[clownfishlover]

Hello

I recently purchased a 46g bowfront for an unbeatable price. This will be my first attempt at a saltwater tank. I have been reading up on this for some time now and am rather exited to get going. What do you guys think would be the limit of fish to put in. I have heard 1 inch of fish per gallon and I have also heard one fish per 5 gallons. I really like clownfish and butterfly fish. Would these be a good match. I also like the yellow tang but I know that this will not be enough room for him to live happily. What are your thoughts on this. Any reply would help.

[Reefland]

Congrats on your entry into the hobby!

I think a pair of clowns, a Copperband and maybe 1 or 2 other small fish will be fine, like a Royal Gramma.

[CSeaSee]

Those stocking rules always seem to vary, don't they? Personally, I think the "inch" rules are almost useless, especially for people getting into this hobby. A 6-inch lionfish will produce a LOT more waste than 6 1-inch blue-green chromis, but the total length is the same...
Anyways, I'll put my plug in for the Valentini puffer, a toby which stays small, and does not grow as large as typical puffers. Google "Canthigaster valentini" (that should be in italics... PDAs have some limitations, sorry) if it piques your interest.

[Reefland]

It is a totally useless rule, just like "watts per gallon".

[cubanheat1]

ok ok clownfishlover i also had a 46gal reef fully stocked aquarium not to long ago. Congrats! first think u should do is think do u want a reef or fish-only aquarium if you want butterflys i would not recommend reef. clowns are great in a reef they hav much personality and there are so many kinds. i wouldnt recommend a tang but it is possible if you house a small yellow tang and keep it till u decide to upgrade. In this hobby thats always the case, but good luck with the 46gal if u hav any ?s feel free to ask.

[Ninong]

I would advise against any butterflyfish in a 46-gal tank. I don't think it's large enough for any of them.

A pair of clownfish would work quite well. You might want to avoid the larger, more agressive species of clownfish so that you don't run into hassles with other fish that you may wish to include. For example, either Amphiprion percula or A. ocellaris would be a better choice than say a Maroon pair or a Clarkii pair or any of the Tomato/Saddleback complex.

A Royal Gramma or an Orchid Dottyback would be a good choice for a 46-gal tank. One or the other, not both. You could even consider one of the dwarf angels (Centropyge species) for this size tank. These may present problems should you later decide to add corals.

There are a lot of possibilities but you will be wise to stick to fish that are not much larger than a full grown Royal Gramma or Orchid Dottyback. Fish that get much larger than that will not be happy in a 46-gal tank.

[CSeaSee]

Just out of sheer curiosity, I notice that Royal Grammas are popular with many people. Is this pure aesthetics, or are there other factors involved? I agree, they are pretty fish.

[Reefland]

I think there's a couple of things here that make them popular. Obviously, they are a beautiful fish that adds lots of color to an aquarium. Secondly, they are small and do well in captive care. Lastly, they are pretty inexpensive. We went with a Blackcap Basslet which is also a very interesting fish.

[clownfishlover]

Do you guys think that a heniochus butterfly fish would live happily in my 46g tank. I really love the long banner on the fish. I would like to do 2 of the ocellaris clownfish and possibly the heniochus. I also like the yellow longnose butterflyfish. I also plan on doing a fish only tank. I would like to get some experience before I jump into the reef.

[cubanheat1]

ok clownfishlover heniochus are nice, peaceful n hardy. Make sure it eats, and observe swimming patterns and aggressiveness towards food.i wouldnt advise to put the heniochus with the other butterfly. the pair of clowns is a good idea, henichous, maybe some pair of gobies, jawfish, pseudos,marine betta or my faviorte of fish the colorful wrasse family. if you need me to list a few post back

[Ninong]

Before you place one or, heaven forbid, two butterflyfish in a 46-gal tank, perhaps you should read what Robert Fenner has to say about their requirements: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BFsBestWrst.htm

Don't miss this part:

Habitat:

First of all, the system should be as large as possible. Butterflies are free-ranging fishes, with large territories. Next, but just as critically important, they need physical cover to feel secure; one or more cave hideaways.

[BubbaWPB]

Originally Posted by CSeaSee

Just out of sheer curiosity, I notice that Royal Grammas are popular with many people. Is this pure aesthetics, or are there other factors involved? I agree, they are pretty fish.

I like my Royal Gramma because it not only looks cool with the colors and pattern, but it plays well with the other fish, it's relatively hearty, eats just about anything, doesn't hide for days at a time, and it didn't cost a fortune... what more could you want in a fish?

[brooke]

Plus, who could forget that "Gurgle" (a Royal Gramma) was a part of the tank gang in Finding Nemo.

[CSeaSee]

Originally Posted by brooke

Plus, who could forget that "Gurgle" (a Royal Gramma) was a part of the tank gang in Finding Nemo.

Well then, say no more! If it was good enough for "Finding Nemo," then it must be alright. ROFWL.