Rebuilding FOWLR question(s)

[Vertigo916]

Hello, long time lurker, first time poster…. Been Googling for a few days but couldn’t find any answers to my question. I have an established 17 year old 70 gallon FOWLR tank that used to house triggers, lion fishes, tangs, dwarf angels. No, not all at once, but over the course of those 17 years. 2 weeks ago I decided to trade my Hummu hummu trigger, 2 damsels and maroon clown (all have been in the tank over 5 years) in because my wife decided that she wanted a community tank. Question is , how soon and how many fishes can I add at the same time? I did 2 large water changes in those 2 weeks (50% each). Water parameters are good with the exception of nitrates (80 ppm) I’m assuming due to the carnivorous fishes I just traded in. Any info/suggestions/advice are much appreciated.

 

[Who me?]

So the tank is established but currently fallow?

How long has the tank been fishless? 2 weeks? Is there any other ammonia source currently feeding the bacteria population?

Although you shouldn't lose cycle in 2 weeks, you may want to dose bottled bac (microbacter 7) and ammonia, lightly at least weekly until you get a few fish back in there.

If you can provide a list of the fish you want to add, I'm sure we could give you a better answer to the stocking timing.

 

[Vertigo916]

So the tank is established but currently fallow?

How long has the tank been fishless? 2 weeks? Is there any other ammonia source currently feeding the bacteria population?

Although you shouldn't lose cycle in 2 weeks, you may want to dose bottled bac (microbacter 7) and ammonia, lightly at least weekly until you get a few fish back in there.

If you can provide a list of the fish you want to add, I'm sure we could give you a better answer to the stocking timing.

Thanks for the quick reply. The tank has been fishless for 2 weeks. I have about 80lbs of LR and sand about 2" deep, all have been in the tank for all of the 17 years. No sump but have 2 HOB skimmers, Aquamaxx 1.5 and an Aqua C Remora. I want to get 2 Ocellaris clowns, 1 Royal Gramma, 1 Banggai Cardinal, 1 Diamond Sand Sifting Goby, a Coral Beauty and a Raccoon Butterfly. Is that too many for a 70 gallon fowlr? If not too many, any suggestions on what order should I get them, how soon and how often? Thanks.

 

[Vertigo916]

Thanks for the quick reply. The tank has been fishless for 2 weeks. I have about 80lbs of LR and sand about 2" deep, all have been in the tank for all of the 17 years. No sump but have 2 HOB skimmers, Aquamaxx 1.5 and an Aqua C Remora. I want to get 2 Ocellaris clowns, 1 Royal Gramma, 1 Banggai Cardinal, 1 Diamond Sand Sifting Goby, a Coral Beauty and a Raccoon Butterfly. Is that too many for a 70 gallon fowlr? If not too many, any suggestions on what order should I get them, how soon and how often? Thanks.

 

[Who me?]

Thanks for the quick reply. The tank has been fishless for 2 weeks. I have about 80lbs of LR and sand about 2" deep, all have been in the tank for all of the 17 years. No sump but have 2 HOB skimmers, Aquamaxx 1.5 and an Aqua C Remora. I want to get 2 Ocellaris clowns, 1 Royal Gramma, 1 Banggai Cardinal, 1 Diamond Sand Sifting Goby, a Coral Beauty and a Raccoon Butterfly. Is that too many for a 70 gallon fowlr? If not too many, any suggestions on what order should I get them, how soon and how often? Thanks.

I'd probably add the clowns, Gramma and Cardinal in one go. Followed by the Coral beauty with the butterfly a few weeks later - Then finally the goby about a week later.

A Valentini puffer or flamehawk would be a nice additional with those fish well.

 

[Vertigo916]

So is it safe to assume adding 2 clownfish, a royal gramma and Banggai Cardinal now at the same time ok?

 

[Who me?]

Assuming these are juvenile, not fully grown?
Will be fine.

 

[Vertigo916]

Assuming these are juvenile, not fully grown?
Will be fine.

Awesome. Thank you so much!

 

[Who me?]

Awesome. Thank you so much!

Just keep in mind, the butterfly may eventually outgrow that tank. Those guys get big.