Nano fish only 100 gallon fowlr

[E-Park]

Hi I’m pretty new to this hobby and I was just wondering if it were possible to add a bunch of small fish, max 4 in, to a large tank. I liked the idea of having a bunch of smaller fish instead of a few large fish.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

It is possible but a lot depends on the fish's temperaments. Salt water fish are often territorial and each would need an area of the tank to call their own. This doesn't mean that at some point, as the fish get older, that they will not become aggressive towards others in the tank.

Another thing to consider is trying to add them at the same time so they're all on equal footing to start. Those placed in the tank first may not be very welcoming to any that come later.

Perhaps a group of dartfish?
https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/8136/zebra-barred-dartfish

 

[E-Park]

It is possible but a lot depends on the fish's temperaments. Salt water fish are often territorial and each would need an area of the tank to call their own. This doesn't mean that at some point, as the fish get older, that they will not become aggressive towards others in the tank.

Another thing to consider is trying to add them at the same time so they're all on equal footing to start. Those placed in the tank first may not be very welcoming to any that come later.

Perhaps a group of dartfish?
https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/8136/zebra-barred-dartfish

How many fish would you recommend for this tank size and what species? Thanks

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thats a very cool idea IMO.

 

[PopBot16]

Get a very big (i.e. long) frag tank.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

How many fish would you recommend for this tank size and what species? Thanks

Look into "shoaling fish" or "schooling fish". Often, cardinalfish can be kept in groups, as can dartfish (already mentioned. While they might be larger than you want, anthias also seem to gather.

But remember that the purpose of schooling/shoaling is protection and in a tank (rather than the ocean), fish that normally hang out in groups might not feel the need to do so.

What are the dimensions of your tank? If you don't actually need the fish to group up, there are several types of small gobies (Trimma?) that will peacefully coexist...

Please do keep us posted and post some pics of whatever you decide!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Older article but may be helpful

Shoaling Fishes Part III: Gobies and Dartfishes

By Matt Wandell In the last two issues of Reefs Magazine we took a close look at two species of fishes that are ideal for creating shoals, or small groups, i

reefs.com

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

How many fish would you recommend for this tank size and what species? Thanks

A lot depends on the dimensions of your tank too. Fish to consider:
Zebra Bard Dartfish https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/8136/zebra-barred-dartfish
Pajama Cardinals https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/5199/pajama-cardinalfish-group
Pink Streaked Wrasse https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/2908/pink-streaked-wrasse
Neon Blue Goby https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/194/neon-blue-goby
Tail Spot Blenny https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/8143/tail-spot-blenny
Royal Gramma https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/7969/proaquatix-royal-gramma-basslet
Red Stop Light Cardinalfish https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/1870/

Just do your research on the fish you decide on and make sure they're peaceful in temperament.

 

[E-Park]

Look into "shoaling fish" or "schooling fish". Often, cardinalfish can be kept in groups, as can dartfish (already mentioned. While they might be larger than you want, anthias also seem to gather.

But remember that the purpose of schooling/shoaling is protection and in a tank (rather than the ocean), fish that normally hang out in groups might not feel the need to do so.

What are the dimensions of your tank? If you don't actually need the fish to group up, there are several types of small gobies (Trimma?) that will peacefully coexist...

Please do keep us posted and post some pics of whatever you decide!

I was just thinking about building a tank like that and the dimensions would probably be around 48” 18” 24”.

 

[E-Park]

I’m not necessarily looking for schooling fish. It could be cool though. How many 3 in fish could I potentially stock it with?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I’m not necessarily looking for schooling fish. It could be cool though. How many 3 in fish could I potentially stock it with?

It will depend on their personalities (aggression, swimming style, etc). If I were you, I'd research and choose 4-5 of your favorite fish to start (assuming you're doing singles) and add others that seem compatible.
Salt isn't like fresh and there's no "X inches of fish per Y gallons" shortcut. You'll need to research the animals before choosing them and try to ensure you don't overcrowd the tank. No one can tell you how many fish you can put in a 90 gallon (the size tank you mentioned)... in theory, you could stuff it full, but that would be a cruel and unethical thing to do