Molino Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 Once I move some of my freshwater fish into their new tank, I'll have an empty 55 gallon tank (4' long by 12" deep) to re-stock. I was originally thinking some other freshwater fish, but lately I've been debating changing that tank to a Saltwater tank. I think I would stick to a fish only tank, with some live rock. Not a reef tank. If I do this I would prefer either one large fish or 2-3 somewhat large fish. Something that is not shy. Any suggestions? I know very little about Saltwater fish. Another question I have and have not been able to find is some good internet sites which have "profiles" of a large variety of Saltwater fish. Anyone know of some great sites where I can browse through most or a lot of the commonly available SW fish? (including descriptions, compatible tankmates, sizes, behaviour, etc). If I do go ahead with a Saltwater tank, I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions to come Thanks a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap'n Posted November 15, 2005 Report Share Posted November 15, 2005 http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=15 http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm These are the two sites that I find most useful, one for the pretty pictures and brief intro and the other for detailed articles and FAQ's from people in the real world making mistakes like you and me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molino Posted November 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Thanks for the links. At this point I am considering the Chromis cyanea (Blue Chromis), possibly 3-4 (would more that 4 be ok?) and one other fish... Maybe a Dwarf Anglefish of some sort? Possibly a Tomato Clown? I think I have ruled out a single large fish (large that is for a 55 gal), in case I decide to change it to a reef tank. Anyone have any suggestions that would work with the above, or something entirely different? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert_dao Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 http://reefcentral.com/modules.php?s=&name...=showpage&pid=1 Chromis don't retain their schooling behavior unless they are kept on larger groups (8+). If you keep clowns, try to get them in pairs, one big and one small. They're all born male with the dominant fish changing sex and becoming a female. Dwarf angels are nice but for mature tanks only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunl Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Chromis don't retain their schooling behavior unless they are kept on larger groups (8+). My three I picked up do school right now, but I certainly wish I had a larger group of them. They're a great addition to the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert_dao Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 You've had yours for a short period of time. Over the span of several months, the chromisrealize that they no longer need to use the school as a defensive mechanism and revert to regular bullying damselfish behavior. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molino Posted November 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Chromis don't retain their schooling behavior unless they are kept on larger groups (8+) That's too bad, it'd be nice if they kept their schooling behaviour, but it's ok if they don't. I think 8 of these along with some other fish would be too much for a 55 gallon tank. Dwarf angels are nice but for mature tanks only. I've read it's best to introduce them last anyways (for peaceful communities) as they tend to be the more aggresive fish. Is another reason to introduce them last because they graze on the algea and stuff on the live rock which would take awhile to establish? The Dwarf Angel I'm leaning towards is the Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert_dao Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 I doubt 8 would be too much. Severe understocking is the recommendation of those who are scared of liability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellehar Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 albert is right damsels do get mean. Ive been lucky and they have never gone after my other fish. But they do attack me. dunl will find that out after the four stripes he got off me have been in his tank awhile. I do stickly salt and my advice to you is that when starting out with a pair of damsels and a pair of clowns. clarkii and tomatoes are nice but for the novice your better to go with false percs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert_dao Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Actually, I have an even better idea for starter fish: NONE! Cycle your tank with LR, figure out what you want to buy and skip the starter fish. Go straight to the most docile fish species on your want list. God, I am so King of this $&@#! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap'n Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 You've had yours for a short period of time. Over the span of several months, the chromisrealize that they no longer need to use the school as a defensive mechanism and revert to regular bullying damselfish behavior. Yep. I had three that schooled, then 2 that paired up, then one that kept the other hiding in a corner. It would be nice to have tank large enough for a decent school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molino Posted November 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Thanks again for the replies and ideas! I was planning on cycling the tank before I do add any of these fish. I assume, even once cycled, I would have to add the fish over time to keep the tank from having any ammonia spikes, etc? These are my stocking plans as of now: 8 Chromis cyanea (Blue Chromis) 1 Flame Angelfish (Dwarf) 1 or 2 false percs Would that be ok and leave room for one Blenny later on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert_dao Posted November 16, 2005 Report Share Posted November 16, 2005 Just get all the chromis at once. Get a pair of clowns. They're all born male, the dominant fish changes sex over time and they pair up. You could probably get a blenny in there pretty easily. Here's your order on that list: 1. Clowns 2. Chromis 3. Blenny 4. Angel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellehar Posted November 17, 2005 Report Share Posted November 17, 2005 albert I never implied to do a cycle with fish. I stated starter fish not fish to cycle with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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