Herbivore to Carnivore ratio?

[vikinglord13]

Does anybody know of a good rule of thumb for the ratio of herbivores to carnivores in a reef tank? I know some of all of one or the other, so I'm thinking more along the lines of what we would see in the natural ocean. What ratio should one expect for a lower maintenance system?

[Reefpuck]

I don't think it matters...what is more important is the temperament and other requirements of the fish you want. There is no broad suggested ratio on which fish you should have...based on if they eat algae or meaty foods.

[McPuff]

Agree with above post. It should not matter because you are the one providing the food. In nature, the numbers will balance out based on the primary producers and primary consumers. Besides that, most fishes will [and should] consume both vegetable and meat-based foods. You just have to know which is more beneficial to the species in particular. For example, tangs must be fed an ample amount of vegetable matter, but they also need to have some meaty foods.

[vikinglord13]

Got it, thanks guys!