I need stocking help!

[redtags]

I posted this in the newbie forum but maybe it was a wrong place to put it? Or I'm just impatient :laughing:
"My dad have been taking care of saltwater fish tanks since before I was born. After many years, I was thinking maybe I should start my own when I have a place of my own!
I currently have a 55 gallon tank with freshwater fish in them so I won't be using it till a while which is fine, I have time. I'm just wondering if my stocking plan would be good for this size of a tank?
6 spotted cardinals
A pair of wrasses
One goby
A few shrimps
If this is overstocking can you guys help me find another stocking plan?
Thank you!"

 

[flower]

Hi, welcome to the site!

You need to pick out the one fish you absolutely love, and build your SW setup around it. Your list isn't overstocked. Cardinals hide all the time, and are so shy you will seldom even see them. Wrasses are noted for being jumpers, most long bodied fish are. There are lots of really awesome fish to be had...don't settle.

Since you have time, get these books...

An example page:



An example page:

 

[redtags]

I have that book somewhere in my room, I'll look over it. My dad gave it to me about a year or two ago.
I read that cardinals hide and wrasse jump but I won't mind. They just look pretty to me. Maybe I might replace the cardinals for another easy colorful schooling fish to match the wrasses.
Any ideas what are nice colourful schooling fish are? Or small fish that are nice looking in a group for beginners?

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redtags http:///t/396438/i-need-stocking-help#post_3532319
I have that book somewhere in my room, I'll look over it. My dad gave it to me about a year or two ago.
I read that cardinals hide and wrasse jump but I won't mind. They just look pretty to me. Maybe I might replace the cardinals for another easy colorful schooling fish to match the wrasses.
Any ideas what are nice colourful schooling fish are? Or small fish that are nice looking in a group for beginners?


No, I can't help you on the actual "which fish should I get" thing...a person's choice is as unique as the individual, it's the joy of having fish tanks, freshwater or salt. Find you book and refresh your mind on what is out there to be had, what will match your tank size, and your personal appeal of body shape and color.

 

[saxman]

To be honest, a 55 gal tank is really too small for fishes to "school" together in the true sense of the word...your best bet would be to get fishes that tolerate being in a group, and then sometimes they might hang out together.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by saxman http:///t/396438/i-need-stocking-help#post_3532433
To be honest, a 55 gal tank is really too small for fishes to "school" together in the true sense of the word...your best bet would be to get fishes that tolerate being in a group, and then sometimes they might hang out together.


I have to laugh, I used to think 55g was a really big tank, now my 90g is just a mid sized one. I was at the store the other day, and the 55g looked so puny and narrow.

 

[redtags]

I have to laugh, I used to think 55g was a really big tank, now my 90g is just a mid sized one. I was at the store the other day, and the 55g looked so puny and narrow.
The bigger the better! I might look for a larger size on Craigslist. Thanks guys!

 

[saxman]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/396438/i-need-stocking-help#post_3532438


I have to laugh, I used to think 55g was a really big tank, now my 90g is just a mid sized one. I was at the store the other day, and the 55g looked so puny and narrow.

Our 100 gal and the 210 gal look small now...we won't mention all the smaller setups. ;-)