How many fish for a 90g reef?

[dberrong]

I was just curious of how many fish you all thought is maximum for a 90g tank. I currently have a med. yellow tang and a med. blue hippo tang. I also have a small hawk fish, med. foxface, two small damsels, and a clown. Should I only look at getting smaller fish from now on or is my tank large enough to occupy more fish?

[eldiente]

The number of fish can be so different for each person, it sounds like you have a good amount of fish there, at some point you will reach a critical mass point, that all depends on the skimming you do, your sump/refugium capabilities, your water changes, and feeding habits, among other things. At this point whatever you do I would do it in small changes so as to not disrupt the balances you have. good luck

[Reptoreef]

Excellent advice... I totally agree.

[melev]

I think you are close to maxed out, because of the Tangs and Foxface fish. These greatly affect the pollution of the tank, which is why I only have two tangs in my 280g reef. I'd rather have a bunch of tiny fish than a few big ones.

I have 9 chromis and 7 anthias to add a splash of color to the tank, along with a handful of others small fish.

[Reptoreef]

Again, I agree... besides, the anthias are all over the place and have some terrific color.

[dberrong]

That is what I figured. I was thinking about taking my foxface back and trading him in for some smaller fish. I think I would rather have a bunch of little guys darting back and forth out of my rock. I love my two tangs and I don't think I have the heart to lose them.
It was suggested to add things slowly. Since the majority of my 90 lbs. of rock is base rock, I'm looking at buying some high quality Live rock. Is adding 50 lbs. at one time going to be too much?

[melev]

No, as long as it is fully cured, smells and looks clean, and has remained submerged all the way home to your tank. You don't want it cycling in your reef.

That LR will definitely help your system, and even after you add it I still recommend you take things slow. Baserock can take 6 months or longer to become viable live rock, depending on its porosity and what life you've added to the tank to seed it.

[dberrong]

Is there things I can purchase to "seed" it? I thought I had to add Quality LR and that was the only way to get base Rock to "live".

[melev]

Correct. You seed baserock with live rock. I've personally chosen to only purchase live rock. You can shop around, getting it from locals, trade for it, find deals at your LFS, etc.