Can I please get some fish suggestions?

[BigFeesh]

I am starting a 30 gal reef tank and would like suggestions, ideas, and opinions !
I want a reef that is unique and unoriginal. So many people have clownfish and I think i want to steer away from that. Suggestions fish wise would be nice.

My main want is a harlequin basslet.
Possibilties- jawfish, bangaii cardinalfish,dragonet,

I also want a dwarf angel but not sure if they would abuse corals. And Iv heard the harlequin will pick at smaller mushrooms and stuff like that.I dont see that as a problem with the harlequin

Feedback is much appreciated

Jack

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

Tang police here....jk. But seriously, please don't put a tang in there. Some dwarf angels are notorious for nipping at polyps - but it also depends on the fish. When you say dragonet, do you mean a mandarin? If so, I hate to bust that bubble, but the likelihood of successfully keeping one in a 30g is very low. Stick to smaller more docile fish - basslets may work. I'm sure som nano-reefers will chime in here

 

[Joost's reef]

Do you have a buget? Candy basslets are nice... So are dracula gobies. Cave basslets. Flame hawkfish. Helfrichi firefish could work.
What is your experience level? Do you want to keep inverts?
Mandarin could work, if you buy a captive bred one that is already taking prepared food or put in effort training one to eat prepared.

 

[BigFeesh]

Yeah I'm never said anything about a tang ! Haha I want the fish to have the best life possible so nooooo tang. Yes live aquaria refers to the category as dragonets,but yes a mandarin.

 

[BigFeesh]

I'm 17 and know somewhat about what i am doing. My father is very experienced but doesn't have a tank at the moment. I have saved a lot of money to start this hobby and If needed my dad would probably lend me some haha :)

 

[skinz78]

I am trying a Bodianus bimaculatus Two spot Hogfish right now and I think they are really awesome.

 

[CORDINO]

tail spot blennys are nice, I've never had a bad one, good personality and don't get big.

 

[BigFeesh]

The flame hawkfish is going in the tank just forgot to mention but I can't seem to put myself in the positions to buy a + 100$ fish :(. But the hogfish is cool and I love the candy basslet. I'm thinking about two black and white ocellaris (clownfish) maybe haha.

 

[ScottyMcReefer]

dragonet...wait till a year, even then you might want a fuge so you can keep up with the pods. Jawfish...ive gone through 2 of those. They stress and tear your rockwork apart if you dont have it secure. Im not trying to be negative, just personal experience. Look into firefish, they are veryy odd/unique fish that come in many colors. Mine jumped out and killed itself but still, isnt a fish unique if it can find its way out of a 2inchx2inch opening? Hawkfish are a sweet fish, BUT i hear they can get a little aggressive.

if going with jawfish go with a pearl one. Cheap.
look at wrasses dude. there are some sweet ones out there that stay small.

 

[ScottyMcReefer]

and if you want black and white clowns....go to "chicago reptile house". They are only like 45 minutes away from your house and they run for like 30 a pop.

 

[BigFeesh]

Yeah right now with some research I have candy basslet ,royal gramma, firefish
And maybe one more small fish.

 

[ScottyMcReefer]

So youre planning on more fish than coral? IMO I'd go with only like 3 fish or so. I started with a whole tank of fish and i couldnt keep my water quality up to par in such a small tank. (29 BC) I then went with 2 fish and this tank is BUMPIN'!!! All depends too on how much live rock you get. I have 30 pounds(1lb per gallon) and there isnt a lot of swimming room. I went with strictly coral and It gets more attention ; )

 

[BigFeesh]

Yea the small fish would be a cleaner like a blenny or small goby. The biggest fish I have listed gets like 3.5 inches if I remember correctly. I want to make a cave / cove and on the outside wall grow corals. Hard to explain haha

 

[Captain Nemo]

Are you going to do a sand bed?? If so some type of sand sifting goby like a diamond watchman or a yellow-headed would be good. They keep the sand turned over and sift it through their gills. just a thought.....

 

[CHALICEKEEPER]

6 line or a midas blenny

 

[BigFeesh]

Right now here is my list
6 line wrasse
Royal gramma
Firefish
Maybe a candy basslet/ Some other fish.

 

[jsvand5]

Right now here is my list
6 line wrasse
Royal gramma
Firefish
Maybe a candy basslet/ Some other fish.

The sixline is a bad idea way too aggressive.

 

[BigFeesh]

If it's the last fish in the tank will it still be abusive ? What would you add jsvand5 ?

 

[schminksbro]

I would put a screen top on and do some firefish and some tiny little "character" fish such as small gobies or blennies. Firefish are great as groups. They tend to be much more bold and stay out in the open more. Small flasher wrasses are an option as well.

 

[BigFeesh]

Thank you everyone for your input ! Others please reply!