Stock list looking for input.....

[Dsdaley77]

Currently I have 1 blue/green chromis, 1 Pink/orange skunk clown and 1 six line wrasse, all three are quite small (nickel sized) and I would like to start adding more, I've done some of my research but wanted to open it up for outside input. My tank is a 75g with 20g long(predator free) refugium/sump. There are tons of pods in the column so food is not an issue and I have a canopy as well. What do you think?

1 juvenile Carpenters, Redfin Flashers Wrasse / Paracheilinus carpenter

1 juvenile Hoeven’s Wrasse, Melanarus Wrasse / Halichoeres melanarus

2 juvenile Neon Goby / Gobiosoma oceanops (male/female pair)

2 juvenile Purple Chromis / Chromis scotti

2 juvenile Blue Green Chromis / Chromis viridis (3 total)

1 Green Mandarinfish, Striped Mandarinfish / Synchiropus slendidus

1 juvenile Bluechin, Blue Throat, Blue Jaw, Gilded / Xanthichthys auromarginatus (re-home as adult)

 

[mcarroll]

IMO:
OK
NO - beautiful, but gets large (6" and beefy) and can be aggressive. Great, beautiful fish in the right setting though!
OK
NO (borderline...don't think I'd mix Chromies)
NO (unless you are saying same as you already have....blue and green are not really same....one is known also as "black axel" chromis)
OK (but do not add any other pod predators....two is a lot!)
NO (don't agree with re-homing unless you have hard and fast plans for the upgrade tank already. Along with the Hoeven's, I don't consider these guys in the peaceful category as with the majority of your selections.)

Some of these answers depend on how your Sixline turns out....some are nasty, some are not. (I assume since he was added first that he was a big priority....if not, I'd consider replacing him and maybe doubling on the Mandarins?) Hopefully you'll give your current fish a chance to grow out a bit and get to know you before adding more. Also, not that it can't be done, but schooling fish are a "tough row to hoe" so my advice is not to get too high of hopes for building a school of chromies. A typical result is to start with 5-7 (or more) and end up with 1-3.

-Matt

 

[Dsdaley77]

IMO:
OK
NO - beautiful, but gets large (6" and beefy) and can be aggressive. Great, beautiful fish in the right setting though!
OK
NO (borderline...don't think I'd mix Chromies)
NO (unless you are saying same as you already have....blue and green are not really same....one is known also as "black axel" chromis)
OK (but do not add any other pod predators....two is a lot!)
NO (don't agree with re-homing unless you have hard and fast plans for the upgrade tank already. Along with the Hoeven's, I don't consider these guys in the peaceful category as with the majority of your selections.)

Some of these answers depend on how your Sixline turns out....some are nasty, some are not. (I assume since he was added first that he was a big priority....if not, I'd consider replacing him and maybe doubling on the Mandarins?) Hopefully you'll give your current fish a chance to grow out a bit and get to know you before adding more. Also, not that it can't be done, but schooling fish are a "tough row to hoe" so my advice is not to get too high of hopes for building a school of chromies. A typical result is to start with 5-7 (or more) and end up with 1-3.

-Matt

Well so far, the Sixline, known as Spartacus, has really turned out to be the tank princess lol. Loves cruising around all day picking at the rock work and wrestling an occasional bristleworm. I love him and his personality!
Now the Chromis, which was sold to me as a green chromis, was one of a school of five that was first purchased to initially stock my tank, long story short..... Down to the one thanks to a crazy hermit hitch hiker I discovered as the murderer lol. It is the most aggressive fish currently in my tank. He is a little punk. He initially picked on my Skunk and the Sixline, but is now best friends with the skunk and could care less about the Sixline. My thought was to return to the same LFS I purchased the initial school from and introduce four (2of each) to bring the school back up to five. While not common, I have heard of chromis mixing in home aquaria so thought I'd try.
As for the additional Wrasses planed for the tank, what would you recommend that is similar to the Melenarus? I love them and how they look. Especially their personality. Never seen an aggressive specimen but always in a lfs setting so not an accurate portrayal of it and I know this ;)
So all being said..... How bout this.........?

 

[Dsdaley77]

1 juvenile Carpenters, Redfin Flashers Wrasse / Paracheilinus carpenter

1 "PLEASE FILL IN WITH A MELANARUS LIKE WRASSE______________"

2 juvenile Neon Goby / Gobiosoma oceanops (male/female pair)

2 juvenile Purple Chromis / Chromis scotti

2 juvenile Green Chromis / Chromis viridis (3 total)

1 Green Mandarinfish, Striped Mandarinfish / Synchiropus slendidus, I have had long term success with these in a previous tank ;)

1 larger type show fish like the blue spot trigger or something interesting to fill the swimming space. not a fan of Yellow Tangs either ;) fill in the blank___________________

Thanks for your help.

 

[mcarroll]

1 juvenile Carpenters, Redfin Flashers Wrasse / Paracheilinus carpenter

1 "PLEASE FILL IN WITH A MELANARUS LIKE WRASSE______________"

2 juvenile Neon Goby / Gobiosoma oceanops (male/female pair)

2 juvenile Purple Chromis / Chromis scotti

2 juvenile Green Chromis / Chromis viridis (3 total)

1 Green Mandarinfish, Striped Mandarinfish / Synchiropus slendidus, I have had long term success with these in a previous tank ;)

1 larger type show fish like the blue spot trigger or something interesting to fill the swimming space. not a fan of Yellow Tangs either ;) fill in the blank___________________

Thanks for your help.

You already have significant Mandarin competiton in the Sixline - they are pod-crushing machines! Considering this and if you a serious about trying to introduce a large fish to that size of tank, I would not try to add another wrasse - especially not a large one as suggested. (Or not add the Mandarin...but he will be a much better citizen than a large wrasse in the long run as long as he adapts to feeding.) They are large, boistrous, can be nippy and I guarantee you won't keep any hermits or snails alive in the tank with them. :) Cute to think about, but makes for a lot more work for you in keeping the tank clean.

To me, it sounds like you're already somewhat serious about the school of chromies, and though it may seem lite, it's likely to be an undertaking. I would allow for that to possibly take the place of your show fish (a school of chromies is very striking!) and just work on that school until you are satisfied. Depending on your success and how your feelings about the tank might have changed by that time, you can better assess what you think would be best to add (or not) then.

-Matt

P.S. Think hard about where chromies are found in nature (their local habitat, I mean) and try as best to can to provide at least some semblence of that habitat in your tank - should help with the in fighting a little. Very branchy coral heads are one common locale, but read up on yours and see what you uncover! A pile of live rock might not be the best cover for them...

 

[Connie]

A Pink Tailed Trigger is reef safe, but IMO your tank is not large enough for a Trigger, and they eat A LOT. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck on your choices!

 

[64Ivy]

A Pink Tailed Trigger is reef safe, but IMO your tank is not large enough for a Trigger, and they eat A LOT. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck on your choices!

Just to add here, no Trigger is totally reef safe. I used to have a pair of Crosshatches and within weeks watched them eat a 5 year old Green Chromis alive then basically cut a Flame Hawk in half. And this was in a 500g!

 

[jaa1456]

Amy wrasse going with an established 6 line will be harassed and most likely killed.

 

[Dsdaley77]

You already have significant Mandarin competiton in the Sixline - they are pod-crushing machines! Considering this and if you a serious about trying to introduce a large fish to that size of tank, I would not try to add another wrasse - especially not a large one as suggested. (Or not add the Mandarin...but he will be a much better citizen than a large wrasse in the long run as long as he adapts to feeding.) They are large, boistrous, can be nippy and I guarantee you won't keep any hermits or snails alive in the tank with them. :) Cute to think about, but makes for a lot more work for you in keeping the tank clean.

Does it matter if I plan on dosing the tank with pods every 3-6 months? I did this previously with two Mandarins I kept in a previous tank(50G). I also have a predator free sump/refugium with a Chaeto chamber.
What are your thoughts on the flasher? I guess I just really love Wrasses and would love to fit one in the DT if possible ;)

YTo me, it sounds like you're already somewhat serious about the school of chromies, and though it may seem lite, it's likely to be an undertaking. I would allow for that to possibly take the place of your show fish (a school of chromies is very striking!) and just work on that school until you are satisfied. Depending on your success and how your feelings about the tank might have changed by that time, you can better assess what you think would be best to add (or not) then.

Yes, would really like to do a small multi colored school. The little bit of research I have done says they like cover, like overhangs and canyons with caves. Currently my tank has two large overhangs as well as open space that is being built into a canyon (with rocks I am gonna win from Marco's thread on here ;) ) I still feel like the tank will need something (1) bigger as a central focal point regarding fish.

 

[Dsdaley77]

Amy wrasse going with an established 6 line will be harassed and most likely killed.

Can you point me go where you draw this from? It seems based on info on this site and other sites that Wrasses can and are frequently ok to be put together. Depending on which ones of course. Just that they don't look similar and if so only male/female pairs are suggested.

 

[bct15]

I wouldn't add any wrasses with that sixline, you will most likely be wasting money. I thought I had a good one, until I added some new fairy wrasses and watched my sixline relentlessly attack them for three days straight, killing two. It was a major pain to catch the dang thing too, sold it to my friend.

I really really like my school of chromis, I have eight and have had them for over two years. I started with eleven (actually twelve but one died from being dropped in the sink for a sec), contrary to what I have read in some posts my chromis do not fight with my clowns at all. When my first 150 busted I has to have temp housing for my chromis, 5 went into a ten gallon and six went ino a 29gallon with my clowns. I had no problems and they stayed in there for about a month and a half. My rock pile is long and low with a ton of holes, but they are out in the open 90% of the time.

 

[Dsdaley77]

A Pink Tailed Trigger is reef safe, but IMO your tank is not large enough for a Trigger, and they eat A LOT. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck on your choices!

Just to add here, no Trigger is totally reef safe. I used to have a pair of Crosshatches and within weeks watched them eat a 5 year old Green Chromis alive then basically cut a Flame Hawk in half. And this was in a 500g!

I agree in theory with the Trigger statements. I have seen it go horribley wrong and I have seen success stories as well. With a tank my size, rehoming would have to be an available option for when it gets to big for my 75G ( year or two, Right?) My Favorite LFS has already agreed in principal to take from me any fish I need to rehome, size issue only, and replace with a similar specimen of my choosing at no additional cost to me. With that being said, I love triggers especially the Blue Trigger I referenced above and the Niger. Not to familiar with the Pink Tail, but will look into it ;)

 

[Dsdaley77]

Now that quotes are updated, THANKS FRIENDS!! I appreciate all your feedback and suggestions.

 

[Dsdaley77]

I wouldn't add any wrasses with that sixline, you will most likely be wasting money. I thought I had a good one, until I added some new fairy wrasses and watched my sixline relentlessly attack them for three days straight, killing two. It was a major pain to catch the dang thing too, sold it to my friend.

I really really like my school of chromis, I have eight and have had them for over two years. I started with eleven (actually twelve but one died from being dropped in the sink for a sec), contrary to what I have read in some posts my chromis do not fight with my clowns at all. When my first 150 busted I has to have temp housing for my chromis, 5 went into a ten gallon and six went ino a 29gallon with my clowns. I had no problems and they stayed in there for about a month and a half. My rock pile is long and low with a ton of holes, but they are out in the open 90% of the time.

But.......... I Reaaaaaaalllllllly want to ;) I get what your saying though.

 

[Dsdaley77]

But.......... I Reaaaaaaalllllllly want to ;) I get what your saying though.

The only way I would go with another Wrasse is if it was a reddish variety or a much larger specimen that could fend for it's self. FYI ;)

 

[bct15]

Extra tid bit, the fairy wrasses in referring to is a trio of flame wrasses...each of which was at least three to five times the size of the sixline. The sixline relentlessly beat the heck out of these fish 2 hours straight it seemed, all the flame wrasses did was run or lay on the bottom.

 

[Dsdaley77]

Trying to find other fish I like to see if my stock list can be modified and still blow me away. So here's the updated list...... I know some will have issues and I would like to talk them out with you so stick around ;)

Current inhabitants:
1 Pink Skunk Clown (comfortably hosted by a 7in maxi).
1 Sixline Wrasse
1 Green Chromis

New additions I'm considering:

2 juvenile Neon Goby / Gobiosoma oceanops (male/female pair).

2 juvenile Purple Chromis / Chromis scotti

2 juvenile Green Chromis / Chromis viridis (I own one currently so 3 total).

1 Green Mandarinfish, Striped Mandarinfish / Synchiropus slendidus (I have had long term success with these in a previous tank and will add pods accordingly.)

1 Kole's Tang, Yelloweye Bristletooth / Ctenochaetus strigosus (no other tangs/surgeonfish will be introduced as this is the only one I like).

1 Niger Trigger (seems to be my best bet for a trigger, will be rehomed if gets to big & can go in my buddies tank if too aggressive ).
So what are your thoughts........?

 

[Connie]

Just to add here, no Trigger is totally reef safe. I used to have a pair of Crosshatches and within weeks watched them eat a 5 year old Green Chromis alive then basically cut a Flame Hawk in half. And this was in a 500g!

You are correct. They all have different personalities. I personally have a PinkTail and he's the model reef citizen;.....so far...lol

 

[mcarroll]

Does it matter if I plan on dosing the tank with pods every 3-6 months? I did this previously with two Mandarins I kept in a previous tank(50G). I also have a predator free sump/refugium with a Chaeto chamber.
What are your thoughts on the flasher? I guess I just really love Wrasses and would love to fit one in the DT if possible ;)


Yes, would really like to do a small multi colored school. The little bit of research I have done says they like cover, like overhangs and canyons with caves. Currently my tank has two large overhangs as well as open space that is being built into a canyon (with rocks I am gonna win from Marco's thread on here ;) ) I still feel like the tank will need something (1) bigger as a central focal point regarding fish.

I guess it's up to you on how involved you want to be in "extra" feeding expenses and routines (and how dependent you want the tank to be on you)...seemed hesitant in the case of a Klein's where you'd have to pinch flake food into the tank 1 or 2 extra times per day, and the pods seem a bigger commitment than that. Personally, I would take the tack that allows the tank to sustain itself in any small way possible....and with "proper" stocking, the food supply for the wrasse and maybe a Mandarin could be one of them. :)

I would really consider taking your time on the later additions to see how your Sixline comes along as he grows. He's coming off as a bit of a "bad guy" in this thread due to the restrictions that come with him. (The Sixline is another one unfairly placed on the "easy" list, IMO.) Depending on your tastes and flexibility, those same traits can make him an entirely reasonable show fish in his own right. Probably a bit more enigmatic than something like a tang or a puffer, but every bit the contender than a large Melanurus or Flasher could be...at least in my opinion. YMMV, of course. ;) With a good food supply (i.e. not a small, overcrowded tank so he has all the pods he can hunt) they can get 4-5" and have a very strong presence! (This presence is what causes the most problems with other fish too...their relentless pod-hunting will take them into "everyone else's business" and they won't be shy about it.) FWIW, a Mystery Wrasse is one possible companion for the Sixline I didn't think about til now.....if restraint fails you. :) In some people's eyes they are a bit "showier" than the Sixline too....maybe it's the name? LOL.

Can you point me go where you draw this from? It seems based on info on this site and other sites that Wrasses can and are frequently ok to be put together. Depending on which ones of course. Just that they don't look similar and if so only male/female pairs are suggested.

If fish could read the books and online boards, we'd all have a lot different experiences. ;) The reality is that the Sixline is a pretty tough fish to keep if you're looking at him as a "community fish". He's hearty so as long as they don't jump (like mine...which was alone in a tank with a serpent star :( ) but he's probably not going to be on the losing end of too many fights. Meaning...a good number of Sixline owners do go on to be happy Sixline owners that you read about, but what they had to go through to arrive at a balance isn't always so evident. (Or their reports are from the first happy months before the "glow" wore off and the fish became an adult.)

Trying to find other fish I like to see if my stock list can be modified and still blow me away. So here's the updated list...... I know some will have issues and I would like to talk them out with you so stick around ;)
[....]
New additions I'm considering:

2 juvenile Neon Goby / Gobiosoma oceanops (male/female pair).

2 juvenile Purple Chromis / Chromis scotti

2 juvenile Green Chromis / Chromis viridis (I own one currently so 3 total).

1 Green Mandarinfish, Striped Mandarinfish / Synchiropus slendidus (I have had long term success with these in a previous tank and will add pods accordingly.)

1 Kole's Tang, Yelloweye Bristletooth / Ctenochaetus strigosus (no other tangs/surgeonfish will be introduced as this is the only one I like).

1 Niger Trigger (seems to be my best bet for a trigger, will be rehomed if gets to big & can go in my buddies tank if too aggressive ).
So what are your thoughts........?

OK
OK (caveats already on the table)
OK ( " )
OK ( " )
NO - Maybe as the only large "show" fish, but borderline due to size of the tank. And a great tank citizen, but not really a very "showy" fish by most standards. Thoughts?
NO (heck no; wait for your next tank to do triggers)

:-)

-Matt

 

[Dsdaley77]

I'm confused why rehoming doesn't seem to be an option most agree with, why is this? Don't we all do this when we stock our tanks initially (to a certain extent)?

I love the Kole tang; The right high end specimen can be very beautiful. Not to mention one of the only tangs I really like ;)

I will have to look into the mystery Wrasse more unless I did under a different name already lol.