cycle complete at 29 gallons

[cloudfly]

I've finally got my 29G with 35lbs LR cycled and all my parameters are in check. Now I'm gearing up to stock some fish and CUC.

First off, I'm looking for some advice on CUC - I've been told I can keep 30+ snails, but that seems crazy to me. What's a realistic number and what kind of CUC would you guys recommend?

As for fish, I've got my heart set on a few species - 2 Percula Clowns, 1 Yellow Watchman Goby (or something similar), 1 Pistol Shrimp, 1 Coflake Banded Shrimp (is this possible with the pistol?), and 1 Six Line Wrasse. Is this too ambitious and are these guys compatible? I'm open to any suggestions and I'm looking for a harmonious reef tank, so keep that in mind.

[coral8]

I've finally got my 29G with 35lbs LR cycled and all my parameters are in check. Now I'm gearing up to stock some fish and CUC.

First off, I'm looking for some advice on CUC - I've been told I can keep 30+ snails, but that seems crazy to me. What's a realistic number and what kind of CUC would you guys recommend?

As for fish, I've got my heart set on a few species - 2 Percula Clowns, 1 Yellow Watchman Goby (or something similar), 1 Pistol Shrimp, 1 Coflake Banded Shrimp (is this possible with the pistol?), and 1 Six Line Wrasse. Is this too ambitious and are these guys compatible? I'm open to any suggestions and I'm looking for a harmonious reef tank, so keep that in mind.

I'd say 30 snails is overdoing it, 3 or 4 mexican turbos would be a good starting point - they're great cleaners. Adding 5 astreas and 5 or 6 nassarius would help turn over your sand. You could also throw in some hermits or a lurematele star if you want.

As for the shrimp, I'd pick one or the other - the coflake banded or the pistol. Don't think it's a good idea to mix them, they might not get along. Your other fish look fine, but I'd introduce the shrimp and goby before the six line wrasse. Six lines can be a bit aggressive with small fish and shrimp, so it's better to add them last.

[cloudfly]

Thanks for the reply coral8. I knew 30 snails was way overboard, I was just trying to get a feel for what's normal. I'm still on the fence about the CBS or Pistol, I think the symbiosis between the Pistol and Goby would be pretty cool, but the CBS just looks awesome. My wife has fallen in love with the Kaudern's Cardinal, do you think it'd be possible to have two of them in the tank or am I just looking for an excuse to upgrade?

Also, I've been doing some research on clownfish and I'm curious about the difference between Ocellaris and Percula. I've noticed they have different markings, but what else sets them apart? And between wild-caught and tank-bred, I'm leaning towards tank-bred, but what are the downsides?

[coral8]

Kaudern's cardinal, or as I like to call them, Banggai cardinal - you could add one to your tank. However, having two might not be the best idea. While juveniles get along just fine, mature males - and possibly females - will fight each other to the death. To make it work, you'd need to get a male and female, but sexing them when they're young is extremely difficult, trust me, I've tried.

As for their personality, I think Banggais are pretty curious little fish. I've got a pair in one of my tanks and I'm hoping they'll breed soon.

Now, about the difference between Ocellaris and Percula clownfish - apart from the markings, there's not much. Ocellaris might grow a bit bigger, that's all. When it comes to choosing between tank-bred and wild-caught, I always recommend going for tank-bred. They're often cheaper, and the only real difference is that their coloring might be slightly different - I've noticed this more in Perculas than Ocellaris. But you can influence their coloring with the food you give them.

[cloudfly]

Thanks again for the advice. I'm getting close to introducing my first fish, and I was wondering about the order - should I start with the clowns or the goby? I'm still thinking of waiting a week or two, just to be safe, I don't want to risk losing my first marine fish.

[coral8]

I'd say either the clowns or the goby first, both are pretty hardy. As long as your parameters are in check, they should do just fine. Maybe consider adding some of your CUC first, just to get them established before introducing the fish.

[cloudfly]

Gonna grab some snails tonight, LFS has a sweet deal - 3 for 3 bucks, can't pass that up.