown trigger (most likely in fact). The two angels will almost certainly fight... you'll need to pick one. If you are a beginner, don't take a Powder Blue tang for free... they are sensitive and it would be best to wait until you are more experienced and prepared.>
I have an existing 75 gallon tank with the emperor angel, Sohal tang and clown trigger and when the time comes I am going to take them out and put them in the larger tank. thanks for your time and advice
<as adults...these three fish will outgrow the 125 gallon easily (cumulative adult size of the three approaching four feet of fish in total in the 4-7 year picture. So... it is hard to recommend more fish without knowing if there is an even larger tank in the future (else you might watch them stunt and die prematurely and wonder why). In the meantime, frequent water changes, two good skimmers (cleaned alternate times) and of course a great biological filter... I'd say the hogfish would be a nice addition or even a blue or green bird wrasse (probably could hang with this tough crowd)>
Ian Behnk
<Best regards, Anthony>

One More Fish...But Which One?  9/22/05 75 gal. FO
Hi!
<Howzit? Scott F. with you tonight!>
I have had my 75Gallon marine tank up and running well for 3 years.  I would like to thank you for the great guidance I have gotten from reading this site and from reading the Conscientious Marine Aquarist and Bob and Anthony's Reef Invertebrates book.  I am now completely hooked on the hobby!
<Awesome! Glad to hear it!>
I am thinking of adding one or two more fish to my set-up and wondered if I could get your opinion.
<Sure!>
Current Set-up:
75 gallon tank with 30Gallon refugium with deep sand bed and live rock (no light)
70 lbs. live rock in display with 1 inch sand bed
ETS Reef Devil Pro Skimmer
260 watts compact fluorescent lights - actinic and 10,000K
Total circulation approx. 1200 Gal/hr
Water parameters:
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20
pH 8.2
Specific gravity 1.024
Temp. 76 degrees
CA 420
Alk. 8dKH
Livestock:
1 Bartlett's Anthias
1 Latticed Butterfly
2 Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse
2 Orange Spotted Sleeper Gobies
2 Cleaner Shrimp
Assorted snails and hermit crabs
<Nice mix...A bit tight, but nice nonetheless.>
All have been peacefully co existing for two years or longer.  I would like to add one or more of the following: a Flame Angel, a Yellow Tang, and/or a Bannerfish (Heniochus sp.).  Before I went ahead I wanted to see if you thought this would be overstocking.  I avoided many pitfalls so far by following the advice in your books and would hate to disrupt my beautiful system.
Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Joy
<Joy, it really seems to me like you're pretty close to the limits of sticking for this tank, as far as "mid-sized" fishes is concerned. In my opinion, the only fish on your list I'd even consider at this point would be the Flame Angel, and I think that is kind of pushing it. All of the fishes that you mention require significant amounts of space to "roam" in. Personally, if I were contemplating another fish for this tank, I'd be inclined to select a blenny of some sort. I think that smaller, less active, yet still interesting (and colorful!) blennies can help "fill in the blanks' in many stocking plans. Plus, in your case, these fishes offer the added attraction of filling an environmental niche (near-bottom dwellers) that you have available in your system. Think small! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Fish selection...  75 FO
Greetings, Bob...
I just finished reading (the very long) article on your website about fish selection. I think most of my favorites are on the "good" list, but I was unable to access the good/bad list link (even the revised link mentioned in the FAQ's).
<Hmm, will have to check this... the one from the AMDA?>
I'm still about 6-7 weeks from actually adding a fish, as we are going on vacation for 12 days at the end of August and I don't want to risk a fish in a new system to my house sitter (less stress for both of us). I'm actually about 1-2 weeks from adding a clean-up crew yet, but patience has never been my virtue. I want all of my research on selection done so that when the time is right, I can buy instead of research!
<I applaud your patience with patience>
Two days ago, my live rock (cycling the tank) hit the nitrite peak with no ammonia. Basic tank set-up is 75-gallon, Remora skimmer, Aquaclear filter (going to replace when fish are added) and a lovely 40-watt bulb that I'm sure is too old (bought the whole thing used)...the lighting will be upgraded as well...as soon as I can convince my husband to go along with shelling out $400 for some power compacts. I'm thinking about four 96-watt bulbs...does that sound good?
<Yes, you both will be pleased>
I'd like to have the whole reef thing, so I know I'll need great lighting. And I will add a refugium (hang on back of tank kind) by early next year.
So, back to fish selection...these are the specimens to which I've taken a liking:
False perc clowns...mated pair preferred
Sleeper goby (golden head)
Banggai or Pajama Cardinal...do best in pairs? groups?
<Individuals to a couple in this size system>
Six-line wrasse
Mandarin (eventually)
<So far, yes... wait on the Mandarin and Goby for a couple of months... as you likely know... for much in the way of "food" to become situated>
Does this sound like a "good" list as far as temperaments, etc? Am I overstocking for the tank size? 
Would the six-line, goby and mandarin all compete for the same food (and not have enough?). 
<Should be fine>
And finally, any particular order best for adding them to the tank (all I know is that the Mandarin comes last...like in a year).
<Percs, Cardinals, Wrasse, the rest>
My primary concern is with my fishes' happiness and well-being in my care (yes, I'm one of those who sometimes cries over dead fish), and I generally prefer tank-raised (no guilt trip about taking the fish away from his home).
<Okay all the way around>
Thanks for your great website and all of your personal attention.
<You're welcome.>
Kind regards, Misty Johnson
PS. My LFS (which seems pretty good and caring) has a Catalina Goby in stock right now, so I e-mailed them the link to your paragraph about how they don't live well in warm tanks...not sure what they could do with him,
but maybe it will keep them for ordering another one. If I had the cash, I'd rescue him and set up a cool water tank for him as he is a beautiful little dude.
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>

Stocking Questions   75 FO
Dear Bob,
<You reached Steven Pro today. I am taking my turn answering some of the daily queries.>
I have found your book and web site as invaluable pieces of info and I thank you for them. I am setting up a 75 gal DAS hex tank with LRWFO some hardy inverts. I would like your comments on
1) my system in general
2) fish compatibility
3) stocking plan
System
75 Gal DAS flat back hex with built in filter and skimmer. Eheim 2215
canister, 2 100 w Ebo Jager heaters, (2) 160 gph power heads for
circulation. air pump with stone for aeration, (2) 96 watt compact fluor. Tank will be stocked with 60 lbs of Florida aquacultured rock this Friday (2/15/02).
<60 pounds of the aquacultured rock does not amount to a lot of rock for decoration purposes. The aquacultured rock is nice enough, but pretty dense stuff.>
After tank is cycled my stocking plan is as follows:
Clean up crew, Flame Angel, Purple Tang, Royal Gramma, Banggai Cardinal, O. Clownfish, Purple Fire fish, Lawnmower Blenny, Blue Banded Goby, (one of the colorful calm wrasses)
Blue starfish, red starfish, feather duster, (2) blood shrimp.
The question again is, is this a good mix?
<I would leave out the Purple Tang. It can get large and aggressive with this group of other fairly peaceful fish.>
If so in what order would you stock?
<First to Last: Clown, Blenny, Cardinal, Firefish, Goby, Wrasse, Gramma, Flame>
Finally if this work out O.K. Do I have enough lighting to try a few hardy coral? Which ones?
<Maybe some mushroom anemones>
Thanks in advance. -Rocco
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Fish Compatibility   FO 75
Hello
<Cheers, Anthony Calfo in your service>
I have been in this hobby for about 4 years now and have kept triggers, angels etc, all aggressive fish and I have never kept "peaceful" fish, and I had a few questions about compatibility. I have a 75 gallon tank that has been set up for about 3 years now I have 100lbs of cured LR (because the clown trigger, emperor angel, etc has eaten almost everything and are now in a 135gallon tank). I was wondering if I could keep 3 blue Chromis, 1 sunburst Anthias, Goldflake angel, blue-spot Jawfish, 2 Percula clownfish, 1 juv chevron tang all in the 75 gallon tank without any problems with feeding or aggression. Thank you for your help and time. Ian Behnk
<the angel and chevron will ultimately be too large or assertive for this mix. Else, all is quite fine and peaceful indeed. Do research the special needs of Jawfish however. Best regards, Anthony >

Could you help? (stocking questions for a marine system) 75 FO
Mr. Fenner,
<Hi Gussie, Lorenzo Gonzalez for Bob still...>
I am nervous about writing to you. I have read your books and am looking forward to the next published. I recently discovered your web page and have spent hours reading everything I can. I have worn the spine of T.C.M.A. out, and your web page is for now my home page. I am a novice to this hobby and you have been a irreplaceable source of information.
<<Deeply gratifying to read. Bob F>>
<He'll be very glad to hear it. He's a pretty awesome guy. EXTREMELY friendly, amenable, even if his email replies seem 'short' sometimes, it's because he gets around 30-40 questions a day...>
<<And this isn't the only e-addr. they come in on Zo-ster...>>
If you could lend a bit of advice I will be in your debt. I have a 75gal. saltwater aquarium. A Wet/dry filter, red sea skimmer, a wave-maker on low, 78 degrees, Ph 8.2, S.G. 0.0023, 0 amm., 0 nitrite, 0 nitrate, 40lbs L.S., 65lbs L.R.
3 Sergeant damsels (laid back)
2 Domino damsels (1 fairly territorial, 1 laid back)
1 3" Clarks Clown (territorial and aggressive but not to the point of causing injury)
I would like to eventually take the damsels away and have; my Clown, Flame Angle, Yellow Tang, and a Zebra Lionfish.
This is my first stab at a grouping for my aquarium. I feel like, as far as size and compatibility, I might be close to the disaster line. I worry that my Clown will be too territorial and will harass my other fish into an early grave. In your opinion, do you think my fears are justified? I could really use some reassurance.
<I think the mix you have proposed is possible, but is definitely the limit for your 75. In fact if you are successful, your selection will nearly outgrow your 75 within a few years, and will require at least 90g to be truly comfortable. Tangs are real cruisers, lions are messy, Angels are wanderers/explorers. For compatibility, a flame angel can usually learn to avoid a bully clown, yellow tangs are waaay faster than mean clowns, the lion fish should be the very last fish you add, and should be at least as big as the clown, but not much bigger.>
I hope to hear from you, or the care takers of your web site while you are away, as soon you have a chance. :) Best wishes, Gussie
<Best regards, good luck, and 'be chatting!' as Bob likes to say!-Lorenzo>

What do next? (livestocking)  75 FO
Robert,
We have a 75 gallon tank with 71 pounds of live rock, one 16 inch snowflake eel that is not shy at all, a Huma Huma triggerfish 3 inches long, a moon wrasse about 4 inches, and a dog faced puffer about 3 and 1/2 inches long (all of course are my favorites). I was thinking of adding (by order) one lionfish and one clown triggerfish to complete the tank. Is this going to be too many fish and do you think that they can all get along?
<The lionfish might go along... make sure it gets enough to eat... am sure you're already doing this for the eel... and not being bullied by your present Trigger or Puffer... but would skip on the Clown Trigger... too much likelihood of real trouble here>
Any other suggestions? Oh have you heard of the stuff called "Stop Parasite?" Any comments?
<Many "new" as in novel medications promoted here and there (mainly by those who stand to profit from such)... my opinions, experiences re them are posted on our website... start here: http://wetwebmedia.com/med.htm 
Bob Fenner>
Thanks a bunch!! Angie

Tank Stocking   75 FO
Hi Jason,
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I have revised my list and the order in which I wish to stock. Please make any changes necessary. I would like to add the Filament Flasher wrasses in a couple of weeks, how long should I wait between adding fish?
Revised-Wish List and order I wish to stalk
Filament Flasher Wrasse, (Paracheilinus filamentosus) (3)
Royal Gramma, (Gramma loreto) (1)
Marine Betta, (Calloplesiops altivelis) (1)
Banggai Cardinal, (Pterapogon kauderni) (3)
Sharknose goby (Gobiosoma evelynae) (1)
Yellow Tang, (Zebrasoma flavescens) (1)
Or, (which would be the best fish and more disease resistant for my tank)? Bristlemouth choice (1)
<<Before I answer, I just want you to know that I have only four fish in my 75, and not a one of them is over 3". That being said, I would only add one more fish to my own tank, a Centropyge [pygmy angel]. These are great fun, smart and small, and many are quite flashy. With your vulpinis and maroon clown, your tank will become a boisterous place before long. You would be best served by picking either just the single tang, or the other list, and you might reduce the number of flasher wrasses to just one. You might also want to consider instead of all of those a pygmy angel of some type. Check the page: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/centropy.htm - I'm really a big fan of these.
You'll get better long term results if you stock light, and give everyone room to not feel under threat. If your maroon clown is of any size, your really going to know when it's feeling crowded - <nip!> Will you be quarantining these new incomers?>>
Thank you, and Happy Holidays! Lori
<<Yourself as well. Cheers, J -- >>

Stocking The Conscientious Way 75 gal, FO
Hello Crew,
<Hey there! Scott F. here today!>
Thanks in advance for your feedback, and as always great site and books! I currently have a 75 gallon tank with 75 lbs. of LR, a sump/fuge with a 5 in. deep sand bed, and macroalgae. The tank is currently stocked with 8 soft corals and the following fish/inverts: 1 Royal Gramma, 1 Bicolor Blenny, 1 pr. True Percula Clowns, 1 Blue Hippo Tang, 1 Passer Angel, 1 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, and 1 Fire Shrimp. Yes, I know the passer and the tang will outgrow this tank which leads to my explanation and question.
<Okay...you read my mind here!>
I can’t afford to have multiple tanks to create different types of systems, so I plan on changing my tank every 2 years.
<That can be pricey, huh?>
I want to add an Urchin Pro skimmer to my sump and more 40 lbs. more LR.
<A great skimmer, but with the crowd that you're keeping and your plan to swap to (larger) systems, I'd get a skimmer that's a bit more capable.>
After trading in all my current fish and corals, I want to restock with the following: 1 Harlequin Tusk, 1 Purple Tang, 1 Trigger (Humu Humu or Clown), 1 Angel (looking for a suggestion), and 1 Hawaiian Sharpnose Puffer. Can this work starting with all small specimens? What order would I stock these fish? Will this work for 2 years? And finally, if this plan is a disaster can you recommend some fish choices based on my taste in fish listed above?
Regards, Greg
<Ahh, Greg- now I understand what you meant by "changing the tank" every two years! The idea is to keep the fish for this period of time, then swap them out for new ones, right? Well, I have to be honest with you. In my humble opinion, this is an absolutely awful idea! I understand that you figure that you'd trade the fish after they outgrow your system.
But this essentially "downgrades" the animals to the status of used cars or something. 
Think about it. if, for example, you lived in an apartment and couldn't keep a full sized dog or cat, would you purchase a puppy or kitten and then trade it away after two years for a new one? I doubt it. 
Please don't think about fishes like this! Who knows what kind of care they'll get after you "trade them in"? My most fervent wish is that we as hobbyists only purchase fishes that we intend to keep for the rest of their lives, and not even think about obtaining specimens that will outgrow our systems. Quite honestly, my rather terse opinion on stocking fishes is to simply not purchase ones that will outgrow your current tank. 
All too often, the new tank that we plan to get 'next year" is tabled when the car breaks down, the roof needs repair, or some other unforeseen financial distraction occurs. I'm off the soapbox now! As far as specimens for your tank- try "miniature" versions of the fishes you're talking about. For example, a Halichoeres Wrasse instead of the Tuskfish, a Centropyge Angelfish, etc. In the end, you'll need to do your homework- but the results will benefit your chosen specimens for many years to come. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Trigger's Tank Mates, Fish and Invert Compatibility – (Incredibly) Poor Livestock Choices 10/27/05  80 gal FO
I have a 80 gal. tank with 10 gal refugium w/ deep sand bed and huge skimmer. 
<Okay.> 
I just purchased a 2" Picasso trigger. I have a large sailfin tang, a cleaner wrasse 
<Mmm…are you aware of the reputation of these animal?  Best left in the ocean: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm .> 
and two juvenile true percula clownfish. 
<This is not a good mix long-term for this tank. The potential size of the trigger and sailfin (over 12” for both) alone warrants a 150 gallon tank, furthermore the Trigger could eventually make snacks of its tank mates, especially the clowns and definitely the shrimp.> 
<<150 gallons AT MINIMUM.  Added for emphasis.  MH>>
Also I have a giant clam that I am worried the trigger will find tasty, although so far he has not ventured a taste. 
<Maybe not at his current size…just wait until he gets bigger.> 
I am wondering what problems I will run into down the road, 
<Yes see above.> 
and also wondering if the true percs will become a mated pair or rivals, as they are exactly the same size. 
<Unless they are both females already one will become dominant and during this process there could be aggression.> 
Additionally, I have 3 cleaner and 1 fire shrimp that I am worried the trigger will eat. 
<Yes eventually, seems as if you have a mixed invert tank, needless to say a Trigger is probably the worst choice for this type of set-up. In the future please research before purchasing livestock. In fact its completely possible that this trigger will not tolerate any tank mates at all as it ages.> 
What do you think?
<I think you need to make some choices about your current stocking scheme, Adam J.> 
<<And we'll add to the usual admonition, "PLEASE!  Research first."  MH>>

Stocking Trade-Offs   2/10/06   90 FO
Hey WWM!
I just have to tell you guy's / girl's at WWM I learned a lot just by reading your website. It's AWESOME!!
<Thanks for the kind words! Scott F. on call tonight!>
Well, I'm doing some research {like you guy's say to do} on stocking my tank but need a little help. I have a 90 Gallon tank, and I'm kind of digging the Red Sea fish but don't know if these fish are compatible.  
This is what I put together so far...Please let me know if not compatible.
1 Yellow Tang-Hawaii (Zebrasoma flavescens)
2 Purple-Red Sea Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)
<In a 90- it's one or the other, IMO. Two Zebrasoma will be a constant battle in most cases...Choose your fave. I like the Yellow, myself. Smaller and a lot nicer, if you ask me!>
3  Yellow Mimic Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus)  
<A nice fish, but at it's full size of almost 9-10 inches, too big for this tank!>
4  Sasi-Red Sea Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus assasi)  [definitely want a trigger, if there's a better compatible one please let me know]
<Another tough call. It's a fish that can and will reach almost a foot in length. It needs tons of physical space and heavy duty filtration. Unless this is the only fish you'll be keeping, and even then for just a short time, I'd have to tell you to pass.>
5  Maroon Clown-Gold Stripe (Premnas biaculeatus) [ can I put 2 of them together?? ]
<I'd only try this if you add them together as juveniles, or if you can find a mated pair.>
6  Red Scooter Blenny
<A neat fish in an established tank with a functional refugium and a healthy population of small crustaceans.>
7 a couple of  Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata sp.)
<Fine choices>
8   some snails
<No problem here>
These are just some I really like and want to give them the best possible environment possible so I need some expert advise
Thanks for all that you do for us Newbie's
John
<Well, John, I like your choices, but several of them are entirely too large for a 90. I have always been a big fan of "smaller versions" or substitutions for some of the big guys. How about fishes like a Centropyge Angelfish, a Hawkfish, Halichoeres species wrasses, a Pseudochromis or Gramma, maybe a Marine Betta, or some assorted small Blennies. Just some ideas for fishes for this tank that may be more appropriate. Do a little reading here on the WWM site and see what you think! Have fun! Regards, Scott F.>

Stocking Advice   90 FO
Hi Bob. I wanted to thank you for the great website and ask you a question. I have an almost fully cycled 90 gallon fish only tank. Filtration is by wet/dry, protein skimmer and UV. I want to stock the following fish in the following order adding each approximately 2 weeks apart assuming water parameters permit it. Each would be small at introduction, approximately 2". Here it goes: Black/White Heniochus (sp.?),
<Heniochus> 
Hippo Tang, Yellow Tang, Australian Harlequin Tusk and Huma Trigger. Thanks for your time and dedication to this great hobby.
<All should go... but the trigger may prove (about a fifty percent chance within the year) to be too pugnacious. Only time, experience will show. Bob Fenner>

Is this overstocking a 92G?  FO
Dr. Fenner,
<Please, just Bob, no phid>
First things first...where around the world does this email find you?
<Today, at home in sunny southern cal.>
Interesting to see in the FAQ's where your travels take you. Thanks for indulging me on this one!
<Thanks for sending it>
I am on the brink of purchasing a 92G system w/ built-in overflows & sump to house a fish-only with live rock setup. I plan on heavy filtration, heavy skimming, heavy circulation for my messy eaters.
I do not plan to ever upgrade in the future (my wife was gracious enough to allow this purchase...with the caveat that NO further systems would be approved, so at least for the next 5-10 years this is my constraint!).
<Sign nothing!>
My question is... Am I overstocking this life-long tank? I know this is not necessarily the 5" fish per gallon rule...but I believe my plan will address the bio-load that this tank will bear, so my only concern is whether or not I am giving these ladies & gentlemen enough space to grow & thrive in (particular, of course, to the requirements for space that each species needs for comfort).
This is my stocking plan (as well as order of introduction...)
1) Volitans Lion
2) Snowflake Eel
3) Harlequin Tuskfish
4) Porcupine Puffer (D. Holocanthus)
<Should be okay for a few years>
3 Further questions:
a) If your response is 'most definitely overstocking for life & forget about it', then the next question is...Can I replace the Tusk with a smaller Goatfish? Species you recommend if yes? 
<You could... and these are covered: http://wetwebmedia.com/Goatfshart.htm >
And, would THIS plan be overstocking a 92G for life?
<Whose? As stated, the size of this system, gear should work out for a few years... likely you'll be trading these organisms out, going on to other systems by then...>
b) If even this option is still way too overstocked...can I go with ONLY the Lion, Eel and Puffer in a 92G for life?
<Yes>
c) Could I do JUST the lion, eel, and puffer in a 72G for life? Or would 92G be the minimum to support these 3 for life??
<The larger>
THANKS to you for your assistance in helping me to provide a hospitable, stress-free environment to my aquatic friends!! 
<Can we settle on "stress-minimized"?>
Thanks too for past responses to my emails, which have helped me formulate the setup that I need to support a fish only w/ live rock aquarium.
<You have helped yourself with my input my friend. Bob Fenner>
Warm Regards, Dave

90 Gallon Centerpiece Fish - 02/18/06  90 F
Hello,
<<Howdy>>
I’m wavering on my choice of a “centerpiece” fish for my 90g setup (w/35g sump/refuge) and would like your opinion.
<<Be glad to oblige.>>
I want to keep it simple and plan to have a Four-line wrasse, Royal Gramma, Neon Goby, probably an Ocellaris Clown, maybe a Flame Angel, plus for a centerpiece: a) a pair of H. diphreutes, or b) a Yellow Tang, or c) a Foxface.  Of these, which is the best long-term fit for a 90g?  I hope the answer isn't d) none of the above!
<<Well John, I think any of them would likely be "suitable."  But if I were to list them in order of suitability for this tank (only my opinion of course), I would place the Foxface as the best choice, The Yellow Tang as second best, and the pair of Heniochus as the least desirable choice for your tank.&g