Stocking Plan, Jawfish and Tangs, FO   5/2/07
Hi,
<Hello Jason.>
I am in process of deciding what my tank (70g 36x18x25) inhabitants will be.
<Ooh the fun part.>
Because of my experiences in the Caribbean watching the Yellow Headed Jawfish do its thing, I would like to plan this tank around having at the most three Y.H. Jawfish...
<I think I would limit it to two at the most with this size tank, and I would opt for simultaneous addition.>
I think that meets the spacing requirements.  In addition to the 4-6"
<6"+ for these critters.>
mixed substrate, live rock, corals, and cleaning crew I'm thinking of having one Purple Tang.
<Mmm...a bit big for this tank, I'd look at other options.>
My concerns are the Tang can obviously move much faster for the food and I don't want to stress these guys out at all...
<Yes but generally speaking they will not inhabit the same space/niche...should be okay but I still think the tank is to small to house a surgeon long-term.>
What do you think of this plan?  
<See above.>
If the Tang isn't a good fit what can you recommend?
<Other slower moving, smaller fish would make a nice fit. Damsels of the Chromis genus. Anemonefish (though not maroons). There are others; blennies, cardinal fish, some hawkfish....lost of options, keep reading/researching my friend.>
Thanks,
<Of course.>
Jason
Chicago, IL
<Adam J; in SoCal.>

60-Gallon Predator Tank...Opinion on Species Selected - 04/29/07
Dear Wet Web Media,
<<Hello Ben>>
I am considering setting up a 60-gal marine tank, could you advise me on the compatibility on the fish I would like to keep?
<<I'd be happy to proffer my opinion>>
Calloplesiops altivelis, marine betta, Antennarius maculates, warty frogfish, and Dendrochirus brachypterus fuzzy dwarf lionfish.
Thanks for any advice.
Best Regards,
Ben
<<Well Ben, I think the marine betta and the dwarf lion could co-exist quite well as long as neither is small enough for the other to consume.  Both tend to be rather shy/secretive and will appreciate a dimly lit tank with ample caves/overhangs and thus may not often be visible...at least not at first.  As for the warty frogfish, I feel these fishes are better off in a "specimen" tank all their own.  If not "eating their tankmates," the frogfishes are often picked at/injured by same in the confines of an aquarium...and although the marine betta and dwarf lionfish are likely to be low on the list of fishes that would pick at the frogfish, 60g is not enough for these messy feeders all together.  EricR>>

Live rock curing......where do I begin? & FO stkg.    4/23/07
What's up Crew,
I can't get enough of your site, if it wasn't for your site, I probably would have cooked up some form of hydrochloric acid within my last reef set-up.
<Yikes!>
But on to bigger and better things:  I am currently setting up a 135 gal predator tank with a 50 gal sump with a 10 gal refugium, 1 Aqua-C remora pro skimmer, vortex diatom filter,
<Not to be run continuously...>
5"DSB and total flow rate approx 1400 gph (future inhabitants will include 1-miniatus grouper, 1-bird wrasse, 1-porcipine puffer, 1- zebra moray eel, 1- niger trigger).
<Mmm... all this won't fit here... see re these species "average" maximum size...>
  I know that it is pretty bland selection, but do you see anything wrong with my choices?
<Mmm, mostly too much biomass or too little volume of system>
But what really is keeping me up at night (honestly) is my liverock situation.  I intend on acquiring about 85 lbs of dried Fiji liverock to seed with about 30 pounds of uncured premium Fiji rock.  I know that this will take awhile (how long I am guessing 4-6 weeks), but obviously if I cant sleep at night, time is something that I have a lot of.  Is this too much rock for a predator tank (not giving enough room for the inhabitants to roam), or should I step it up to the minimum of 1lb per gallon?  
<Isn't too much weight or volume here...>
Also can/should I run my Kalkwasser reactor while my tank is cycling or would that be a waste of money and time?
<I would run it... to offset the large reductive situation of "curing", die-off... and for practice...>
Please let me know, the sleeping pills that I am taking for my insomnia is enabling me from driving to work (I WISH).
Thanks Again,
Chris
<Do rest well... but study re the fish list/species above... 135 gallons won't accommodate these fishes... for long... even if they are all started very small. Bob Fenner>

Re: New Setup, stocking FO    4/21/07
How about if I switch the new tank to a 180gal. then could I put the following in it? Annularis Angel, Volitans, silver Foxface, Harlequin Tusk Wrasse, and some sort of medium sized Tang.
<Please read before writing us... re the species listed above... particularly the Pomacanthids>
My girl friend wants a mated pair of clownfish, but I told her the Volitans would eat them when it gets big enough.
<Yes>
Is this bio load too big for a 180?
<Likely so... Bob Fenner>

From reef back to fish only... stocking   4/19/07
Hi WWM crew member,
Well after a long effort to keep my 100gl reef tank up and running, I decided to go back to fish only. I have an old home which doesn't allow for good temp stability,
<Wow!>
so my rock kept bleaching and the corals were suffering. There is still some Xenia and mushrooms, but the LPS went to a better home (hopefully). I enjoyed having a reef to the point that there wasn't much in the way of fish to begin with, so I need a refresher on who gets along with each other. This is the wish list so far:
1 bi-color anthias (he's already on hold)
<Mmm, are social animals... would have at least two>
1 bi-color zebrasoma angel
1 purple tang (I still have plenty of algae in the tank)
3 chromis
1 midas blenny
1 strawberry Dottyback
I have the anthias going in first, then planning in this order... the chromis, the blenny, the angel, then the tang and Dottyback together. How does that sound?
Thank,
Allegra
<A good stocking plan, order... Bob Fenner>

New Fish Additions; Gramma and Clown   3/20/07
Hello WWM Crew,
<Hi.>
  I currently have just four fish in my 90 gallon tank; a purple tang, yellow eyed Kole tang, four stripe damsel, and a pink spotted goby.
<The Zebrasoma arrangement will not work, statistically speaking, in the long term, just FYI.>
It is  a reef aquarium.  I have been adding one coral every one to two weeks so as  not to stress the equilibrium in the tank.  
<The slower the better for a new-ish tank...patience is key in this hobby.>
I have finally been able to  control my algae problem (blue green algae).  I am taking it real slow when  stocking (I learned the hard way).
<Many of us do unfortunately.>
I only intend on adding one or two more  fish and that is it.  I would like to add a clownfish, but I am not sure  which one.  I want to make sure it is compatible. Would a maroon, clarkii,  ocellaris, percula, tomato, or a cinnamon be suitable?
<Some are more aggressive than others.......especially the maroon!, but care wise all are relatively simple and well documented, get a tank raised specimen if you can.>
There are so many  to choose from. I am leaning towards a tomato, clarkii or maroon.
<Not to be repetitive...but **be cautious** with the maroon.>
They  have a lot of personality.  
The only other fish I want to add is a royal  Gramma or a black cap. Which Basslet would be best?
<I am fond of both, partial to the black cap because they are a little less common.>
Thanks for your  help.
R/
Jeff
<Adam J.>

Selection, Stocking & Introduction Order – 03/17/07
Apologies for the long message - felt it was best to provide more info rather than less.
<No worries, it usually is best to give more info.>
I am new to the hobby and have a few questions related to selection and introduction of my fish community. I have a 65-gallon, 36"w x 24"h x 18"d display tank with a trickle filter sump
<I would remove the bio media slowly, it will likely cause you to have a nitrate issue later.>
and protein skimmer. I have a 36" Aqualight light kit with two 100w fluorescent bulb (1 daylight and 1 actinic). I have recently added 55 lbs of cured Fiji LR to the display tank, which I look to stabilize within the next few weeks.
I anticipate setting up a 10-gallon quarantine tank with no LR or substrate. The shop I buy from quarantines their fish for 1-week prior to putting on display and uses copper within their quarantine system. They suggest a 1-week minimum quarantine at home prior to intro to the display, which I intend on following.
<One week is laughable.  I will say right now, that you are only stressing the fish more with a QT this short.  An effective QT is four to five weeks.>
I would like to keep the fish bio-load on the medium to lower side with the anticipation that I may introduce a few coral in the future. So "coral friendly" fish are also a consideration.
<Agreed.>
Based on several books, reading this site and talking with my fish shop expert, I have selected the following fishes and quantity and have put them in the order I intend on introducing them to the display tank. Blue Green Chromis, qty 7, intro 1st; Ocellaris Clownfish, qty 2, intro 2nd; Banggai Cardinalfish, qty 3, intro 3rd; Midas Blenny, qty 1, intro 4th; Royal Gramma, qty 1, intro 5th, Brazilian Flameback Angel, qty 1, intro 6th; Yellow Tang, qty 1, intro 7th.
Can you provide any feedback regarding my selection, their compatibility and the order that I am introducing them to the tank? Will this community represent a light/medium bio-load?
<This is too many fish for this volume.  This will represent a very heavy bio-load with likely stress issues due to the overcrowding.  I would adjust my stocking plan as follows:  3 C. viridis, 2 A. ocellaris, 1 E. midas, 1 G. loreto, 1 C. aurantonotus.  What you have to consider when stocking is not the fish‘s current size, but the size that it will reach when it matures.  What you suggested before is close to 70 inches of fish, in a 65 gallon volume.  In the long run this will not work.  The list that I have given you is closer to 25, and that is kind of pushing it.  Generally in a marine environment you can count on being able to stock half as many fish as in a freshwater environ.  This is due to many factors, the largest of which is that on a reef there is an almost unimaginable amount of room for these fish, as well as many infinite places to hide.  In a small volume of water this amount of stress relieving are is limited.  This will eventually lead to fighting and fish deaths, in addition to unnatural behavior, and nervous tendencies.  In short I encourage you to reconsider your stocking scheme.>
Towards the end of my introduction, I have several qty 1 fish - can I introduce several of these fish at once and keep them in the same Q tank (i.e. Tang & Blenny etc)?
<Please read above.  I would go one at a time to give the bio-filter a chance to catch up.>
Thanks for your help.
<You are most welcome.  Brandon>
Larry Britt

Re: Selection, Stocking & Introduction Order   3/18/07
Thank you Brandon.
<You are welcome Larry.>
I didn't know about the bio media/nitrate problem and the longer QT makes a lot of sense regarding stress.
<I did not know about the bio-media NO3 problem until a month or two ago myself.  I was using bio-wheels.  I still have not seen a marked rise in NO3, at the highest 5ppm.  The Bio-Media can create a real problem though, especially with more fish.  Tell me, have you looked at a different stocking scheme at all?>
It is great to know that beginners like me have access to experts like you.
<Awwww shucks.  I ain't no expert.  I leave those kinds of titles to people like Bob Fenner and Anthony Calfo.  Have a good day, Brandon.>
Larry

Re: Selection, Stocking & Introduction Order   3/18/07
Brandon,
<Larry, Hello.>
I am completely open to a different stocking plan.
<Perhaps I was a little opaque in my correspondence.  The fish that you have selected will all get along famously save the Gramma loreto, and the Centropyge aurantonotus.  The only things that you will have to expect from these two is a little aggression, and perhaps bullying.  If you provide enough bolt holes for the other fish, you should be fine.  I was suggesting that there were far too many fish in your scheme, that's all.>
I used Michael Paletta's "The New Marine Aquarium - step by step setup & stocking guide" as my 1st reference.
<This one I am not familiar with.>
He provides a few different "community" groups that work together. Once I selected a few different species that appealed to me, I studied them more closely in Fenner's book.
<A good reference.>
The guy at the shop just quickly said that these fish should get along, suggested a few different species that may do better with coral etc.
<He is for the most part correct.  If you introduce them all young and small, I would not expect any *major* problems in the future.  The C. aurantonotus has the potential to nip at sessile invertebrates, but I think that this is overrated, as I have not had any problems with the Centropyge genus as long as they are well fed.>
but didn't really critic the load.
<The load, and adult sizes of your selections is what I was referring to.  You had mentioned that you wanted a light bio-load.  In the first response, I gave you a sample list that would reflect this. (;^D)>
By the way, I like their shop/personnel - clean, honest, best in town that I can find (Knoxville TN). Although, these guys seem pretty busy during the times I can make it to their shop.
<Sounds like you have found a good resource.>
Anyway, I am open to all ideas.
<Good to have an open mind.  I have to remind myself of this kind of often Heh.>
Thanks again for you advice and continued dialog.
<You are welcome.  Volunteering with this site is one of my favorite pastimes.>
PS I must admit that I haven't dived deep on this site regarding "selection topic" and realized that there is a lot of info within it.
<Again, the selections that you made were quite good.  I would say take a look at the topics:
stocking levels, crowding, and overstocking.>
So I will begin to explore what is already there and look forward to your reply.
<Good to hear from you again Larry.  Brandon.>
Larry

Re: Selection, Stocking & Introduction Order   3/19/07
<Hello Larry.  Hope you are well.>
Clearly I mis-understood your question a few threads ago regarding "have you looked at a different stocking scheme at all" and failed to indicate my position on your original reduced stocking recommendation.
<No worries I clearly mis-communicated.  I get a little fuzzy at night sometimes.>
At this point, I have adjusted my selection as you have suggested and I will read more on stocking, crowding & overstocking.
<Good to hear.>
Thanks.
<You are welcome.  Brandon.>
Over & out!

Saltwater fish stocking   3/14/07
Hi - I hope you can help.
<<Will try.>>
I have an 80g marine set up for around 3 years now, with the following inhabitants:
1 x Flame Angelfish
2 x Black-tailed Damsels
1 x Royal Gramma
1 x Long-nosed Hawk fish
6 x Scarlet hermit crabs
3 x Soft corals
<<Sounds nice. Keep an eye on the damsels’ aggression…not sure quite what species you mean.>>
How many more fish would you say I could add before it becomes fully stocked?
<<Numbers of fish are not practical.  Too many variables with size/territoriality.>>
I would like to add a slightly bigger reef-safe fish in the near future. I am torn between the long-nosed butterflyfish and the regal tang. Do you think that my tank could accommodate either of these fish? If so, which would you recommend?
<<Absolutely not the Regal tang.  Your tank is far too small to house this fish.  You may get by with the butterfly, but bear in mind this means no clams in the future.  I personally think you should keep your flame angel as your main show fish.  Depending on the species, the damsels you have likely grow larger than you think.  I would personally go for a school of smaller, active fish, like the green or blue Chromis.>>
Also, on another matter, if I were to add some Lysmata cleaner shrimp, do you think they would be safe from the hawk fish?
<<No guarantees.>>
I understand that this can be a risk, but I haven't actually heard or read of anybody having their shrimp eaten by this fish. Is this something you have witnessed?
<<I have, yes, most often during moulting.  More often with other hawk fish species with larger mouths.  Adding shrimp much larger than your hawk will help.>>
Many thanks - your website is my bible :-)
<<Eeek!!>>
Luke
<<Hope that helps Luke. Lisa Brown.>>

Figuring Things Out... Not reading on WWM re SW fish comp.  - 03/12/07
Well how's the Crew doing tonight?
<Well, I'm a bit sleepy, drawn out, and hung-over from the sushi bar experience last night presently. How about you?>
I've got a few questions.  I'm currently working on a combination for my 70 gallon non reef tank.  I have a Blue Spotted Puffer,
<... a Canthigaster sp.? Or an Ostraciid? The Boxfish can be trouble... if "disturbed"...>
with the idea of getting a French Angel, then a Humu Trigger.
<Nah, both get too large for this volume>
  I've been planning this for awhile and now that the Puffer's settled in I'm planning on getting my French Angel started in quarantine here on Tuesday.
I just wanted to check and make sure this is OK before I do anything (I'm kinda like that :) )
Thanks for the constant help,
Jon
<Not suitable... "go fish". You can read re the "Systems", "Compatibility" of these and a few thousand other species... on WWM. BobF.

Livestock question, adding Queen Angel (Holocanthus ciliaris) or Imperator Angel (Pomacanthus imperator) and a Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) to a 210 gallon  2/9/07
Hello Crew!
<Hello Wayne!>
Thanks for offering a great service!  
<You're welcome!>
You guys/gals are awesome.
<Thank you for your most kind (and inclusive) words.  They are appreciated!> I currently have a 210 gal FOWLR and a few softies, AquaC EV240, 55 gal Refugium/Sump, 200lbs LR, 384 watt PC lighting (getting upgrade in a few months to 1000 watt MH).
<Very nice!>
Current livestock:
9" Volitans Lion
2" Yellow tail Damsel
6" Harlequin Tusk
Zoanthids
Condy Anemone
Finger leather
<OK.>
I want to add the following with the understanding that I will not be going to a larger system.  210 is it!
<Heheee!>
Next fish to add...
Queen or Imperator Angel
<Beautiful!>
..and then
Sohal Tang
<Sweet!>
I know the angels and tangs can get quite large, but I've seen/read accounts of tanks smaller than mine with many more fish.  
Do you think I'd be ok with this list?
<I do think so.  I'm guessing you realize the Sohal can be highly territorial and a big bully, but what a fish!> Thanks again!  
<Welcome!  -Mich>
Wayne

Re: Livestock question, adding Queen Angel (Holocanthus ciliaris) or Imperator Angel (Pomacanthus imperator) and a Sohal Tang (Acanthurus
sohal) to a 210 gallon   2/10/07
Thanks Mich <You're welcome Wayne!
I do realize the Sohal can be aggressive.  
<I figured.>
My plan was to buy him small, and add him last.  
<A good plan.>
Hopefully he will remember everyone one being much larger than him.  
<Hopefully!>
Maybe that will prevent him from bullying.
<Possibly.  I did see a beautiful (and big!) Sohal yesterday at the
Riverbanks Zoo...in a 5500 gallon tank!  A very striking fish indeed!>
Thanks again.
<Welcome again!  -Mich>

Re: Livestock Question, Adding Queen Angel (Holocanthus ciliaris) or Imperator Angel (Pomacanthus imperator) and a Sohal Tang (Acanthurus
sohal) to a 210 gallon   2/14/07
Hi Mich or whomever is reading this
<Hello again Wayne, Mich here.>
Quick questions.  2 of em to be exact.
<OK.>
I have a 210 gal, with 240# of LR, AquaC EV240, and 55 gal refugium
<OK.>
1 yellowtail damsel
1 volitans lionfish 9"
1 6" Harl Tuskfish
1 Queen angel or Emperor Angel (Still deciding...haven't gotten one yet)
1 Sohal Tang (still haven't bought one yet)
Is my tank maxed out?
<I think it will depend on the behaviors/interaction of the specific fish in your system.>
Question 2...
I have an extra 20 gal and 40 gal tank.  I plan to buy either an Emperor or Queen Angel around 4"-6".  Can I use the 20 gal for QT?  Or is it too small?
<Obviously bigger is better, but for the short term I think the 20 gallon is OK.>  
Thanks for your help.
<You're welcome.  -Mich>
Wayne

Stocking List Problems - 02/11/2007
 Hi,
<Brent.>
I read your book, the conscientious marine aquarist.
<Not my Book...but I'm VERY familiar with it....Adam J filling in for Bob tonight.>
 I thought it was great.
<Me too.>
Really informative.
<Agree.>
You seem to be the guy to ask when it come to problems that need solving.
<He is, unfortunately he can't get to everyone's question which is why I'm here tonight.>
I am getting myself into the hobby and have been researching for about 7 months.
<Very good.>
I am going to buy a tank that is about 250g to 300g.
Okay.>
the fish I really want are the clown trigger, emperor angel, Volitans lionfish, tesselata eel and maybe a tang or 2.
<The eel I do not recommend for size...way too big...the trigger for aggression purposes is also not a great idea., not this particular species anyway.>
I have been told that this is a problem waiting to happen.
<I agree.>
I really have my heart set on the clown trigger and the emperor.
<Both can make good pets, but not together, not in this size tank.>
The lion is an added bonus.  could this work?
<Not in my experience.>
If not, could you suggest a combo that would suit the clown trigger please.  
<The problem with clown triggers is that depending on the individual personalities there may not be ANY combo of tank mates that fits them in all but the LARGEST tanks...and even then it's a gamble.>
Thank you for your time.
<No problem.>
Sincerely,  -Brent
<Adam J.>

Stocking List....Getting Better II   2/11/07
  thank  you for the quick reply.
<No problem.>
so the clown trigger finds himself on the outside.
<Unfortunately yes, sorry. If were being completely honest though it is definitely one of my favorite specimens I just don't have the time to dedicate a system to a single specimen at the moment.>
  i think i will go with the emperor angel,
<Can work but do look into passer & cortez (common names) angels, in my experience these are probably the easiest of larger angels to care for...adapt well.>
Volitans lion, snowflake eel,
<Both "workable".>
achilles or sailfin tang,
<The latter is a better choice in surgeons.>
and could you maybe recommend a trigger that could work in system like this.
<For community systems there a few, operative word few, that I am fond of:
Xanthichthys auromarginatus
Sufflamen albicaudatus
Rhinecanthus rectangulus
Melichthys indicus.>
I've heard that triggers spit water at you sometimes and are real characters.  is that true for all triggers?
<Some more than others but most in my experience, once adjusted, have great personalities....or bad ones I guess depending on how you look at it.>
thanks once again for your time.
<Of course.>
  Brent
<Adam J.>

Marine F.O. stocking questions  2/5/07
Howdy folks,
<Hello Jesse.>
Your site has become my aquarist Bible... so to speak.
<Thanks…>
  My wife and I have recently set up a 220g tank and it has recently finished cycling, hurray.
<Congrats.>
It contains about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches of live sand and I am slowly acquiring live rock.  Currently there is about 40lbs due to price.  I try to add 10lbs per week, but on a schoolteachers salary it takes time.
<I understand.>
Ahhh... now to the point, I have a Yellow Tang (4 inch) a Huma Huma Trigger (4 inch) a Volitans Lion (5 inch) and a porcupine puffer (4inch).
<Mmm…A messy bunch….especially the porcupine puffer….which has a monstrous adult size…and they do tend to pick on more fragile animals like the lions (the trigger will/may pick on the lion for that matter too.)>
  I have created enough hiding place that the fish all get along very well.  
<Well they will get bigger, and personalities change as we age.>
The only fish that shows aggression is the lion, which was not what I had expected.
<They can be territorial.>
I would like to eventually add a bamboo cat shark since they often spend much of their time on the bottom and not moving much the LFS said this should be fine.
<Mmm, not with the animals you have now, puffers/triggers/large angels are known to prey on this animal not to mention it’s adult size of almost 48”.>
After reading your site, I change my mind about adding a Clown Trigger due to immanent death of other fish and the gorgeous Blue Dot Sting Ray. As much as it pains me to give up on having one, I agree with your stance about viewing these creatures in the wild.
<That is good.>
I was wondering if I could add anything else, my wife has fallen in love with and Emperor Angel or perhaps another lion.  I am curious how the Angel would fair.
<I would not add an angel to such a new tank, not to mention territorial issues.>
  My LFS said it should be no problem and they currently have 5-inch juveniles for sale.  I plan to make sure they can grow in the tank without detriment.  Will this work in my fish only tank?
<At the animals current sizes…it could….it could not….but for all the animals you have the adult sizes will make them incompatible with his tank/each other.>
My parameters are all excellent, I have a wet dry sump system that is oversized for my tank (or at least that what the LFS said).  In addition, I have a Super Skimmer set up for a 220g tank. I believe that was the brand name of the skimmer the LFS also recommended.
<It’s an “okay” skimmer….not my first choice but not my last choice either.>
Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate is at zero in each of the toxin levels.  Is this set up satisfactory to allow a living environment for the angel?
<I would prefer a more mature/stable tank, these are sensitive animals.>
  On the other hand, should I look to a different fish?  Sorry if it was a long winded question and thank you for the amazing research tool you provide, I was giving your site out to customers at the my LFS just tonight.
<Thank you.>
Thanks again,
<Welcome.>
Jesse
<Adam J.>

Re: Marine F.O. stocking questions   2/6/07
Thank you for your response,
<No problem.>
        I did not want to add anything to soon since my tank just finished cycling.
<Agreed.>
In the future (next couple months) is there any fish you would recommend that would be compatible such as a lion or one or two more Yellow Tangs if the angel is not a good idea?
<Look into a Foxface as a "grazer" for this bunch.>
On the other hand, will the angel be okay if I wait awhile?
<For angels like this I prefer to have a least a year old aquarium.>
I want all of these fish to make it to a full size in the current tank.
<Well you may want to reconsider he puffer then.>
  Of course, as I add more live rock there will be more caves to provide safety for the fish and enhance water quality. Alternatively, is my tank maxed out with the fish I have when they become full grown?
<Yes, and aggression will become more prevalent, bigger fish want more territory...the lion is a likely victim to an adult trigger or puffer. They are built differently the lion is a slow moving ambush predator where as the trigger and puffer are more on the prize fighter (head-up) side of the spectrum. Two different class (fighting class not biological class) of fish so to speak.>
Thanks again,
<Anytime.>
Jesse
<Adam J.>

Fish for 72gal FO SW 1/5/07
Hi WWM Crew.
<Hello, Steve. Graham T. with you tonight.>
I purchased a 72 gal reef ready bow front that I am going to set up as FO SW.  
<OK. Is "FO SW" Fish-only Salt-water, meaning no LR or LS??? Or did you leave that part out?>
I would like to know if the tank is large enough to accommodate my fish "wish list"
<Let's see...>
Raccoon Butterfly
<Yup. Perty, too.>
Dwarf Flame Angel
<Yup.>
Valentini Puffer
<Yup. Small cutie.>
Kole Tang or Yellow Tang or possibly both
<Nope. Well, at least not for sure. Two tangs in this system may fight and stress each other. Any way you slice it, add the tang(s) last.>
Damsels
<I suppose, but how many and what species? I usually would go with a less aggressive, mean fish in this system. Green chromis, cardinals... etc.>
Also, the tank came with a SeaLife wet/dry 150 with CAP-2200 powerhead and SeaLife 75 protein skimmer with CAP-1800.  Would you recommend a different powerhead to run the wet/dry?  
<Well, I've never used CAP before, and am more of an external in-line pump user myself. ...But I read good things about CAP and other similar pumps... (Sorry)>
Do I need a better protein skimmer?  
<You should always buy the best skimmer you can afford, or even the one you can't afford.>
Do I need to add an additional powerhead(s) for circulation?
<I always go with as much flow/current/agitation as possible without making an "exercise-tank" out of the system. Lots of flow, as many opposing powerheads as is feasible and/or hide able.>
Thanks for your assistance.
Steve
<Welcome, Steve. -Graham T.>

SW Lvstkg. Sel.   12/22/06
Hello,
<Greetings Khiem, Mich with you this evening.>
I have a 100 gallon rock only salt water tank for about 6 months
now. I have a yellow tang, a sixline wrasse and a maroon clown. These three are fairly small and I want to add more fish to the tank.  
<OK, you should be able to support a larger bioload.>  
But reading from your web page, I am afraid to get the wrong additions to the tank. Any suggestions on what kind of fish I can get that will play along with these three current residence?  
<I understand your concerns.  It can be very overwhelming when you are first starting out.  You should avoid adding another Tang or Clownfish as there is a high likelihood of conflict with your current tank mates.  Otherwise, you have countless possibilities.  You need to figure out what you find appealing as far as fish are concerned; is it the color, the behavior, or perhaps the personality.  There are many other issues that will affect selection.  Do you plan on keeping corals?  Will you add any invertebrates?  Do you have a deep sand bed or a bare bottom?  All these can impact your choices. You may find book titled "Marine Fishes, by Scott W. Michael helpful.  This book has one page summaries and photos of hundreds of different fishes.  This may help you determine your interests.  Fish which might be appropriate include:  Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto); Coral Beauty (Centropyge bispinosa); Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua); Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kaudneri); and any of a number of blennies and gobies.  Do some research and try to figure out what you might both enjoy and be able to provide a suitable home.>
Love your site and thank you for your input.
<Glad the site is to your liking.  I hope you find the response helpful.>  
Cheers,
<And to you!  -Mich>
Khiem

Planning For A Rough Crowd!  9/29/06
Hello to all at Wet Web Media,
<Hi there! Scott F. here tonight!>
I hope you are all really well!
<And you, too!>
I was just wondering if I could steal a few minutes of your precious time! At my local fish shop they have a 3 inch Green Lunar Wrasse a 5 inch Zebra Lionfish and a 4 inch Niger Triggerfish. I was wondering if these 3 guys would all coexist together for a year or two in a 60 gallon?
<I would be inclined to pass. The potential for aggression, stress, and the very real heavy metabolite production of these fishes makes it a no-go. In the end, you'd really need to start with a large tank for this mix, IMO.>
I will be getting a 120  gallon but not for a while.
<I would use the 120 as a "starting point". I'm thinking that you would not want to keep this crew in anything less than a 6 foot, 180 gallon tank, or even a 240 gallon tank. They need the space and dilution capacity of a large tank with significant water volume for long term success.>
If you believe this will be ok , in what order should I add them?
even if you think the tank isn't suitable, I'm still interested in the stocking order for future references!
<I'd get the Lionfish in first, as it is the most passive of the bunch, followed by the Wrasse, then the Trigger. This is a tough mix, even in a large tank, because the Trigger may take a dislike to the Lionfish and really harass him. In the end, a tank with a trigger really need to have the population "designed" around his/her needs. Even though people like to call Lionfish "aggressive", they are slow ambush predators that are rather docile in their behavior, and they may not mix well with Triggers.>
Thanks so much guys and girls!
Talk soon,
Jarryd
<You're quite welcome, Jarryd! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Incompatible and Overstocked – 09/25/06
Hi WWMC,
<<Hello>>
I have 180 gallon tank with a Picasso Trigger (3"), Clown Trigger (3"), Emperor Angelfish (5"), Maroon Clownfish - King of the tank (2.5"), and a Dogface Puffer (5"). Can I have a Black Dogface?  He's 6 inches.  The tank has over 100lbs of live rock (adequate number of hide outs.) Thanks!
<<Not in my opinion...I think you’re already overstocked with an incompatible mix of fishes (do take in to account adult size/temperament of these fishes).  I recommend you remove the Clown Trigger...this will soon be “King of the tank”, and eventually, kill all others present.  Regards, EricR>>

Large Fish Tanks/Tangs/Stocking - 09/07/06
Hi Bob,
<<EricR here today...Bob's off to Jamaica for a B-day dive treat for his wife...and who knows, maybe some dreadlocks for himself while he's at it...>>
Writing to you about a concern of how big my fish could get.
<<Mmm...usually quite easy to find/determine at fishbase.org>>
I have a 75-gallon reef-type setup that is a fish only tank.
<<...?  Isn't that a contradiction of terms? <grin> >>
I recently purchased a T5 lighting system for this tank thinking that I was going to turn it into a reef, but I really like the fish I have so I was thinking otherwise.
<<Ahh, okay>>
The fish include a Flagfin angel about 4 inches, a powder blue tang about 3 inches,
<<This tang is not easily kept under the best of conditions, and tank is not big enough for this fish>>
a yellow tang about 4 inches, two skunk clowns, a Potter's angel about 3 inches, and a Randall’s goby.  If I were to move into a larger tank would a 120-gallon be good for these fish or is it to short?
<<A six-foot tank would be better, more swimming space for those active tangs...though in this case this is more an issue with the Powder-Blue than the Yellow>>
I would like to use this lighting system which is the same length or should I just get some of these fish out?
<<Remove the Powder-Blue and I think the rest would do fine in the 120>>
Thanks, Ron.
<<Regards, EricR>>

Stocking List Revised 8/28/06
Hello Crew:
<Hi>
I have taken your excellent advice regarding stocking and have kept my favorite fish. <I'm sure they will appreciate that in the long run.>  I currently have a 55 Gallon Tank with 2 Percula Clowns, 1 Six Line Wrasse, 1 Royal Gramma, and 1 Neon Goby.  I gave the rest of my fish to a friend and am going to try and ensure that my current fish thrive. <Good to hear.>  I plan on waiting but was wondering if you think the following fish would be ok to add to my tank:
1 Flame Angel
2 Banggai Cardinal Fish
1 Yellow Watchman Goby
What is your opinion on the Flame?  <Might be too much in this tank with all the other fish.> Would you recommend it over the Coral Beauty or Lemon Peel for a newer Marine owner?  <Coral Beauties are pretty much equal to the flames as far as toughness/survivability, less so for the Lemonpeels.>
Thank you so much for all of your help!
Regards,
Craig
<I would probably pick either the Flame or the Banggais and watchman goby, not both.  Otherwise it sounds like a nice tank.>
<Chris>

75- Gallon Stocking Question  8/28/06
Hello,
<Hi Jonathon>
I recently bought a 75 gallon tank and I'm doing research on how to stock it. I made a list of fish that I like. Can you please help me with making a final decision.
<Sure, I will try>
This is as follows:
1. Ocellaris Clownfish
2. Black Percula Clownfish
3. Firefish Goby
4. Neon Blue Goby
5. Kaudern's Cardinalfish
6. Pyjama Cardinalfish
7. Flame Angelfish
8. Blue Hippo Tang
9. Royal Gramma
<Nice choices! All are fine with the exception of the Tang. A larger tank would be more appropriate for the Tang. One of the 2 Cardinalfish will be just fine. 2 males will fight. If you want 2 Cardinalfish it would be best to choose one species and try to find a pair. Pairs are available from www.inlandaquatics.com>
Thank You Sincerely,                                                                               Johnathan
<You're most welcome! HTH, Leslie>

Selection for our next fish   8/18/06
Hi all.  Thanks in advance for your help.  Here goes, we have a 150 gallon FOWLR with a 4' by 2' footprint.  It currently houses a 3-4" Picasso trigger
and a 4" domino damsel.
<Yikes... not the type of rogues I'd like to live with>
We are looking for a somewhat showy fish to add,
<Should have been placed first>
as it is in our workplace and gets a ton of attention.  Any thoughts on a fish mean enough to hold its own with this mix, big enough to not get eaten by
the trigger,  and will still fit in this short but tall tank.  Thanks again, Robin
<Keep reading... re the temperament, Compatibility of the current tankmates... I'd remove the Dascyllus now... Bob Fenner>

Fish List  6/3/06
I have a 55 gallon FOWLR that has been set up since December with 2 Penguin 350B Power Filters ( I am going to change it to a Tide Pool 1 wet/dry filter or I could include it with the current filters) with live sand. I used to have a pair of cinnamon clowns and a damsel but I went of vacation for two weeks. I had a friend who is also a saltwater fish keeper take care of the tank. Sadly one of his family members passed away and could not take care of the tank. This was at the beginning of my vacation. So I come home to find that my power went off and the fuse to all my tank electronics weren't on.
<Yikes>
I took one look and all my fish were dead. All the inverts were alive though. It's been about 2 weeks since I've been back. After doing water changes the water chemistry is great. pH is 8.0 ammonia is 0. Nitrate is 0 . Nitrite is 0 . I now want to fill the tank back up. I was hoping that you would look at the list of fish that I plan to get. I am open to changes.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HELP!!!!!!
Red Saddleback Clownfish-1
Rusty Angel-1
Blue Green Chromis -x 3
Black and White Heniochus Butterfly-1
<A fifty five is really too small for the angel or butterfly. Bob Fenner>

Restocking 120 gallon system  - 05/20/2006
Greetings,
<Hi there>
I am in the process of restocking my 120 gallon marine fish only system.
The result of a poorly researched effort on my part as I paired all the COOL looking fish from my local dealer together in this system as
juveniles - Zebra eel, Lion Fish, Cow Fish, Toby, Clown Trigger.  Well after 2 years they have all grown significantly and while I have become attached (and learned a valuable lesson) I'm letting all but the eel and Toby go to hopefully bigger and better homes.
<Good>
So that being said, I putting more thought and research into what fish I add this time around.  The system as I have mentioned is a 120 gallon salt with a sump, protein skimmer, fluidized bed filter and live sand with approx. 40 lbs of live rock.
I've narrowed down my selections to the following and would like any suggestions or feedback that you may have.
Zebra eel
Fiji Toby
Emperor Angel
<Too large for this sized system>
Threadfin Butterfly
Chromis Damsels (3-5)
Mimic Yellow Tang
Thank you in advance for your help.
Mike Ferrante
<The Toby might bite the others. Bob Fenner>

Taking Stock (Stocking Plan For New Aquarium)   4/18/06
Hey Crew Member,
<Scott F. at your service tonight!>
I'm ready to add my first fish to my 65 gallon (36"x18"x24") that has been up and running for 3 months with no problems. I'd like to have a preplanned fish list before I make any purchase. Here's my list (I'm trying to go with a laidback/shy group of fish.):
Marine betta (Calloplesiops altivelis)
<An excellent fish; very shy. Might be a bit large for this sized tank, IMO>
Longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus)
<A fun character>
Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
<Nice fish, tend to be a bit shy and inactive at times, IME>
2 x False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
<Always nice choices!>
2 x Chalk Bass (Serranus tortugarum)
<Neat fish, and they stay pretty small!>
I have a few questions. 1. Are all of these fish compatible with each other?
<My biggest concern is the Banggai, which tends to be rather passive, and may not feed competitively with the active fishes like the Clowns. I also have some concerns about the C. altivelis. It's a great fish- tough as nails- but they can get a bit large, and they do better in larger aquariums with lots of rockwork to hide in.>
2. Am I overstocking?
<Not really, but I think that the C. altivelis will require a larger tank, so I'd be inclined to pass on this one.>
3. If my list is all good, which fish should I add first?
<I'd get the more passive fishes in there first: The Banggai, then the Basses, then the Clowns, and finally, the Hawkfish.>
Just a side note: I plan on keeping soft corals and snails as the only invertebrates. Also, I have a Remora Pro Hang-on Skimmer and 100 pounds of live rock for filtration.
<Sounds fine. Just keep up with good husbandry techniques, and you'll be in good shape!>
Thanks ahead of time,
Greg
<My pleasure, Greg! Good luck to you! Regards, Scott F.>

Batfish & Tank Overview    3/29/06
Hi, firstly I would like to commend you on such a comprehensive and detailed website covering our great hobby. I am a 16 year old living in the UK, I have been keeping freshwater since I was 9, and marine since I was 13 - not much experience, but I have managed to upgrade several times in this period and have never lost any coral/invert and have only lost 1 fish - Heraldi Angel :( - so I feel I am doing quite well, and this is a lot due to your websites help.
To the subject at hand, my latest project is a 130gallon tank, I will be moving the contents of my 80gallon tank - Yellow Tang, Dwarf Fairy Wrasse, 2 Female Red Sea Anthias (hope to gain a larger group in new tank) and my Cleaner Wrasse (I realize your concerns with the collection and purchase of Cleaner Wrasse but I inherited this one and it has lived happily for 3 years to my knowledge) and all my corals, mostly leathers, xenia etc. I will be running my 45gallon sump - Deltec APF600, UV Sterilizer, 5 Gallon filter floss chamber, 12gallon carbon chamber, various other medias including bio-ball trickle filter, ceramics, and 6" crushed coral bed throughout. I may add another 35gallon sump to include my Fluval 404 amongst other filter components, I would also like to grow Caulerpa in this tank to
provide constant food for my tang. Does this all sound OK?
<Yes... with the exception of the Caulerpa. I would seek out other genera, likely other Divisions. Please read here re: http://wetwebmedia.com/maralgae.htm
Particularly the linked FAQs files at top>
Also I have the option of receiving an Orbiculate batfish from one of my friends, it is currently 2.5" tall and extremely beautiful in my eyes. I
wondered if it would be possible to keep it for a few years and then move it on.
<Yes... but I assure you, it will likely become a dear pet and exceedingly hard to part with>
It's just that batfish very rarely become available on the British market and I don't want to let this chance go. Please could you advise, or suggest other suitable fish??
<There are many... detailed on WWM>
Many thanks in advance :) and keep up the good work :)
Bailey
<Life to you my young friend. Bob Fenner>

FO filter ideas ... crazy stocking - 2/21/2006
This seems like a question that has probably been asked a mind numbing amount of times but I've been reading through the Q&A's and am still unable to
answer it on my own. I have a 140 gallon that I want to set up as a FOWLR. I will import fish from my current tank and add some. The inhabitants will be: 2
Volitans Lions, Gold Bellied Dog Face, Ultra Golden Dog face, Australian Harlequin Tusk, Huma Huma, Clown Trigger, Assasi Trigger and a Japanese Dragon Moray.
<Are you pulling old Bob the Fishman's fins here? This is way too much incompatible life for such a volume>
I was thinking about a Lifereef skimmer and then DIY sumps. For this tank should I use mud, mangroves, algae of some sort or are these more for full blown reef tanks?
<...>
For FO what is the best sump media? Are wet/dries a thing of the past or should it be a first stage along with activated carbon in a sump system?
For FO is a closed loop still beneficial? For a 140 what is a recommended flow/turn over rate? Is T-5 lighting replacing PC's? I'm not sure which is the
newer/brighter technology. I'll also have(2)250 metal halides and moon lights.
Thank you for your help, I can't wait to have this set up.
Jason
<Please... read over WWM re these species... Systems... the gear questions you list... are all answered. Bob Fenner>

New 125 Gallon Setup II - 02/09/06
Dear WWM Crew (Eric)
<<Hi Andrew>>
Thanks for your reply.
<<Very welcome>>
Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to get a 125 gal.
<<Bummer dude>>
But the good news is that I am going to get a 90 gal.
<<Cool!>>
I contacted the supplier and found that it is the same deal.  If drilled it comes with two 1" bulkheads and two 3/4" bulkheads (for returns).  They also said that you cannot have them increase the size or number of bulkheads.
<<Sheesh!  I would consider looking to a different manufacturer.>>
Quite disappointing!
<<Agreed mate>>
So I was leaning more towards buying a standard aquarium and having it drilled by a local glass shop.
<<This (to me) is a better option than ordering a tank that you already know won't fit your needs.>>
They can drill any number of holes and any size up to 4".  But they also warned the more holes and the larger the holes the riskier it gets.
<<Ok>>
I was thinking of drilling two holes for the drainage into the sump.  If I wanted roughly 1000 GPH of flow how large of bulkheads should I get?
<<1000gph total?  A pair of 1 1/2" bulkheads should handle this fine.  You'll find flow calculators that will tell you two 1" bulkheads can do it, and yes, they would...but with much difficulty/fiddling/noise.  Take my word and go with the larger bulkheads.  I also want to mention, 1000gph through your sump is likely going to make a heck of a racket...do consider using one bulkhead for the sump return (300gph-500gph pump) and the other for a closed-loop (1000gph pump).  Your decision...just a suggestion.>>  
Also, in your last e-mail when you responded:
"I was thinking several layers of mesh.  Would this be the proper type of setup to include the bio-balls or something similar?
<<I would forego both of these and employ one or two fluidized-bed filters for additional bio-filtration and a canister filter for chemical/carbon filtration..."
Did you mean forego the sump or just the bioballs and mesh?
<<The latter.  The mesh will be maintenance hassle, and the bio-balls (submerged) will be of little value (much better to add a few pounds of live rock).>>
I could go without the sump but thought that the larger the volume of water the better.
<<Indeed, do keep the sump.>>
I didn't think the system could function optimally on a canister and a fluidized bed filter.
<<Used in conjunction with the sump these will benefit a FO system greatly.>>
Otherwise I am in the planning stages of the rest of the aquarium. Feel free to correct or add anything)
<<There you go...giving me free rein again <grin>.>>
I was thinking a thin layer of crushed coral for the bottom.
<<1" or less...>>
I already have roughly 40 lbs. of live rock and may get more.
<<Excellent!  Just don't forget to leave swimming room for the fishes...the 40lbs. may prove to be plenty.>>
I was thinking of just a heavy duty plastic container for the sump (With some modifications for skimmer) mostly just to increase water volume.
<<This is what many hobbyists do.>>
But most of all, I have been thinking about and researching the inhabitants.
<<That's good to hear.>>
They are as follows:
1. Maroon Clownfish
2. One of the following:
    A. Blue Tang
    B. Yellow Tang
    C. White Cheek Tang
    D. Convict Tang
<<'B' or 'D' are your only choices for this size tank, in my opinion.>>
3. Flame Angel
4. One of the following:
    A. Auriga Butterfly fish
    B. Teardrop Butterfly fish
<<Both are very good choices as butterflies go...glad to see you did your research.>>
5. Maybe a few Damsels or other small schooling fish.
Thanks in advance for wading through my jumbled thoughts and answering my questions.
Best regards,
Andrew
<<Is my pleasure to assist Andrew.  Regards, EricR>>

Stocking a Large F.O. Tank   1/31/06
Dear wetwebmedia,
<Hello Jesse.>
I have read on numerous accounts that mixing triggers with small sharks (like bamboos) is a bad idea since the trigger will nip at the shark.
<Correct.>
Would this remain a problem in a larger aquarium, say 500 gallons?
<Yes still a potential problem. While 500 gallons generally speaking is large it’s nothing compared to the area a trigger would normally patrol and so yes the shark may still come under attack.>
I have a 125 right now with an Emperor Angel, Blue hippo tang, Powder Blue Tang, Foxface, Porcupine Puffer,
<The puffer is also a potential shark nipper, I would consider excluding hi.>
Marine Beta, and a Zebra Eel. I am upgrading once I decide on the stocking list for my next tank. I
want to ad a bamboo Shark, Clown trigger, Sohal tang, and California Ray.
<Would skip the sohal as it will not appreciate your other tangs to put it nicely, the clown trigger is probably one of the worst triggers as far as aggression, look into a blue throat or pink tail, skip the sting California animals are temperate not tropical..>
Can these all live in harmony in a 500 gallon tank?
<With some revising that I added above, possibly.>
-Jesse
<Adam J.>

220 gallon possible tankmates... FO   1/17/06
Hello, I'm getting conflicting info, and I hope you can help clear this up for me. Ok here is my question. I just got a 220 gallon tank for my anniversary.
<I got zip!>
Standard lights on it since I won't have anything but lace rock( that has been scrubbed) sand and fish in this tank. I would like to have a Niger trigger, dogfaced puffer, Volitans lionfish, maybe a harlequin tusk, or dragon wrasse, panther grouper, snowflake eel, So out of these fish that are my favorites which can be housed together. And could I have more than one of any of these fish in the same tank?
<Could mix all with some degree of "safety", suitability with the Trigger being removed first from your list due to possible aggression, next the Eel (for starving)...
I'm just looking for having enough fish in the tank that it doesn't look empty but is comfortable for the fish once they mature. My favorite fish are the trigger and dogfaced puffer. Thanks for your help on this.
<There is much individual variation in Odonus behavior/compatibility, but the Echidna would likely be so-outcompeted for food by other fishes listed, I would leave it out. Bob Fenner>

Marine F.O. Stocking Levels  - 01/09/2006
Hey guys!
<Hello Jack.>
I have a 44 gallon Perfecto corner pentagon tank I have $150 of bleached coral and aragonite sand.
<What other filtration do you have? Is the tank cycled yet?>
I was wondering how many fish and of what sizes, would be optimal for the tank.
<Well the problem with hex and pentagon tanks, and other with such configurations is that they favor show height and don’t leave you much to work with in the way of surface area. For this reason you will want to choose less active smaller fish. (No Tangs, Triggers, Puffers, or other tank busters) I would stay with less active fish that don’t need a lot of swimming room; gobies, blennies, cardinals, some clownfish. Generally anything that stays under the 3” mark as an adult. If you choose to stock with the type of fish I have mentioned, I would say around 4 fish is a safe bet. I usually try to stay away from giving out numbers like that though because it depends on your individual livestock.>
I heard someone say that the max is one inch of fish per gallon, but that seems to be way too much.
<Yes it is, a very outdated rule of thumb.>
If you could, please respond to this e-mail to barkeyrogers@XXXX>XXX
Thanks in advance.
<No problem, and don’t forget to quarantine all livestock prior to addition in your display.>
Jack
<Adam J.>

Comfortable.. Or Crowded? (Stocking Decisions)   1/7/06
Hello,
<Hi there! Scott F. here tonight.>
Thank you all for the great information you provide.
<We're thrilled to be of service!>
I have a compatibility question regarding two fish I am thinking of adding to my fish-only tank.  The tank is 250 gallon, has good filtration with a UV sterilizer and a skimmer, and has been up and running for a year now.
The current inhabitants are a Striped Squirrelfish, Porcupine Puffer, Dogface Puffer, Sailfin Tang, and a male and female Bird Wrasse.  (I recently lost a Volitans lionfish but do not plan on replacing it.)
All the fish are relatively young and not full grown.  All the fish get along great with no fighting, which was my goal in selecting and ordering the fish I put into the tank.  (The credit should actually go to Bob and his great book.)  I am considering adding a Red-Banded (Spotted?) Hawkfish or a Flame Hawkfish, and then following that addition with an Angelfish, either a French, Koran or Yellow-Band.  My goal in choosing the Angelfish is again to get the most compatible species for the other fish.  Do you think this combination of fish, with the addition of the Hawkfish and Angelfish, will continue to be compatible?
<While compatibility will not be a problem, IMO, the really issue will be space. You have some fishes in there that get huge, and require large amounts of space to be happy and healthy. The Tang and the puffers, in particular, produce lots of metabolic waste and may challenge your husbandry efforts, even in this large tank. I don't see problem introducing the Hawkfish, but a "full-sized model" Angelfish could be problematic. They require a great deal of physical space and can reach potentially huge sizes. In a system with an already sizeable crowd, this could be a possible problem in the long run.>
I really like having a friendly community of fish and don't want to do anything to destroy that.  (The other option I had considered instead of the Angelfish was two or three Long-Finned Bannerfish, which I know are more likely to be non-aggressive, but I didn't want to potentially overcrowd the tank or tax the filtration with the addition of two or three Bannerfish that will each get large, as will the puffers and tang.)
<Sounds like you did your homework, and your thinking is very good! How about one of the larger Centropyge Angels or an angel of one of the "mid sized" genera, such as Apolemichthys or Genicanthus?>
Any guidance you could provide would be great. I'd pass on three more of just about anything; space will be at a premium in the long run, so keep this in mind with your future stocking decisions.>
Thanks.  Mike
<You're quite welcome! Regards, Scott F.>

Fish Only Stocking: Marine  12/16/05
Hello,
<Hi Joe.>
Currently I have a 150 gallon tank with a 4 inch Maculosus angel, a 3
inch yellow tang, and a 4 inch Soldierfish.  I've had the Soldierfish
for years and he has never grown.  Anyway on to my question.  I would
like to add several more fish to my tank.  I have the following
possibilities in mind:
5-7 pajama cardinal fish
<Would be lunch for your Soldierfish.>
1 male, 3 female lyretail Anthias
<Could be okay, but in general it is hard to secure quality specimens and they will not do well with boisterous tankmates like surgeons and the like, I would omit this as well. They usually only fair well in large dedicated reef aquaria with fishless refugiums in my experience.>
3 Cirrhilabrus wrasses
<Only if you can attain them together as a 1 male: 2 female ratio. Better to stick to one.>
1 Powder blue tang
<Ships and acclimates very poorly, IMO/E one of the worst Acanthurus/Surgeons in general for home aquaria. It is not an impossible species but do be sure to purchase one that has been at the local dealer for a few weeks and is eating well. And even so be sure to quarantine for at least 30 days, these guys are “crypt/ich magnets.”>
1 flame angel
<Would omit since you already have one angel.>
2 percula clownfish
<See my comment above on the cardinals.>
1 French angel
<See comment above on the other angel.>
Naturally I would never add all of these fish to my aquarium.
<Glad to hear it.>
If you could tell me which of these fishes would work together with my current
tankmates I'd appreciate it.  If you have any other suggestions of
possible fishes I'd be happy to hear them.
<With the tank mates you already have I would lean toward larger but not boisterous tankmates. Such as Rabbitfish, larger hawkfish, some butterflies such as C. Auriga and even a smaller lion such as D. Zebra (of course this choice would force you to omit all smaller fish but your soldier fish has done that already.)>
  Thank you for your help,
<Quite Welcome.>
Joseph Marano
<Adam J.>

150 gallon, filter, skimmer, stocking  12/13/05
Hi,
You guys are excellent!! <Thanks! We do our best!>
I have had a 10 gallon saltwater with a blue devil and a green Chromis
for a year, and I have recently purchased a 150 gallon tank and while
cycling I thought I might make a stocking list so as not to get caught
up in the impulse buying business. <GOOD ON YOU!> It will be fish only.  I have
ordered a Eheim (read you like them) <Best can.s out there. >2217 canister will this be big
enough (Eheim says yes)? <Eh, depends on your goals. You can always add another later if you discover you need it.> What skimmer (hang on) would be suitable (brand)? <AquaC RemoraPro, or Deltec MCE600.>
I have been window shopping and picked my favorites after weeding out
some with other Fish only people on aggression issues.  Please tell me
if there are too many, if they are too big, and if they will get along.
Other options are welcome.  Remove or add as required.   
Large Angel (which one) 1/2 the people say tank is not large enough to
house a large angel <Imperator would be my choice!>
Pink tail trigger <Excellent trigger.>
Naso tang <Uh oh - gets huge, needs swimming room!>
A pair of smaller tangs Kole or purple <Kole is okay, Purple gets BIG.>
Dwarf puffer <Fun!>
snowflake eel or dwarf golden (prefer the snowflake) <Me too.>
Will these be fish food?
bi-color angel <Not fish food, but quite a gamble on robustness. Put down a deposit on one and have the LFS keep it for a couple weeks or more, before you commit.>
tomato clown <Get a good-sized one to start (or a Maroon) and this fish can take care of itself quite well.>
I do not wish to overstock or have an aggression problem, and I would
need to know what order to add them to prevent territory disputes <Decide exactly what you want first, then worry about stocking-order. Generally, least-aggressive goes first.> I
will not be upgrading anytime soon so they need to be happy in this tank
as adults too. <Excellent! But you'll have to forget about the Naso for sure.>
Thanks for coming to work today!  You are appreciated
<You're welcome! Happy Holidays! -Zo>

Stocking a Fish Only Marine Tank 11/4/05
Hello WWM,
<Hi Pat.>
I have a 30 gallon tank that is currently inhabited with a Coral Beauty Angel and 2 Ocellaris Clowns that I will be upgrading to 135 gallon tank. 
<Good move.> 
I have composed a stocking list for it. The tank will be FO. I know that the list is in its current state is probably overstocked so please recommend what to remove/change.
1 Centropyge bispinosus (Coral Beauty Angelfish)
2 Amphiprion ocellaris (Ocellaris Clownfish)
<Those two are current inhabitants so obviously we will be keeping those.>
1 Diodon holacanthus (Porcupine Puffer) Centerpiece of Tank
<Grows quite large for this tank and will possibly make a snack out of his tank mates…or at the least sample/nip at them.>
1 Heniochus acuminates (Black and White Heniochus Butterflyfish) and/or Forcipiger flavissimus (Long Nose Butterflyfish)
<Both are good choices as far as butterflies go, F. Flavissimus adapts a little better to captive life in my experience but that varies by locality.>
1 Paracanthurus hepatus (Regal Tang) or other different/better tang (Recommendations?)
<I would rather you choose one in the Zebrasoma genus, such as a yellow tang or the Ctenochaetus genus, such as the Kole or Chevron Tang.>
1 Echidna nebulosa (Snowflake Eel)
<This to is another tank buster at a potential 36” and is quite messy (heavy on the bio-load). Though it is generally fish safe (have seen them snag a few fish), I would omit it due to size.>
<<Have seen snowflakes truly decimate tanks in a matter of minutes, yet well-fed and housed.  Wasn't pretty.  MH>>
1 Gramma loreto (Royal Gramma Basslet)
<Good choice.>
1 Oxycirrhites typus (Long Nose Hawkfish)
<Good choice.>
<<They're quite the jumpers, keep a screen cover when housing. MH>>
Are these fish compatible aside from lack of space?
<Excluding the puffer, more than likely the answer is yes but remember SPACE is an important issue.>
In which order should I introduce the inhabitants?
<Smaller more docile animals such as the Gramma first and the larger more aggressive ones (puffer/tang/eel) last.>
Also, if the Puffer is well fed would it leave a chocolate chip starfish alone?
<No.>
Thank You in advance, Patrick
<Welcome, Adam J.>

Re: Stocking Choices 11/4/05
Thanks for the info, 
<No trouble.> 
I'm going to go with what you advised and part with the Caribbean Blue Tang when he turns blue, I would just like to witness the transformation. 
<Cool, good idea…make sure he gets a good home now.> 
I wont be getting either of the wrasses or the Court Jester Goby so all that I will have after that would be the Watchman Goby, Red Head Goby, Fire Fish, Royal Gramma, Clown, Red Scooter, Clown Goby and the Caribbean Blue tang which wont be staying for ever. So would this group allow for any more members? 
<Other blennies, cardinals, some Centropyge (pygmy) angels, other gobies (such as the neon E. Oceanops), even Chromis….lots more choices, Adam J.> 

Adding Live rock to F.O. system...
>Good day Wet-Webbers,
>>And good day to you, Lenny.  Marina here.
>I have a 140 gal. F.O. system using Bio-balls/Protein Skimmer w/
50/50 Actinic fluorescent lighting.  I have an aggressive tank w/ lion, purple tang, emperor angel, Foxface, harlequin tusk and Clown trigger.  Is it possible to add a large piece of Live Rock to my tank without changing lighting (or if so, enLIGHTEN me)  I thought doing this would help bring my nitrates down and secondly allow my herbivores to graze on the rock.  
>>Of course you can.  Live rock generally requires no lighting unless it has photosynthetic animals or algae upon it that you wish to grow.  However, do know that if it is encrusted with such, it will quickly be consumed.  Also, please know that in order to reduce nitrates, you will need an amount of live rock equal to 1-2lbs./gallon of total tank volume.  A more efficient way to garner natural nitrate reduction would be to plumb in a refugium, where you can put in live rock, a deep sand bed (a.k.a. DSB), and grow macroalgae cultures that will help sop up excess nutrients, and they'll be removed via harvest of said algae.  Please search our site for all articles and FAQ's on refugiums (I do prefer this methodology to plenums) for complete setup and maintenance information.  Also, don't let anyone try to tell you that the wet-dry filtration method is a "nitrate factory".  You will end up with nitrates no matter WHAT method of nitrification is used, and their reasoning is logical fallacy, true sophistry.  What is needed is a method by which the nitrates can be further reduced to their components, ending with nitrogen gas.  This is well-executed utilizing the refugium with DSB.
>Right now my tank has lava rock and skeleton coral with Puka shell (Aruba) substrate.
>>Begin on our homepage http://www.wetwebmedia.com -->go to "marine aquarium articles" -->go to "set-up" -->go to the sections on natural nitrate reduction, plenums (you'll see what a PITA they are), deep sand beds, and refugia articles.  There's more information there than you can shake a stick at, and by the time you're finished you'll practically be an expert (ex-spurt?)!  Best of luck to you!  Marina

Almost Ready to Make My Big Purchase
I am new to the marine aquarium, and I am almost about ready to dive in.  You guys have been very helpful so far, and the CMA was a fantastic resource.  Here is my set up, and forgive me first off with the size and no sump, but money and space are a big issue.  I will be setting up:
1) a FOWLR
2) 40 gal breeder w/ 40lbs. of LR
3) Aqua C hot skimmer w/ the 1200 maxi jet
4) 2-3 powerheads
5) HOT filter w/ carbon that will run 3-4 days/month for mechanical & chemical filtration.
Live stock:
1) pair of percula clowns
2) Royal Gramma
3) 3 yellow tail damsels
4) Cherub angel
5) various cleaners (shrimp, hermits, snails, brittle stars)
6) Feather dusters
>>Nix the damsels and your stocking list will be safer, they could get aggressive with the clowns and that little angel.  Consider instead Chromis, small cardinals, or neon or clown gobies (small gobies).
>Here are my questions:
1) Should I use a shallow sand bed >1 inch or a DSB <5 inches?
>>Since you're going with no sump, I suggest a DSB.
>2) I am not planning on buying live sand due to the purchase of LR, is this ok?  Will the LR make the sand live?  
>>This is fine, it is likely this is how the purchased live sand became live in the first place.  Cure the l/r first, then place in display, then add sand (aragonite or other calcareous is preferred), seed with piece of shrimp to start cycle and feed sand and l/r.  When readings get to zero and nitrate is low, then you can begin stocking.
>And is aragonite a good selection or should I use crushed coral?
>>For DSB, sand is preferred to crushed coral.
>3) Due to cost and heat output, I would rather not use compact fluorescents, are NO fluorescents (one 10,000K and one actinic blue) ok?  
>>Not familiar with N/O's that have a Kelvin rating of 10,000K, but if they exist they should be fine for the most part.  Coralline algae does need available calcium, so aragonite would be preferable, as is good quality l/r.  
>Can I get coralline algae growth from this or do I need compacts?  Do compacts throw off a lot of heat?
>>I believe that it isn't the lights themselves that put out so much heat as it is the ballast that does.  To the best of my knowledge the ballast can be located somewhat remotely, depending on the setup of the power compacts.  It is my opinion, however, that in the long run you'll be happier with the pc's.  Contact a good lighting supply, such as hellolights.com (or one of our sponsors) and ask them these questions as they ARE the "experts".  Best of luck to you!  Marina

African Cichlids to a Marine Tank
<Hello! Ryan here>
I have kept Africans for 3 years now and I have been researching the possibility of switching to a fish only marine tank. <Great.> I have a 55 gallon and I am thinking of 1 porcupine puffer, 1 trigger fish, 1 coral beauty, 1 flame angel, and maybe 1 black and white clownfish. <No way.  You could have 1 or 2 of the fish you selected, excluding the puffer and trigger. You can't mix angels either.> I have a few questions.  
1) Will the puffer and trigger get along? <Sure, in a 200 gallon setup.> 
2) Will they eat the dwarfs? <No> 
3) Will the dwarfs be compatible because I have read that only one dwarf to a tank. <No, pick 1.  The tanks I have seen with multiple angels are hundreds of gallons> 
4) Is it realistic to get a black and white clownfish?  I have seen the perculas everywhere, but not the black and white ones. <May have to mail order it if it's not readily available in your area.  Many LFSs will special order you a fish if a deposit is left.> 
5) I have done plenty of research but is there any important info that you can me besides the basics - protein skimmer, live rock, pH, etc.?  <Too much to include in this conversation, I'm afraid.  Keep reading the FAQs.> 
6) Africans take a lickin' and keep on tickin' - I am hesitant to (go) with the marines because they seem so delicate.  I understand that they are expensive but are most of the precautions for beginners or what?
<Depends on the fish in question.  Also, hardiness is a highly variable term.  Resilient to what?  Toxic water conditions, aggression from other fishes, etc.  Too broad a question.  African cichlids are closely related to Damsels, so I would start there if you're looking for something similar.  Good luck.>

Anemones
Hi,
Are there any species of anemone for a fish only aquarium. I have a blue and white T8 fluorescent tube, can you suggest any? which will also be safe to house an ocellaris clownfish?
Many Thanks Aaron.
<Hi Aaron, anemones are one of the more difficult reef creatures to keep, I would not recommend any for your current set up.  T8 bulbs are normal output fluorescents and do not give off enough light to meet the anemones requirements.  They are also very sensitive creatures and should not be added to a tank until the tank is well established, well established for many months, to years.  Check out the link below, and the related links at the top of the page for more information.  Best Regards, Gage
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemones.htm  >

- Livestock Selection, Follow-up -
I guess I'm a little confused. <Oh?> I have read on WWM many times that for a FO setup, LR may not be the way to go. <Certainly I've never written that... live rock has many benefits to most all tank-types. One of the best reasons is that it can provide a source of live food for your fish. Natural nitrate reduction is another.> I have 2 saltwater tanks now that are doing wonderful and they are fully stocked with LR and LS. I plan on starting my 3rd tank soon, but I planned on having one or two fish that would sadly eat any inverts I add to the tank.  I've read many times that if you don't plan on having (or can't have) inverts then adding LR may not be the way to go. <Don't agree with this premise one bit.> I can understand that the Flame Angel and Tang would be much happier with LR.  In the e-mail below it talks about nitrate reduction.  Isn't worrying a ton about nitrates in a FO a little over kill? <No.>
You guys are the experts, so I'll listen to what you have to say.  I'm just a little confused why I read on WWM that no LR in a FO is ok for some people but not everyone. <I'm not sure what FAQ you are talking about, but there will always be a difference in opinion. I think you'll find with further research that the majority of respondents on WWM take my stance.> I value all of the info I get from you guys. Keep up the head work so guys like me don't end up making mistakes!!!
Thanks once again!
Steve
PS  Oh yeah... really, how do you guys end up answering questions on WWM?
<Really, someone offered me the red pill and I ate it. Cheers, J -- >

Marine Tank Stocking Question
I am planning my first marine tank (75 Gallons) and I need to know if these fish will be ok in there:
Ocellaris Clown
Royal Gramma
Blue Hippo Tang
Kaudern's Cardinal
Humbug Damsel
Flame Angel
Firefish Goby
If they are okay, in what order should I introduce them?  John
<Good choices... put the animals in... in the order you present them... in groups of 2, 2 and the last three species. Bob Fenner>

Adding Live Rock to Fish Only 4/17/05
Hello Crew. Just a couple LR questions. I plan on adding some LR to my fish only setup(55g). I currently have a 48" single strip with a Hagen PowerGlo bulb. Is this adequate? Also, do I need to quarantine the rock prior to placing it in the display tank? If so, could it be quarantined with the new fish to aid in filtration. Thank you for always taking the time to respectfully answer my questions, many of which are likely "dumb" questions. 
<The live rock will need to by cycled (Even if it is sold as "pre-cured" or "pre-cycled"). No fish are necessary and should not be present. The time it takes to cycle will also serve as a quarantine. You can use just about any kind of container to cycle the rock in, but ideally the rock should fit loosely. While cycling, the rock should be treated like it is alive! Strong water movement, water changes, proper temperature and salinity and maintenance of calcium and alkalinity will ensure that as much live survives as possible. Once ammonia and nitrite are zero, the rock can be moved to the display. Best Regards. AdamC.>

Five IS A Crowd! A Big, Messy Crowd!
I have a Niger, Bluejaw, Clown Trigger, Porcupine Puffer, and Harlequin Tusk.
<That's a rough crowd!>
I feed twice a day a variety of meats (shrimp, cuttlefish, squid, Octo). I chop the pieces into small tic-tac size pieces and it would be about 1.5 tablespoons of food. Twice a day. My nitrates are between 20-40 constantly. I change 25% weekly. Amm and nitrites are always 0, ph 8.2. Temp 80. Is this too much food?
<It doesn't seem like it, and quite frankly, those nitrate levels aren't all that bad, when you consider the level of metabolic waste these brutes produce! I think that you can do better, however.>
Should I make it once a day? I have 2 emperor 400's and 2 Bak-Pak skimmers. 100 gal tank. Plan to split into 2 100's  or move to a 180 gal in a year. 29" of fish total.
<Ahh...I think that your tank is way over the limit for these fishes. Way over. You're fighting a very noble fight to keep the nitrate levels where they are, but this tank is too small to sustain this population for the long run. A much larger tank is in order. Also, reliance on mechanical filtration is probably not as good as a live-rock/sand-based approach, IMO. A good sump and powerful skimmer can do the job. The mechanical media in your power  filters will trap detritus and organics, which, if left unattended for long periods of time, will degrade water quality. They are great at supplementing other systems, but I would not use them for primary filtration in my system. You might want to use a more efficient protein skimmer for larger fish that produce more metabolic waste, as well.>
For going on a 2 night vacation, can they go 48 hours without feeding without too much stress?
<I'm sure that they will be fine for this length of time. Best of luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Stocking a 90 Gallon (Fish Only) Marine Tank 10/11/05
Hi Guys,
<Hi Daniel!>
I just cycled my 90T gallon tank and wanted to know if it would be big enough for one or all three of these particular fish (as adults): Volitans Lionfish 
<Have seen this fish at 30” needs at least a 6 foot tank but don’t fret I have some more appropriate Lion suggestions for you:
Fuzzy Dwarf Lion (Dendrochirus brachypterus)
Fuzzy Dwarf Lion (Dendrochirus zebra)
Radiata Lion (Pterois radiata)
-First two are probably the best choices due to their size.>
Snowflake Moray eel,
<Unfortunately the 90-gallon tall variance lacks somewhat in surface area, and at a potential 36” it’s not an ideal choice.>
and a Picasso Triggerfish.
<The Tank size is right about the minimum for a Picasso Trigger. Furthermore Triggers are not ideal tank mates for lions. Trigger have a tendency to chew up the Lions o’ so delicate fins.>
I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks.
<No problem, and don’t be discouraged by this. There are plenty of other wonderful animals that are suited to this tank.>
Daniel Gallen
<Good luck with the new set up, Adam J.> 

Thoughts on my stocking plan
I'm thinking about setting up a 29 gallon fish only tank with the following:
20 pounds of live rock
1 Hippo Tang
1 Dwarf Lionfish (either a Fu Manchu or Short fin)
1 Flame Angelfish
1 False Percula Clownfish
and possibly an Orchid Dottyback or a Royal Gramma (maybe both?)
<This is too much livestock for a 29... I would drop the Tang and Dwarf Angel... and the Lion (albeit a smaller species, specimen) is likely to eat the Clown sooner/later>
I also wanted to add a cleanup crew from FFExpress.com, which adds some hermit crabs, turbo snails and possibly a star fish or two like the Orange Knobby Star or Red Serpent Star and maybe a cleaner shrimp or two.
<Get a Fromia sp. or a small Archaster... not the stars listed. And maybe an individual Shrimp>
The tank already has an Eclipse 3 system and I was planning to add one of the new Prism skimmers or possibly a CPR Backpack. Since I'm not going to add any corals, I wasn't planning to upgrade the lights or add any other pumps and filtration.
<Good idea on the skimmer, corals... maybe the lighting>
Do you have any thoughts on this setup? I was wondering if I have too many fish or if the fish will outgrow the tank over time? Also, I was wondering whether the lionfish would cause problems with the smaller fish, crabs, snails and shrimp? Everything I've read about Lionfish usually refers to the full size members and not the dwarf members. Also would it hurt to add all of the fish at one time? 
<No, if the live rock is thoroughly cycled... a couple of months...>
I plan to order the fish from FFExpress since the local fish stores often don't carry saltwater fish and when they do, they don't have much of a selection. It would be easier and cheaper to order them all at once. I plan to dip them but not bother with a hospital tank, since once the tank is set up, I don't plan on making any changes.
<A workable plan>
I don't want to spend a lot of money on this setup as I'm saving up for parts and livestock for my 110 gallon tank. I want to put a couple of Volitans Lionfish, a couple of Blue Spotted Stingrays and maybe a Snowflake Eel in that tank with about 50-100 pounds of live rock. But that project's a year or so down the road (maybe more depending on how much it takes to set up my 29).
<Read about the Blue Spotted rays on the site: www.WetWebMedia.com, and leave them in the sea>
Thanks in advance for the advice. I really enjoyed reading your book and can't wait for you to write one about stingrays.........Wayne
<Scott Michael's ought to be out soon, thank goodness. Bob Fenner>

Re: Thoughts on my stocking plan
Thank you for your answers and as you might have expected I have a few more questions.
Would the Hippo Tang and Dwarf Lionfish be too much for the 29 gallon tank without any other fish?
<Only when small... the Tang would languish in such a small system>
Would the Flame Angelfish and the lionfish be a better combination for this tank or would the tang/angelfish combination?
<The Angel would be worse>
Would the cleanup crew also be in danger from the lionfish?
<To some degree yes... and vice versa.. if the snails, hermits were ingested... could be curtains for both>
Could I add the cleanup crew at the same time I add the fish?
<Much better to add before... at end of full cycle of live rock...>
I would rather have one or two larger fish than a handful of smaller fish.
<Better to have two, three small fishes>
I know that keeping Blue Spotted Stingrays is wrong, but the idea of keeping one of my own was why I got my first aquarium. 
<Not wrong, just very difficult. This species rarely lives in captivity>
I spent a few years learning how to keep freshwater fish and kept a freshwater stingray for over a year, only to lose him when I moved halfway across the country. It's also a major part of the reason I want to learn to keep saltwater fish.
Thank you for your time and advice.........Wayne
<You're welcome. Bob Fenner>

90 gallon FOWLR
Good afternoon, I have a few questions that I hope you could help with.
I have a 90 gallon with a 4" sand bed and around 80lbs of live rock and It's been running for about 2 months. This past weekend I finally moved my fish that had a temporary home in a 29 gallon to the 90 gallon. I have no plans for corals only fish and a cleanup crew.
<Okay>
My first question is if I should somehow try and save some of the bristle worms out of the Crushed coral bed and add them to the sand in the 90?
<I would, yes. A scoop or two of the substrate... even a large siphon to move it to a bucket then pour it into the new tank is a good idea.>
Second I bought 10 very small blue leg hermits and 15 snails to get me started on a cleanup crew, what else do you think I need to buy to clean and stir the sandbed? What about a borrowing fish? (i.e. Blue spotted Jawfish) or do they eat to much out of the sandbed.
<Many possibilities... some covered in a section "Sand Stirrers" on the Marine part of our website: www.WetWebMedia.com... best to wait a month or two here though for now... till the tank "settles in" a bit>
Finally, the 90 gallon has 2 tank raised small Percula Clowns, a small Six-line Wrasse and a 5" long Palette Tang. I would really like to get a couple Bannerfish and a small juv. Imperator Angel. Would all of these fish get along? 
<Hmm, yes... though the Emperor will get too large for this system... probably within a year...>
Would this work out OK until the Angel grew and I need to upgrade to a 180 gallon? And If so how long would that take?
<Oh, we're thinking along the same lines...>
Thanks a lot for you time and I really enjoy the WetWebMedia website. Thanks again!!
Brent Heeres
<A pleasure my friend. Bob Fenner>

Contemplating a large FO tank.
Hi Bob,
Been doing a lot of thinking / considering lately regarding my system, and am considering a few changes to it, and thought you might be able to shed some light.
<Okay>
In recent months, several of my circumstances have changed, such that the regular long trips I used to make (8hr car journey) to get supplies (frozen food etc) will soon have to be all but stopped. Together with this, being around to feed my fish properly is also becoming a bit of trouble, due to time etc.
<Important to learn/recognize what we "are about" and allocate our resources accordingly.>
Thus, I have been considering changing my system to a "predator" type tank, which needs less attention to feeding and food, which is becoming an issue for me. What attracts me to fish such as the lionfish, grouper etc is that you recommend one or two feeds a week, preferable one large, and one small.
<Yes, in general>
I was thus hoping that the following might be a suitable plan for such fish.
I could obtain fish stuffs, like squid, white fish, shrimp, clam, mussels etc from my fish monger every week when I went shopping ..... chop it up, and feed it fresh. I could keep a small amount aside, and then feed that a few days later as the "small" feed. I know while young the fish would need a little more care than that, but as large specimens, I would hope it would be as simple as I describe. Does this all sound ok ???
<Yes, thus far>
Next, of the fish I had hoped to include in my collection, would be the following:
1) Lionfish (Volitans)
2) Groupers (Miniata and polka dot)
3) Triggers (Picasso and clown)
4) Morays (Snowflake, zebra)
5) Puffers (the "large" ones, also porcupine)
6) Wrasse (Lunare, Coris, Tuskfish)
<A nice eclectic mix>
I obviously do not want to keep all these fish, just a few .... say 3 or maybe 4 ???
<Depends on "which" are chosen... could be six or eight, or only one or two... the Clown will be the most limiting for instance.>
The tank is 84"x18"x20" tall. I am feeling that it might be a good idea to forget the puffers, as they may harass others a bit too much, and be a bit "nippy".
<Not really in this situation... but the Lion will have to be fed specifically in this mix...>
From the remaining, would be thee any major compatibility issues i.e. generally speaking would a combination of or 3 or 4 single species from the remaining groups work out ??? At the moment, the selection might look something like a Volitans, Miniatus, clown trigger, Coris wrasse Or moray eel ........ how would that sound ??? Nothing rigid yet, that's just an example.
<I would leave out the Clown Trigger... or if it is the "centerpiece" that you want to have and build your collection around, delete the Lion here>
If I were to include a wrasse, would the feeding schedule above be ok with him too ??? How about the trigger ??? I could offer a small amount of dried food pellets daily to supplement the weekly gorging.
<Not too much problem to add an automated feeder to offer dried meaty foods for the wrasse/s on a daily basis... and the trigger/s are unlikely to take pellets... but will accept meaty frozen foods that you could make or buy.>
Any other fish that I have not mentioned that might fit the bill ???? 
<Thousands of species>
This tank will be the final home for these fish, there will not be a move to a bigger tank in the near future, as this is the biggest possible for at least the next 3 or 4 years, and probably longer.
Thanks for reading.
Regards, Matt
<Keep studying and planning my friend. Bob Fenner>

Re: contemplating a large FO tank.
Bob,
Thanks for your reply ....... thorough as usual :-) ... much appreciated :-)
This is not the first time you have advised me to "drop the trigger" .......... as you may recall, part of my existing set up, which I am trying to change, includes in it a clown trigger, and also and emperor angel, which is about 6", sub adult, and well able to look after himself I might add.
Would he be a suitable substitute for the clown trigger ??? Keeping in mind the whole diet / tankmate thing ???
<Might get too hungry between feedings... best to offer food to even large Angels a couple times per day... or very vigorous live rock in a huge system...>
I think probably not, but no harm in asking ....... I'd like to hang on to one of the two (emperor or clown) ... but if it is bad idea then it is best not to be sentimental :-) For both my sake and the fish.
<I understand, believe me... Clown Trigger's are one of my faves... even commissioned a stained glass art piece of one years back... and it was the "logo" icon/fish for our retail stores, service companies... But are the epitome of unpredictable behavior, and must need shy on the side of caution here (on the net) where opinions go on and on... In more than half the cases, a Clown that started not too big would/will get along fine in your size, type of setting, with the sorts of livestock you list... But occasionally this situation can/will go sideways with the Clown becoming an unholy terror... You understand I'm sure. Bob Fenner>
Cheers
Regards, Matt

Re: contemplating a large FO tank.
Hi Bob,
<Hello>
Thanks for your advice. It was very helpful. I have just read through wet web media, and through the conscientious marine aquarist, and found no real reason to doubt the success of my selection listed below, which is my first provisional selection.
1) Emperor angel (6" sub adult, which I already have).
2) Paddlefin wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum) OR Checkerboard wrasse.***
3) Long spined Porcupine puffer (or else bridled Burrfish ... preferably the former) Diodon holocanthus OR C. schoepfi
4) Volitans lion
5) Fuzzy dwarf lion ( D. brachypterus)
6) Miniata grouper ( C. Miniatus)
***I am a little confused about the checkerboard wrasse ..... on WW media I see you refer to H. hortulanus as the checkerboard wrasse (Also, the first article in the wrasse section of WW media, in the FAQ's, you mention H. hortulanus is a similar looking species to the T. Lunare only more peaceful and a better community choice) But the pics in the Halichoeres article look nothing like a Lunare. However, in the conscientious marine aquarist (on P284) I see you refer to Halichoeres centiquadrus as the checkerboard wrasse, 
<This "choice", identification is by the editor... but don't let common names throw you... for a real lesson here, choose the fish you'd like on fishbase.org and look over the common names for it... humbling>
which indeed is quite like the Lunare wrasse, only nicer in my view.
Are these the same species ??? Is H. centiquadrus (as feature in the book) the wrasse that you refer to as being more suitable for communities, less of a bully etc, than the Lunare wrasse???***
<Less>
The only fish that I already have is the emperor ....... the rest would be bought as young specimens .... big enough to avoid being eaten by the lions and grouper though. I am under the impression the grouper will grow slower than all the others here, so they should all be safe ..... and the puffer and wrasse should grow quick enough to keep up with the lions.
<Likely>
My main concern would be the lions getting bullied.....especially from the puffer or wrasse. Do I need to worry about this ??? I had an experience before with a Lunare wrasse and a lion, and would hate a repeat performance !!!
<Not much... just make sure the Lion is getting food>
Is the stocking ok ??? Is it a bit OTT ???
<Probably okay>
As far as the feeding goes ........ well I figure that if I set an automatic feeder with good pellets / dried food, that will help with the emperor and wrasse. I would also attempt to get a good Caulerpa culture growing in the main tank for the emperor to graze on, and I have 100 lbs of LR in there.
There will be the two main feeds as described for the predators, and I figure a small amount of finely chopped fresh fish etc could be fed daily and would get quickly gobbled up by the emperor and wrasse before the rest have a chance ... would that sound ok for him ??? (Remember I am talking about fresh foods from the fish monger only, and not using shop bought prepared frozen foods).
<Yes, likely so>
Am I wrong in assuming that if I get a small specimen of Thalassoma lucasanum, it will be a "sexless" specimen, and in the absence of any others will become a male, and then a super male, displaying the fantastic male colours ??? 
<Maybe a less than spectacular "regular" male in time>
Or are these guys born males, or females and keep their gender for life ???
<Most are undifferentiated, becoming females, perhaps males in time (not many)... a few are predetermined to be super males>
Basically, what I am asking is, is there a chance I could end up with a comparatively drab female ??? Would the same apply to the checkerboard ???
<Less with the Checkerboard (hortulanus let's call a Banana Wrasse)>
Thanks for reading, and for your ongoing help. Sorry about my confusion with the checkerboard wrasse thing ..... as you have said before, this is the danger of using common names, for all but the most certain species (an emperor angel is an emperor angle, for example :-).
<You are so right>
Regards, and many thanks again,
Matthew
<You're welcome my friend. Bob Fenner>