Tangs in a 30 gal.

[ROYWS3]

I would apperciate some input into this question. I have a 30g, empty in the basement right now and would like to do a tang tank. Here's the tenative plan: Southdown sand as the substrate, two nice "reef-like" rock piles with lots of nooks and crannies and caves - one at each end of the tank, kinda sloping toward the middle, leaving some swimming room. Some tough live plants - Bolbitis, Vals, maybe some Anubias, and or Java Fern. My main question is fish selection - I like the smaller Jullie species, I also like L. Leleupi, and N. Birchardi "Daffodil". Not a big fan of shell Dwellers!!. Could I keep the three previously mentioned species together, and if so, how many of each would be suggested. Any dither fish included??
TIA,
ROY

[Jayhawk]

You could easily keep either small julies or leleupi with shell dwellers or a shell/rock dweller like caudopunctatus (mine never went near shells - were very active patrolling the tank and preferred rocks/caves).

Daffodils would take over the entire tank. Leleupi and julies may work, but I've not kept them together so don't rightly know.

Eric

[ROYWS3]

Eric,
I apperciate the reply. Any ideas on numbers of each species or dither fish to include. I was thinking of adding a small Tangiknyian species of synodontis as well. Thoughts??
TIA,
ROY

[Jayhawk]

Caudos are highly active and patrol without the need for dithers...I'd think 4 would be good, and then maybe 4 julies or leleupis (not both). Synodontis petricola would work as a foursome, too. With all the cichlids, you might need to remove any unpaired ones from the same species if they are getting picked on after a pair forms.

I wouldn't bother adding dithers - my tangs have never needed them to be out and active.

Eric

[ROYWS3]

Eric your feeback is greatly apperciated, It has certianly given me some ideas to work with, Thanks agian,
ROY