29 Gallon Tank to Hold Hawaiian Reef Fishes

[Hawaiian FOWLR]

Aloha,

I am interested in establishing a tank to hold fish from our reef here in Hawaii. I am two weeks into starting my aquarium using a hand-me-down 29 gallon, previously used substrate collected from one of our beaches (I think collecting the sand was illegal, but my friend gave it to me), and a filter that already has plenty of beneficial bacteria. I recently added three pieces of live rock from Moloka'i.

My question starts here: I want to dive and collect my own fish. However, I would like to know which fish I should add, and the order in which I should add them. For example, we have plenty of butterfly fish, yellow tangs, boxfishes, blennies, angelfish, wrasses, eels, and the list goes on and on. I just need help with the order in which I should collect them, which fish I should add, and what, in general, would be a good local collection for a small 29 gallon tank. Obviously I can't hold them all, nor would I just dive for any fish that crosses my net. I need a plan of action.

So, for the next few weeks, while my tank is cycling, I'm doing research. Your input is appreciated! Mahalo nui loa!

 

[mike61289]

That size tank won't fit much. You might be able to fit a smaller goby or two in there, but none of the fish you mentioned above.

I would also double-check the laws for collecting fish. It's very restricted in Hawaii right now and you could face fines.

 

[Hawaiian FOWLR]

I've looked into the laws, and there are certain butterfly fishes that you cannot collect. It also depends on the size of netting you use. However, licensed individuals do it for profit, and individuals may also collect for their personal use.

I would like a small tang in my aquarium, and maybe one angelfish. I have no desire to put a butterflyfish in my small aquarium.

 

[Cliving1]

I would go with a blenny and goby. Perhaps a pygmy angel if any are natural to that area. Tangs will not work due to tank size.

 

[mike61289]

I can't think of any angels from there that are suitable for a tank that size. You might be able to get away with a flame angel for a short time, but it would need to be moved to a bigger tank eventually.

I have to agree about the tangs as well. They need much larger tanks with plenty of oxygen circulating in the tank. 29 gallons is simply too small.

A goby and blenny might be your only bets, as far as Hawaiian fish go anyways.

 

[krs1102]

Here is a list of fishes that are better for smaller tanks. If you look at the description for the fish, it will list a recommended tank size.

https://www.liveaquaria.com/category/2124/nano-fish?c=15+2124&r=

Then you could cross list that with those found in your area.

Good luck!

 

[Hawaiian FOWLR]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! Have a great day!

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Not promoting big fish in small tank.

Not promoting big fish in small tank.

Thanks everyone for your feedback! Have a great day!

Is it the standard 29 gallon tank that’s 30 inches long?
If that’s the case, you should definitely try to collect a true Hawaiian flame angel.
As far as tangs, none of them will be suited long term in a 29 gallon. However, none of us on the mainland have a luxury of collecting a small tang from a tide pool and then releasing it back to the wild after several months. All we do is buy a fish we can’t keep, then either try to sell it or take it to the fish store for store credit.
Where you are, sky is the limit.
Good luck.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Also, Hawaiian 4 line wrasse or even a Hawaiian flame wrasse could be okay.

 

[Jason9488]

Tank is way too small for tangs.

 

[Hawaiian FOWLR]

CoralsAddict,

Yes, the tank is 30" long. When I dive, I also see a lot of Kole. The commercial collectors sell them in the stores around here, and probably on the mainland as well. My guess is that my tank is too small for that as well.

The Hawaiian Dascyllus is also quite common, at least on the windward side. I see babies hiding in the coral frequently.

Mahalo!

 

[Hawaiian FOWLR]

Wow, just looked up the flame wrasse! A beautiful fish that I've never come across!

 

[pfan151]

I’d just get a bigger tank. You’re lucky enough to live in a great place that has amazing fish. A 29 gallon tank is just too limiting. I’d try to find at least a 125g