Question for Brooklyn Johnny

[jjboods]

I was looking at your tank pics and trying to read most of the posts.
I have few questions...and believe me...these are questions and in NO WAY criticisms...
John,
The tank seems to be, what most people consider, overstocked...how are you having such great success?
Also, you have...again what most people would say is not recommended...2 tangs in one tank that is only 36". Most, I believe, would say that just 1 tang needs at least 4 feet...and even at that, only a few specific tangs.
And lastly, having a fish, the Regal Angel, that will grow to, I believe, 10". Again...from what I have read and been told...outgrowing the tank.
All of my questions are based on what I have read and been told and are obviously not my own original thoughts or opinions.
So...for someone with a 4 foot 75 gallon...how can I do what you are doing and do it as successfully? Or is everything done based on the fact of moving to the 180 in the near future and the 500 after that?
BTW - it is an awesome tank!

 

[brooklyn johnny]

jjboods no worries! Your questions are justified...
To start, a tank can be overstocked for two reasons... one has to do with territory and the other with bioload. Everybody needs to get along for the most part, and the system needs to be able to keep levels intact.
My system has above average bioload but also has above average filtration. My system is far from being unsustainable but at the same time is more stocked than most of the advice you see given on boards. Generally for novice reefers it is best to err on the lighter side of stocking, but many times people will preach this a bit too much simply for the reason that that is what they read.
You'll find that nowadays many reefers are able to keep a higher bioload for reasons such as better technology and understanding of what goes on in our glass boxes. However, this does not make up for experience and regardless of the equipment used if you are starting out you should always leave room for the inevitable errors we all make when learning.
Also, stocking for this tank was done knowing the 180 I've owned for years will be up as soon as our new house is ready. Keeping CERTAIN smaller tangs in tanks such as mine is not a problem IMO assuming you have the larger systems to house them or have very specific plans to upgrade. Certain tangs even when smaller require large systems. Certain tangs I wouldn't keep in my future 500 gallon! Take all advice with a grain of salt as it is intended for a general audience. Many times if you need to even ask the question it shows you are not ready.
As to your last question that could only be answered with books! I'm not sure of your experience, but I wouldn't recommend sps and clams for a first setup. With that said you could have a beautiful reef nonetheless. Follow the great general advice given on this site and after a while you will be confident enough to design your system and push the envelope of this continuously evolving hobby... and in your 75 I would recommend either one of the bristletooth tangs or one of the Zebrasoma species of tangs like the yellow or the purple...
If you have more questions just shoot... and good luck in the hobby...

 

[jjboods]

I have a good number of years of experience. I think I tend to stay on the safer side of things. Staying away from fish that need watching in a reef, following the strict "Tang Police" theories, etc.
But I would love another tang in my tank. I have a Yellow right now and would like to add a better algae eater...maybe a Kole or a Tomini like yours. But again, I don't have plans to upgrade and will likely NOT have 2 tangs in a 75.
I would also like to have an Angel, but the hit or miss in a reef concerns me. And I'd like to get something that is not a dwarf, but again, no plans to upgrade. Some sites list some large Angels that can be placed in a 75, but then other sites list the same Angels and recommend larger tanks. So unless I get further info that there is a large Angel that can go in a 75, I will likely end up with a Flame Angel.
I know that the equipment used plays a big part in decision. My 75 has a 10G fuge with Chaeto and a 10G sump with a Turboflotor 1000 which claims to be rated up to 250G. I have a 4" DSB and about 50-60 pounds of LR/BR. I am planning to add another 40-50 pounds of BR.
What are your opinions/recommendations based on this setup? Also, 2 150W DE HQI MH's.