Buying new fish

[Michael v]

I’m getting ready to add to my aquarium. I’ve seen ads to buy on line seems like a good way to save money. The fish I’m thinking of is 1 royal Dottyback 1 yellow golly watchman with 1 pistol shrimp and a group of 3 pajama cardinal fish. My DI is 65 gallon with a sump. Is this to many to start with? If not should I quarantine them all together. My quarantine tank is only 10 gallon. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Although the pistol shrimp is basically a non-factor in terms of the bioload, you might get an ammonia spike with all those fish added to what I presume is a ‘newly cycled’ tank. If you have an ammonia badge for your QT (strongly recommend), and are prepared for some possible 2x-weekly water changes, you might venture to QT your 3 Cardinal Fish all at once. Don’t overfeed in a 10 gallon tank, though. The 65 gallon should be able to handle the 3 Cardinals, when the time comes. But wait about 2 weeks after that before adding more fish. That’s my 2-cents, anyhow

 

[Michael v]

Although the pistol shrimp is basically a non-factor in terms of the bioload, you might get an ammonia spike with all those fish added to what I presume is a ‘newly cycled’ tank. If you have an ammonia badge for your QT (strongly recommend), and are prepared for some possible 2x-weekly water changes, you might venture to QT your 3 Cardinal Fish all at once. Don’t overfeed in a 10 gallon tank, though. The 65 gallon should be able to handle the 3 Cardinals, when the time comes. But wait about 2 weeks after that before adding more fish. That’s my 2-cents, anyhow

I think you make a good point. I think I should take it slow until my tank matures. It’s been going great so far don’t want to mess things up being in a hurry. Thanks for your response.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Exactly— good attitude (lol). Another thing about the 3 Cardinals in a 10 gal. QT— as you know they don’t ‘swim’ as much as they hang-out, and are relatively small. I couldn’t recommend just 3 of any-old-fish in a 10 gal. QT. But I know you got the point. Best wishes!

 

[PatW]

Dottybacks can be aggressive. A 65 might be big enough. I have one in a 300 and he is evil but the tangs just blow through him so it keeps him off balance. Something like a royal gamma or a fire fish would be milder tempered.

 

[BeejReef]

Do you not have a fish store within a reasonable drive? I can understand buying them all at once to save on shipping. Cardinal fish are so available though, if there is an lfs, you could easily add them first, get your tank used to supporting a bio-load, and go from there ordering harder to source fish online. FWIW, I've read that it's best to hold off on pistol & goby until the tank has matured some and there's more life in the sand for them to eat... just what I've read.

 

[Michael v]

Do you not have a fish store within a reasonable drive? I can understand buying them all at once to save on shipping. Cardinal fish are so available though, if there is an lfs, you could easily add them first, get your tank used to supporting a bio-load, and go from there ordering harder to source fish online. FWIW, I've read that it's best to hold off on pistol & goby until the tank has matured some and there's more life in the sand for them to eat... just what I've read.

Thanks I wondered about getting a goby at this time. I’ll hold off and take your advice. I have a few fish store near by and will start out slow with fish. Thanks for your response

 

[BeejReef]

Thanks I wondered about getting a goby at this time. I’ll hold off and take your advice. I have a few fish store near by and will start out slow with fish. Thanks for your response

I want a goby and pistol shrimp as well. I'm no expert, but that's what I was told by a few peeps when I inquired. Best of luck w your tank!

 

[Salty Lemon]

FYI: Dottybacks are pure evil. I once had one that would hunt bigger fish down and pick on it until it died.

 

[Michael v]

FYI: Dottybacks are pure evil. I once had one that would hunt bigger fish down and pick on it until it died.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Sailingeric]

I get all my fish from the LFS. Sometimes they are cheaper and some times more than on line but I like picking out the exact fish I want instead of getting what ever they send you.