Compatibility -SW/stocking 5/25/08
Big Aquarium With Big Plans! (Stocking Critique)
Ok, I think you guys are the most experienced people I can find, so please read my stocking list, and tell me what I should add or delete. OK!
1 Blueface Angel 5-6 in (sorry but I'm disobeying, but I just love this species to much)
<I understand your love for the fish, and I know that you are building a very large aquarium. I still can't say I'm a fan of keeping it in captivity, though!>
3 Golden Pygmy Angels
<Nice fish...tend to hide a lot, but may become emboldened over time. Keeping them in a trio, added at the same time, is a good idea if you want to keep more than one specimen.>
2 Threadfin Butterflies 2-3 in
<Definitely add them at the same time to avoid potential aggression issues. They do get pretty large (like almost 1)"),and aggressive (for a Butterfly, at least) so keep this in mind.>
3 Black and White Heniochus 2-3 in
<Can be nice fish for a large system.>
2 Falcula Butterflies 2-3 in
<Personally, I have found them to do better than the Threadfin Butterfly. I'd choose this species over the Threadfin; perhaps a trio of these instead.>
2 Pakistani Butterflies 2-2 in
<In my experience, these fishes can be really poor adaptors to captive life. I'd pass on them, myself-particularly in a system with a number of other Butterfly species. They tend to be timid.>
1 Magnificent Foxface 3-4 in
<Will add a lot of personality to your aquarium. Add when small for optimum adaption capacity.>
4 Regal Tang 2-3 in
<Everyone hates me for this, but I really don't think that you should keep more than one of them. They become quite large, need lots of space, and keeping a group of these active, gluttonous feeders will tax your filtration system. In the wild, they get huge, and I tend to think of them like large Angelfishes- better of in the wild.>
1 Desjardin Sailfin tang 3-4 in
<Wow- you MUST hate me by now. I love this fish, but it simply gets enormous, and, once again, like the large Angels, requires a lot of room to roam. I am not a fan of keeping this one in captivity.>
1 Powder Blue Tang 3-4 in
<In my opinion, if you are going to try to keep this fish, it should be the only Tang in your system. They tend to have a rough time adapting to captive life, get quite large, and are rather "touchy" (ie; susceptible to illness).>
2 Purple Tangs 3-4 in
2 Yellow Tangs 3-4 in
<I'd advise you to only keep one species of Zebrasoma in this system, particularly in a group. Besides, it would be really interesting to see a larger group of the Yellow Tangs, IMO.>
1 Lipstick Tang 4-5 in
<Ok..just beat me senseless! This is a popular fish, but it can and does reach almost 20 inches in length! It's just another fish that I cannot personally recommend for captivity.>
2 Niger Triggers 2-3 in
<Whew...! Another fish that simply gets huge. If you've ever seen these guys in the wild (I have), you'll see them in groups of several individuals. Nonetheless, they can be a bit aggressive, and once again, I'd be inclined to pass on these fish, particularly in a community situation. I'd rather you consider a somewhat more peaceful Xanthicthys species, such as the Blue Chin, X. auromarginatus, or the Crosshatch, X. mento, both of which are smaller and better behaved than the Niger. That being said, they are REALLY pricy fishes, and that may be a factor. But you asked, and I'm giving you my best advice!>
That's all. And I don't like tanks cramped full of live rock
<You wouldn't want a lot of live rock with the size/number/types of fishes you are considering for this system!>
I will keep live rock at the back of my tank, mostly and leave large gaps so big fish can get around.
<I'm not a big fan of "rock walls", but I do like your idea of leaving spaces for the fishes to swim. In fact, why don't you create an aquascape that consists of several smaller aggregations of rock? This will help avoid the "wall" look, and will break up territories and help curb aggression among some of the fishes.>
BTW, my tank is 12x3x3. do you think I can add Cleaner Wrasse and Sandsifting Starfish.
<I would not ever condone the purchase of a Cleaner Wrasse, as they are of prime importance on the wild reefs. Removing them from the reef creates a gap in "coverage" from these valuable fishes, leaving wild reef inhabitants without their cleaning services. A sand-sifting Starfish is okay, assuming you have an acceptable population of microcrustaceans for it to fee upon. I'd be inclined to wait until the aquarium is well established before purchasing one.>
In what order should I stock my tank and how many specimens at a time.
<Start slowly, adding only a few fishes at a time, after proper quarantine has been completed on each fish (read up on this process right here on WWM). I would start with the Butterflies, then the Pygmy Angelfishes, followed by the Tang(s) and/or Rabbitfish. If you're going to add the Blueface Angelfish, I'd add him/her last. Once again, I hope that you understand the spirit in which my critique was intended. Although I recommend against keeping a number of the fishes you have selected, there is literally an ocean full of adaptable, appropriate fishes out there from which to choose. Please keep at the research here on WWM and other places. I am taking a very conservative stocking approach, based on my personal experience and opinions. Others may have different thoughts on the approach. Take anyone's advise with a "grain of salt", and reach your own conclusions from your research. In the end, please consider the long-term needs of your fishes and the implications of your selections. Best of luck to you! Regards, Scott F. >

New 750 gallon aquarium, stkg SW    4/27/08
hello bob.....i am so happy to see that many of you try to help people that you don't even know... i love your website and i need some answer from you please... my tank is currently cycling and in 2-3 weeks it will be ready for my first few fish.. i just want to ask you the compatibility of these fish...
1) Annularis angel 5-6 in
2) Blue face angel 5-6 in
3) Koran angel 7-8 in
4) Majestic angel 5-6 in
5) French angel 7-8 in
6) Cream angelfish 3-4 in
7) Asfur angel 5-6 in
8) Queen angel 5.5-6.5 in
9) Emperor angel 5-6 in
<I'd start all these Angels at the 3-4 inch length to start... much more likely to be healthy, get along>
10) 3 Heniochus butterfly 3-4 in
11) 2 falcula butterfly 3-4 in
12) 4 pacific blue tang 2.5-3.5 in
13) desjardinii Sailfin tang 4-5 in
14) Naso tang 5-6 in
15) powder blue tang 3-4 in
16) 2 Scopas tang 3-4 in
17) 2 purple tang 3-4 in
18) 2 yellow tang 3-4 in
19) magnificent foxface4.5-5.5 in
20) blue throat trigger 3.5-4.5 in
21) Humu Humu trigger 3-4 in
22) black trigger 3-4 in
23) niger trigger 3-4 in
24) rectangle trigger 3.5-4.5 in
25)2 tomato clownfish 2-3 in
26) 2 Pakistani butterflyfish 2-3 in
27) 2 auriga butterfly 2-3 in
28) 6 cleaner wrasse 1-2 in
<Either skip these or just two>
please tell me your opinion and if you think i shouldn't add some fish.....i really appreciate your opinion...i know cleaner wrasse are hard but someone told me that they very important and with a fish population this big. they'll have a lot of food..
<All should be carefully acclimated, quarantined (per WWM) before introducing. Bob Fenner>

Large Aquarium- Large Fish? – 03/18/08
Hi there to whom may reply to this, and thank you for your time in doing so.
<You're quite welcome! Scott F. in tonight.>
I am planning to amalgamate 2 existing systems that I have into 1 large and would like some advice on stocking plans. My first system is a 180 litre reef that is home to a 2" Centropyge loricula, a 3" Ecsenius bicolor, a 4" Cryptocentrus cinctus and an Alpheus soror pair, a 1.5"Pseudochromis Springeri 2" Priolepis nocturnus pair of 1.5" tank bred Amphiprion percula,2 x Catalaphyllia Jardinei Protula Bispiralis and a handful of Superman spotted Discosoma all of which I would really like to keep as they were some of my first fish nearly 3 years ago.
<Nice variety!>
That was my wife's tank and now mine which is a 6ftx2ftx2ft main display, a 2ft sq. refugium and a 4ftx18"x18" sump and is a full on reef garden and has the following inhabitants:
6" Calloplesiops altivelis
5" Zebrasoma xanthurum
4" Zebrasoma veliferum
3"Paracanthus hepatus
1.5" Acanthurus coeruleus
3" Pomacanthus imperator
1.5"Holocanthus bermudensis
5" Siganus lo Vulpinus
6 x 2.5" Pseudanthias squamipinnis (1 Male,5 Female)
3" Chrysiptera cyanea
4.5" Amphiprion melanopus (hosting with a 22" dia.Sarcophyton leather)
2.5" Synchiropus picturatus (now nearly 3yrs old)
3" Paracheilinus mccoskeri
3" Bodianus bimaculatus
In the refugium there is a single Lysmata Amboinensis and a 1" Stonogobiops nematodes and in the sump somewhere there is a Belonepterygion fasciolatum.
<You have some wonderful fishes in there, but you'll have to make some concessions, particularly in regards to the Tangs and the Angelfish. Yes, as I read below, the new aquarium is spacious, but you're still dealing with some fishes that reach large sizes, need lots of physical space, and give off large amounts of metabolic waste. I'd re-think the long-term implications of this plan and narrow down you choices to one or two of the Tangs.>
The new system is a 96"x30"x36"tall with a 48"x24"x24" sump and a 2ft cubed refugium. Existing rock which is approx 145 kilos combined from the 2 systems to which I am going to add another 120 kilos. There is an existing 4" sand bed of sugar fine Aragamax in both systems to which I am going to transfer along with more fresh sand to make a 4" bed in the new system. All existing filtration will be transferred (live rock rubble approx 20kilos,Chaetomorpha)into the new sump and am thinking of adding a 6-8"bed of mud/or DSB what are your thoughts?
<Sounds really good! The DSB can be an additional source of nutrient processing. Perhaps you might get adventurous and light it in reverse of the display system and grow some Seagrasses in there. Just a thought!>
Obviously I have my doubts regarding a few of the inhabitants mainly the Tangs and Angels and also the predatory nature of the Marine Betta in respect of smaller fish and shrimp.
<I appreciate your concern regarding these fishes and their potential predatory habits. Is a true concern.>
Firstly I would like to ask would my new system sustain (size wise) all the inhabitants for years to come or am I pushing the boat a bit too far,
<You are; please see my comments above. Reviewing your animals' needs and ultimate sizes will give you a good idea of what to do. Concessions must be made.>
and if yes would I be able to add more smaller fish like a small shoal of Serranus tortugarum,another shoal of Anthias, Halichoeres ornatissimus/ Iridis?.
<I love the idea of small fishes in a large aquarium. I am a huge fan of the genus Halichoeres, too! Consider stocking this large aquarium with small fishes!>
In respect of the Tangs and Angels do you think I have my work cut out in trying to keep these fish in harmony together and if so what would you recommend I change?
<I'd eliminate most of the Tangs, quite honestly. Stick with one that you like, preferably the Z. xanthurum. I would tend to go with a smaller Angelfish, like a Centropyge species.>
These have all been together for around 11 months apart from my last addition was the Blue angel which was about 10 weeks ago. Initially there was a little chasing between the Emperor and the Blue Angel but the Emperor (Henry) has long since given up as he can't fit in the same nooks and crannies.
<Not sure how long this behavior will go on. Could be a long-term problem. In fact, it could proof fatal for someone. I'd think seriously about this stocking plan for the long run. Really, give some thought to the large aquarium/small fish philosophy.>
Thanks again for the valuable time and effort you may take in reading and replying to this your efforts are most appreciated.
Kind regards
Jason, Wales UK
<My pleasure, Jason. You sound like you have the basis for an excellent system there. Just refine your stocking list and make the necessary concessions. Think long term when stocking, and you won't go wrong! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Large, SW, new tank set up... stkg.     2/1/08
I have owned a 105 gallon reef aquarium for about 4 years now and it has done very well. All the fish are happy and celebrating their 4th year in the tank this February.
I am wanting to get a fish only tank and my budget and space would allow for a 580 gallon aquarium. It would be 144" long x 30" wide x 31.5" tall. I have spoken to my LFS person (the owner of the store) and he has come up with a setup using two large protein skimmers, about 500 lbs of live rock, a 120 gallon sump tank below, about four pumps (for redundancy),
<Mmm, you'd be better off with just two good ones...>
two heaters (for redundancy). I feel confident in the tank setup he has come up with. I will also set the tank up to its own 2 electrical breakers with a home generator that will come on automatically if the power goes out (I have discussed all this with an electrician, and based on the required power needs for the tank it should pose no problem).
<Good idea>
The tank would be glass (rectangular) and have steel reinforcements at all seams and 3 two inch steel supports across the top as well.
<How will you coat, prevent these from rusting, poisoning the water?>
It would be built by Oceanic with a 7 year warranty.
<... am surprised that Oceanic would provide a steel frame...>
I thought about acrylic, but I was afraid about the scratches and removing them when they occur. Everyone seems to be going to acrylic but I am willing to pay for glass and the place I am putting it will support the weight.
<Mmm, weight not important re the tank... when you consider the rest...>
I plan on keeping this tank for many years. My question is the livestock. Here is what I would like to put in the tank, all starting at around 4 inches (with the eel appropriately sized for the fish):
Panther Grouper
Lunare Wrasse
Queen Angel
Snowflake Eel
Harlequin Tusk Wrasse
Porcupine Puffer
Naso "Lipstick" Tang
Pink Tail Trigger
Blue Chin Trigger
Volitans Lion
<May have a hard time getting to the food...>
maybe a Clown Trigger (may be too mean)
<Not suitable>
maybe a Blue Line Trigger
I would like to get these fish at a relatively small size and try to keep them to full size in this tank. I realize the grouper does and will get 20-24 inches and I may just have to remove him at some point.
<Many years hence>
The others would get around 10-15 inches or so. Maybe 16-18 inches for the Angel. Do you think this tank is too small for that?
<Not in time. And you will very likely "graduate" to other organisms, a reef of sorts...>
I guess I could transfer the fish to an even larger tank in several years and use this one for something else, perhaps a reef. Is there any other problem you see with this set of fish for this tank?
<Mmm, no. But I would like to suggest you start them off early on an exclusive diet... of Spectrum pelleted foods... for all the reasons stated here: http://wetwebmedia.com/foodsppt1.htm>
Also not sure as to the order to add them to the tank. I know the triggers would need to come last.
<Probably best... though not much of an issue in a system of this size, starting with smaller specimens period>
Thank you for your time and information (great website, by the way. Very informative)
Steve
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Re: new tank set up... large SW f' 2/1/08
Bob,
<Steve>
Thank you for the info. What did you mean below when you said "weight not important regarding the tank....when you consider the rest".
<Simply that the weight of the tank itself, fashioned of whatever matter is not relatively important, compared with the contents mass>
Do you think I should go with acrylic instead of glass?
<Mmm, no my friend; not necessarily. I might well opt for glass here myself. You can read here re the principal pro/con argument: http://wetwebmedia.com/tkmats.htm>
Oceanic is covering all the metal seams and the cross supports themselves with some kind of black sealant.
<Ah, good>
The guys that own the aquarium store here said that they see so many acrylic tanks around town that they service and all of them are badly scratched over the years. Scratches occur so easily it is hard to keep on top of it and remove them all the time.
<As stated... there are benefits, drawbacks to all materials...>
So you don't think the clown trigger is a good idea. I understand, my fish store guy told me the same thing. What about the blue chin and the blue line triggers?
<Please read on WWM re Balistids... these issues are covered...>
As for the food, I feed my current reef fish in the 105 gallon tank Spectrum pelleted food and they love it.
<Is an amazing product line... the owner/manufacturer, Pablo Tepoot is a good friend>
And it is very clean as there is none really left over when the fish eat.
<Ahh!>
I was just worried about the eel, angel, and lion. They need squid and more protein based stuff, don't they?
<Actually no... the Spectrum product is akin to the best lines of commercial dogfoods (Science Diet, Nutro, Eukanuba...) it is completely nutritious to all food consuming groups of fishes...>
My panther grouper is currently in my reef (he is the smallest fish at 3.5 inches in length), and he will only really eat the freeze dried krill. He won't eat the pellets. Any thoughts?
Steve
<Mix some of the pellets in with the krill, keep decreasing the amount of Euphausiid... the Chromileptis will eat the Spectrum... B>

Stocking/Compatibility...Even Big Tanks Have Limits – 10/08/07
Hi to all at WWM,
<<Hello Ann>>
I have a 350 gallon tank which has been up and running for approx 1 year.
<<Cool...love big tanks...>>
I currently have a juvenile clown trigger,
<<Mmm...this “Triggerus reallymeanus” is likely to eventually kill all its tankmates...even in this size tank. Best kept in a specimen tank, in my opinion>>
1 big-eyed soldierfish
2 black and white clownfish
<<These may end up as a meal for the Soldierfish...depending on size disparity>>
1 coral grouper
1 dog-faced puffer and
1 file fish (unfortunately I’m not sure which species of file fish it is) my LFS called it a combat19 as he couldn't remember the name.
<<Hmm...I wonder if the “combat” is indicative of something they failed to mention to you?...>>
What I would like to know please is if it would be okay to introduce either an emperor or queen angelfish into this community?
<<You don’t make mention of your filtration or any ancillary systems (e.g. – refugium), but even so, you already have some large (or will be) and heavy/messy feeders here. And with the presence of the Clown Trigger I’m doubly hesitant to recommend adding any more “chew toys” for this mighty alpha-bruiser of a fish>>
I have been given conflicting advice and am therefore confused please can you help?
<<And likely my advice will only cause you more conflict [grin]>>
I would also like to eventually get a blue lined snapper as well if possible.
<<Find another home for the Trigger and the addition of a beautiful and relatively hardy Queen Angel (do read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/holacanthus/ciliaris.htm) should be fine...foregoing any further additions to allow the fishes you have room to grow and mature without the stress and retardation of overcrowding>>
Thank you in advance,
Ann
<<Happy to assist. Eric Russell>>

Stocking (And Overstocking!) A 300-Gallon Marine Display – 07/18/07
Hello WWM Crew!
<<Hiya Bryan!>>
I am currently cycling a 300-gallon reef tank, and I am working on my stocking list.
<<Congrats! I do love big tanks...have a 375g reef tank myself>>
I want to get a solid plan laid out before I start stocking, and I am going to stick to it (no exceptions for fish that were "just too good to pass up").
<<Always good to have a “plan”>>
I bought the tank from a mortgage company that had it in their office. I don’t have all of the info on all of the parts, but from what I’ve gathered the system is pretty overkill, the tank was maintained by a LFS that my friends and I have decided is a pretty shady outfit...
<<Oh?>>
They won’t take payments to hold livestock, will try to sell you anything you show any interest in, even if it would be a terror in your system (they told me a Picasso trigger would be a fine addition to a 50-gallon community reef tank,
<<Yikes! Shady indeed...>>
I only asked to see if they were trustworthy enough to buy from...) anyway, the tank was set up as a fish-only system and has a 70 gallon sump, a really bulky protein skimmer,
<<But is it a “good” really bulky protein skimmer?>>
a 1/2 hp chiller (which was totally unnecessary in! So-Cal)
<<Mmm, was there just a couple weeks ago...can see where a chiller might be handy/needed...depending on the system>>
and two BEEFY canister filters (the bigger one is an Eheim, can’t tell the model though) and a UV sterilizer. I will have 3 X 150 watt halides,
<<I don’t know what Cnidarian/invertebrate livestock you are planning, but I doubt this lighting will be sufficient on this size tank...but then, maybe you have a plan for this also...>>
not sure what brand or intensity yet, I am currently negotiating a trade with a maintenance company I am familiar with for the chiller.
<<You mention in your first sentence this will be a reef tank, yes? You really should decide on the livestock/niche you want replicate and then tailor the lighting to fit>>
The people I bought it from said everything was three years old or less, and they were getting rid of it because it was too expensive. They said every time the maintenance company came out they were told they needed to spend hundreds on new equipment. Which I figure is pretty par for the course with this particular LFS...
<<Sound like crooks...>>
Anyway, their loss is my gain...
<<Indeed...and better in the end for the livestock that was likely mal-tended in the “company” tank>>
I will be setting up the system as a community reef tank, with a mostly Pacific flavor (with one or two exceptions). It will be a reef, but the focus will not be on the corals, I have access to just about as many free frags of most common species as I could want, so I will be stocking the coral around what is compatible with the fish I will be stocking, and not the other way around.
<<Ah, I see…then with this in mind, the lighting may indeed be sufficient>>
I have pretty much made up my mind on the stocking list, but I would like your input on a few things that I am unsure of,
<<Okay sure, but if your mind is made up...>>
so first let me start with the stocking list (this is not in the order in which they will be stocked):
1 Acanthurus sohal
(this one is not negotiable, if you think anything below will not fare well with the Sohal let me know and they will be out)
<<Okay, so you will build the system around “this” fish. I would suggest obtaining a small (3”- 4”) specimen and letting it “grow up” in your system. Even so...it will likely get mean...it “will” rule this tank...and sooner or later, it will probably even “bite” the hand that feeds it (or is working in the tank). But other than this, these are indeed a beautiful fish...and quite “aquarium” hardy>>
1 Paracanthurus hepatus
<<A big/beefy fish. Requires much open space like the Sohal but with plenty of suitable “hidey-holes” as I consider this species to be more “twitchy” than normal...as Tangs go>>
1 Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
1 Ctenochaetus strigosus
1 Zebrasoma flavescens
1 Zebrasoma xanthurum
1 Zebrasoma gemmatum
<<The tank is big, but I don’t think it is “this” big… I think you should limit your selections to a “single” species of each Genus>>
Let me pause here and ask one of my biggest questions: The first two tangs are the two fish that I absolutely HAVE to have in my tank, the second is the fish that first attracted me to the hobby as a child, and the first is what drew me back as an adult.
<<I understand, both are magnificent animals…and both can be terrors in “too small” systems>>
I want these two no matter what, and as I understand a large group of tangs is preferable to only two, but the other 5 tangs listed are only in the mix to keep the aggression down amongst the tangs, but I think I will be overstocked with 7 tangs.
<<Me too>>
If I can get away with 3 or 5 let me know.
<<Four seems like a good figure...as already stated>>
Or if you think the passive Hippo will be ok with the aggressive Sohal by themselves let me know, and I won’t stock the others.
<<I’ve never considered Hippo Tangs as “passive”…can be quite aggressive in their own right. I’ve even heard of this species killing “non-Tang” tankmates…though I think these extreme behaviors are often due to behavioral development/retardation issues from being kept in an improper (too small!) environment. Even so, I think a couple more Tangs as stated will be fine/may indeed prove helpful in this instance>>
Continuing on:
I would like to keep at least one pair of the following: (more than one pair if you think I am able to keep them peacefully)
2 Genicanthus watanabei (another that I really, really, want to have, unless there are serious objections to it, do you think the males look close enough to the Sohal Tang to maybe garner aggression from the Sohal?)
<<Will probably be fine…but your challenge here is to provide enough escape-routes and hiding places among the live rock while leaving plenty of swimming room within the tank>>
2 Genicanthus lamarck
2 Centropyge interruptus
2 Centropyge bispinosa
<<Again…pick one species from each Genus. Finding a pair of angels in of the Genicanthus genus won’t be too difficult as they often seem to be collected/come to the LFS in this manner...finding a pair of angels of the Centropyge genus may prove more problematic and may take “special ordering” of such. Though I must say, the number of fishes/species selections I saw at a couple stores in San Diego was much better than anything I’d seen before...including some very nice shops I frequented/visited while in the UK. This is an obvious advantage to being located on the West Coast (can only imagine what the wholesale facilities are like...[sigh] maybe next time...)>>
I would like to have at least one mated pair of angelfish, more if it is possible without putting any undue stress on the rest of the community. Shoaling fish have always held a big fascination for me, and I would like to keep a few small shoals of a few different species, here are some of the species I am considering:
40-60 Chromis viridis (another that I just have to have, I don’t see any conflicts besides the obvious bioload considerations, I may consider going with less, but I do want a swarm of 'em)
<<Mmm, methinks you muchly overestimate the capacity of this system. If you want to keep any other fishes at all, let’s shoot for about 12 of these guys. If that’s not acceptable then we (you) need to start rethinking this stocking plan. Even at 300-gallons, the capacity of this system is not infinite>>
5-15 Pseudanthias bicolor (do you have any other suggestions for a shoal off Basslets that would be community friendly?)
<<There are several good choices in my opinion. But with “bio-load” in mind, maybe something on the “small” side (comparatively) like Pseudanthias bartlettorum. These are gorgeous little fishes and if added first/allowed to settle in will not be so likely to “jump”...about seven should do>>
7-12 Serranus tortugarum (would I be ok with more?)
<<I love these little guys...but let’s keep the number at five...again, in the interest of long-term sustainability of this system>>
7-15 Pterapogon kaudneri
7-15 Apogon leptacanthus (will the two species of cardinal be ok together and with the rest of the tank? Can I stock a little more of them, particularly the leptacanthus? There will be a large section of the tank devoted to the cave/under shelf region of the reef.)
<<Choose one or the other (my vote is for A. leptacanthus)...you are quickly running out of room>>
And then there are these two species, I find conflicting reports as to whether they are ok in groups or not, I’d like to know if they would be ok if I stocked 15 or more, or if I should stock only one or two:
2-15 Nemateleotris magnifica or helfrichi (one species or the other, not a mix of both)
<<Not an appropriate Genus for this tank in my opinion. These shy fishes are very easily intimidated, very often to the point of starvation...not to mention the effects of continual stress. Most will die/disappear within weeks to months...all will eventually “go.” They are best kept in systems “designed for them”>>
1-15 Ptereleotris evides (are these a bad idea with tangs?)
<<Another one I would skip...>>
The rest are misc. bottom feeders, cleaners, etc...
1 Salarias ceramensis
1 Synchiropus splendidus
<<No... Too many competing species already>>
4 Elacatinus puncticulatus
<<Let’s leave these out too>>
8 Gobiosoma oceanops (could I stock more, should I stock less, or is this a good number?)
<<May prove beneficial, assuming they can find enough to eat/sustain themselves...maybe a trio>>
4 Amblyeleotris guttata & accompanying shrimp
<<I wouldn’t, likely to be some territoriality issues...and besides, there’s going to be more than enough fish flesh in this system>>
1 Valenciennea strigata
4 Opistognathus aurifrons
<<Another “not so good” choice...best in a species-specific system>>
This group will be stocked over a period of 1-2 years, and I do not want to introduce anything that will be put under a lot of stress or harassed, and I certainly don’t want to be murdering livestock by putting them into a system that they will not do well in.
<<Is good to know...do look over and rethink your stock list/stocking levels. To recap (using “my” numbers) for my own edification, and maybe put this a bit more in perspective for all... We’re looking at 1-Sohal Tang, 1-Hippo Tang, 1-Ctenochaetus spp Tang, 1-Zebrasoma spp Tang, 1 Pair-Genicanthus spp Angels, 1 Pair-Centropyge spp Angels, 12-Chromis viridis, 7-Pseudanthias bartlettorum,, 5-Serranus tortugarum, 7-Apogon leptacanthus, 1-Salarias ceramensis, 3-Gobiosoma oceanops, 1-Valenciennea strigata. Luckily many of these species are on the “small” side (2”- 3”), even so I think you will find this to be a pretty good “load” for your 300-gallon display tank. If you employ a large “quality” skimmer w/ozone and can plumb in a large-as-possible in-line refugium...you could probably get away with adding a “few” more of the smaller shoaling species>>
Please let me know if any of the above species stand out as obvious mismatches in this system. (or if I should lower/raise the density of any particular species) and I would love to hear any suggestions you may have that would fit well with this system (of course I will thoroughly investigate any suggestions you make before adding them, so please feel free to give me several suggestions). I won’t just be throwing everything in just because someone suggested them, but I’d like to look at a few more species that might fit into my setup.
<<I think you’ve got about all you can handle as it is. But honestly, I would rather see you research/set up a more “biotopic” display... Not that you can’t be successful with this “mix” (many hobbyists are), but choosing fishes from the same region is more natural...to those “in the know” and to the fishes themselves, and also precludes introduction of diseases/parasites they may have never encountered/built immunities against>>
Thanks a ton!
~Bryan in San Diego
<<My visit to Aquatic Warehouse was awesome!... Bryan, please do consider my input, and let’s discuss this system setup as well. Regards, Eric Russell...back in hot and very humid Columbia, SC>>

Re: Stocking (And Overstocking!) A 300-Gallon Marine Display – 07/20/07
Eric,
<<Bryan>>
Thank you for the quick and detailed reply!
<<Most welcome>>
That was exactly what I needed.
<<Glad I could serve>>
I had a feeling what I wanted was going to end up being overstocked...
<<And then some…indeed>>
But sometimes ya just need someone who knows more than you to slap your hand and say "No more fish!"
<<Mmm, more like a “big stick” needed with you…[grin]>>
Anyway, I’ve been meaning to research the skimmer and filters, but I’ve been way overloaded at work for the past two months and have barely had time to set the thing up... but I will try to make that a project for this weekend.
<<No worries…but do let’s chat re this setup before you begin stocking>>
As far as the lighting goes, I don't really feel the urge to have an electrical bill bigger than a car payment,
<<Understandable>>
and it took a few weeks of convincing on my roommate's part to even get me to make the jump into putting in some kind of halide...
<<Best bang/look for the buck…in my opinion>>
And as far as a refugium goes, the sump and canister filters are very big... they take up about 2/3 to 3/4 of the space under the tank, so I don’t have a ton of room to work with, and I had planned on a 20gallon QT, and 3 10 gallon tanks for phyto/zoo plankton and 'Pod production. And that pretty much takes up all of the room I have under the tank.
<<Hmm, I see… Do let me impress upon you that an in-line refugium will be exponentially more beneficial than these large canister filters under your circumstances. The canister filters have their place/uses…but can be nightmares if not kept up with/maintained diligent and maybe even counter-productive in your case depending on how they are configured and considering the number of planktivorous feeding fishes you want to add to your system. The refugium would also supplant the need for the three 10-gallon tanks you mention. You do understand what a refugium is, yes? (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm)>>
Although the tank is very close to a large window leading to the backyard and my roommate has spent the better part of a week suggesting we cut a hole in the screen and plumb in one of those big 4'X4'X3' plastic refugiums that you see in wholesalers, outside of the window. Though I don’t know if it would make that big of an impact with the current plumbing situation (single 3" overflow, one 2" return bulkhead in the back of the tank, and 3 1.5" exhaust bulkheads) I am not too crazy about the idea of drilling more holes in the tank, and I think that without at least a second overflow box the 'fuge will be a bit overkill and unnecessary...
<<Doesn’t have to be this complicated>>
As far as the livestock goes, I had wanted to set up a Hawaiian biotope, but I am finding that a biotope is going to exclude a large number of specimens that I want to have,
<<Mmm, well…is what makes it a biotope>>
and more than one tank is just not practical in my current place (square footage is at a premium in So-Cal)
<<Indeed>>
so I figured if I can’t have 4 100-gallon biotopes then I’d get the biggest tank I possibly could and if I couldn’t replicate a specific location I would at least like to replicate a few different zones of the reef within the tank.
<<Okay, but…the issue here isn’t multiple reef “zones” but rather pooling organisms from completely different oceans. As I mentioned before, what you propose is what the majority of hobbyists “do”… Just using my bully pulpit here to voice my opinions…>>
Basically I am going to have the left 1/3 of the tank aquascaped to replicate the under-shelf/cave/low light regions (going to be reinforcing the rockwork with PVC and building a pretty large shelf) that is going to give way to a branch-rock/rubble zone with a large (about 4 square feet) open bottom free swim area in the center of the tank. On the other side of that will be a wedge-shaped slope with a straight drop-off towards the right corner of the tank about 4”-6" from another pillar, to try and simulate a small gorge. I am hoping that by simulating a few different habitats as opposed to just putting in a "pile of rocks" I will be able to alleviate some stress and try to provide many suitable territories for all of the inhabitants.
<<Sounds like a good plan…places to hide/disappear from view while leaving room to swim>>
As far as the tangs go, I thought it was best to keep odd groupings of as many as possible (the reason I picked the arbitrary number 7),
<<Mmm…this really applies more to when keeping a single species…and our own (human) sense of aesthetics I think>>
but if 4 will be ok together than I will be stocking the A. sohal, P. hepatus, and most likely C. strigosus and Z. xanthurum or Z. gemmatum (do you think either one of these two are more or less aggressive? is one better suited to my mix?).
<<A “toss up” I think…perhaps economics will decide as Z. xanthurum will be decidedly less expensive than the rare Z. gemmatum ($3,500 at Marine Center…if you can even get one!)>>
I would even be fine with stocking three and leaving the Zebrasoma out all together, unless I am likely to see more aggression with three rather than four...
<<This would be fine…and would create some “room” for a few more individuals of the shoaling species you covet>>
I had pretty much figured that I would only be able to keep one pair of each genus of angels, but wasn't sure if I would be able to keep one pair of each genus or only one pair total!... G. watanabei is in, and I still can’t decide between C. interruptus and C. bispinosa (I’m leaning towards interruptus, but will probably ultimately go with whichever one is better suited to the system. Suggestions?)
<<Mmm…C. bispinosa can be difficult to keep…C. interruptus is sexually dichromatic making it easier to sex, but also much more scarce in the trade on “this” Continent. Might I suggest a third choice?...C. loricula… This is a hardy, readily available, and in my opinion, very beautiful dwarf angel that “can” be paired up in the home aquarium (I have done so). Though doing this takes a bit of luck and somewhat of a “trained” eye for the species/its behaviors>>
As for the shoals... I really do want a swarm of the C. viridis, I was really hoping to have about 24-30 at the absolute minimum... I am willing to sacrifice somewhere else to accommodate a larger group... maybe instead of 5-15 P. bicolor I could go with 7-9 P. bartlettorum, and maybe 5 S. tortugarum (or maybe just leave them out altogether, I do really like these guys, but I like a lot of other species I want to stock too...).
<<I do understand your attraction to shoaling species…a large group of small shoaling fishes in a large aquarium is attractive to many hobbyists, myself included. I started to bring this up in my earlier response…but if I may take a moment to comment a bit more in detail on your chosen species… It has been my experience and the experience of others’ with whom I’ve discussed this genus that Chromis have a hierarchal structure that like some other shoaling species seems to “self destruct” in the confines of an aquarium. By this I mean that two or three dominant individuals will develop, and by whatever means, whether it be damage from direct physical aggression or the stress of constant harassment, the other members of the shoal slowly decline/disappear until only the few most dominant individuals remain. If you really want a “swarm” of small shoaling fishes I recommend Pseudanthias bartlettorum or Apogon leptacanthus. You could possibly try other species within the Families/Genera of each, but these are two species I feel work well for creating schools/shoals within the confines of home aquaria>>
As for P. kaudneri & A. leptacanthus I would really like to have a few of both... As I mentioned before there is going to be a large area of the tank dedicated to under-shelf/cave, could I get away with 5 kaudneri and 9 leptacanthus?
<<Possibly…though I find groups of P. kaudneri to often display similar issues as the Chromis>>
Will they be too competitive with each other?
<<P. kaudneri will be the more aggressive of the two for sure…but I can only speculate as to whether they will cohabitate…>>
(if I were to stock only one species how many would be the max with the current mix?)
<<If you drop the Zebrasoma species Tang and the Chromis…I think a school of 20 or so A. leptacanthus is feasible>>
Also do you have any other suggestions for species that would thrive in the under-shelf region?
<<Not that can/should be added to this already heavy fish load>>
I don’t think squirrel/Soldierfish would be a good fit, what about assessors? (Of course at this point if I add any other species I will subtract from somewhere else...)
<<With this last in mind…Assessors might be a viable option>>
I will probably round it off with the following (based on your suggestions): 1 Salarias ceramensis, 1 Valenciennea strigata , could I have 1 Elacatinus puncticulatus? (will leave it out if you think it is likely to starve, but I do really like the little guys...),
<<Mmm…upon reflection, will probably be fine…perhaps a trio of these as well…>>
3-4 Gobiosoma oceanops (mostly I want them for cleaning purposes, the tank has mostly a Pacific feel, and I’d love to have a Labroides dimidiatus or Labroides phthirophagus (was lucky enough to spot quite a few of the latter snorkeling off of Lanai last May, that has got to be the most intense violet I have ever seen).
<<I have been diving off the Big Island a few times (Bob is over there now). I don’t recall seeing these, though they must have surely been about. Perhaps I was just overwhelmed at the profusion of fishes/bio-diversity that abounds there…>>
But in my book "Loving" a species of fish does not equate to "Starving & Torturing" (talk about loving your pets to death!)
<<Indeed>>
So I figure even though the captive bred G. oceanops isn’t even from the same ocean as most of the rest of the tank mates, it would serve the same purpose, and would not be detrimental to the wild environment. (I can't tell you how livid I’d be if I found out any of the little beauties I saw last may had been taken from their home only to die in a bag somewhere halfway around the world).
<<Numbers in the thousands…>>
Do you have any better suggestions for cleaners? And how many will I really need?
<<A handful of “cleaner shrimp” (Lysmata amboinensis) would be an interesting and beneficial addition>>
As for the Amblyeleotris guttata & shrimp and the Opistognathus aurifrons, I really like these guys, there is going to be a rather large open sandy area, could I get away with one to a few O. aurifrons and/or one or two shrimp/goby tandems (I’d be open to looking at a different goby species than A. guttata, any suggestions?)
<<I’m going to stand by my earlier comments re these fishes>>
So to clarify I am now looking at: 1-Sohal Tang, 1-Hippo Tang, 1-Kole Tang, 1-Purple or Gem Tang, 1 Pair-Watanabe's Angelfish, 1 Pair-Japanese Pigmy Angelfish or Coral Beauty Angelfish, 24-30-Chromis viridis, 7-9-Pseudanthias bartlettorum,, 5-Serranus tortugarum, 5-Pterapogan kaudneri 9-Apogon leptacanthus, 1-Salarias ceramensis, 3-4-Gobiosoma oceanops, 1-Valenciennea strigata, 1 Elacatinus puncticulatus, and maybe one/some red-headed gobies and 1-2 shrimp gobies & shrimp. Does this still look too overcrowded?
<<A bit, yes…per my earlier statements>>
I really don’t want to take any more out, guess I should have gotten a 400 gallon tank...lol.
<<Mmm, more like 600 [grin]>>
Maybe it will help once I figure out what the exact spec is on all of my equipment...
<<Not really…the “specifics” of the gear without the changes I suggested will have little impact in “my” opinion>>
Please do let me know if you think this mix is still too volatile, I really want a large mix (hence the reason I bought a 300) but I want it to be stable, and I for sure do not want to be torturing/killing any of my pets, that’s not fair to them or my wallet!
~Bryan
<<Have attempted to be concise with my suggestions/explanations…but the final decisions rest with you, mate. Regards, Eric Russell>>

Thinking Big- Stocking Small! (Stocking A Large System) – 07/18/07
Planning a 200 gallon saltwater tank, what do you think of the following fish:
Clown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus Lineatus)
Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides Conspicillum)
Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon Fasciatus)
Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus Imperator)
Maroon Anemonefish (Premnas Biaculeatus)
Harlequin Hind (Cephalopholis Polleni)
Blood Red Hawkfish (Cirrhitops Fasciatus)
and either a Coral Hind (Cephalopholis Miniata) or Metallic Blue Grouper (Anyperodon sp.)
<Yikes! A neat mix of fishes, but I foresee all sorts of possible aggression issues, not to mention the seriously overcrowded result and its devastating effect on the fishes in the long term. You'll definitely have to make some concessions here! I would not even consider the Clown Surgeon in anything less than several hundred gallons of size, if only for the fact that it's an extremely aggressive, large and intolerant fish! The Clown Trigger is another very large fish, which will give off copious amounts of metabolic waste. It could work as the sole large fish in this aquarium, but it's definitely not going to be a good choice in this aquarium with the stocking plan that you have. The Emperor Angel is a beautiful, popular fish, but it can and will reach 12 to 15 inches in the wild-and in the aquarium, and it needs a very, very large aquarium to live anything resembling a normal life span.>
How badly would I be overstocking and how would they get along?
<It would be REALLY badly overstocking. It's a mix of large, high-metabolic-waste-producing fishes that demand tremendous physical space. The potential for aggression is great. Personally, I'd compromise. I do like some of the selections in the latter half of your stocking list: The Anemonefish and Hawkfish, perhaps with the Harlequin Tuskfish as the "alpha" fish, would be a possibility. Really, I'd go with smaller fishes: A Centropyge or smaller Chaetodontoplus species of Angelfish would be a nice start, along with smaller fishes like Pseudochromids, Halichoeres species Wrasses, etc. These smaller, less space-demanding fishes are equally as colorful, interesting, and (in my humble opinion) sexy as the big guys! However, they adapt better to captivity, require dramatically less room, and will live long, healthy lives in a well-maintained system of this size.>
Would also like to add a Green Mandarin ( I read somewhere that other fish leave it
alone)
<Just say "no" to the Mandarin! Although it might be ignored as a food items by some of the fishes that you're talking about, it will be intimidated into starvation by the activity of the other tankmates. These fishes are really best in quiet, lightly stocked aquariums with very peaceful species. They eat slowly and are often quite shy. They'd do really well in a species aquarium designed just for them! Wow- could you imagine how cool a 200 gallon Mandarin biotope system would be, with seagrasses, some Fungiids ("Plate Corals"), Goniopora, and some other peaceful fishes? You'd have a huge tank with a meadow of seagrasses, populated with some unique, interesting fishes and corals...That would be different- and inspiring to other hobbyists! Wow- listen to me- going off the deep end again! Well, think about trying something different. Remember, just because you have a large aquarium doesn't mean that you have to keep large fishes!>
What would you take out, change, what size tank would hold these fish, Nick
<Well, Nick- my comments are above...If you were dead set on keeping this mix of fishes, I'd literally suggest a system of 800 gallons or more (preferably more). Anything less is sentencing these large fishes to a life of misery. Kind of like you or I being forced to spend the rest of our lives in our living rooms.. Comfortably initially (especially if you have Satellite TV!), but maddening over time. My philosophy has always been "Think Big-Stock Small". Hope this provides some insight. Regards, Scott F.>

- A Large Tank Inquiry 6/23/06 -
Hello WWM Crew.  First off I must say how much I appreciate such an incredible website from so many excellent aquarists, you have answered most of my questions, and helped me along with this wonderful hobby where information is sometimes scarce.  I've had a 120G (48in x 24in x 24in) reef tank set up and running nicely for about a year now, and I've been researching/looking into setting up a larger predator type tank (220G 72in x 30in x 24in). I've had quite a few sources of information, but it seems difficult to find the exact answer to my question.  The fish that I am interested in keeping in this tank are as follows:
1 Goldentail Moray (Gymnothorax miliaris)
1 Blue-ring Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)
1 Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus)
1 Palette Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) AND/OR 1 Naso Tang (Naso lituratus)
1 Clown Trigger (Balistoides conspicillum)
1 Picasso Trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
1 Porcupine Pufferfish (Diodon holocanthus)
I am fully aware of the potential size of each and every on of these specimens, and I am open to any worries/suggestions/changes that you have to offer. <Really, my main concern would be the clown trigger. These fish often become absolute terrors as they get larger and could easily kill everyone in the tank. I'd drop this one fish off the list or consider keeping it by itself in the 120 if you're going to keep that tank running.> I'm much more accustom to working with smaller reef fish which are much cleaner eaters and much less vicious. If anyone could let me know if that list is too much for that size of tank, or if there is room for anything else, I would be very thankful. <These fish will fill this tank so I'd just remove the clown trigger from the list and go for it.> So I hope someone can give me some input, and help me in my decision. Thanks for your time.
Alex C.
<Cheers, J -- >

Stocking a Large Marine Tank...Sequence of Introduction/Compatibility Issues – 01/15/07
Dear distinguished Wet Web Media Crew:
<<Greetings!>>
Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year,
<<Thank you...and may I wish you the same>>
and thank you for the benefit of your experience and wisdom.
<<Tis a pleasure to share>>
My wife and I spent nearly a year reading the information on your site and in your books before purchasing a 70-gallon marine system some eight months ago.
<<Most excellent to read this!  I love it when budding (and not so budding) hobbyists take to heart our pleads to read/research/learn what they can; and yes, ask questions, “beforehand” >>
All is going very well with the tank, set up as follows:
-oversized wet/dry filter with bio-balls
-Euro-Reef RS 135 protein skimmer
-Eheim 1262 recirculating pump
-50 lbs. Fiji live rock, 25 lbs. coral skeletons
-50 lbs. live sand
-3 fish: Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris), Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurus), Clown Trigger (Balistoides conspicillum) - now all 3"-4"
<Mmm...you need a bigger tank mate>>
When we purchased these fish, we did so with the understanding that a larger tank would be needed in the future.
<<Sooner than later...>>
Thus, we have purchased an 8 foot, 450 gallon tank.
<<Ah!  Outstanding!>>
It will be recirculated by two Dolphin pumps at approximately 15x/hour, filtered through course, 100 micron and 50 micron filter pads, run through two protein skimmers with a combined capacity of 1,000 gallons and passed through Chemi-Pure before returning to the tank.
<<This sounds very good...and hopefully your research has made you aware of the importance of cleaning those micron pads “at least” weekly>>
The tank will contain 3/4" live sand, 500 lbs. of live rock and 100 lbs. of coral skeletons.
<<A word of caution/opinion here...  Don’t get caught up in the “pounds per gallon” adage for including live rock.  Instead, consider what you will need to provide an aesthetically pleasing display while also providing hiding/sleeping places for the fish but also leaving “plenty of room” for the fish to swim/move about.  Even in reef systems it is my opinion that hobbyists tend to cram way too much rock in to the tank...often fueled by the belief that “more is better” or because someone told them they needed “X” number of pounds per gallon of volume.  I have found in my systems that I have been able to get by with as little as half, and even less, the “recommended” quantity of live rock (most often pushed by those who “sell” the rock) and still maintain adequate bio-filtration (which in your case, a FOWLR system, can be easily and effectively augmented through the use of supplemental fluidized-bed filtration).  My suggestion to you would be to start with about half what you list of good quality porous live rock (do be cautious of dense/heavy limestone “cultured” rock), and nix the coral skeletons altogether>>
We would like to stock the tank in the following manner.  Initially, one mated pair of Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) and one Mappa Puffer (Arothron mappa) would go into the large tank (after cycling) in order to acclimate, grow and establish territories.
<<I would add the clownfish last...due to the very reasons you state.  Once these fish become established/grow large they can be surprisingly aggressive to the point of doing physical harm making it difficult to introduce more timid/gentle species later>>
After several months, the three existing fish (angel, tang and trigger) would be added to the large tank to join the clownfish and puffer.
<<A month between group additions should be sufficient>>
Three additional fish, a Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciata) , Red Sea Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus caeruleus) and a Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) would be placed in the 70 gallon tank for 6-12 months before moving to the large system.
<<I don’t understand this...why not just place in the larger tank as acquired?  Also worth mentioning in my opinion...despite their sometimes fierce appearance, the Tuskfish is relatively peaceful, sometimes even timid, (with regards to fishes...shrimp/crabs/snails are another matter) and should be one of the first fishes placed in this larger system>>
No other fish are planned given the concern for bioload in the future, as the fish grow.
<<Very good>>
Your thoughts, comments and suggestions (e.g., alternate or additional species, equipment recommendations, husbandry ideas, etc.) will be greatly appreciated.
<<Ah yes, one more thing...  Do read up some more on the Clown Trigger.  These fish are REAL BRUISERS...as this fish grows/matures it will very likely kill everything else in the tank along the way.  A better/alternate species in my mind is one from the genus Rhinecanthus.  Since you appear to have a penchant for Red Sea fishes, perhaps Rhinecanthus assasi would appeal to you>>
Sincerely,
Don and Jill
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>

Stocking/Compatibility, Lg. SW    12/18/06
Hi Crew,
I'm saving up for a 265G tank and have developed my stocking 'wish' list. I wrote a few weeks back, but my wife has reviewed and thus the list has changed.
<Heeee!>
It will be a FOWLR with some ornamental shrimps. My concern lies with the compatibility of the angels below (2 pairs of the same genus) and whether the overall tank size for this list is appropriate. Are there any other concerns that you see with this?
Scribbled Angel Chaetodontoplus dubolayi
Blue Spotted Angelfish Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus
Flame Angel Centropyge loriculus
Golden Pygmy Angel Centropyge aurantia
Powder Blue Tang Acanthurus leucosternon
Fridmani Pseudochromis  (2)Pseudochromis fridmani
Yellow Tang Zebrasoma flavescens
Golden Butterfly Chaetodon semilarvatus
False Percula Clownfish (2)Amphiprion ocellaris
Helfrichi Firefish (2)Nemateleotris helfrichi
Your thoughts/inputs are greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Ian
<In a tank this size... starting with "mid-size" or smaller individuals, you should be okay here. Once these fishes are grown a bit, established... it may prove difficult to introduce much in the way of others in their niches. Bob Fenner>

Large SW Aquarium Stocking - 1/25/07
Mr. Fenner:  
<Hey Dennis, JustinN with you today.>
I would very much like your input as to a salt  water aquarium that I am setting up.   
<Ok>
The dimensions are as  follows:  6' long,  2' tall and 30" wide.  
<2 foot deep? I hope you've got some long arms, my friend! *grin*>
I want to purchase a  young salt water angelfish that will be the star attraction of the  aquarium.    
<Ok>
I want an angel fish that will be hardy, but the  main thing is to have a personality much like a fresh water Oscar or a salt  water bat fish.   Would you please give me a list of some of the   angels that are noted for their personality.   
<To my knowledge, all larger angelfish are noted for their personality. We cannot make this choice for you, Dennis, as it is not our aquarium. In an aquarium the size you describe, any aquarium-suitable species should do wonderfully. See here for more info on the species available: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/bestmarangs.htm and the files linked in blue above.>
Also, there will be  live rock in the aquarium.  I would also like a  school of Chromis,  either the green or blue variety.  I do not want to overstock the  aquarium.   
<Not a whole lot of chance of that with your aquarium size, and current intended stocklist... you will do fine.>
How many Chromis would you suggest?  
<7 to 9>
And would you  also give me a list of some other small fish that I could add to the aquarium  that would be 4" and under.  Many thanks for your help.    Dennis.
<The list of smaller fish here is innumerable, Dennis. We really cannot make the choices here for you, and all this information you request is available, both here at WetWebMedia, and at many other locations around the net. Perhaps a thorough browsing through our species selection sections is in your future? Start here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm and follow the indices to the information you seek. -JustinN>

Preparation, SW, large sys... still not ready   3/21/07
Hello all!
  I have emailed your site for over a month now. The advice I have received and the knowledge I have gained is immeasurable!  Thank you.
  I will be setting up a 240g (96x24x24) in the near future.  I am going to forgo the clown trigger due to what I have read on this site and references for other local fish store owners.
  I am deeply intrigued by the Hawaiian dragon eel.  I have read up on it and asked several questions before. Thank you once again for your help.
  The Hawaiian dragon eel is going to be the center piece of my aquarium.  As for the tank mates I would really appreciate your advice.  I was thinking of adding a Pinktail trigger, Naso tang, emperor angel (I was told that the emperor angel will get to
<too>
big for the dimensions of this aquarium.
<Yes>
If so, what other large angel could suggest?)
<Mmmm, for having the Moray as your center piece... none>
and a volitans lionfish.  For filtration I will be using a Euro-reef RC250 with and ozonizer.
<Mmm... need more... biological, mechanical...>
I will be employing a closed loop system for added water movement.  As per Anthony Calfo's diagram.  I will have two overflows and was wondering how to make it a closed loop with not being able to put pvc in front of the overflow?
<Mmm... could loop around, truncate on either side, even drill through...>
  My questions are as follows.  Are these fish compatible with the Hawaiian dragon eel?
<All are potential prey>
Is this too many fish for the system?
<Mmm... not initially>
If the fishes are not compatible, what fishes would you recommend?
<Heeeee! You're not joking? To go with what? The Moray... see WWM re the "Compatibility" and "Systems" of what you list, are interested in...>
Do I have adequate filtration and water movement?  
<No>
  I would really like a trigger and a lionfish but know that this may not be possible.
  Thank you once again for your patience and time.  It is greatly appreciated!
  Brent
<You're getting closer... but I'd still be reading, studying, dreaming and scheming at this planning stage. Bob Fenner>

Livestock Choices for Large Fish Only  – 05/03/07
Guys,
<Hello Adam...this is Adam with you this morning.>
Right now in my 240 g saltwater, I have 20 blue Chromis, 2 yellow tail damsels, a dogface puffer, a Sweetlips, a lawnmower blenny and 4 large hermit crabs.
<So the puffer and the Sweetlips are either too small to eat the damsels/Chromis or too slow.>
I'd like to add an assortment of angels, butterflyfish and tangs but want to add the right number and right kinds so that the tank remains--it's doing great now--a peaceful community.
<Well; what specific animals out of the families you mentioned are you interested in? Some angels, even in a tank of this size, will not do well with co-geners or conspecifics; same with the surgeons.>
Also, if there other fish to recommend please do so.
<This is a matter of personal preference of course and I don't know what your set-up is like.  You have some compatibility issues already...the puffer can/will become "nippy" as he ages and if the Sweetlips lives to adulthood (most don't in aquaria) he will eventually begin hunting your smaller specimens. So before I recommend livestock choices, I'd like you to divulge a little more on your preferences and what the direction of the tank is.>
Thanks,
<Welcome.>
Adam
<Adam J.>

Re: Stocking a 240g saltwater tank  – 5/5/07
Adam,
<Adam.>
Thanks for this info.  Give me a few days to read up on the links and names you provided and I'll get back to you with some more questions.
<Ten-Four.>
Thanks,
<Welcome.>
APH
<AJ.>

Re: Stocking a 240g saltwater tank – 5/4/07
Adam,
<Adam.>
Thanks for getting back to me.
<No problem, anytime...usually I'm quicker.>
The Sweetlips is about 7 inches long and I've had him for about a year.
<Good, that's longer than most folks have them.>
He loves feeder goldfish
<Mmm...do read this; http://www.wetwebmedia.com/goldfshfd.htm .>
but I mostly feed him frozen shrimp, squid, octopus, etc.
<All good.>
He's yet to chase the Chromis or damsels.
<Interesting for him to recognize the goldfish as food yet not chase fish of similar size.>
Dog face puffer is the same size and is slower than the Sweetlips but a bigger eater <As most puffers are.>
--eats same food as above.
<Cool.>
So, I'd like to have as many angels/tangs/butterflyfish in the 240 g with as much color variation as possible.
<As far as angels I'm a huge fan of Genicanthus angels; they are planktivores and they can be kept in harems (one male, multiple female groups). I'm also a fan of the three amigos (though only two are attainable really; http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/pomacanthus/zonipectus.htm). As far as butterflies; a  duo of Heniochus could suit you. Surgeons, well I'd stay away from  most of those in the Acanthurus genus...they get pretty big, though a few may suit you, same goes for those in the Naso genus. Check out the Zebrasoma genus first. Much more detailed info is posted on WWM.>
If moving the Sweetlips and/or puffer down the road is needed I do have room for another (4th) tank.
<Awesome.>
Right now I have a very peaceful 130g tank (5' x 30" tall x 18" deep) and an aggressive tank 6x2x18" that has a clown trigger, niger trigger, Foxface lo and snowflake eel.
<The eel and the Foxface might actually be more suited to the peaceful tank; I'd consider swapping them out with the Sweetlips or the puffer...or even both.>
Basically what I need to know is the exact different types of tangs that can live together (if introduced together) plus the same with butterflies and angels.
<There's really no hard and true rules, too many variables among species and individuals for that matter. How about if you come up with a stocking list I'll look over it and/or modify it for you.>
And also what's the most fish I can add at once to a 240g without upsetting any chemical/waste issues for the water.
<Well obviously you need to quarantine them first, and it depends on the size temperament of the fish but generally I prefer no more than one or two at a time. Of course there are exceptions...likely with the surgeons/tangs if you choose to get more than one.>
I care for the fish daily but I also have a pro come in twice a month for water changes, salinity checks etc.
<Cool.>
Also