40 Breeder max stocking

[evanz287]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to these forums and wanted to get everyone's input. This is the third salt water tank I've set up. My first first two tanks were a 55 gallon, and 150 gallon FOWLR.

This time around, I've decide to go with a 40 breeder. I eventually want to get zoas, but that'll be the extent of my coral purchases. Since I reside in Hawaii, it is very tough for me to gain access to anything else due to laws. However, this doesn't bother me much, as I am perfectly content with just zoas.

Here are some pictures of my setup:

http://i.imgur.com/2SyNqbD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sLURNfs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/e5X1a2T.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yFWqYn3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fnvthOt.jpg

I am running a 20 gallon sump. I have a SCA-301 Skimmer. I also have a fuge with chaeto and a DIY algae scrubber. Since I am located in Hawaii, water changes are free. There are multiple free faucets that are plumbed deep in to the ocean that are open to the public to use. Therefore, I do water changes very frequently.

My current stock list is:

1x Lawnmower Blenny
2x O. Clownfish
3x Bangaii Cardinals
1x Dart Fish
1x Potter Wrasse
1x Royal Gramma

The tank has been running for about 4 months now with fish. I have been blessed with absolutely no aggression issues.

This is also the first tank that I am going to push the bio-load on. My 55 gallon and 150 gallon were both severely under stocked. Even the freshwater tanks I've owned in the past were always under stocked. I wanted to switch it up this time around and see how many fish I could realistically house.

I know that my current stock list is already pushing it (or at least for me it is, based off my previous tanks). I want to know everyone's input on to whether people have successfully gotten away with even more. Maybe a Hawaiian Spotted Puffer? Another Dart Fish?

[mcgyvr]

Just so you know.. You must be a new user and posted a link to an external picture or something..
No one can see your post yet because it requires "moderation" to be "viewable" by all of us..

[Dkuhlmann]

Yes, it's a Spam blocker that usually blocks new members threads that are trying to post pictures in the first few threads created by the new user.

I personally would prefer that it not have this function and just let the members click the Red triangle with the ! inside to report the post. I'm on several boards that use the same software as RC and none of them use that functions it's more trouble than it's worth. IMO

Once your thread is restored, I'll be happy to respond as I've got a 40b and have several fish :D

[evanz287]

Hmm that is interesting.... So since I have pictures embedded, my post doesn't show up at all? Strange... Would I have to ask a moderator for permission?

[evanz287]

Just testing. Seeing if quoting my OP works!

[mcgyvr]

Just testing. Seeing if quoting my OP works!
Nope.. Try again :)

Or just pose the question again..
Want to know if your "stocking plans" for your 40B are ok?

[evanz287]

My current stock list is:

1x Lawnmower Blenny
2x O. Clownfish
3x Bangaii Cardinals
1x Dart Fish
1x Potter Wrasse
1x Royal Gramma

The tank has been running for about 4 months now with fish. I have been blessed with absolutely no aggression issues.

This is also the first tank that I am going to push the bio-load on. My 55 gallon and 150 gallon were both severely under stocked. Even the freshwater tanks I've owned in the past were always under stocked. I wanted to switch it up this time around and see how many fish I could realistically house.

I am running a 20 gallon sump. I have a SCA-301 Skimmer. I also have a fuge with chaeto and a DIY algae scrubber. Since I am located in Hawaii, water changes are free. There are multiple free faucets that are plumbed deep in to the ocean that are open to the public to use. Therefore, I do water changes very frequently.

It's a shame the pics won't load... Do you folks know by chance who i'd have to contact to get them working?

[evanz287]

Bumping. Anyone have any insight on the stocking?

[marleesan]

I wouldn't add any more fish. That already seems a little overstocked imo. Even with powerful filtration, fish still need enough room to swim around.

[heathlindner25]

Imo, if you don't have any aggression or territory issues and your nitrates & phosphate are in check.. add any appropriate fish you like. You will know when your maxed. I like my fish bumping into each other.

[evanz287]

I wouldn't add any more fish. That already seems a little overstocked imo. Even with powerful filtration, fish still need enough room to swim around.

Yeah, all my instincts tell me i'm already overstocked, based off my natural tendencies and previous tanks stocking.

However, I still see no aggression. My parameters are also reading clean every time (probably due to my bi-monthly, 40% water changes).

I guess i'll just play it by ear. I am in no kind of rush. Maybe if things stay this stable for a few more months, I'll add another fish.

[evanz287]

On a side note, my DIY alage scrubber is working wonders. I went through brown algae, cyano, and hair algae without getting virtually any in my DT. The screen however, was covered in whatever algae my tank cycle was currently on.