What fish to add?

Eileen · 10-26-2007, 05:04 PM

I'm wondering what options I may have as far as adding additional fish. I have 2 yellow tail damsels, a lawnmower blenny, snails, hermit crabs and a cleaner shrimp. I'm looking for a variety of color and something okay with corals. (Don't have any corals yet, but am interested.) I want to add a flame angelfish, also. I saw the beginner fish list and was wondering are all those fish compatible? Also how many fish can I add to a 55 gallon tank?
Also...so far I've had no problems with the damsels. Could I add a pair of clown fish with the present mix and the angelfish?
Thanks for the info. Eileen

bulltrader · 10-26-2007, 05:49 PM

Hi,
10gal per inch is a good rule.
So let's say you have 3in right now.
2 clowns and angelfish would be 4in more that's 7in or 70gals.
I think that would be too much if you are also adding corals.
You may be OK if the damsels stay small. The damsels may pester the clowns since they were there first. IMO, I would get rid of the damsels. Just my opinion and thoughts.....good luck!!

BluePhish · 10-26-2007, 06:31 PM

get rid of the damsels and get the angel fish. awsome looking and every time i see them, they seem to have tons of personality. i too will be adding the flame angel but not till down the road. flame angel and clowns will be very colorful and very intresting to watch. im no expert or anything just giving my 2 cents.
how big do those angels get anyways? i always see them about the size of a silver dollar.

lunatik_69 · 10-26-2007, 06:42 PM

not to disagree with bull, but I always heard that 5 gals per in of fish was a good rule of thumb. maybe start out half way( 7.5 gals p/fish) as for the angels, be very careful with this family as they tend to eat some corals. I know that you dont have any yet(corals) but keep that in mind. all damsels, clowns,tangs,dartfishes,gobies,blennies,some wrasses,dottybacks and assessors are reef safe. You should do some research before buying anything. Luna

omard · 10-26-2007, 06:45 PM

If you have plenty of mature LR and a good skimmer keep the fish you have and get the angel. You have mostly little ones anyway. Just keep a close eye on water params and increase frequency of water changes.

I like my blue damsels and have no problem with them.

A flame should be able to hold its own against them if they decide to be agressive when he first goes in.

IBMGeek · 10-26-2007, 08:50 PM

How much do you like your cleaner shrimp? I totally love my new flame hawkfish. If you like your shrimp then forget about the hawk.

Flame Hawk

northbay-reefer · 10-26-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileen

I'm wondering what options I may have as far as adding additional fish. I have 2 yellow tail damsels, a lawnmower blenny, snails, hermit crabs and a cleaner shrimp. I'm looking for a variety of color and something okay with corals. (Don't have any corals yet, but am interested.) I want to add a flame angelfish, also. I saw the beginner fish list and was wondering are all those fish compatible? Also how many fish can I add to a 55 gallon tank?
Also...so far I've had no problems with the damsels. Could I add a pair of clown fish with the present mix and the angelfish?
Thanks for the info. Eileen

As long as you keep up with your "water changes, good skimming", you will be able to have those new fishies with no problems. The main thing in keeping fishes healthy is water quality and stability in temperture. Once you can maintain those then you can safely add corals .... s l o w l y

Eileen · 10-27-2007, 06:26 AM

Thanks for all the information. I've been reading through this pile of books I have, and it's good to bounce ideas off people. Do flame angelfish eat cleaner shrimp? I do think the shrimp is cool. I'm looking for a fish that might be a little more front and center. The lawnmower blenny is cool, but hides and the damsels come out but they zip in and out of the live rock. I don't want to over-stock the tank and wasn't sure if the damels and clowns would do well? All the choices....sounds like I'll have to plan for another tank. he-he. I also want to comment on all the beautiful tanks posted here. I'm hopeful to get mine there some day. It's only been 2 months, so maybe should let it mature some more? I believe the angel needs a mature tank? How long is considered mature?

Thanks again, Eileen

northbay-reefer · 10-27-2007, 10:18 AM

Eileen, yes, I would let the tank mature some more before adding Angels. The flame angle will not eat your shrimps, I have one in my reef tank and love it. Get your tank in a premo condition before adding more fishes. The only fish that I would add now are clowns since they are very hardy.

Nemo 2 · 10-27-2007, 11:30 AM

flame angel or a lemon peel make great fish great colors