Species community list?

H

haven283

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Nov 20, 2008
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Canada - SW Ontario
I was reading some saltwater aquarium advice at About.com, and there I read that I should be planning a species community list.

So far, I have not bought or considered buying any fish yet, although I got one for free with a purchase last week, and he's doing fine (I think he is a crescent or regal damsel, latin [FONT=&quot]Neopomacentrus cyanomos [/FONT]).

Keeping in mind, I will eventually be adding coral to the mix, when I can get ahold of an affordable piece of lighting equipment. I did some math, and the tank is just about 35 gallons with presently 12 pounds live rock.

My dream:perv: fish community right now, would probably include all of:

2 x Clown fish
2 x Seahorse, either/both:
-hippocampus zosterae
-hippocampus hystrix
2 x coral banded Shrimp*
2 x Starfish*


*...assuming they might grow and possibly reproduce...
and if necessary or as a cleaner crew;



some Snails
some small crabs




I might also throw in a pufferfish, at my friend's behest. He just thinks it "would look hideously cool" in the tank. I would also like a cool-looking crab, myself, one that doesn't hide all the time or eat his neighbors.


Anyone know if this arrangement is possible? or at least where to get started on making a decision?



Any advice would be greatly appreciated! So far a lot of you have been very helpful :)
 
The Seahorses will be a no go, they need their own species tank and don't do well in the currents that Corals and normal saltwater fish like. So I would nix them from the list. You could do the Clowns, some type of Goby or Blenny then the Stars and CBS.
The tank will be a little small even for the Canthigaster puffers plus they are known to pick at some coral life and will definitely go after the Shrimp. So I would nix the puffer also. Anyway hope this helps and good luck!
 
Nothing wrong with the clowns, just remember to get them at the same time so that you do not run into any territorial issues. Added bonus would be that you may get them to mate.
Seahorses are a big no-no. It does need a species only tank and requirements to keep them alive are probably more than what you would be willing to sacrifice. They need to be fed multiple times a day. Water needs to be pristine, and they need 0 to little water fluctuation.
You really do not need 2 CBS do you? 1 would really be more than enough.
Starfish and crabs/snails do not mix.
Same with certain crabs and snails.
Be prepared to lose snails with the crabs or both with the starfish.
 
I agree with what was said.
A pair of clowns would be fine, Amphiprion ocellaris is the most peaceful species.
I have a Coral Banded Shrimp, great little character. You should only get two if you can get a mated pair otherwise they will fight. A mated pair may spawn in captivity but the larvae are hard to raise.
There is the Valentini Puffer, Canthigaster valentini they stay relatively small (around 4 inches) and are pretty cute but they are known to nip at some corals and bother shrimp. Not the perfect candidate for a community reef tank but if you really would like a puffer its the most likely candidate.
Hermit crabs and snails are good, they act as cleaners eating any uneaten food and algae etc. As for a crab that is a bit trickier, there are some pretty ones that live in anemones or acropora and others that are undesirable pests. Personally I would just stick with the snails and hermits.
 
SW tanks do need a bit more planning when trying to figure out what you want out of it.
Remember the following and you will be ok.
Aggression.
Habits.
Feeding.

Obviously if you choose a fish that tends to nip at rocks you should have an idea that it would pick on anything that is on the rocks.
Angels - Will eat at polyps and other corals.
Lionfish - Will eat anything small that can fit in its mouth.
etc... etc.
 
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