Livestock planning spreadsheet?

While I'm waiting for the tank to cycle I'm of course dreaming of the day I can put some critters in there.

Does anyone know of or have setup a spreadsheet that shows what livestock plays nicely with other, sizing/amount for a given size tank and an idea on how to sequence adding them?

If not I'll inevitably start building it myself but am hoping there are other planning types who've come before me!

 

This may not be exactly what you are looking for but its a start... shows you which fish are compatible with each other...

Marine Compatability Chart

 

That chart is a good starting point, but to be honest, you'll get your best, most up-to-date info by asking about specific fish or families of fishes on the forums, as there's lots of old/incorrect info floating around out there. The thing to do is get a feel for who knows what on a given forum. Use the guide as a rough starting point, then ask...it's always safest.

For instance, you'll do better by chatting up a lionfish nut who has kept the fishes than hearing the standard "they're venomous, they eat everything", which is mostly what you'll get.

 

I agree with the answers above. Decide which livestock you want the most first and go from there. Ask around here or at your LFS for compatibility options

 

cool thanks guys. what about sequencing? I've heard from a few people to start w/ a cleanup crew then move to fish then coral + inverts one or two at a time.

 

Inverts are the most sensitive to changes and high ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. I would wait to put them in last after everything is stable. I would also wait to add a clean up crew after you add fish and they are doing fine in your tank for a little while. If you add the clean up crew first there wont be much for them to clean up and they wont last long. Start with one fish at a time. After you get one or two make sure your parameters stay in check and then add clean up crews and inverts a little at a time.

 

You'll want to put less aggressive or special needs fishes into the tank first, and add others in order by virtue of their aggressiveness. Also, now would be a great time to consider your QT tank and regimen.