Greetings

[tommyboynj]

Iv been lurking for a few months and decided to join formally. After moving around for the past ten years me and the family will finally be settled longterm within the next few week. I kept FW when I was a kid and have been dying to get back into fish keeping but with so much travle in the past years it just hasnt been viable. Well, now it is . Iv been reading A LOT of material and visited my local store several times to speak to the staff. I think I have decided to take the plunge on a Red Sea Max 130D for setting up my first FOWLR (plans to move to full reef in the future im sure). After speaking with the store staff they have made some suggestions as to a stocking list. I would expect to have about 45lbs of LR in the tank. They felt that with the LR, the filtration system that the Max uses and a strong clean up crew I could stock with the following:

2 Ocelleris Clown
1 Chormis
2 Fire Fish
1 Neon Gobi

After this was suggested I did some research and this seems to be considered and acceptable load for this system. Id like your thoughts and comments.

Thanks in advance.

Tom

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

34 gallons is a bit small for just the pair of clowns, let alone the rest. The bio load is just part of it. You also have to consider the territorial space required for each fish. Typically, 40 gallons is enough for a pair of clowns' territorial needs. Adding more livestock can result in stress ( making your fish less able to fight off disease and infections), and possibly aggressiveness between normally peaceful fish. I have a pair of Ocelleris clowns in my 75. They only hang round about a 1/4 of the tank but the male will relentlessly attack my arms when Im doing maintenance in their area. My mandarin never goes near that side of the tank but I'm sure she would get the same treatment. It also depends on the individual fish's personality. Two fish of the same species may react differently to the same environment.
Based on my own understanding and my own personal preferences, I would say you have too many fish listed but like I said, it's only my own opinion and that doesn't mea I'm right or wrong.

[Original Fin]

I would have to agree with James. Also, the Redsea Max being an all in one is going to be on the week side for the protein skimmer with that load...not sure that it would keep up.

[tommyboynj]

Thanks for your advice. I used convention methods to estimate the the inches of fish the tank could support. I guess what I hadn't done was consider additional habitat needs and fish growth. What would other suggest as a suitable stocking list for this tank?

Thanks

Tom

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Unfortunately, there's not much to choose from. 2-3 very small fish (when fully grown) would be all I would attempt.
If you haven't already got the tank, would you consider a larger aquarium? One you could add a sump/ refugium to?
My current tank is a seaclear system II 75 gallon. I bought it used and it was my first attempt at an aquarium so I thought the all-in-one tank would be perfect for me. In retrospect, i made a huge mistake. I shouldnt have gotten the all-in-one. It works but requires more effort from me to make sure it stays that way. I will be replacing the tank in the near future and piecing together a tank with an overflow, a fuge, a skimmer that actually works, etc...
Even though I haven't had any major issues with my current set up, I know that everything will be easier when I convert to a more traditional system.
The bigger the tank, the easier it's going to be on the hobbyist ( unless the tank is HUGE) to maintain. The increase in water volume also allows problems to affect the tank at a slower pace, giving you more time to make the needed corrections.
Just some other things to consider.
By the way...

[Original Fin]

Since it's a smaller space, I'd say 3 smaller fish max. One bottom dweller, like a blenny or goby...one mid level fish, like a clown, and one high level, like a cardinal. This way, there should be little competition for space.

[tommyboynj]

Thanks Guys. Looks like peiceing togeather a system might be the best option. Plus getting the stuff into the house past the "boss" will be easier. I play golf so am well versed in moving expensive equipment into the house bit by bit to aviod sleeping on the couch.