Bioload

[219mem]

I have a 120x55x60cm tank plus 80x30x30sump. 40kgs of fidji live rock. 1 Multiflotor SL aquamedic skimmer.
How can I calculate the bioload?

I already have:
2 clowns
1 salarias fasciatus
2 Rhynchocinetes durbanensis
1 Stenopus hispidus

I would like to add:
1 centropyge bicolor
1 Zebrasoma flavescens
1 Chelmon Rostratus ( a friend of mine has a formula for sucess with this one)
1 Acanthurus Leucosternon

Do you think this is too much or can I had a few more?
I don't plan to have many corals. One or two soft ones.

 

[ChrisRD]

There's no real formula, but what you're proposing sounds fine IMO as far as bioload in that size tank.

I think your problems will be more to do with aggression. Those two tangs (Powder Blue and a Yellow) together in a 4' tank may not work out. Also, having a Coral Banded Shrimp with other shrimp may end in a meal for the CBS... :wink:

I'll move this out to the GRD (with a copy in the NRF too) so you can get some feedback from the more experienced reefers.

HTH

 

[219mem]

Well... damn it. I really wanted those two tangs. I was affraid you would say that. Guess my best bet will be the Zebrasoma... Easyer to keep, isn't it?

 

[Len]

Yep, go with the Zebrasoma. I'd advise against two tangs in that tank too.

 

[Anonymous]

Also, having a Coral Banded Shrimp with other shrimp may end in a meal for the CBS

Hmm..I never thought they would prey on other shrimp..I know they arent fond of their own unless they're a mated pair...Ive had one in my tank for about a year along with a pep and a cleaner and a pistol..He pays no attention to any of them...Actually my CBS is more aggressive towards the clowns then to the other shrimp...

 

[219mem]

Really? Mine is very shy. Keeps to himself in its cave, along with the other two shrimps. Doesn't bother the clowns.

 

[Bojangles]

I remember reading a thread that people were having problems with CBS preying on smaller fish, damsels, dartfish ect.

 

[ChrisRD]

Sorry 219, I mixed-up what you already had vs. what you were going to put in. Of course if you've already got the CBS in there and he's not bothering anything I wouldn't worry...

Some people have reported problems with them bothering small fish and other crustaceans (including other shrimp) but like any animal, behavior varies with the individual (and sometimes with age & size). In general though, any crustacean with claws has the potential to be a predator... :wink: