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Stocking options

S

saltwater4life

Figured I'd start off the new forum.
I'm trying to get an idea of fish for my tank. I've got 2 damsels that i may or may not keep. So I guess basically what are some colorful fish that are reef safe and will do good in a 55g? I've been looking at Anthia's, clown fish and maybe a goby? But i'm open to anything i would like to have at less one fish that is very active and fun to watch :)

Thank you!

Nick
 
ricwilli

ricwilli

saltwater4life said:
I've been looking at Anthia's, clown fish and maybe a goby?
Thank you!

Nick
Click to expand...

Your off to a good start in my opinion. Do you have any corals? This is something you have to take into consideration as some fish like to pick at corals. I also like the Yellow Tang. You could get a small one, but might have to get rid off it at some point as your tank might be to small.
 
Phyl

Phyl

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
A harem of anthias would be great. They would look good with a tiny yellow tang (there's a 1.5 in the FS/FT). We had a harem in a 30 and the parms were good. You need to feed them often, but not much and they're not particularly messy fish.
 
S

saltwater4life

Yes it's going be a reef tank. I thought about the yellow tang but i though my tank was to small. Hmm I'll have to think about that.
So do you think 2-3 Anthia's, a yellow tang and some sort of small fish like a blenny/goby would look good?
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

is it recommended to only have 2~3 anthias? sorry to hijack - just a question as I am unfamiliar with the species. I had read previously that it was preferable to have 5~6 some such? Or was it like a one male to 6 female ratio?
 
Phyl

Phyl

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
A harem is closer to 1 male and 6 females. We have one male & 3 females. I think if you were to get only 3 you'd have more of a pairing/odd man out problem.
 
S

saltwater4life

Phil519; They are more of a schooling fish.

Aww true... Didn't think of that. Hmm... So if i get some get an even number
Well i'm going to stick my damsels in and look at getting a yellow tang tomorrow. My damsels don't seem to aggressive and i seen they are compatible but i guess if i have problems I'll take them out.

Thanks,

Nick
 
D

depitch039

Not to contradict anyone but I have always read that Yellow Tangs should be kept in tank at least 75-90 gallons since they can grow to 6-8 inches.

I would remove the damsels before buying the 4-6 Anthia's.

Just a thought.

Doug
 
S

saltwater4life

Hmm Well i like the idea of a yellow tang and anthias but i'm wondering if that will be to big of a bio load...
Does anyone else have opinions on fish? I though about a dwarf angel but i don't wanna take the chance of it eating my corals...

Thanks again,

Nick
 
S

saltwater4life

That's what i was wondering because 4-6, 4" fish is a pretty big bio load in a 55gal...
I started looking at clowns, dart fish and reef safe wrasses.
What size of a yellow tang is to big? 4-5"? Also like the Convict Tang. any experience?


Nick
 
J

jonathan.

saltwater4life said:
That's what i was wondering because 4-6, 4" fish is a pretty big bio load in a 55gal...
I started looking at clowns, dart fish and reef safe wrasses.
What size of a yellow tang is to big? 4-5"? Also like the Convict Tang. any experience?


Nick
Click to expand...

If you're going to go with a tang in a 55, go with a Ctenochaetus tang. They are the smallest tangs out there, I believe. A Tomini Tang is quite pretty if you ask me and they are usually reasonably priced.

If you're deadset on anthias, go with a smaller species like the Bartlett's or the Parvirostris.
 
JRWOHLER

JRWOHLER

[/quote]

If you're going to go with a tang in a 55, go with a Ctenochaetus tang. They are the smallest tangs out there, I believe. A Tomini Tang is quite pretty if you ask me and they are usually reasonably priced.

If you're deadset on anthias, go with a smaller species like the Bartlett's or the Parvirostris.
[/quote]

Sounds like good advice, does everyone concure? I actually am very interested in this topic too.
 
J

jonathan.

Just stay away from the Chevron tangs. Get 11"s or so (likely half that in captivity, but still).

The Parvirostris anthias is a favorite of mine. Got a set of 3 from Aquatic Obsessions. Stay relatively small 2-3"s TOPS and are quite peaceful with each other and other fish. Plus they are downright gorgeous.
 
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