Planning my fish wish list

[tarpons]

I'm sure this is a previously asked question, but I haven't found it yet. I am trying to plan what I would eventually like to add to my 95 g reef in terms of fish. My protein skimmer runs off a 950 gph pump. I've stocked live rock and live sand.

So . . . considering maximum mature sizes . . . and speaking hypothetically

1) how do you account for algae and detritus crew when planning your bio load?

2) how do account for bivalves?

3) do 4 yellow clown gobies (6") count the same as a 6" tang for bio load?

4) how do you account for anemones?

5) is it 1" to 2 gallons or 1" to 5 gallons or 1" to 7 gallons????

6) do corals count in that bioload?

I know that as time progresses, it is the chemical parameters I'm encountering in my tank that will tell all, but I would like to have some general idea before I get my heart set on acquiring certain beasties. I'd like to have a plan, and then introduce the fish as best I'm able from least aggressive to most.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,
Candy

 

[tarpons]

Ooops! I should have mentioned. I like the really small guys -- gobies and such. The biggest thing on my wish list is a Flame Angel!

Candy

 

[Anonymous]

Bivalves consume some nitrates from the water. I wouldn't count them as bioload unless you specifically feed them, then you must because whatever doesn't get eaten is just pollution for the tank.

As far as all your rules/guidelines go, they are worthless IMO. Look at your own example for proof. 4 yellow clown gobies won't come anywhere near the mass of one 6 inch tang.

What's your goal for the tank? Focusing on fish? Focusing on corals? I think you need to decide and then go from there. While I have a heavy bioload in my 180 (I have special circumstances) most reef keepers I find only keep a small number of fish.

I know that doesn't give you anything concrete to run with but it's a subjective type thing. Like they used to throw at me in the army all the time, situation dictates. If you were thinking of a flame angel and a bunch of gobies and blennies in a 90 I wouldn't worry too much about load.

What kind of protein skimmer is it?

 

[tarpons]

Thanks JP,

That's what I was thinking too. My protein skimmer is the Freedom Filter Professional set up with a 950 gph pump.

I'd love a tank full of corals, but I am new to this. Fish feel a lot more comfortable :wink: Is a lovely tank of corals with a bunch of the little guys darting around a feasible option? I don't plan on any tangs or other large guys. Just blennies, gobies, firefish, a pseudochromis, a pair of perculas, a long nose hawkfish, and a flame angel.

Thanks Again,
Candy

 

[trido]

1. As far as I know, you dont. You have to slowly work up to the cleaner crew that work for algea control for your particular tank.

2. If your not dosing phyto, I dont believe you do. As far as i have read here (RDO), clams, anyway are mostly photosynthetic as they get bigger.

3.Probably not. You may have territory issues though depending on what small fish you add.

4. I believe that they don't for bioload. You will want to consider the size of a mature anenome. Also, If your anenome decides to move house, It can cause havoc with your corals as its traveling. Be prepared. :wink:

5. I dont know

6.Probably not in any measurable amount depending on what kind you get. If you have zoas. you may want to dose phyto etc.., if you have LPS, you may be target feeding . If you have SPS you may not do anything for them except dose calcium. It just depends. That is where a real nice skimmer becomes a necessecity.

Take your time, research, read, read, read, and ask questions here if your unsure about things and you will likely do just fine.

 

[cindre2000]

Be careful about some of those smaller fish. Psuedochromis, for example are extremely territorial with like species and should be put in last. This is why you should research every fish you consider to see what they need, who they like, and if there is a theme.