New Nano? Want to know what fish are suitable for your tank??

[Matt]

I think a large problem many people have when buying their nano is they don't know what to stock it with. Now that relatively "cheap" nano tanks are available, many more people are getting into this great hobby and I found it was quite hard knowing what is good and what is not suitable for smaller sized tanks.

I found an extensive forum post on Reefs.org that includes pictures and information of different species of fish. I think it will be really helpful for new reefers to learn and help them build a successful nano tank!

Here's the first list:
Angels, Anthias, Basslets, Bass, Clownfish, Dottybacks, Wrasses, Hawkfish, Blennies, Cardinals, Damsels

Second list of fish:
Dartfishes, Jawfishes, Gobies, Pipefish, Moray Eels, Frogfishes, Scorpionfishes, Clingfishes, and fish unsuitable for nanos

It's a really informative read and I think if most new reefers could see things like this then they would be more successful with their livestock!

Just a small extract from the article:

"The adult size of any nano candidate should be carefully considered. Although thumbnail sized juveniles of large fish like these Paracanthurus hepatus will fit in a nano, they will quickly outgrow it. Juveniles this small ship and adapt poorly to captivity as well." - Matt (site admin on Reefs.org)

 

[Alan]

Nice one Matt, very important for Nano's. If i ever set up a nano i would want 2 clown fish, a spectacular nenny and plenty goggas-shrimps, arrow crabs etc.

 

[Mike]

good find Matt, very important point well made, another point is that research before buying is also important - find out how big your pretty little fishy will end up!!

 

[Ferdie Vorster]

Most fish take a while to get to adult size - so I think its fine to have them as juveniles and just take them back to your LFS when they get to big

 

[Mike]

Most fish take a while to get to adult size - so I think its fine to have them as juveniles and just take them back to your LFS when they get to big

I have to disagree, you should consider the fishs' health and welfare from day one, moving it around is stressful. If the fish is too big for your tank at adult size - don't get it.

 

[jacquesb]

Brilliant info Matt - Many thanks for reseaching this further. You have learnt a HUGE LOT since you started. I am quite sure that you can now also start warning some newbies (RAW newbies) about the dangers of keeping marines in a nano!

Well done.

 

[Matt]

Ferdie Forster - I have to agree with wee-man, for the same reasons. Another point of importance is that many LFS's will not accept fish purely because they don't want the added risk of disease in their tanks.

 

[Mekaeel]

Great article,thanks Matt.will really help newbies

 

[Warr7207]

Matt, the Nano Jedi :ninja:

 

[Mike]

Matt, the Nano Jedi :ninja:

Hey Matt, Warr is calling you a midget i think

 

[Matt]

Haha :razz:

You want some of this
:shuriken:

 

[Mike]

Haha :razz:

You want some of this
:shuriken:

Yeah de yeah, you and who's army?

 

[Matt]

I'll borrow Warr's man cannons haha

 

[Mike]

I'll borrow Warr's man cannons haha

I wouldn't let the Kanganator hear you call them that

 

[Matt]

bump

 

[Warr7207]

Bump what ?

 

[viper357]

Good info, thanks Matt, just what I need for my upcoming nano.