Stocking 55 reef

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by felixfish, Jan 9, 2012.

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  1. felixfish

    felixfish Bristle Worm

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    I was just doing a YouTube search for 55 gallon reef tanks and came across several people's tanks with 9+ fish. From yellow tangs, atlantics, 4 clowns, gobies ect. I have 3 chromis, coral beauty, and royal dotty back thinking I'm maxed out. I have a minimalistic rock scape, could I add a few more fish? I know the rules of tangs, but to me there is some good swimming space for a yellow tang.
    Thanks
     
    felixfish, Jan 9, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 9, 2012
    #1

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  2. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    How 'bout some wrasse?
     
    1.0reef, Jan 9, 2012
    1.0reef, Jan 9, 2012
    #2
  3. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    Some people just don't know when to quit when adding fish lol. I don't really think a 55 gallon is big enough for any tang, but that is just me. Tangs like to swim from side to side, so I would say at least a 90 gallon for a yellow tang.
     
    sticksmith23, Jan 9, 2012
    sticksmith23, Jan 9, 2012
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  4. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    those people probably have a pretty big sump/refugium/skimmers keeping that reef happy! you could prob add 1 more! The problem is, the more you add, the more stress you cause=the more diseases and problems ya may have!
     
    cosmo, Jan 9, 2012
    cosmo, Jan 9, 2012
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  5. felixfish

    felixfish Bristle Worm

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    Ok that makes sense to me. I have a 29g sump with a ATS, skimmer, dual media reactor going. You think I could keep a small yellow tang for a while? I'm just now adding soft corals to my tank as well.
     

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    felixfish, Jan 10, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 10, 2012
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  6. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Do I think you could keep a small yellow tang for a while? Yes.

    But will it outgrow the tank? Yes

    Do you want to attempt to net the fish back out? In my personal experience not the most fun thing for you or the fish that is swimming at warp 10.

    If its that important to you to put a yellow tang in the tank for a few months only to have to net it out go for it. Just realize that the fish will outgrow the tank and it should be your priority to provide a good home for it which means a bigger tank eventually.
     
    Mobalized, Jan 10, 2012
    Mobalized, Jan 10, 2012
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  7. felixfish

    felixfish Bristle Worm

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    Yes I have netted a yellow tang once before and I had to surgically remove him from it! Thanks for the feedback. I don't really want to go threw that hassle. Do you think I could add maybe 2 more chromis? or a goby/pistol shrimp duo?
     
    felixfish, Jan 10, 2012
    felixfish, Jan 10, 2012
    #7
  8. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I am no goby/shrimp expert but I dont think you would have any problems there as long as your rocks are sitting on the glass not on top of the sand. As for the chromis additions I think some people would argue that is really pushing the bioload of the system. Personally I would think you'd be alright but at the limit with a total system volume around 85 gallons. All personal opinion though I do suppose.
     
    Mobalized, Jan 10, 2012
    Mobalized, Jan 10, 2012
    #8