Fish suggestions for smallish sps bonsai tank

sonic

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
47
Reaction score
16
Location
Fla
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
have a 50g Elos and going bonsai style. No rocks, just a branching bonsai tree thing from west mariculture, it’s very minimal. Need some suggestions on free swimming fish that don’t need much hiding spots. Thanks.
 

nautical_nathaniel

Indecision may or may not be my problem.
View Badges
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
4,881
Reaction score
12,261
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I really like my Cryptic Wrasse but any possum wrasse would probably be a good fit. A pair of bangaii cardinals would probably look neat in a tank like this as well.
 

MDeVito

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 8, 2016
Messages
235
Reaction score
104
Location
Boston, MA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Maybe a nice wrasse? Yellow coris wrasse? Sixline? They can add nice movement and good personality!
 

JCM

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Jan 28, 2018
Messages
1,342
Reaction score
1,646
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
How much work are you willing to take On?

A group of apogon parvulus would be cool. Or a group of pseudanthias ventralis!
 

drawman

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 27, 2016
Messages
3,550
Reaction score
3,613
Location
Florida
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Never owned one myself but you could get a trio of fang blennies I believe they stay out in the open quite a bit.
 
OP
OP
S

sonic

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
47
Reaction score
16
Location
Fla
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Good suggestions but as of now wrasses are out until I find a good looking cover that doesn’t take a way from the rimless open top look.

Anyone know if the fang blennies are jumpers?

Was thinking on a pair of storm clowns...
 

GoldeneyeRet

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 7, 2016
Messages
3,079
Reaction score
11,181
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
If you don't want a lid then assessors should not be added.
 

drawman

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 27, 2016
Messages
3,550
Reaction score
3,613
Location
Florida
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Good suggestions but as of now wrasses are out until I find a good looking cover that doesn’t take a way from the rimless open top look.

Anyone know if the fang blennies are jumpers?

Was thinking on a pair of storm clowns...
I think they can be sadly.
 

HairyGary

Why do all your fish look like trout?
View Badges
Joined
Jan 24, 2017
Messages
1,759
Reaction score
3,652
Location
Minnesota
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
You can get a lid kit at BRS for 30-40 bucks. Well worth it. get the 1/8" netting though.
 

jacksonpt

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 8, 2018
Messages
15
Reaction score
8
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
More than likely, you'll also want something that doesn't require rock to feed off of (either film aglae or pods), which, IMO, rules out a lot. I'd probably go with cardinals, firefish or damsels.
 

Cnidoblast

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 29, 2017
Messages
532
Reaction score
285
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Starry blenny (if you can feed him well)
Zebra Barred Dartfish
Firefish (need lid)
Clown goby
Or you could fill the system up with clowns?
 

nautical_nathaniel

Indecision may or may not be my problem.
View Badges
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
4,881
Reaction score
12,261
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Vanderbilt Chromis and Red Honey (Crossi Damsel) are something I've always wanted to try, but I've never seen any in any of my LFS's. Probably should add the Crossi damsel last if you want one.

I do not recommend a Fiji Blue-Devil Damselfish, they look amazing but they are named devil for a reason.
 

eatbreakfast

Fish Nerd
View Badges
Joined
Oct 21, 2013
Messages
14,837
Reaction score
16,237
Location
CT
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Vanderbilt Chromis and Red Honey (Crossi Damsel) are something I've always wanted to try, but I've never seen any in any of my LFS's. Probably should add the Crossi damsel last if you want one.

I do not recommend a Fiji Blue-Devil Damselfish, they look amazing but they are named devil for a reason.
Vanderbilt chromis have begun coming in a little more regularly from the Philippines the last couple of weeks, so hopefully you will see them soon at your lfs.
 

HairyGary

Why do all your fish look like trout?
View Badges
Joined
Jan 24, 2017
Messages
1,759
Reaction score
3,652
Location
Minnesota
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Starcki damsels would be cool. Like Fiji blue devil colors but I think more peaceful
 

GoldeneyeRet

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 7, 2016
Messages
3,079
Reaction score
11,181
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have 4 assessors now and have always had at least two.

They are prone to jump, much more so when they are new and/or uncomfortable. They are like firefish in that they will hide, jump or be skittish if they are feeling intimidated.



Once comfortable and settled in, they rarely hide and dont jump nearly as much. They will be active all the time hovering over, under and around rocks and ledges. They don't always swim in the open, but they shouldn't be hiding.

About lids: my opinion is EVERY fish will jump and EVERY tank requires a lid. I feel a responsibility to give my fish the best and safest possible environment and I believe this means a lid to prevent accidents. I would never keep an aquarium without a cover capable of keeping the fish contained.
 

Being sticky and staying connected: Have you used any reef-safe glue?

  • I have used reef safe glue.

    Votes: 48 85.7%
  • I haven’t used reef safe glue, but plan to in the future.

    Votes: 3 5.4%
  • I have no interest in using reef safe glue.

    Votes: 2 3.6%
  • Other.

    Votes: 3 5.4%
Back
Top