Wrasse/Dottyback compatibility issues

[thomasR]

ok so i have 45 gal tank that currently has a black clown, 3 green chromis, and a springers dottyback. I have been waiting for a carpenters wrasse and want to put one in next. however just after getting the dottyback i found out that they dont get along with wrasses very well. Can this work or not. I also wanted to get a six line wrasse which i doubt would work with the dottyback. However if i got rid of the dottyback and got the carpenter could i still get a six line? any suggestions appreciated

Thomas

[leebca]

Speaking only in generalities, they should not get along. However you're in luck. You really don't want to add anything more to that sized tank anyway. Give those there now room to grow. The tank is 'full' when those fishes are grown. If you have a high-end system for handling higher than average bio-load, then another Anemonefish (mate for the one there) would be a fine addition), or one more fish, which at full size is at or under 3".

[thomasR]

ok thanks for the advice. but that raises more questions (sorry im a noob hahah). First im running a filter for a 65 gal tank( a penn plax cascade 700). I also have a protein skimmer. Im doing top offs with RO water. Would that be sufficient for another fish? Either way how do i find a mate for my clown. Do i just try to find a very small one and hope for the best to get the right gender? or is there some other strategy?

thanks

[thomasR]

oh and what is the rule of thumb for inch/fish per gallon for reef tanks so i know for future reference. I was thinking of maybe getting a flame hawkfish. would that cause a problem with the dottyback?

[leebca]

Thomas,

You don't have to worry about sexing an Anemonefish. One of their unusual characteristics is that they will change to the gender needed! You might want to read up more on them before getting another one. All you have to do is get one that is either 1.5" larger or 1.5" smaller than the one you have.

I would need to know what that filter has in it, in order to help decide on the display tank's ability. For instance, you might want to read this post in order to get an idea of what information needed for determining bio load capacity: What is Your System Bio-Load?

As far as determining the amount of bio load to put into your aquarium, this post will help: Fish Stocking Limit - for FO and FOWLR You see, Thomas, it isn't just inches per gallon. The reason why it isn't this easy is that some marine fishes are thin and some are fat. There is no single rule that covers both extremes of 'fish design.'

Off-hand, without additional information, I'd say a 1" red Hawkfish or something like that would be a good addition and probably hide a lot at first, but be okay in the long run. Best to put it through a quarantine process to train it to eat the proper foods, and to be sure it is healthy.

[thomasR]

the filter has a sponge pad, a carbon pad, and 2 floss pads. And thanks for all the help

[leebca]

One of the Hawfish that doesn't grow over 2.5" should be fine. Just keep the filters clean (regular, frequent maintenance), and change them out when needed.