Help, How Many Fish?

[Ajones__17]

Hi, got a 200 litre aqurium that curently houses Angels, Guppy's, Tetras, Molys etc etc.

Thinking about switching to marine saltwater fish.

But how many fish could i fit in my tank if i did this?

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, its unfortunately not that easy with saltwater... A general guideline would be 5-10 nano fish depending on what you selected. There are considerations with predation, waste, territorialism, aquarium function, and swimming room just to name a few. Usually in the saltwater world the system is designed around the fish, not the other way around. Are there any fish you're interested in keeping?

 

[sukie]

I'd say research the type of fish you want and then see if your tank will be good enough. You know see how much it grows etc.

I think we get into a slippery slope when we fall in love w/ a fish w/o knowing/research how long they will live and how big they will grow.

That's my best suggestion.

 

[Ajones__17]

Without sounding too sad, i was thinking about a few of the fish from the Nemo film, Percula Clownfish, Regal Tang. Also ones like the Forceps butterlfy fish and maybe a Lionfish. These kind of fish really but i would just really like a marine aquarium now.

For example if i wanted just clownfish how many could i have?

Andy

 

[sukie]

Depends on what type of clown??

Ck this article. . .
http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clown_fish

 

[hubbard_shark]

if ur interested in a lionfish remember they can eat anything thats the same size as their mouths, including inverts/fish. for tangs, any tank smaller than 75 gallons (50 gallons if just a few small fish possibly) will just make the tang stressed,a nd possibly die, they need lots of swimming room. im not a big fan of butterfly fish, most are not to hardy and need extremly good care. clowns are a good choice, usually u can have 1 per 10-15 gallons or so. i have 3 in my 37 gallon, and probably could get 1 even two more, and they'd still be happy and have plenty of hiding/swimming room.

 

[Chac]

Without sounding too sad, i was thinking about a few of the fish from the Nemo film, Percula Clownfish, Regal Tang. Also ones like the Forceps butterlfy fish and maybe a Lionfish. These kind of fish really but i would just really like a marine aquarium now.

For example if i wanted just clownfish how many could i have?

Andy

The only fish in your list that would be suitable is the Clowns

Lions will get anything that will fit in there mouth, Regals need a larger swimming area than a 50g will offer

Have a look at Dwarf Angels

 

[Ajones__17]

to it would be best if i just got 5 or 6 cowns then as nothing would be suitable to live with clowns in the relitively small space?

Andy

 

[Chac]

errm no there are hundreds of other fish that can/will co-exist with clownfish, just not the ones you mention above

Have a look at Live Aquaria to get soem ideas on the fish you like & give us a shout

Also clowns do best in pairs

 

[SkiFletch]

Agreed, clowns do best in multiples of two and they are compatible with a great many fish. If I may make some suggestions, have a look at:

Dwarf angelfish
Fairy Wrasses
Flasher Wrasses
Gobies
Basslets
Blennies
Grammas

And just about any fish listed as a "nano" fish would be fine. 50g is pretty much on the boarderline of stocking. You cant quite fit bigger open water fish like tangs, anthias, and fullsize wrasses, but you can usually fit a lot of nano fish in it.

Also, never forget that the marine world, unlike freshwater, is FULL of invertebrate life forms that can add diversity, color, symbiosis, and more to your tank.

 

[Ajones__17]

So basically i can have quite a few small nano fish then in my 50 gal tank, and i need to make sure they are compatible.

Anyone got picsof the above mentioned fish?

Andy

 

[sukie]

Start putting your noses in books. . . the internet . . . anything that will help you find the info you're looking for.

 

[Chac]

So basically i can have quite a few small nano fish then in my 50 gal tank, and i need to make sure they are compatible.

Anyone got picsof the above mentioned fish?

Andy

Check the Live Aquaria link, there are pics there