Beginner fish

[coronarex]

I have only kept a clown pair and know very little about fish. Since I’m setting up a larger tank I’d like to add a few fish to my already established tank. It is a 30 gallon. I had clown pair but one has since jumped. Looking to add more fish. The tank is a mixed reef and is about 2 years old. What fish should I add. Some fish I have in mind are cardinal fish, maybe a group of chromis, a six like wrasse, or any wrasse, a watchmen goby, and maybe a small yellow tang. I am setting up a 100 gallon soon and will transfer some fish over. It will be a barebottom tank FYI. I’m looking to add any peaceful fish, let me know what you all think. Thanks Keith

 

[hotdogmj71]

A possum wrasse would be an option & would likely be less aggressive than a six line

 

[El_Guapo13]

Possum wrasse
Small fairy or flasher wrasse
A cardinal or two
Assesor basslet or other basslet (do not out nore than one basslet in a tank that size. Doesn't matter if they are different species such as a Royal Gramma or Blue Assessor.)
Falco hawkfish
Firefish
Goby and pistol shrimp pair
Tailspot blenny

And get a lid as most of these will try to jump if given the opportunity.

 

[MikeRizz88]

IMO I would skip the group of chromis. Not a huge fan. Some ppl like them tho, no disrespect lol. Diamond gobby, royal gramma. Maybe a dwarf angel. Six-line In the 30. Tang only if moving to bigger display. Good luck

 

[El_Guapo13]

IMO I would skip the group of chromis. Not a huge fan. Some ppl like them tho, no disrespect lol. Diamond gobby, royal gramma. Maybe a dwarf angel. Six-line In the 30. Tang only if moving to bigger display. Good luck

Knew I forgot something in my suggestion. I agree with @MikeRizz88 concerning the chromis. They are known to be rather aggressive towards each other, particularly in nano tanks and in groups of less than 6. I see all the time on the forums about people getting 3 or 4 for their nano, and then they wind up with only the dominant one left as it killed the others.

Also agree about the tang. Unless you plan on moving it to a 100 gallon or larger tank within a few months, don't get one. Even then, I still don't think most would recommend even keeping a baby tang in a 30 gallon short term anyway just because they still need lots of room to swim even when small. Plus you don't want to risk getting on the wrong side of the tang police.

 

[Dragon52]

Make sure any wrasse (sixline will be agressive) you get does not need sand to sleep in at night since your going to move them to a bare bottom tank. I agree on no chromis had 3 all ended up dieing. Cardinals would be ok, I have 2 PJs. originally 3 but one died not to long after adding to tank other 2 going strong 2 yrs now.

 

[Picasso Clown]

I have 3 tanks all barebottom, 20, 25, and 45 gallons. This is my stocking list/recommendations. I would skip the 6 line, too many horror stories. My first dwarf angel is a cherub angel (also called Pygmy angel) and he ran me $16 at the LFS, $10 cheaper than one of my clowns. Watch any zoas, acans, and sps but I have two and they are super well behaved, keep them well fed to discourage this behavior. I have a geometric hawk ($26) and a long nose hawk as well (separate tanks) and they are wonderful, always perching on the rock work and full of personality. I’d definitely add a large shrimp (Fire, peppermint, etc) as I find they are very fun and efficient cuc for a barebottom tank. Never saw another bristleworm after I added a fire shrimp. The shrimp also eats out of my hand and I get little arm cleanings sometimes :). If you decide to get a wrasse, please ensure you have a tight fitting lid with ZERO gaps, a jumping fish (fire fish, wrasses, etc) will get through even the tiniest gaps I promise. There are also a variety of damsels that you could add, just make sure to do some research and make sure they’re not the spawn of satan himself before you buy. (Azure damsels seem to be pretty peaceful) have fun with your stocking and go to your LFS often, you’ll fall in love with something I promise!

 

[old salt reefer]

Smartest thing I've ever done in this hobby is gone barebottom. Will never have gravel again.
How about a Orchid Dottyback?

 

[coronarex]

Thank you all very much for the recommendations. Today is my birthday and I am heading to the store to get fish. I will be going to House of Tropicals in Baltimore/Glen Burnie area of Maryland. Its a drive from the Eastern Shore but totally worth it. I have a few hundred dollars to spend so hopefully we can get something good!! Thanks Keith