Stocking a 30 gallon

[palmbreeze]

My hubby and I have setup our first SW aquarium. It's a 30 gallon and I'm in charge of picking the fishies. We are definitly getting a pair of clown fish. I don't know what else to get. Ideas? Here is a list of things I've found that I like...

Pygmy Angels
Blackcap Basslet
Orangeback Basslet
Royal Gamma
Fridmani
Purple Pseudochromis

We definitly want a goby......

Purple Firefish Goby
Redspotted Sandperch
Yellow Watchman
Pink & Blue Goby


That's a lot! There are so many to chose from and I'm kind of clueless forgive me. I want something with personality and looks. The tank has about 30 pounds of live rock and a deep sand bed.

 

[Pallen81]

Pygmy Angels
Blackcap Basslet
Orangeback Basslet
Royal Gamma
Fridmani
Purple Pseudochromis

We definitly want a goby......

Purple Firefish Goby
Redspotted Sandperch
Yellow Watchman
Pink & Blue Goby

Hey, awesome. welcome to the saltyside. In a 30 gallon tank I would not go over 4-5 fish. Saltwater is more sensitive to stocking then freshwater. I see you have many freshwater tanks so you seem like you're probably a seasoned FW aquarist. Rock on!

Ok, with 2 clowns you are taking up nearly half your capacity in terms of fish...

1. Pygmy Angels - there are a few to choose from that are really colorful, but with that being said its always a gamble with a dwarf angel in a smaller tank. 30 gallons is the minimum for these guys. When you stock them with numerous other fish in a small tank its hard to know what will happen. I also have a 30 gallon tank and I considered a dwarf angel cause they are just so beautiful, but I decided not to get one (concerned about space, aggression stories from other AC members, and happiness for the fish).

Royal Gramma - This might work nicely. Depends... I've heard and seen some Royal Grammas that as they mature become quite fiesty over their "spot" amongst the rocks. If you got a small baby you might be okay. I would add the Royal Gramma last if you got one so that everyone else in the tank is comfortable and has territories set before the gramma.

Purple Fire fish - I have an Orange Fire fish and I believe their needs are basically the same. My fire fish has found a small cave which he sleeps in and darts to when spooked. This is really important for these guys. Mine is friendly and swims around alot, but they will easily be bullied by other tankmates if they are not docile species. (concerned for the firefish with dwarf angels or grammas).

Have you considered Cardinal (very docile) fish? they are lovely and would get along great with a clowns and firefish... I also think any of the sand digging gobies would get along great. I don't know much about some of the other fishes you listed. someone else will jump on that.

Basically you want to match aggression between fishes. they will naturally make their own heirarchy, but you want everyone to be as level as possible. Do not over stock or everyone will be stressed including you! lol. one more side note: the more fish you want in a small tank, the more live rock would help to filter pollutants out.

Are you going to go Reef eventually? Have you considered a clean up crew (hermits, snails, shrimp)????? THey are real important. I think the clean up crew and critters are more interesting then my fish!!!

Hope this helps.

 

[Dwarf Puffers]

Looks like you could get 2 small clownfish, 1 firefish and 1 goby (or 2 if we're talking clown gobys, golds, or neons)

...I see you have many freshwater tanks so you seem like you're probably a seasoned FW aquarist...

Although, some of their tanks are far too overstocked, like having large corys in a 5g along with a betta and 2 platies, which is OS already, and having a clown loach in a 10g, and, considering they can get over a foot, isnt good either (Note this person said that their corys havent grown since they got them)

 

[Pallen81]

it says clown pleco, not a clown loach. clown plecos get to around 4-5 inches. prolly need an upgrade to larger tank anyway. best to keep that in mind palmbreeze.

thus the warning about overstocking in a salty tank.

 

[palmbreeze]

Hey take it easy! I have no clown loaches I despise the things. I have a clown pleco in my 10g and that' not the subject.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Aries]

Will the Purple Firefish (which is really a dartfish) get along with a real goby? Or are they too similar and will fight?

Aries

 

[Aries]

Although, some of their tanks are far too overstocked, like having large corys in a 5g along with a betta and 2 platies, which is OS already, and having a clown loach in a 10g, and, considering they can get over a foot, isnt good either (Note this person said that their corys havent grown since they got them)

Not to be off topic, but once the 55G is restocked, the cories go in there. Where was the bold part said?

Aries

 

[palmbreeze]

Ok here are my thoughts so far. 2 Clowns, 1 firefish....

I like the scooter blenny....could I also put a goby in there too? Like a Watchman or a Mandarin? Would they like each other? Would it be too much? Or should I pick one or the other (Blenny or Goby)?

 

[Pallen81]

Ok here are my thoughts so far. 2 Clowns, 1 firefish....

I like the scooter blenny....could I also put a goby in there too? Like a Watchman or a Mandarin? Would they like each other? Would it be too much? Or should I pick one or the other (Blenny or Goby)?

I think the Fire fish and 2 Clowns is a great start. A small goby or blenny should work fine IMO. you could get a watchman goby with a pistol shrimp. they form a symbotic relationship. I've never had either, but I've heard others say its a joy to watch them interact together. there are videos on youtube of this. just look up it up.

I wouldn't get the mandarin. They require large tanks because they eat pods (small crustaceans) and small organisms. Your tank should be long established as well, often recommended to be a year. You see these gorgeous mandarins at the store all the time. I'm always amazed how many they have. They are really pretty, but not for the novice aquarist with a small tank IMO. They tend to starve if not properly taken care of. I guess it could be done, but not the best idea.

Picking either a goby or blenny... hmmm well, you have plenty of time to do so. I wouldn't recommend putting alot of fish in at once(unless a pair of clowns in your case). I would do about one fish a month. This is strictly just something I believe, others may disagree. Some say two weeks or whatever. you just need time to make sure your fish doesn't have a disease that could spread (if you aren't using a quarintine tank), is eating and healthy, given time to adjust to tank conditions, and to make sure your tank can handle the bioload. You never want to overstock the tank too quickly or ammonia and nitrite will ruin your good times....

In your case, I would put the Fire fish in first (he's prolly the weakest) let him get comfy and make sure he's eating and doing well. Then buy either the goby or blenny. Then add the 2 clowns together in the end since you want them to be a pair. The clowns will prolly be the most aggressive anyway so last is best.

I'd see how the tank is doing after that point and make a decision if you want another fish and if your tank can handle it.

I've had my tank for 3 months and I still only have 1 Firefish. lol. I haven't gotten around to getting any other fish. I'm so into getting featherdusters, shrimps, and my new sun coral. Eventually, i'm going to add two Banjii Cardinals to my tank. Enough about me....

Hope I'm helping! some of the things I said are just my advice... not rules or anything.... :hi:

 

[palmbreeze]

Thank you SO much! Ok, so can I have the 2 clowns, 1 firefish, 1 scooter blenny and a watchman goby???