Stocking Approach

[vincentwangz]

Just a thought.. have you guys ever thought of stocking your livestock as something to be done systematically? If you could redo the way you stocked up on fish and corals, how would you do it differently? I have tried to think of the best way to stock my tank and what to consider when adding something new. Here's what I found most reefers do:

Add the most sensitive / finicky fish first

I think this is related to how stressful the fish will feel. For those that notoriously have problems eating, like the Anthias, leopard wrasse and Achilles Tang, adding them first might help reduce the anxiety and competition they face when feeding.

Add the smallest sized fish first

Am sure many of you have the same experience. New fish get bullied by the fish already established in the tank. There's a belief going around that if the next fish you add is bigger or same sized than the previous one, chances of being bullied is lesser. I think it's still 50/50.

Add fish with the most peaceful/timid temperament first

Once they are established, they will feel more comfortable Swimming about. Then, when more competitive fish come in, they can hold their ground better. Again, this depends. Some fish just are very territorial.

Add a few fish at the same time

Since they are introduced at the same time, they have a fair share at claiming their territory. My only fear of this method is that there is higher chance of introducing disease. And since all are added at the same time, the chance of being infected is higher.

What do you guys think?

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[ramvenga85]

My experience in saltwater fishes is not much (newbie here) but with freshwater fishes, i found its better to add the more peaceful or smaller sized fishes first. But even then it also depends on the individual fish's personality. I have had some of my smaller fishes chase those bigger ones but most of the time every1 gets along fine..
But generally adding smaller and more peaceful fish first is usually advised and also knowing wad we want in our tanks from day 1 would help a lot in stocking up correctly (we all knw thats nvr the case though.. lol).

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[Ranz]

i tried to follow the guideline of smallest fish first on initial stocking, with bigger fishes (tangs) last.

but after a while it is just all random, as the smaller fish may die, or finicky fish just not eating, and you want to buy a new small fish to replace them, or you saw a nice fish you want to keep etc..

in the end it also depends on the fish character - there is fish that is small but smart and has fighting spirit, so it survived even when bullied. and there is fish that is timid and gave up easily when bully - so starve to death, even though they may be the same species and introduce at the same time. 

[DerrickLim]

If you know your fish list well, you can let the shy and slow eaters to go in first. Let them get used to the feeding habits and hiding grounds.

Small fishes can be aggressive too such as damsels and Chromis. My 2 inch queens angel is bullying my 6 inch soldier fish in the qt!

Certain species have very low tolerance to others of the same type, even if they have the same size. For example, if u want to have multiple tangs if the tank is small, add all of them together if possible. It will divide out the aggression.

Just my humble opinion

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[vincentwangz]

Keep the opinions coming in. I like hearing from other experiences too.


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[kapemasarap]

Haha. I bought damsels cuz they were cheap and as time goes by i added more damsels and before i knew it, i am stuck with damsels only tank. Something to think about before buying too much damsels. Since i am already stuck with damsels I decided okay nevermind, just added a pair of sargeant major on top of the 4 striped zebra, clownfish, and electric blue damsels.


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