Stocking question

[molly]

Hi-
I am very new to all of this and have just started a tank. I am very eager and trying to pace and limit my additions to the tank. I have a 29 gallon tank with 20 pounds of live rock. Currently, I have one feather duster with attached freebie mushroom coral, 8 hermit crabs, 3 snails and one emerald crab. The tank has been going for almost two months. I would like to eventually focus on small fish with the addition of a shrimp or two for cleaning purposes.
Does anyone have any guideleines for how many fish/invertebrates I can add? I have heard so many different things, I wanted to get some more opinions.
Also, I was wondering if anyone knew the amount of waste produced by invertebrates? Is it neglible or do I still need to be very careful?
Thanks in advance.

 

[reefaddict]

Molly, that is the same size tank I started with two years ago. I had one Cardnial, two gobies, and a clown fish with a large anemone. I got a 50/50 strip light for lighting and used a Prizm skimmer. I have to say the only draw back was the size of the tank. I got a 65 gal tank for Christmas and now I wish I had gotten a 120gal. If I remember right the general rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per 5 gal of water.So if you keep small fish you can keep more of them. Well enjoy the ride it's expensive sometimes but it's worth it

 

[ak_reefer]

Hey Molly,
I agree with JWT inverts do not add to the bioload. I would add small fish like Percs Clowns, Royal Gramma, Neon Dottyback, Cardinals, Purple Firefish, or a Long Nose Hawkfish. Not all of them of course but a couple of them. As far as inverts all the Shrimp are really cool. Hope this helps.

 

[piscesblue]

I keep 2 fish in my 30gal. A pygmy angel (a must for small tanks if you like angel fish) and a sixline wrasse. I'm contemplating a small goby, but not sure if I want the increased bio-load. I had 5 fish in it at one time and regreted it. I had to change the water every week or my water quality would suffer. Stick with the smallest fish you can find (it makes your tank look so much bigger) and NEVER buy that cute baby fish that you only plan on keeping until it outgrows your tank. Good luck!