Monday, May 24, 2010

Best fish for a 55 gal saltwater tank?

Hello! My girlfriend and I have had a 55 gallon tank for awhile now. The first year we lived together we got it from someone else and aqquired the fish they had with it. Originally had a porcupine puffer, blue damsel, and a yellow tang. Eventually got a batfish and a wrasse. Got rid of the tang because he was nibbling at the wrasse and the batfish. Then it was down to the puffer, an eel, the damsel, and a few starfish. After a year we had to move, and the trip was a bit lengthy, so we decided to take the fish to a store, and start fresh. We never ended up starting fresh at our new place : (

Now a year has passed, and we have just moved into another more permanent home, and the tank is starting over. We just set it up, put in a few damsels to get the cycle going. My question for you experts out there, is what would you recommend to eventually put in the tank? As far as number of fish, types, and what will bring them maximum happiness?
Answers:
A Humu Humu Trigger. They are not too expensive, tough as nails, and chock full of personality. A Humu Trigger also won't outgrow your 55 gallon tank. Most Humus are not too aggressive and can be kept with other fish the same size that are fiesty enought to take care of themselves. The damsels, as long as they are not too much smaller than the trigger will probably be okay. But you should introduce the trigger last after any other fish you might want.

The biggest thing is to not overcrowd a saltwater tank. I'd only have the Humu and a few damsels. Or the Humu and one or two other fish that don't get too large. Waste can build up quickly and if the power fails or you forget to do water changes everything will be okay as long as you are not overcrowded. Things crash quicker in a crowded tank. I also highly recommend live rock, even for a fish only tank. It is not just decorative, it is a filtration system! Microbes in the rock break down waste. You don't need as much as a reef tank. Many pet stores sell cured live rock by the pound so you can buy small amounts over time (it is expensive). I also recommend a protein skimmer - get a good one like a Bakpak or an Aqua C. Well worth the money in preventing problems with water quality.
hmm.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.

good?
get a fresh water stingray! there is such a thing. really

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