Livestock Questions

Ok, so I'm getting a 40-55gal reef tank in June-July. (I've been planning since January, best to be prepared ) I've figured out for the most part what I want my first livestock to be. And they are:

• 2 Black Percula Clowns
• 4 Blue/Green Reef Chromis
• 1 Schooling Bannerfish

Are these fish compatible? And will the bannerfish mess with my corals? I've read that they won't if they are well fed, but does anyone have experience with them and can give me some info? Thanks!

 

First, I'd recommend the 40 over the 55; a 40 breeder would be best. The dimensions of the 55 make it difficult to build a decent rock scape.

You're going to have problems with the chromis. Lots of threads on here about their pecking order, where they bully each other to death until only one (sometimes two) remain. I hoped for the "sometimes two" outcome by purchasing two of the same size at the same time; one outgrew the other, then killed the smaller one in just three months. However, he seems perfectly content to be the only one of his kind in my tank. Schools can be done, but it usually requires a large tank and a large school.

As for the bannerfish, there are two species that are similar in appearance; the schooling bannerfish is a planktivore, so while requiring a specialized diet, it will be perfectly reef safe. The heniochus butterflyfish, OTOH, is not reef safe at all, so you'll need to ensure that the specimen has been properly identified.

Here are links to the two:

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Schooling Bannerfish

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish

Hope this helps.

 

ok thanks! i had no idea about the chromis.

 

I hear lots of issues with Chromis but mine have always been very timid. Every fish is different but there are many beautiful options with either of those tanks

 

+1 to Mr. Bill, seems like they'll eventually attack each other till there is one. look into a dwarf angel, a few smaller wrasse, gobies, blennies, a lot of options, go window shopping over at live aquaria for some ideas and good info.

 

The schooling bannerfish will quickly outgrow that sized tank. Add to that the fact that they are very difficult to find and you should probably look to a different fish.

 

Liveaquaria is where I get a lot of my info. They hae some good sruff on there.