Is my tank overstocked?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by szogun, Feb 22, 2004.

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  1. szogun

    szogun Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2004
    Messages:
    224
    Location:
    Woodridge, IL,Illinois
    :-[
    Hi my tank is 75 gal and its 7 months old. I have 50p of LR. I also have one 400W MH on one of the sides as well as regular 40W 48" light fixture with actinic blue bulb
    I want to start the reef but I dont know if I have to much fish for a reef. I have 1 yellow tang 1 haptus blue tang, 1 coral beauty, 1 demsel and 1 cleaner warsse.
    What do you think? I also have a 20 gal sump with DSB, calurepa and some LR and If how many coras I should start with, the thing is that i will get a good deal if i buy 4
    andy comment welcome
    Thanks!!
     
    szogun, Feb 22, 2004
    szogun, Feb 22, 2004
    #1

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  2. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    Welcome to 3reef.

    Without knowing anything more about your setup I would say you have stocked too fast.  The rule of thumb is 1" of fish per 5 gallons of water.  If you figure 70% water for 95 gallons of capacity, excluding the displacement of rock and sand, you have approximately 65 gallons of water.  This would allow for 13" of adult fish.  You conservatively have 30" of adult fish as the blue tang can reach up to 12" in the home acquaria alone.

    You will need another 75 - 100 lbs of fully cured live rock to be able to have a good reef system as well as 4" of good live aragonite sand.

    Coral Beauties, as well as all angels, have been known to nip at corals and clams.  

    Cleaner Wrasses have very particular diets requiring a good population of amphipods and copepods.  As a result they need a mature tank, at least a year old, or thier survival rates are very low.  I would rate this fish as an advanced fish for experienced aquariasts.

    75 gallons is on the small side for an adult Blue Tang.

    Mushrooms and polyps, soft corals, make great starter corals.  I would make some decisions, slow down, and wait at least another six months after adding the fully cured live rock before adding anything else to your tank.

    Go slow and let it grow is the mantra here.

    HTH
     
    Craig Manoukian, Feb 22, 2004
    Craig Manoukian, Feb 22, 2004
    #2
  3. szogun

    szogun Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2004
    Messages:
    224
    Location:
    Woodridge, IL,Illinois
    Thanks for the info I hope I will survive :)
     
    szogun, Feb 23, 2004
    szogun, Feb 23, 2004
    #3
  4. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2002
    Messages:
    3,330
    Location:
    Marina del Rey, California
    nO PROBLEM. lET US KNOW WHAT YOUR THINKING AND IF WE CAN BE OF ANY MORE ASSISTANCE.
     
    Craig Manoukian, Feb 23, 2004
    Craig Manoukian, Feb 23, 2004
    #4
  5. Phil5613

    Phil5613 Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2003
    Messages:
    492
    Location:
    Wheaton, Illinois
    Are you in Illinios? if not I had a customer in the store sunday with your exact setup. Welcome to 3 reef and fire away with the questions.
     
    Phil5613, Feb 23, 2004
    Phil5613, Feb 23, 2004
    #5