I know this is an age-old discussion with no specific answer, but how do I narrow down a list of fish for a specific size of aquarium?
Currently, I am in the planning phase for a 90-gallon reef tank intended mostly for hardy, easy beginner fishes and corals. I know that research and patience are the best considerations to make, and I am in no hurry. Like is probably common as a beginner, I would like as many fish as possible, especially as multiples of the same type when possible. I am just researching now, so I am looking for suggestions to help avoid failures. My intentions are to have a peaceful reef with mostly fish in the 2-4 inch length range. I would like to also include anemones, hardy corals, hermit crabs, shrimp, snails, starfish, and/or urchins in reasonable combinations and amounts for a reef of this size. More questions on the invertebrates later...
On the linked build thread, I have a list of possible fish as follows in order of preference:
2 of Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 of Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) [I already have this ~4-inch fish that will be transferred over from my 75-gallon]
1 of Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) or 1 of Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
1 of Foxface Lo (Siganus vulpinus) or 1 of Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi) or 1 of One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1-2 of Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia)
2-3 of Chalk Bass (Serranus tortugarum)
2-3 of Neon Goby (Elcatinus oceanops)
2-4 of Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus cyanosoma)
2 of Blue/Green Black-axil Chromis (Chromis sp.) or 2 of Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) or 2 of Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)
Is this an overload for a 90-gallon reef tank with an intended (30-55)-gallon sump with refugium? Is it possible to add more small fish to the list? What would you recommend adding, subtracting, or changing out?
Also, what sequence is recommended to add the fish? Should some be added together (beyond any multiples of the same type which will be added together)? Are any of these fish likely to do better in a group or should I reduce any multiples to a single fish to avoid problems?
I am doing research online and reading books about these questions and know there are only suggestions until I try it and succeed or fail, but any advice to help me get started in the right direction is appreciated.
Thanks,
Soren
Currently, I am in the planning phase for a 90-gallon reef tank intended mostly for hardy, easy beginner fishes and corals. I know that research and patience are the best considerations to make, and I am in no hurry. Like is probably common as a beginner, I would like as many fish as possible, especially as multiples of the same type when possible. I am just researching now, so I am looking for suggestions to help avoid failures. My intentions are to have a peaceful reef with mostly fish in the 2-4 inch length range. I would like to also include anemones, hardy corals, hermit crabs, shrimp, snails, starfish, and/or urchins in reasonable combinations and amounts for a reef of this size. More questions on the invertebrates later...
On the linked build thread, I have a list of possible fish as follows in order of preference:
2 of Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
1 of Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) [I already have this ~4-inch fish that will be transferred over from my 75-gallon]
1 of Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) or 1 of Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
1 of Foxface Lo (Siganus vulpinus) or 1 of Bicolor Foxface (Siganus uspi) or 1 of One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)
1-2 of Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia)
2-3 of Chalk Bass (Serranus tortugarum)
2-3 of Neon Goby (Elcatinus oceanops)
2-4 of Yellowstriped Cardinalfish (Ostorhincus cyanosoma)
2 of Blue/Green Black-axil Chromis (Chromis sp.) or 2 of Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) or 2 of Blue Sapphire Damselfish (Chrysiptera cf. springeri)
Is this an overload for a 90-gallon reef tank with an intended (30-55)-gallon sump with refugium? Is it possible to add more small fish to the list? What would you recommend adding, subtracting, or changing out?
Also, what sequence is recommended to add the fish? Should some be added together (beyond any multiples of the same type which will be added together)? Are any of these fish likely to do better in a group or should I reduce any multiples to a single fish to avoid problems?
I am doing research online and reading books about these questions and know there are only suggestions until I try it and succeed or fail, but any advice to help me get started in the right direction is appreciated.
Thanks,
Soren