What kind of fish should I get?

[Yulia]

Hi everyone!
I just joined this site in hopes of some answers for my tank, which got bestowed upon me about 2 months ago. It's a 55g and I started it from scratch and built it up with live rock and a couple of anemones. So far the fish that I got are 2 picasso clownfish and a spider-eye puffer. I want to put other fish in there in the future, but have a hard time thinking of fish that would be fun and reef-safe. It seems that every fish I like would either be too big for the aquarium... also I don't want to overdo the bio-load. Any suggestions?

[Anselth]

You might be pushing the bioload already...we need a bit more information about your setup, what kind of filtration you're using, etc. I don't know anything about the spider-eye puffer, but I'm assuming it will get relatively large.

[sebastian]

yellow tang (but last addition to your tank), six line wrasse, kole tang, anthias (req. more time with feeding), firefish,....good luck

[Cal Native]

Randall's Gobie

[SATELLITE]

a flame hawkfish there small and have great personality..

[BoomerD]

Wow...a 55 gallon tank should only have about 11 inches of fish measured at the adult size, so with 2 picasso triggers you're already way overstocked, and the puffer only makes things much worse. While the fish may be smaller than their expected adult size, the bio-load is always calculated at the full-grown size of the animal.

Next, most triggers aren't reef safe in any way, and I'd expect them to start snacking on any anemones if they aren't already.

Thirdly, anemones require intense lighting and a well-matured stable tank...yours certainly doesn't meet the "well-matured" requirement, and you haven't elaborated on your lighting, so I can't comment on that.

It sounds like the set up is off to a good start, but your bio-load is going the wrong way fast...

[Anselth]

Boomer, I think she means the ORA Picasso Clownfish. But a lot of what he said can be attributed to Puffers as well. I missed the bit about the anemones, Boomer is absolutely correct there. You want lots of light and a stable environment for them.

[zy112]

skip the tangs go with a sixline wrasse, that is if you feel its necessary for more fish

[adresher]

Instead of adding more fish I would be concerned if that puffer is going to be reef safe if you have any intensions of adding coral.

[michael_cb_125]

Take the puffer out. They are far too aggressive to keep in a 55 gallon tank. Plus they get far to large. If you want a reef tank, the puffer needs to go. What are the specs of your tank. Filtration, lighting, etc.?

Anemones are VERY sensitive creatures. Even experienced reefers can have problems with them. They NEED VERY STRONG LIGHT. and should not be put into a tank younger than 12 months.

[Dentoid]

That species of puffer gets to 6" adult size. Plan on getting rid of this fish as it outgrows your tank. Until then, I would suggest not putting anymore fish into your tank. All the best with your anemones.

Spider-eye Pufferfish

[lcstorc]

Welcome to RS!
The others have already given great advice.

[InLimbo87]

Originally Posted by Dentoid

That species of puffer gets to 6" adult size. Plan on getting rid of this fish as it outgrows your tank. Until then, I would suggest not putting anymore fish into your tank. All the best with your anemones.

Spider-eye Pufferfish

I'm with Scott on this one. After the puffer's gone, you have enough room to add more fish. I'd suggest looking for a couple more small-medium sized community fish.

And just say no to the tangs! A 55 IMO is too small for any tang...

[michael_cb_125]

IMO tangs are too large and active for any tank under 150 gallons and 6 feet long. And Many tangs are too large for a 150.

[BoomerD]

Originally Posted by Anselth

Boomer, I think she means the ORA Picasso Clownfish.

:smck:

Dang...yeah, that IS what it says isn't it?

It was late...and I was tired...and didn't read it well apparently...oops!
That removes a LOT of the excess bio-load...

Originally Posted by Anselth

But a lot of what he said can be attributed to Puffers as well. I missed the bit about the anemones, Boomer is absolutely correct there. You want lots of light and a stable environment for them.

As for the toby...
From Bob Fenner we get:
Puffers

"Puffers for other than fish-only systems? Oh, they love invertebrates- to eat. Even the smallest species will sample corals, anemones, echinoderms, crustaceans et al. to bedevilment; yes, & they'll even eat smaller unaware fishes.

What else? They bite; more than tankmates, they'll cut into decor including electrical cords. Make sure and conceal your power lines if they're in with puffers."

"It seems no matter what is written and advised in person, aquarists overfeed their puffers. In the wild a "typical" posture for these fishes is setting on or near the bottom, watching, resting, "waiting" for something of interest to investigate or eat. In captivity, they soon learn to "do the dance" of getting us to feed them frequently and too much. Be aware of how much food you're throwing in, even though "it seems so hungry".

Frequent water changes, good circulation and protein skimming are necessary with these fishes and their messy owners."

Fortunately, this one should remain fairly small...to about 6" in the wild, and usually less in captivity.