Stocking options

[wontonflip]

Ok...I'm posting a list of fish I'm interested in (but don't worry!! I'm not putting them ALL in the tank :D -- just listing ones I'm interested in).

I have a 45 high gallon tank (meaning, less surface area), no corals, just lrs, refugium sump, and skimmer. Here's what I'm interested in:

-2 clownfish (mandatory since the whole Nemo thing with the kids)
- Coral beauty (but I heard they can get aggressive)
- 2 spot goby
-6 line wrasse
-blennies (any)

How many can I get away with? I looked all these fish up and they can do well in a 30 or more gallon per liveaquaria.com's fish guide. So if I have the mandatory 2 clownfish, I've got some crabs and snails (gonna get more), can I add anything else?? I don't want to overcrowd, but I'd like another fish or two...at least! Anyone have any other fish suggestions?

 

[dustin_P74]

all liveaquarias recommendations are for long tanks, not high since fish swim horizontally and not vertically. i think you could get away with the 2 clowns and a blenny or a goby, i would do both in the same tank of that size

 

[wontonflip]

Yeah, I figured that, so I was just preparing myself to just have 3 or 4 small fish...incentive to upgrade next year to maybe a 75g :)

But at least if I can get the 2 clowns in, my kids will be happy. I'll just stock up on more crabs and snails or something. I don't have nearly as much as I should anyway!

 

[Altohombre]

The coral beauty may like more area to swim. I know my flame angel swims all over and between every rock. I doubt it will be too aggressive. The clowns, blenny and sixline are all good choices.

 

[wontonflip]

Yeah the coral beauty was just a pretty fish, but in the end, I don't think I would get one anyway.

 

[Piggy]

I agree with doing away with the coral beauty. I would say the two clowns,goby and blennie. The six line wrasse can be a pain if you get a bad one like mine.

 

[Oscarsdad608]

I am with piggy on this one.

 

[yote]

My personal choice,would be the clowns,then several shrimp.Like Fire shrimp,and cleaner shrimp.

 

[Rcpilot]

Agreed on the 6-line. I have one, but he's a prisoner in a 10g tank because he was too aggressive in the 30g tank. Save the 6-line for when you get a 75g tank with larger fish. They will keep the 6-lines aggressive attitude in check.

I'd get the 2 clowns and I'd get a sand sifting goby if you plan to have a sand bottom in the tank. If you go bare bottom, skip the sand sifter. Next choice would be a lawnmower blenny because they eat algae off rocks. You can get red striped gobys if you want a school of fish. They are only about 1" long when full grown. They also school if you get 3 or more. I've considered getting 5 or 6 for my tank.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+1728&pcatid=1728

As you are discovering, you have to be very selective about which fish you choose for a smaller tank.

 

[Oscarsdad608]

I think the red stripe gobies would be good for a taller tank, since they are more of a mid water fish.

 

[wontonflip]

How about a royal gramma basslet? I don't have strong lighting, and I read they prefer low lit tanks anyway, and I've got plenty of caves and hideyholes in my tank.

I do have live sand for my tank, so I think I will go with some type of sand sifter goby.


This is why everyone gets larger tanks LOL Cuz there's just so many you want to pick from!! (next year...next year...)

 

[d.french]

tailspot blennies are cool and very colorful i have one in my 75 gallon

 

[d.french]

two spot gobies are good small sand sifters that won't make a mess like others do with the sand.