Number of fish in a 55 gl

[Coralgurl]

How many fish are acceptable in a 55 gl?
I have currently:
2 bangaii cardinals
1 blue green chromis
1 purple dotty back
1 yellow tang
1 flame angel
1 coral beauty
1 starry blenny
2 black clowns on order

The yellow tang I already know is an issue and if I can't find a home for him, Ive made other arrangements. The dotty back is picking at one of the cardinals, vie just learned they are a mean fish, so will have to find a home for it as well. The angels went in at the same time and do not appear to be an issue. Ive got a reef tank with 6 corals at the moment. I was told not to add a bunch of fish at one time but did not know there was a limit to the amount of fish.

Thoughts? Thanks

[Leah]

I would not add more if it were my tank.

[reefwars]

there is no set way to tell it depends on a whole bunch of factors like age,filtration,dimensions,type of fish etc etc etc but im with leah in saying your prob around your markcheers

[mike31154]

Fairly hefty bioload for a 55. I have fewer fish in my 77 and there's still plenty of gunk getting filtered out from their activities. You don't mention whether you have a sump & if so, what size? If it's not too late, I'd consider cancelling the clownfish order, or if you're set on having a pair of them, look to dispose of several of your existing fish. You can probably keep them all, but be prepared to spend a little more on a very good filtration system (skimmer etc.) & for some extra work keeping water parameters healthy.

[Coralgurl]

Thank you for the responses! We do not have a sump set up, I do have a fluval filter system running and a Tunze skimmer 9011. Tank is 6 months old (yes young).

I'm going to get rid of the tang and dottyback for sure and maybe the cardinals. I've been keeping an eye on everyone over the last few days, and other than the issue with the dottyback and cardinal, everyone else seems fine. That said, all the fish are juvies (except the coral beauty - she's bigger or close to the size of my tang) and I expect still have some growing to do.

The 55 is a narrow tank, 48 inches across. Most of my rock is along the back and touching in some areas. No dead spots, I have 3 pumps going (MP 10, MP40 and Koralia eco 750), so have good water flow. Fish all move in around the rocks fine.

Do people on this forum tend to sell/buy/trade fish from home aquariums? Sorry-I could probably go look this up myself...

Water parameters were tested last week and all were within range, will test tonight with the additional fish this weekend. I have a water change scheduled for the weekend. I fuss with the tank almost daily. Extra work - hmm, just the fact that I've neglected the rest of my house duties...lol

[christyf5]

Hey there, sounds like your tank has a pretty good sized community already. Removing the dottyback will definitely be less stressful for everyone (or alternatively you could remove the cardinals).

There is lots of activity in the buy and sell forums so you should find some good deals on what you need and yes people do buy and sell fish from home aquariums. Sometimes I find that is better as the fish are in good condition and are already eating prepared foods.

Keep an eye on your fluval filter, lots of detritus can build up there and cause problems with nitrate levels. Its fairly easy to clean and if there is a sponge in it, give it a rinse with some old tank water during a water change to get the buildup out of it while maintaining the beneficial bacteria