I guess I could give some updates for those who don't want to read the entire thread. The tank was set up in March 2009, using about 80% dry rock from Marco Rocks & 20% live rock. The only filtration is a protein skimmer and UV sterilizer. This is a fish only system, but calcium and an alkalinity buffer are added regularly, which is why you see such intense coraline algae growth.
I have lost 2 fish during the process. The first was a Yellow Tail Damsel, which disappeared one day. The other was the Red Squirrelfish, which was a poor purchase on my part. The fish never really stood a chance against the aggressive feeding behaviors of these other fish. It died after having its eye bitten off during a feeding frenzy similar to that you witness in the above video.
I also fought some kind of fungal infection on the body of the Majestic Angelfish, which I believe was a result of bickering with the Clown Tang. I gave consideration to removing the Clown Tang, but it became unnecessary as the other fish grew into similar size. I never medicated and the Majestic fought the infection off on its own. This was probably 6 months or so ago.
The current stocking list is:
Clown Tang, Tomini Tang, Blond Naso Tang, Yellow Tang, Sailfin Tang, Scopas Tang, Foxface, Majestic Angelfish, Cuban Hogfish, Porcupine Puffer, Niger Trigger, Yellow Tail Damsel, Kleins Butterfly, & Clarkii Clownfish.
The Tangs have mixed well together with very little problems. You will notice that I have multiple Zebrasoma species, but only 1 each of the other genus's.
The growth rate of the fish has been amazing. The Kleins Butterfly was purchased at nearly the size of the Damselfish, and today it is a full grown adult size 4''. The Niger Trigger was similar in size when purchased, and today is nearly the biggest fish in the tank. It shows no aggression towards other fish, but the other fish give it space and never show any aggression towards it. The Clown Tang is still the dominant fish, and continues to grow and display amazing color. I am thrilled to have had such success with an extremely difficult species.
My favorite fish have to be the Sailfin Tang and Majestic Angelfish. The Sailfin is a Z. veliferum, and displays amazing dark stripes when extending its sails. It is stunning when the sails are fully extended and always catches the attention of guests. The Majestic Angel (aka Blue Girdled Angel) has always been one of my favorite fish, if only for its amazing colors. It is shy for an Angelfish, often hiding behind a rock at feeding time until I walk away, but then taking control of the feeding area at its will.
The favorite fish of house guests is, no surprise, the Porcupine Puffer. I bought this fish only for this purpose, because everyone kept asking if I had one! It was tiny when I bought it, half the size of my thumb. I had to hand feed it chunks of Plankton and Brine Shrimp cubes because it could not compete with the other fish in the tank. It also fought a long battle with ich, which I never treated, only fed garlic. The ich never showed on any other fish and today it has been several months since i've seen any ich on the Puffer. It is well past the critical stage and is now growing like a weed. I no longer have to hand feed it because it goes where it wants when it wants and the other fish allow it to take first stabs at feeding time.
I hope some of you enjoy the updates. I'll post another update before Christmas 2011.