Stocking Help

[Oliver]

I have a 50g and initially wanted 1 foxface, 1 blue tang, and the 2 ocellaris that i already have. I have always known they the foxface and blue tang will get too big but my plan was to get them small and sell them when they get too big. The thing is though, getting them out may be hard. How long do you think it would take for them to grow too big???

[skippy2]

I don't know how long it would take but I really do think it's not fair to the animals. Netting and moving a fish is stressful to the fish.
For a 50g. I would stock with 2 true or false percs. a coral beauty(these are hit or miss with a reef tank) and a royal gramma.

[DansMarineTank]

found this on the web.

The blue tang reaches approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length. The largest specimen, caught off the coast of South America, measured 14.4 inches (37 cm). It reaches sexual maturity at 9-12 months of age and lengths of 4-5 inches (11-13 cm).
Looks like the blue tangs grow quite quick

[DansMarineTank]

That said IMO if you know you can get a buyer and your heart is set i it and you can keep the fish healthly and will gain enjoyment from it, I say do it, Its your hobby after all.

I am sure i will get backlash for that statement !

[skippy2]

I am sure i will get backlash for that statement !


I would think that you would get into the hobby to know the best how to take care of an animal. Not do what is best for you.

[DansMarineTank]

Agreed, I do have the animals intrst at heart when selecting the fish as i am sure Oliver does (we are both on this forum to gain knowledge)

His idea of giving the fish a good home until its too large then selling it on does not sound too bad to me. Im sure in some case that would be saving the fish from growing up in the LFS tank thats cramped and open to the stress of everyone poking the glass

[Oliver]

what are some other "main" fish that I could have then. I want fish that will stick out from the clowns and I want them to be bigger than them. I would love to be able to have them for ages, and I want them to look wicked, not boring fish that look like fw fish, because after all, you want fish that show that your money is worth it.

[Max]

how about a hawk some like the pixie hawk get to be a good size and will stay close to the bottom to," they love shrimp so keep that in mind." You could also try a mandrin in a 50 if it's 8-12 months old and it doesn' have pod eaters . If you aren't going reef you could try a long nose butterfly they are pretty easy and one should do ok in a 50. There are lots of cool fish that meet the tanks size you have but, you'll have to decided what fits your situation.
keep us posted.
Chris

[Oliver]

I decided to go with the foxface and blue tang anyways. When they get to big I wil sell them back to the store, they really want it, and get credit for another one. What I was wondering though isn't a copper banded reef safe?? Thanks for all you help.

[FloridaBoy]

I would have to agree with DMT here about the blue tang, I think if you get a smaller one the 50 gal will be fine for a year or more. BTW, I think we are talking Pacific Hepatus, not the Atlantic blue, correct me if I'm wrong.
Not sure what qualifies as "wicked," but agree with Maxilaria, the Hawks can be really cool, lots of personality; Flame Hawk, Longnose Hawk, etc.
I would avoid the Mandarin and butterflies in general.
Another great choice would be the Orchid Dottyback (P. fridmani)
tank bred, very interesting and beautiful. Not to be confused with some of its aggressive and color-fading cousins in the dottyback line, make sure you get this species: (no experience with or endorsement of retailer here)
http://www.etropicals.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=41&pCatId=1237

http://www.divegallery.com/Hawkfish_longnose.htm

[sublime1184]

Oliver, like it was said earler, you should worry about the fishes. Keeping fish that get big in a small tank is not bad when you are planning to upgrade. So for your problems I recommend these solutions: 1)Getting a bigger tank or 2)Getting smaller fish.