What would you do?

[DeSoDo]

Hello all. Just wondering if the stocking list looks acceptable. I'll be adding my first group of fish this week or next. Tank is completely cycled and in the "ugly phase" so my copepods are helping with diatoms, I currently have 1 baby Blue legged hermit in the tank as well. My questions are as follows:
1. Is this list acceptable for a 65g tank? Footprint is the same as a 40g breeder, just taller.
2. There's a sale at my lfs on gobies, but they only have Yellow watchman gobies available. Can I get a pair and pair the 2 with 2 pistol shrimp and have those in my tank first? Before even adding clowns.
3. Should I go with a full CUC for a week before adding any other livestock first?

 

[ScottJ]

I personally think that's a awful lot of fish for that size tank. But, I am far from expert. I DO know that you should wait quite a while to add a mandarin. Like till long after the ugly stage has past.

 

[DeSoDo]

I wasn't adding the mandarin until a few months in, like 6. Want to make sure my pod population is really high and not constantly spending money on them.

 

[DeSoDo]

I personally think that's a awful lot of fish for that size tank. But, I am far from expert. I DO know that you should wait quite a while to add a mandarin. Like till long after the ugly stage has past.

It's only 15 fish. I'll consider dropping chromis to 3 instead of 5. Or might find another schooling fish that's smaller.

 

[JTP424]

I see you note the inch next to the fish. Assuming you are using the "rule of thumb" from freshwater of inch per gallon? That doesn't DIRECTLY correlate with saltwater.
Is it 65 gallon display? Or 65 AIO? Keep in mind your rock/substrate drops the actual gallon volume down.

 

[Soren]

Hello all. Just wondering if the stocking list looks acceptable. I'll be adding my first group of fish this week or next. Tank is completely cycled and in the "ugly phase" so my copepods are helping with diatoms, I currently have 1 baby Blue legged hermit in the tank as well. My questions are as follows:
1. Is this list acceptable for a 65g tank? Footprint is the same as a 40g breeder, just taller.
2. There's a sale at my lfs on gobies, but they only have Yellow watchman gobies available. Can I get a pair and pair the 2 with 2 pistol shrimp and have those in my tank first? Before even adding clowns.
3. Should I go with a full CUC for a week before adding any other livestock first?

I'm no expert, but I agree with @ScottJ that it is likely a lot of fish for a 65-gallon tank. I notice that you list inches of fish, hopefully not according to the outdated freshwater 1"-per-gallon rule. This does not apply for saltwater, as territory issues are far more likely than in freshwater.

In general, your list does not seem too bad, but I think you will have difficulty with the chromises. Your list includes fish with a pretty good spread of swim-style and habitat locations.

I wasn't adding the mandarin until a few months in, like 6. Want to make sure my pod population is really high and not constantly spending money on them.

From what I have read when studying mandarins for my considerations, a 65-gallon tank is likely not big enough, even when established, to produce enough copepods to feed a mandarin housed with other fish that will eat copepods. Likely, you will need to buy copepods to feed your mandarin or start your own cultures/refugium unless you can get the mandarin to eat prepared foods as a supplement. It will also likely take more than 1+ year to establish your tank to a mature pod population, by my guess.

It's only 15 fish. I'll consider dropping chromis to 3 instead of 5. Or might find another schooling fish that's smaller.

Chromis are known for common issues with euronema and for fighting with each other down to only one remaining. I've had some experience with both types of losses with chromises, and currently have one chromis left in my 75-gallon quarantine tank after losing several to euronema and possibly losing some to aggression even when the fish were small (2-4cm). I would suggest Springeri damselfish instead, though no fish are likely to actually "school" in a 65-gallon aquarium.

 

[DeSoDo]

I see you note the inch next to the fish. Assuming you are using the "rule of thumb" from freshwater of inch per gallon? That doesn't DIRECTLY correlate with saltwater.
Is it 65 gallon display? Or 65 AIO? Keep in mind your rock/substrate drops the actual gallon volume down.

Didn't know the rockwork would change things. It's not an AIO. 65g display tank. No sump or refugium.

 

[DeSoDo]

I'm no expert, but I agree with @ScottJ that it is likely a lot of fish for a 65-gallon tank. I notice that you list inches of fish, hopefully not according to the outdated freshwater 1"-per-gallon rule. This does not apply for saltwater, as territory issues are far more likely than in freshwater.

In general, your list does not seem too bad, but I think you will have difficulty with the chromises. Your list includes fish with a pretty good spread of swim-style and habitat locations.


From what I have read when studying mandarins for my considerations, a 65-gallon tank is likely not big enough, even when established, to produce enough copepods to feed a mandarin housed with other fish that will eat copepods. Likely, you will need to buy copepods to feed your mandarin or start your own cultures/refugium unless you can get the mandarin to eat prepared foods as a supplement. It will also likely take more than 1+ year to establish your tank to a mature pod population, by my guess.


Chromis are known for common issues with euronema and for fighting with each other down to only one remaining. I've had some experience with both types of losses with chromises, and currently have one chromis left in my 75-gallon quarantine tank after losing several to euronema and possibly losing some to aggression even when the fish were small (2-4cm). I would suggest Springeri damselfish instead, though no fish are likely to actually "school" in a 65-gallon aquarium.

I like damsels, but heard they jump a lot, and I'm not running lids. Mostly because I suck at keppingthem clean and algae free. I'm not opposed to some changes, I actually wanted 1 Tomini tang instead of the chromis, but my wife really likes them under blues. Happy wife, happy life, or so they say. I bought 4 32oz bottles of copepods to get the population started and split them. 2 in the display tank and 2 into a 5g tank i just had laying around.

 

[Soren]

Didn't know the rockwork would change things. It's not an AIO. 65g display tank. No sump or refugium.

Yes, rocks take up space, so total gallons of water will be less than aquarium size with a proper amount of rock in the system. Porous live rock is one of the simplest and best filters for marine aquariums.

Shaping/stacking the rock in a good aquascape will also make a difference, as more fish will need more homes, holes, caves, etc. to reduce territoriality.

I personally think the 1"-per-gallon idea has no application for saltwater aquariums, but your stocking list generally looks fine to me for my guess on a 65g aquarium.

I like damsels, but heard they jump a lot, and I'm not running lids. Mostly because I suck at keppingthem clean and algae free. I'm not opposed to some changes, I actually wanted 1 Tomini tang instead of the chromis, but my wife really likes them under blues. Happy wife, happy life, or so they say. I bought 4 32oz bottles of copepods to get the population started and split them. 2 in the display tank and 2 into a 5g tank i just had laying around.

Damsels may jump, but I don't think they do more than chromis fish. I highly recommend a lid for your system, as many of the fish on your list are jump risks (not majorly, but I would not chance it). If you do not want to keep glass lids clean, most people use screen or eggcrate for lids on saltwater aquariums, from what I have seen. I have a mix of glass lids and screen covers on my aquariums. Glass limits evaporation but gets dirty quickly. Screen stays clean and lets light through but allows evaporation. If you want to go the screen lid route, I recommend nylon mesh and making your own frames. Though I have not directly used it yet until I need screens for my main system upgrade, I have files to 3D-print parts for custom screen lid frames.

There is so much more I could share, as will others, but there are many options that are personal preference, so it depends on your questions.

What filtration does your aquarium have? Can you give more details about your system and maybe share some pictures?

Also, I just noticed your original question about the watchman goby pair: I don't have experience but have read that there is a risk of aggression with 2 unless you happen to get a male and female that pair. Just adding 2 is taking a risk, though it may be minimized if they are added at the same time.

 

[DeSoDo]

Yes, rocks take up space, so total gallons of water will be less than aquarium size with a proper amount of rock in the system. Porous live rock is one of the simplest and best filters for marine aquariums.

Shaping/stacking the rock in a good aquascape will also make a difference, as more fish will need more homes, holes, caves, etc. to reduce territoriality.

I personally think the 1"-per-gallon idea has no application for saltwater aquariums, but your stocking list generally looks fine to me for my guess on a 65g aquarium.


Damsels may jump, but I don't think they do more than chromis fish. I highly recommend a lid for your system, as many of the fish on your list are jump risks (not majorly, but I would not chance it). If you do not want to keep glass lids clean, most people use screen or eggcrate for lids on saltwater aquariums, from what I have seen. I have a mix of glass lids and screen covers on my aquariums. Glass limits evaporation but gets dirty quickly. Screen stays clean and lets light through but allows evaporation. If you want to go the screen lid route, I recommend nylon mesh and making your own frames. Though I have not directly used it yet until I need screens for my main system upgrade, I have files to 3D-print parts for custom screen lid frames.

There is so much more I could share, as will others, but there are many options that are personal preference, so it depends on your questions.

What filtration does your aquarium have? Can you give more details about your system and maybe share some pictures?

Also, I just noticed your original question about the watchman goby pair: I don't have experience but have read that there is a risk of aggression with 2 unless you happen to get a male and female that pair. Just adding 2 is taking a risk, though it may be minimized if they are added at the same time.

Based on everything I've read, they can change their sex just like clowns, but best to get them small, or add a mated pair. I'll add to the post what the tank looks like and what I'm currently running. Thx for the advice. I may look into damsels as well.

 

[Soren]

Based on everything I've read, they can change their sex just like clowns, but best to get them small, or add a mated pair. I'll add to the post what the tank looks like and what I'm currently running. Thx for the advice. I may look into damsels as well.

Yes, it should work if you add them both while small. If I understand correctly, they cannot change back and forth, so, just like clownfish, eventually the biggest transitions to a female permanently. If the transition has already occurred, you could end up with 2 females that will likely fight. It sounds like you are doing your research, so I'll leave it at that, as I have no firsthand experience with watchman gobies.

A small group of Springeri damsels would be a nice replacement for the chromis, in my opinion and some relevant experience. See what your wife thinks of brilliant sapphire blue fish that are quite peaceful and sort of group together. I've had some Springeris in QT for a while that get along great together.

I've also had 4 yellowtail damsels in my 40g Work Desk tank for over 2 years, and they get along well enough and are hardy fish with pretty colors. They often pick on the other fish in the tank and sometimes with each other. Not significant aggression or harassment (even though I think they may have spawned before/currently), just a darting show of territoriality. From what I've read and experienced, Springeris are quite peaceful.

 

[DeSoDo]

Hello all. Just wondering if the stocking list looks acceptable. I'll be adding my first group of fish this week or next. Tank is completely cycled and in the "ugly phase" so my copepods are helping with diatoms, I currently have 1 baby Blue legged hermit in the tank as well. My questions are as follows:
1. Is this list acceptable for a 65g tank? Footprint is the same as a 40g breeder, just taller.
2. There's a sale at my lfs on gobies, but they only have Yellow watchman gobies available. Can I get a pair and pair the 2 with 2 pistol shrimp and have those in my tank first? Before even adding clowns.
3. Should I go with a full CUC for a week before adding any other livestock first?

Update....
65g system
Currently running 2 hob filters. 1 50g rated Marineland for mechanical filtration, 1 30g rated random brand that i use only for biological filtration (loaded with ceramics and reef rubble.
2 wavemakers, 1 located at top middle and the other bottom back.
90lbs of sand (30lbs was live), so 2.5" +/-.
65lbs of dry rock.
Protein skimmer.

 

[Tamberav]

Most of the fish on your list are known to jump. I would expect to find some on the floor with that many fish. It is a lot on a 65g.

Chromis don’t school and prone to disease so you may end up with 1 or none. Wife may like them but they are hardly practical these days.

Assuming you get a watchman pair, that’s 15 fish but your tank probably should have about 6-8 pending territory and sizes/types.

The footprint matters more than the gallons it holds.

 

[DeSoDo]

Yes, it should work if you add them both while small. If I understand correctly, they cannot change back and forth, so, just like clownfish, eventually the biggest transitions to a female permanently. If the transition has already occurred, you could end up with 2 females that will likely fight. It sounds like you are doing your research, so I'll leave it at that, as I have no firsthand experience with watchman gobies.

A small group of Springeri damsels would be a nice replacement for the chromis, in my opinion and some relevant experience. See what your wife thinks of brilliant sapphire blue fish that are quite peaceful and sort of group together. I've had some Springeris in QT for a while that get along great together.

I've also had 4 yellowtail damsels in my 40g Work Desk tank for over 2 years, and they get along well enough and are hardy fish with pretty colors. They often pick on the other fish in the tank and sometimes with each other. Not significant aggression or harassment (even though I think they may have spawned before/currently), just a darting show of territoriality. From what I've read and experienced, Springeris are quite peaceful.

Thank you so much. Checking into them now.

 

[DeSoDo]

Most of the fish on your list are known to jump. I would expect to find some on the floor with that many fish. It is a lot on a 65g.

Chromis don’t school and prone to disease so you may end up with 1 or none. Wife may like them but they are hardly practical these days.

Assuming you get a watchman pair, that’s 15 fish but your tank probably should have about 6-8 pending territory and sizes/types.

The footprint matters more than the gallons it holds.

The 65g tank dimensions are 36x18x24. So, 8" taller than 40g breeder.

 

[DeSoDo]

Yes, it should work if you add them both while small. If I understand correctly, they cannot change back and forth, so, just like clownfish, eventually the biggest transitions to a female permanently. If the transition has already occurred, you could end up with 2 females that will likely fight. It sounds like you are doing your research, so I'll leave it at that, as I have no firsthand experience with watchman gobies.

A small group of Springeri damsels would be a nice replacement for the chromis, in my opinion and some relevant experience. See what your wife thinks of brilliant sapphire blue fish that are quite peaceful and sort of group together. I've had some Springeris in QT for a while that get along great together.

I've also had 4 yellowtail damsels in my 40g Work Desk tank for over 2 years, and they get along well enough and are hardy fish with pretty colors. They often pick on the other fish in the tank and sometimes with each other. Not significant aggression or harassment (even though I think they may have spawned before/currently), just a darting show of territoriality. From what I've read and experienced, Springeris are quite peaceful.

Oh man....... those Springeri damsels look amazing!

 

[DeSoDo]

Oh man....... those Springeri damsels look amazing!

And getting a trio of those in can lose the blue accessor basslet as well. 2 birds, 1 stone kinda thing!

 

[Soren]

The 65g tank dimensions are 36x18x24. So, 8" taller than 40g breeder.

As @Tamberav mentioned, the footprint matters more for the number of fish than the height. Most fish do not spend a lot of time in the upper water column, and they pretty much all require rock holes and caves to hide in, which are harder to build in vertical space than with footprint space.

Also, though a deeper tank means the fish are more likely to stay further from the surface than a shallower tank, fish will still jump regardless of the depth, as they typically jump when darting in fear to escape a perceived threat. Unless you plan to top the water up 8" below the top rim of the aquarium, I would still highly recommend a lid, probably screen.

 

[DeSoDo]

As @Tamberav mentioned, the footprint matters more for the number of fish than the height. Most fish do not spend a lot of time in the upper water column, and they pretty much all require rock holes and caves to hide in, which are harder to build in vertical space than with footprint space.

Also, though a deeper tank means the fish are more likely to stay further from the surface than a shallower tank, fish will still jump regardless of the depth, as they typically jump when darting in fear to escape a perceived threat. Unless you plan to top the water up 8" below the top rim of the aquarium, I would still highly recommend a lid, probably screen.

Yeah, I'll probably make a screen lid. I'm not keen on glass lids. I have one that I customized out of acrylic, but I'm tired of having to clean it 3x as much as the tank glass.

 

[Soren]

And getting a trio of those in can lose the blue accessor basslet as well. 2 birds, 1 stone kinda thing!

I highly support this plan, and your wallet will probably thank you for this decision as well, since the assessor basslets I've seen available have always been about as expensive as 4 Springeris.

After seeing pictures of your aquarium and aquascape, I think you might be able to work with your list if you switch the chromis and assessor basslet for 3 Springeri damselfish. Though aggression is always still possible, your list seems reasonable for the size of tank you have, since you have several small, peaceful fish on your list.