clown trigger-keep or go

[fishaddict]

I have a 7 week old tank and from what I can gather I currently have too many fish. I think I was misled by the local fish store. Anyway, my questions are for the future.

I have a fire gobie, mandarin gobie, percula clown, blue tang, and yes, a clown trigger with a coral band shrimp, condy anemone, and green brittle star.

90 gallon tank with live rock. I'm now aware that this is way too much.

My questions are this: I've been told to add a cleaner wrasse, turbo snails, and a lawnmower blenny for algae. Is this correct and how long should I wait to add this? Seem to have some rock with algae growing.

Second, if I keep this a fish only tank, how many for fish can I add and what kind of fish will get along with the clown trigger? I really want a yellow tang. As the clown trigger get bigger will he bother anything I currently have?

[nanoman123]

it doesnt seem to me like u have too many fish. just ad the cleaner wrasse and the blenny and u should be set! :mrgreen:

[steve1s]

My questions are this: I've been told to add a cleaner wrasse, turbo snails, and a lawnmower blenny for algae. Is this correct and how long should I wait to add this? Seem to have some rock with algae growing.
At 7 weeks the tank is still quite young and algaes will come and go from time to time. Adding the lawnmower can help with certain algae issues but IME so will allowing enough time for the tank to mature and using a pure water source. Phosphates and silicates are the largest contributors to nuisance algaes. They can be easily introduced via tap water and certain frozen meaty foods. You would have much more luck with the addition of snails. Cerith, nerite, nassarius and turbo are good choices. (not with a trigger though)

Why the cleaner wrasse? They are 50/50 when it comes to captive survival. Many do not acclimate well to aquarium life and can be very hard to get feeding regularly. I would suggest skipping this fish. If the LFS has recommended it as a parasite prevention, don't believe it. You would have better luck with a sharknose or neon goby. They are considered parasite cleaners as well (none are actually very effective) but much easier to acclimate. Watch for carpet surfing. Any animal purchased for this task is hit and miss at best though and as always properly quarantining fish for 4 weeks prior to the addition to the main tank is the better option.

Second, if I keep this a fish only tank, how many for fish can I add and what kind of fish will get along with the clown trigger? I really want a yellow tang. As the clown trigger get bigger will he bother anything I currently have?
I am quite suprised however that both the brittle star, anemone and the CB shrimp are still alive. Clown triggers are invert munchers. They can/will decimate a reef tank in short order. You need to choose between it and the inverts. My guess is it's still small and not a big concern. In a few short months that will change for the worse.

If an FO tank, the anemone is not a good fit. The other fish are actually fine but I would not consider another large growing fish like a yellow tang even if you remove the trigger. One tang to a 90 gal tank is plenty and the blue tang will get large. The approx guideline for fish stocking is 1" of fish for every 5 gal of tank volume less the tail so you are actually at a very comfortable level and can handle a few small fish additions. Just allow enough time between each addition for the bacteria to catch up and not have water quality issues.

Cheers
Steve