Proposed stocking list... New ideas...

I hate the "rules" of stocking. Here's the deal if you plan correctly and the fish have their own space and you go with the right fish, you have enough filtration and nutrients are kept in check, you are going to be fine. Personally, if they are added slowly I don't see an issue with the list, myself. None of those fish are large and aren't going to eat a ton. I think you will be just fine, norg.

 

The disease point is a good one. I havent really thought of that honestly. Ive never really lost a fish to disease though. The only time Ive lost them was refusal to eat from the start.

I think that it is important to state with this idea that I will be feeding the same amount with or without a large load of small fish in the tank. I am fascinated my the cycle of nutrients on a natural reef and I make it my personal goal to keep my nutrient levels as low as possible while feeding as much as I can. Much much more than most people feed their tanks. A natural reef has a constant supply of food and Im looking to make my tank as close to that as I can. If I have fish there to consume the nutrients it honestly doesnt make that big of a difference. Nutrients are still nutrients whether they are being taken up by livestock or exported via biopellets/skimming. The idea is to have such an efficient nutrient removal system that the amount of food easily sustains the amount of fish in the system, while feeding all the corals and maintaining proper parameters for coral growth and coloration.

 

very well stated!

 

Norg. you know me. Disease is a problem with what you are planning stock wise.(but not the only one) The additional feeding and variety will be A big plus though in this regard IMO.With that said space has and always will be the biggest problem.Even the most "peaceful" fish tend to get meaner over time. Most of the things on the list should be fine short term and I have kept fairly heavily stocked tanks in the past with most of them but you are putting an awfull lot of living eggs in that basket.:-/
As Cheryl has stated we know you have experience and dedication but if it were your own life at risk you would excercise caution right?

 

I know you Vinny when it comes to fish ethics. There is no doubt about that. lol Maybe I worded this poorly, but the proposed additions are simply IDEAS. Meaning, slowly added, if EVER. Completely and totally dependent on the health of the livestock in the tank. Everything would be QTed and bought from a reputable source without a doubt. I am simply asking for opinions on the "ethics" of keeping these fish together if it ever came to that. There is not a doubt in my mind that its not possible to keep the nutrient balance in line with these fish in this tank. Ill be feeding pretty much the same with or without them as stated before.

In regards to disease; good food source, good flow in the aquarium, low nutrient levels in the system, and proper QT practices can bring the chances of disease down pretty low. As far as space for the fish goes, I wouldnt buy a dog to keep in a closet. I will never buy a fish to keep in too small of a tank. The "rules" of fish keeping kinda go out the window if this nutrient export system works. Id never put a tang in this size tank, but Id do more nano fish than most people would if it works. But thats just me. Reefs in the wild dont have a cap to their bioload. I dont see why my tank should if the fish all have enough room to place nice and be healthy.

 

I agree with this last statement. I have a flame angel, bristletooth tang, two clowns and a court jester joby in a 55g tank. They all have their own space, dont look overstocked or cramped and are absolutely loving it + very healthy.

I am even considering addition another fish but cant really make my mind up on what I like.

I say go for it.

+ I am not overloaded because there is no algae growing in tank, bar the usual green stuff on the back glass because its next to a window.

 

Cool....How many years have you had them???

 

The clowns and the flame angel for about 10-12 months, the tang about 3-4 months and the court jester goby about 2 months.