Ideals On TankMates???

[trighappy]

I am currently cycling a 75 gallon fish only tank with live sand and (8) DamselFish varying in size. My biological filtration is a Pro-Clear Aquatics Model 75 wet/dry filter. I thought I had some species in mind going in to it but the more and more I read I am discovering that my line up is all wrong. I had originally intended on the following species for my tank. Obviously I am aware that Triggers can get very large but the plan was to start small with them, 2-3 inches that way I could house them for a couple of years in my current tank. I am also aware that you add the more docile species first, so that they can establish there territory first and that the more aggressive species might leave them alone after they are added to an established tank. In order of tank introduction, this is what I had in mind originally
(2) Ocellaris ClownFish 4" *Figuring if I start them out large, they might be left alone*
Blue Tang 3" *Again, hoping that it's larger size in the beginning will deter any attacks*
Spiny Box Puffer 2"
Picasso Trigger 1-2"
Clown Trigger 1-2"
The more that I have read, I am finding that the Clown Trigger is going to be hard to keep with anything, even the Picasso. I absolutely love the Picasso species as well as the Spiny Box Puffer and I just have to have them in my tank. I look to the experts of this forum to share with me their experiences with these fish as well as any additional fish that might work well with this lineup.

 

[fishmamma]

Would you consider just doing your two favorite fish (puffer and picasso)for now? That may be a solution for you. Down the road you could use your 75 to house some clowns and possibly a tang when you upgrade to a larger tank. Tough decision, good luck with it- just make sure to go with whatever you will enjoy watching everyday otherwise you may end up with that larger tank sooner than you think.

 

[trighappy]

Thanks for the reply fishmamma. I am new to the hobby. I have learned alot over the last couple of months, but I still have a long ways to go. So would you not recommend let's say the Picasso, Clown, and Puffer in the 75? Or possibly the Picasso, Puffer, Blue Tang, and Naso Tang? Thinks again for the reply. Obviously, I want to be able to get the most of the beautiful fish that I desire in my 75 but also keeping water quality and fish health in mind at the same time.

 

[fishmamma]

Hmm.....I am not too familiar with those fish so I am not able to give any good advice there. Let me see if I can find something......I think the clown and tang would be OK together, just not sure how the puffer fits in. Let me look in my books and see if I can find anything, but I know there are plenty of people on this board with experience who will have good answers for you. Maybe title a new post about putting those fish together and see what you get for responses. You could post under this forum and also under the Fish Discussion forum. I will get back to you if I find anything worth sharing. :happy:

 

[fishmamma]

Also, I did not know which clown you were reffering to- trigger or nemo??

 

[fishmamma]

Ok, from doing a quick search I read the following, many apologies if I am repeating things you already know. The Picasso should be peaceful, the Clown Trigger will most likey be aggressive. I could not find that particular puffer by that name, but from what I read they are mostly peaceful, occasional aggresiveness, will eat corals and inverteberates. From what I have in books and on this board Tangs are not a good beginner fish. Very high maintanence and prone to certain illness. Definatly do searches and more posts on this board and you will get lots of feed back. And your welcome for the reply, wish I had more knowledge to share with you!

 

[snipe]

IMO the damsels need to go before you buy anything els. If you already said that in your previos post then just ignore this one.

 

[fishmamma]

You are right snipe. I assume they will be traded in after the cycle.

 

[kendall]

8 Damsels in a 75 must be entertaining!!...What species?
You probably will need to pull them unless you plan on ripping apart your whole setup to rattle them...

 

[snipe]

IMO I love damsles and have 4 that I plan on working around them in my setup. I guess its just the eye of the beholder lol.

 

[dhughesz28]

I love my damsels too, I ended up setting up a 12gal just for them..

 

[trighappy]

Yeah, I plan on getting rid of the Damsels as soon as the cycle is over. Out of the ones that I had to pick from in the pet store, I consider them the goldfish of the saltwater hobby. They are very active, but not alot to look at cosmetically.