Possible Stocking

[loachman]

I've been keeping FW for a couple years now and I've been planning on making the leap into SW.

Early planning stages, but wanted to see if there were any potential problems with the stocking. I wanted to stick with some small colorful species that aren't overly aggressive.

75 gal + sump (not sure how much volume here yet)
LR placed into the two back corners with more open space in the middle of the tank.

4-5 Green Chromis
2 clownfish (maybe a tomato and ocellaris or 2 ocellaris)
2 gobies (firefish and neon blue)
1-2 benggai cardinal
maybe a small wrass like a carpenters or 6 line

shrimp, and snails for cleanup and a couple hermits.

No plans for corals, but that may change after a bit. I'd rather start slower and add them after a year or more.

Any problems or suggested changes?

 

[fishwatcher]

As for stocking I think that looks like a nice set-up. To make sure all of the fish will get along well, though, I'd wait on someone else to reply.
Make sure you have LOTS of LR in you don't plan on using another filter.

 

[SkiFletch]

Sounds good to me for a 75g A little understocked, but that's always good for a first-timer

 

[loachman]

As for stocking I think that looks like a nice set-up. To make sure all of the fish will get along well, though, I'd wait on someone else to reply.
Make sure you have LOTS of LR in you don't plan on using another filter.

Is 1.25 lbs/gal enough LR?

Also, when going with LR is it okay to buy 1/2 LR and 1/2 just rock. Does the LR seed the non-LR rock? Does this take to long to be practical?

 

[SkiFletch]

It takes about 6-12 months for base rock to become live again. Whether that's practical or not is up to you of course. 1.25lbs/gal is a very good amount of LR

 

[loachman]

It takes about 6-12 months for base rock to become live again. Whether that's practical or not is up to you of course. 1.25lbs/gal is a very good amount of LR

Ok, so I can skimp a bit on the LR. With it taking 6+ months though, it sounds like I'd need at least 1/2 of the total rock mass to initially be LR to allow for reasonable "initial" fish stocking.

 

[Lynden]

Just to clear this up, a tank does not "need" any live rock, but it looks nice and as alluded to earlier it would allow for a higher initial stock level.

 

[pengy666]

It does really as filters and skimmers couldnt handle the bio load alone?

But I'm no expert

Oh and this link is very useful

Compatability

 

[Musho3210]

no big filters can handle it. As well as skimmers. But buying that big filter may cost just as much as the live rock itself.... So might as well go with the natural, easier, better looking way....

 

[Lynden]

I'd have to agree... just sayin' that the tank doesn't need it. Also it'd take a pretty huge filter to surpass the costs of live rock.

Lastly that liveaquaria chart only works for the most basic of things.

 

[SkiFletch]

Lastly that liveaquaria chart only works for the most basic of things.

Amen, especially regarding some of the more exotic fish and predators

 

[loachman]

I'd have to agree... just sayin' that the tank doesn't need it. Also it'd take a pretty huge filter to surpass the costs of live rock.

So true, the LR is really expensive for a largish tank. I like the look of it too and it'll work well for cover for the gobies and clownfish.