Hi everyone =], stocking suggestions for 34Gal reef

[goby ben]

Hello everyone, i am new to the site and new to keeping marine fish, i am very experienced with tropical fish but i have finally set up my first marine tank
The tank is a 34 US Gal long and it is currently cycling.
I intend to have this tank as a reef tank (i guess that means there is anenomies, sponges etc...).

Being new to keeping marine fish i dont know any stocking guidelines but from my research i have picked out some fish i would love to have

1-2 neon blue gobies (2 if it is possible to keep more than one)
3-4 group fish (e.g, damsels, cardinals, firefish, etc....)
2 skunk cleaner shrimps
possibly 4-5 small hermit crabs

if there is space in the tank i would like to have a centre piece fish, e.g dwarf angelfish, gramma.

Would this stocking be ok and does anyone have any suggestions for the group fish?

Thanks =]

Ben.

[fihsboy]

Thats a little heavy in the stocking area. But with brisk circulation and a great skimmer it could be done. I have a 45 and only have 3 fish. What kind of equipment are you running? and Welcome to TRT!

[fox2589]

like was said above your bioload is going to be a big deal..having a good skimmer will help greatly..keep in mind smaller tanks(and 34 is a nano tank for saltwater)that weekly 10 to 25 percent water changes are a must and very beneficial to the health and appearence of your system..flow to me is one of the most important things(more flow=less detritus which equals less nitrates)less chance for nuisance algaes to grow..and its just overall healthier to have good flow..lighting also of course is one of the BIG things.i recommend getting something like t5's with indivisual reflectors or metal halide(especially with any type of anemone,also with this good water quality is vital)..most of those fish seem compatable..i dont know much about angels but it sounds too big LOL..i highly recommend getting nice reliable equipment when you first start out so there is no need to buy things twice..which of course = more money at start up..but setting you up for a much better future with your tank..good luck and looking forward to what you come up with!-drew

[EndlessSummer]

I would go with one goby. Stay away from ANY damsel. I would look into a lawnmower blenny (when the system is established), clownfish (anything but a GSM), one other fish and a skunk. That would be my idea for a decent stock list of a tank that size. Even then I still think its one too many fish.

[Reeftanker3295]

I'd say get 1-2 fish of your choice then get a pair of clowns and later on get an anemone for the clowns. Hermits will be part of your clean up crew so id say id you want hermits get like 20 blue legged hermits and snails. Stay away from the damsels they are the spawn of satan

[biowheel]

Welcome to TRT !!

[dv3]

Originally Posted by EndlessSummer

I would look into a lawnmower blenny (when the system is established),.

i took my lawnmower out of my 55g and put in my 29g ...and now as soon as i can catch him hes going back to the 55g ....that guy is a pooping machine ..those aren't like fish poo its more like my poos

[quader94]

welcome to TRT!

Originally Posted by dv3

i took my lawnmower out of my 55g and put in my 29g ...and now as soon as i can catch him hes going back to the 55g ....that guy is a pooping machine ..those aren't like fish poo its more like my poos

god isnt that the truth

[goby ben]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys

Ok so how does this sound:
1 neon blue goby
2 cleaner shrimp
10-15 blue legged crabs
2 clownfish
1 black cap basslet

Thanks for all of youre help so far

[EndlessSummer]

Sounds like a good list to me

[goby ben]

I understand that it is best to add marine fish in a pacific order to avoid territorial disputes, what order should i add the fish and invertebraes in?

[bcrum51]

I dont see an issue with those fish maybe the clowns but if you add them at the same time you shouldn't have an issue

[dv3]

i think it looks ok but why do you want so many crabs?

[Reeftanker3295]

For aggression id add the clowns in last or else they will take the whole tank as their territory and fight any fish that invades it. Looks like a good list!