Fish suggestions for a Fluval Marine 32.5

[Zymotic]

Hey all, I setup my Fluval tank and all is well. I upgraded to media baskets and put in a Sicce 1.5 water pump. I also added a left over Jebao SL2-20 wavemaker. Anyways, I was wondering if any of you could suggest compatible fish and critters for this tank. I know for certain I'm going to put a pair of clowns and would like to add an anemone at some point if my light can support it. I would also like to get a blue mandarin once I build a copepod population. I was also thinking about getting an orchid dottyback or a longnose hawkfish. Would that be overkill and what if any fish would you change?

I'm open to anything - I just don't want aggression to the point where something will die. I also plan to grow macroalgae in the sides of the tank and may consider upgrading the light in a year.

Tank dimensions: 32.5"×15.35"×15.75"

 

[tbrown]

Dottyback and Hawkfish will compete with the Mandarin/Dragonette for copepods so be prepared to get a Mandarin that's eating prepared foods as a "just in case" or prepare to keep adding copepods every few days.

Another thing to consider is algae crew. Are you going to have snails and/or crabs or are you hoping fish can take care of that?

Hector's Goby or Court Jester Goby could be a good fit in the tank and they're neat fish. Lawnmower Blenny could be another possibility. The couple I've had in the past were pretty easy going but, based on reports of other people, if you get one that becomes a jerk he could torment the Mandarin would be my only concern I'd be watching for.

A bright blue addition that can help with some pests as well would be a Springeri Damselfish or 2. Mine have all been some of the least aggressive fish in my tanks. They don't start fights but they also don't back down from aggressors.

 

[MushroomMan101]

I am a big fan of a Midas Blenny. They have a beautiful golden color and swim similarish to an eel

 

[Reefara]

Hey all, I setup my Fluval tank and all is well. I upgraded to media baskets and put in a Sicce 1.5 water pump. I also added a left over Jebao SL2-20 wavemaker. Anyways, I was wondering if any of you could suggest compatible fish and critters for this tank. I know for certain I'm going to put a pair of clowns and would like to add an anemone at some point if my light can support it. I would also like to get a blue mandarin once I build a copepod population. I was also thinking about getting an orchid dottyback or a longnose hawkfish. Would that be overkill and what if any fish would you change?

I'm open to anything - I just don't want aggression to the point where something will die. I also plan to grow macroalgae in the sides of the tank and may consider upgrading the light in a year.

Tank dimensions: 32.5"×15.35"×15.75"

Nice setup, that scape looks clean and you’ve got a lot of good space to work with.

Your plan overall is solid, just a couple things I’d think about.

Clown pair is perfect for that tank. Just keep in mind if you do want an anemone later, make sure the tank is stable for a while and your light can actually support it, they’re not super forgiving early on.

Mandarin is doable, but definitely something to save for way later like you mentioned. In a tank that size, you’ll really want a strong, established pod population or it can struggle long term.

For the orchid dottyback vs hawkfish, I’d personally lean hawkfish if your goal is lower aggression. Dottybacks can be hit or miss and sometimes way more aggressive than people expect in smaller tanks.

Only thing with hawkfish is they can go after smaller shrimp, so just keep that in mind depending on your cleanup crew plans.

Stocking-wise, I’d keep it on the lighter side since it’s not a huge tank. Something like:
- pair of clowns
- one “personality” fish (hawkfish or similar)
- one smaller peaceful fish (goby/blenny/firefish)

That kind of setup tends to stay a lot more stable long term.

Overall you’re on the right track though, especially thinking about aggression early. That’s what usually gets people later on.

 

[Zymotic]

Dottyback and Hawkfish will compete with the Mandarin/Dragonette for copepods so be prepared to get a Mandarin that's eating prepared foods as a "just in case" or prepare to keep adding copepods every few days.

Another thing to consider is algae crew. Are you going to have snails and/or crabs or are you hoping fish can take care of that?

Hector's Goby or Court Jester Goby could be a good fit in the tank and they're neat fish. Lawnmower Blenny could be another possibility. The couple I've had in the past were pretty easy going but, based on reports of other people, if you get one that becomes a jerk he could torment the Mandarin would be my only concern I'd be watching for.

A bright blue addition that can help with some pests as well would be a Springeri Damselfish or 2. Mine have all been some of the least aggressive fish in my tanks. They don't start fights but they also don't back down from aggressors.

Ok, good to know. I will just forgo the Mandarin if that's the case. I really want one, but I have been reading they really need a biome within the aquarium to thrive.

Yep, I always keep snails. I like the cerith snails and astrea snails. I also usually have blue legged hermit crabs and a serpent starfish. The only thing about the crabs is I always start with a good number, and they end up killing each other until there's just 3-4 left.

I will definitely check those gobies out. Lawnmower blenny was another I was considering, that or a starry blenny. Can the Springeri Damselfish be kept in pairs or is it better to just add one?

Lots of great recommendations. I think I will end up with adding the Lawnmower Blenny or a Starry Blenny.

I am a big fan of a Midas Blenny. They have a beautiful golden color and swim similarish to an eel

Yeah, I really want to get one. The only thing is the clownfish I plan on adding will already have an orange color. I might consider a Tailspot Blenny or something similar.

Nice setup, that scape looks clean and you’ve got a lot of good space to work with.

Your plan overall is solid, just a couple things I’d think about.

Clown pair is perfect for that tank. Just keep in mind if you do want an anemone later, make sure the tank is stable for a while and your light can actually support it, they’re not super forgiving early on.

Mandarin is doable, but definitely something to save for way later like you mentioned. In a tank that size, you’ll really want a strong, established pod population or it can struggle long term.

For the orchid dottyback vs hawkfish, I’d personally lean hawkfish if your goal is lower aggression. Dottybacks can be hit or miss and sometimes way more aggressive than people expect in smaller tanks.

Only thing with hawkfish is they can go after smaller shrimp, so just keep that in mind depending on your cleanup crew plans.

Stocking-wise, I’d keep it on the lighter side since it’s not a huge tank. Something like:
- pair of clowns
- one “personality” fish (hawkfish or similar)
- one smaller peaceful fish (goby/blenny/firefish)

That kind of setup tends to stay a lot more stable long term.

Overall you’re on the right track though, especially thinking about aggression early. That’s what usually gets people later on.

Thank you for the kind words! That was my second attempt at my rockscape. I didn't like it the first time around and redid all my rock work, so the compliment means a lot.

I have an anemone in another tank that I got a little over a month ago and I figured if at some point it splits, I may add it to this other tank. If it doesn't do well long-term then I won't bother.

I really like the Mandarin, but I think I'm going to take it off the list for now based of what I'm reading from everyone and where I am with my tank at the moment.

Yeah, I really like the longnose hawkfish. I have never had one before so I think it would be cool to have one. I do like to keep peppermint shrimp. Would that be a problem if I had 2-3 shrimp in a tank with a hawkfish?

I think my initial stock will be a pair of clownfish, some snails of various types, maybe a strawberry conch since I never had one of those before, and a couple of blue leg crabs. Then later on I will think about getting either a Mandarin or a longnose hawkfish and lawnmower blenny.

 

[Reefara]

Ok, good to know. I will just forgo the Mandarin if that's the case. I really want one, but I have been reading they really need a biome within the aquarium to thrive.

Yep, I always keep snails. I like the cerith snails and astrea snails. I also usually have blue legged hermit crabs and a serpent starfish. The only thing about the crabs is I always start with a good number, and they end up killing each other until there's just 3-4 left.

I will definitely check those gobies out. Lawnmower blenny was another I was considering, that or a starry blenny. Can the Springeri Damselfish be kept in pairs or is it better to just add one?

Lots of great recommendations. I think I will end up with adding the Lawnmower Blenny or a Starry Blenny.


Yeah, I really want to get one. The only thing is the clownfish I plan on adding will already have an orange color. I might consider a Tailspot Blenny or something similar.



Thank you for the kind words! That was my second attempt at my rockscape. I didn't like it the first time around and redid all my rock work, so the compliment means a lot.

I have an anemone in another tank that I got a little over a month ago and I figured if at some point it splits, I may add it to this other tank. If it doesn't do well long-term then I won't bother.

I really like the Mandarin, but I think I'm going to take it off the list for now based of what I'm reading from everyone and where I am with my tank at the moment.

Yeah, I really like the longnose hawkfish. I have never had one before so I think it would be cool to have one. I do like to keep peppermint shrimp. Would that be a problem if I had 2-3 shrimp in a tank with a hawkfish?

I think my initial stock will be a pair of clownfish, some snails of various types, maybe a strawberry conch since I never had one of those before, and a couple of blue leg crabs. Then later on I will think about getting either a Mandarin or a longnose hawkfish and lawnmower blenny.

mandarin does need a mature tank and depending on how it was rised the diet is another complication. but nothing to really stress about.
i want a longnose too but i do have shrimp so sadly i cant, hawkfish will attempt to kill your shrimp especilly after molt.

i have a tiger conch in my 60g it stays small and he is indeed a bulldozer.

i personally dont like hermits they are on everythinggggggggggg my zoas my mushrooms they are a disaster in my exp.
but a pair of clown, a anemone, bicolor blenny or small blenny would be nice. obv you can add alot more to your liking.

 

[tbrown]

Ok, good to know. I will just forgo the Mandarin if that's the case. I really want one, but I have been reading they really need a biome within the aquarium to thrive.

Yep, I always keep snails. I like the cerith snails and astrea snails. I also usually have blue legged hermit crabs and a serpent starfish. The only thing about the crabs is I always start with a good number, and they end up killing each other until there's just 3-4 left.

I will definitely check those gobies out. Lawnmower blenny was another I was considering, that or a starry blenny. Can the Springeri Damselfish be kept in pairs or is it better to just add one?

Lots of great recommendations. I think I will end up with adding the Lawnmower Blenny or a Starry Blenny.


Yeah, I really want to get one. The only thing is the clownfish I plan on adding will already have an orange color. I might consider a Tailspot Blenny or something similar.



Thank you for the kind words! That was my second attempt at my rockscape. I didn't like it the first time around and redid all my rock work, so the compliment means a lot.

I have an anemone in another tank that I got a little over a month ago and I figured if at some point it splits, I may add it to this other tank. If it doesn't do well long-term then I won't bother.

I really like the Mandarin, but I think I'm going to take it off the list for now based of what I'm reading from everyone and where I am with my tank at the moment.

Yeah, I really like the longnose hawkfish. I have never had one before so I think it would be cool to have one. I do like to keep peppermint shrimp. Would that be a problem if I had 2-3 shrimp in a tank with a hawkfish?

I think my initial stock will be a pair of clownfish, some snails of various types, maybe a strawberry conch since I never had one of those before, and a couple of blue leg crabs. Then later on I will think about getting either a Mandarin or a longnose hawkfish and lawnmower blenny.

I had 2 Springeri and they got along. @F i s h y isn't around these parts much these days but if I remember correctly he had either 3 or 5 in his tank that all got along.

 

[tbrown]

I agree that a Mandarin isn't out of the question. They are often available already eating pellets and frozen food and there are ways to encourage them to start if they're not already.

 

[Zymotic]

mandarin does need a mature tank and depending on how it was rised the diet is another complication. but nothing to really stress about.
i want a longnose too but i do have shrimp so sadly i cant, hawkfish will attempt to kill your shrimp especilly after molt.

i have a tiger conch in my 60g it stays small and he is indeed a bulldozer.

i personally dont like hermits they are on everythinggggggggggg my zoas my mushrooms they are a disaster in my exp.
but a pair of clown, a anemone, bicolor blenny or small blenny would be nice. obv you can add alot more to your liking.

Right on! I will just play this one slow and wait for the macro algae to grow in a bit. A pair of clowns for now and a lawnmower or starry blenny, whichever one I can find.

I may have to think more about the longnose hawkish because I like to keep a lot of small critters in the tank like shrimp and crabs. I think that's where the blue mandarin may come in clutch once I have the tank running well and full of life.

I saw the tiger conch, but I wasn't sure if they got really big. I had read the strawberry conchs stay really small so I thought that might be better.

I like the blue leg hermit crabs when they are small. Once they get bigger and change shells they kill each other and annoy corals. I just got in a fight with one yesterday for trying to grab food from my anemone which caused it to ball up. I flicked him off the rock he was on and saw him a few minutes later trying to right his shell up right. That's what he gets for messing with the anemone.

Yep, I might do the bicolor blenny, Springeri damsel or blue damsel. I really want something for that middle collum area since I don't have many on my short list that I'm too thrilled about.

I had 2 Springeri and they got along. @F i s h y isn't around these parts much these days but if I remember correctly he had either 3 or 5 in his tank that all got along.

Good to know. I would probably only keep one unless they do better in groups.

I agree that a Mandarin isn't out of the question. They are often available already eating pellets and frozen food and there are ways to encourage them to start if they're not already.

For sure, I think I will just try to be patient and stock likely at first, then decide if I want to add a blue mandarin or something else.

 

[tbrown]

I've got a little 8 gallon Macro tank with some corals. It's fun! Keeping nutrients from bottoming out is the biggest challenge.

 

[Zymotic]

I've got a little 8 gallon Macro tank with some corals. It's fun! Keeping nutrients from bottoming out is the biggest challenge.

Ha! It took me a minute before I saw your gobby peeking up from the sand. Your tank looks great.

 

[tbrown]

Ha! It took me a minute before I saw your gobby peeking up from the sand. Your tank looks great.

Him and his little buddy!

 

[Zymotic]

I ended up getting a pair of percula clownfish, some snails and a neon goby. At some point I will add a possum wrasse and maybe another neon goby. I was thinking about getting an emerald crab as well to help with the bubble algae.

 

[Zymotic]

Update: I had a bryopsis outbreak and tried to go the natural route removing it by hand. This battle lasted nearly 2-months until I finally had enough of it and tried reef flux. I'm not big on using chemicals but I was desperate and I'm glad I did because after using it at half-dose for 10-12 days all the bryopsis was dead.

More recently I added a bicolor blenny, green mandarin dragonet, a pincushion urchin and a few emerald crabs.

Top is during the bryopsis outbreak, bottom is after.