Need help picking out first fish

candelloro · May 31, 2019

As said in the title, I’m looking for my very first aquarium inhabitant for my 30 G. Can anyone put some insight as to which of these fish would be the hardiest and most forgiving in the event of less than perfect water parameters? Thanks!

Lyretail anthias (single)
Bristletail Filefish
Pajama Cardinal
Azure Damsel
Chalk Basslet
Neon Dottyback

AiKkz · May 31, 2019

Go with damsels, anthias are pretty hard!

Halal Hotdog · May 31, 2019

Cardinals are hardy and not terribly aggressive. Damsels are probably the hardiest in our hobby, but their aggression makes them a poor choice as a first fish.

BadFish619 · May 31, 2019

Damsel would be hardiest but a bully too... if you get him you'll have to watch out for more docile fish

candelloro · May 31, 2019

AiKkz said:
Go with damsels, anthias are pretty hard!

I was thinking the same thing, the reason why I wanted a single lyretail was because my friend owns one in a 2.5 gallon tank (I know she’s crazy right?) and has had her for 2 years now

candelloro · May 31, 2019

Halal Hotdog said:
Cardinals are hardy and not terribly aggressive. Damsels are probably the hardiest in our hobby, but their aggression makes them a poor choice as a first fish.

Would a pajama cardinal be forgiving of less than perfect parameters in the event that it does happen at some point?

sstanley223 · Jun 1, 2019

I have pj cardinals with a chalk bass in one of my tanks. I have really taken a liking to the pj's. The got big pretty fast too. I love the way they can seem to hang motionless at times

bwomac44 · Jun 1, 2019

Chalk bass are dope! Royal gramma could be a good candidate too. Love her

candelloro · Jun 1, 2019

sstanley223 said:
I have pj cardinals with a chalk bass in one of my tanks. I have really taken a liking to the pj's. The got big pretty fast too. I love the way they can seem to hang motionless at times

Would a PJ cardinal be ok in moderate to high flow?