My Fish

[jcolon2]

Hi Everyone. So, with the help of many amazing MR members, my 55 gallon tank setup is nearly complete. I am awaiting my powerheads and wavemaker (which will hopefully arrive today). I am also looking to purchase lr, and complete my sump. I am picking up my two ultra grade maximas today and was going to purchase some fish.

I already have two ocellaris clowns. I was thinking of purchasing five blue/green chromis today (I love the schooling effect). I was then thinking of waiting a couple weeks and purchasing a Midas blenny. And finally I was going to add a flame angelfish. Oh, and somewhere along the line I want to add a bristle star. I love tangs, but I understand it is stressful to palce them in anything less than a 75.

What do you guys think of the selection? Will a 55, with a 20 gallon sump for extra volume, comfortably sustain them and do you think they will complement each other in the tank nicely?

 

[Alfredo De La Fe]

You can add the brittle star right away, they are part of the "clean-up crew".

Adding 5 chromis will most likely end up being 1 chromis after a while, there are certain tangs that may be OK in such a small tank. Have a look at a Mimic Tang. Jouviniles look like a yellow lemon peel angel fish and as far as tangs go, these guys are small (generally they grow to 3-5 inches but they CAN grow larger) and pretty docile.

Alfred

Hi Everyone. So, with the help of many amazing MR members, my 55 gallon tank setup is nearly complete. I am awaiting my powerheads and wavemaker (which will hopefully arrive today). I am also looking to purchase lr, and complete my sump. I am picking up my two ultra grade maximas today and was going to purchase some fish.

I already have two ocellaris clowns. I was thinking of purchasing five blue/green chromis today (I love the schooling effect). I was then thinking of waiting a couple weeks and purchasing a Midas blenny. And finally I was going to add a flame angelfish. Oh, and somewhere along the line I want to add a bristle star. I love tangs, but I understand it is stressful to palce them in anything less than a 75.

What do you guys think of the selection? Will a 55, with a 20 gallon sump for extra volume, comfortably sustain them and do you think they will complement each other in the tank nicely?

 

[ZANYMASTER]

You can get away with a Tomini Tang/Yellow Tang in a 55.

 

[jcolon2]

I read that the mimic tang needs an aquarium of 90 gallons and the yellow tang needs one that is a 100 : / Would they be comfortable in my tank? I don't want them to be uncomfortable merely so I can enjoy watching them. Also, why will the chromis dwindle down to 5? Thanks for your input; I do appreciate it!

 

[Alfredo De La Fe]

Not a yellow tang in my opinion. They are among the most active and would not fare well in a 55. (Plus, they grow pretty big)

Alfred

 

[cowfish]

I'd skip the tang. There are plenty of nice looking fish that will be comfortable in a 55.

 

[Awibrandy]

I don't think anyone really knows or understand the reason why even though you start with 5 or 7 chromis you end up with 1, but it is a reality that most if not all have lived with. I could simply be that as damsels one takes out the others.

As to tangs you are right, you will read that tangs need large aquariums, and preferably best left in the ocean as far as some are concerned. You will also find that there are a couple of tangs which people will state can be kept in a 55 such as the yellow eye kole, the scopas, and the tomini, but I have yet to find a reference other then those who have kept them, or seen someone with one in an aquarium that size.
I like your choice of fish, and I believe they will compliment each other nicely..

 

[jejton]

I'd skip the tang and the chromis. The flame angel and ocellaris are nice and will do well provided you create a lot of hiding spots with the rocks and grazing areas. Try a flasher wrasse or two or some gobies - pink spotted shrimp gobies are my favorite - for some character. Once they are comfortable, they will spend most of their time out where you can see them. The same for the wrasse. If you really want a schooling fish, go for 3-5 PJ or Bangaii cardinals.

 

[NYreefNoob]

id skip adding anything till the tank is done, sounds like you just got it going if your still waiting on a sump and powerheads, and if the clams arent in another tank id have someone hold them till tank is ready. what type of lighting do you have ?

 

[jcolon2]

I added the clams tonight (they were held by the lfs for one week); they opened up instantly. I have some fresh phyto for them. I have 270 watts of light, I set up a brand new 48" coralife deluxe series strip (two actinics, two power compacts). The powerheads, maxijet 1200's, and my wavemaster pro should be here tomorrow ::fingers crossed: After tomorrow, I am hooking up my sump. Kathy provided me with a nice CPR 150 Overflow. I have a backpack skimmer. The salt is at 1.024.

I don't like Cardinals for some reason, I love the chromis, but if they are going to die I will not buy them. As for the flame angel, I am nervous. I had one and he had a tendency to nip at my chalice.

Thanks for the help everyone. All of your advice is very much appreciated. Believe me, everytime I get advice, I do even more research based upon what you said!

 

[LongIslandAndy]

Justin, IMO I would not put the flame in with those clams. They are very small and wouldn't take much nipping to kill them

 

[jcolon2]

Andy; I won't. The flame angel poses numerous threats, threats which I don't want in the tank. The clams are already doing nicely though; they should be happy when I feed them; how often did you guys feed them, and how much?

 

[Awibrandy]

Justin, I need to apologize! I totally missed the fact that you have clams. No flame angel for you buddy....

Feeding clams depends on their size. I don't feed my clams, they are filter feeders, and mine are on the 4 to 5" size. As long as your tank is not a sterile environment, and your clams are at least 2.5 to 3" they should be able to gather their nutrients from the water column as well as from the lights. Although I am not sure about your light fixture being sufficient for clams. But I don't know much anything concerning your lights.

 

[sjsoto]

no pics?