Developing stock list for 140 FOWLR

[Mugg1977]

Ok. I have been working on this for several months now, and am starting to get my ducks in a row. I have decided on a 140 Oceanic (48x24x29) and will be using my "old" 2x150 HQI 20K fixture. I am still debating to run 1 or 2 sumps (will be tied together at the return chambers of course), but that is for another day. Still debating actual flow, etc, all for another day as well.

I have started resarching my stock list and have come to the following decisions to research more:

I have always loved Emperor Angels, so I am going to set this up around one. Once I start adding fish (don't even have tank yet, so towards the end of the year) I think a school of 6-8 Neon Gobies (potential cleaners and very little bio-load) first, then a Chevron Tang (to help with detritus accumulation on rocksand a little sand stirring), and finally the Emperor.

For invert clean-up (added 1st of course) I am looking at a bulbous brittle star, turbo/astrea snails, likely a conch, and a cleaner shrimp.

Sound reasonable?

 

[Mugg1977]

Anyone?

Good? Bad?

 

[leebca]

The conch should have at least several (no less than 6) square feet of substrate that is open and not covered, to live a long and healthy life (assuming excellent water control, etc., etc.). It should not be added until the aquarium is far along in its maturity.

I would follow recommendations given here regarding clean up crew:
Starting up a Marine Aquarium.

The tank is too small for an adult Emperor. If the Emperor you want is a juvenile, then that tank will work.

Whose advice was it that a Chevron Tang will 'help with the detritus accumulation. . .)? I have not heard this before. They are herbivores, not detritivores.

 

[Mugg1977]

Lee -

Good point on the conch. I can probably just use a small variety of snails and maybe ONE linckia after the tank matures for 9 months or so.

Regarding the angel, I would like to permanently house the fish in this tank. I do not plan on increasing tank size anytime soon, so would something 13" or less be more appropriate size-wise?

I read an article on wetwebmedia regarding the ctenochaetus tangs as grazing on certain detritus, along with surface films. Maybe this is a by-product of their grazing habits and they just help to keep detritus from settling?

Thanks for your help.

 

[leebca]

Large Angels are not suitable for anything but large displays. About the only thing appropriate would be to say that a juvenile large Angel in a 125 to 180 is okay; a fully and recently transitioned fish needs about a 300 at least, and at about 6" the fish needs a permanent home of 500 gallons or more.

These Angels suffer space stress, even when the bio-load of the system is able to handle the fish.

I wouldn't count on the Tang for that activity. Sand sifting fish will do more to keep substrate from compacting. However, in that size aquarium, you'll need to train the fish to eat prepared foods, too.

 

[Mugg1977]

Lee -

I have now purchased the tank and will be setting it up over the next few months. I went with a 120 (4x2x2), but have not nailed down the filter/supm yet.

Anyway, based on yours and others comments, and additional research on my part, please take a look at the revised stocking list below.

You have been a tremendous help and I thank you very much for your insight!

1- 3-4 Gold-Line Neon Gobies
2- 2 Watchman Gobies (likely yellow because the wife loves them)
3- MAYBE a shoal of Chromis (7 if I do it)
4- 6-line Wrasse
5- 3 Paracanthurus Tangs (will purchase small and put in as a school)
6- Dwarf or Pygmy Angel (depending on behavior compatibility)
7- Medium sized Angel (species depends on further research)

Thanks again for your input!

 

[leebca]

The Tangs, if fed properly, will grow fairly fast. Even if sized right for that tank now, they will need at least a 6' long tank in a year or two. Despite appearances, testimonials, etc., quite often the group won't get along and one will be picked upon, even to death.

Neon Gobies are not known for getting along with each other, either. The tank probably isn't large enough to keep their aggression at bay. One per tank is my recommendation, unless you can get a mated pair.

Same the the Watchman. Unless they are a mated pair, they won't get along.

In generally, why not give up the concept of multiples of the same species? About the best grouping you've listed is the Chromis. They do well in a group.

The medium sized angel? Not heard of any kind of Angel in that category. Either they are dwarf/pygmy or large. The tank is not suitable for a large and only a temporary home for a large in its juvenile stage.

 

[Mugg1977]

Lee -

Thanks again for your input. It is very helpful.

By "medium" angel, I should have been more clear. I am referring to species like Annularis, Clarion, King, etc. that grow to a "max" of about 8" in the wild. I may go with something even smaller, depending on availability.

 

[leebca]

Those kinds of Angels are Large and should be in a 300 to 500 until they exceed 6" then into a larger aquarium. The exception still stands -- unless they are juveniles.

 

[balogh03]

Sorry to high jack...

Lee, what is your opinion on tank longativity with one of the angels you have been talking about in an 8' tank like a 240gal. The numbers being tossed back and forth seemed very interesting to me and i just clarify some facts.

thanks.

By the way Mugg, i am glad that you are taking the time and doing things people tell you. That is the number one mistake of newbs to just hurry through and not beleive anything anybody says.
I wish you luck on you tank

-augustus

 

[leebca]

In the case of large Angels, it isn't so much the length (like it is for Tangs).

Large Angels need space -- cubic feet -- as well as length. The 300 is the minimum for those large Angels going through a transition from juv to adult.

As the fish gets larger, it needs much more space. So in the case of these Angels, it is water volume or space that is the main factor, although this is not meant to say that a 500 foot tall 1 ft long tank is appropriate.

These adults are best suited to public aquariums in very large tanks.

 

[Mugg1977]

Lee -

Thanks again for the input. I now understand what you are saying regarding the volume and the large Angels. I will likely stay with a couple of tangs and a compatible Centropyge or two. I really appreciate your help.

Augustus -

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Larger tanks are new to me as I have never had the room for anything larger than a 55 (which I had setup for 4 years), and as you well know, there are a lot more possibilities with a 120 than a 55.

Thanks!