Does picking fish by tank region help with temperment?

[Therinx]

Im getting a RedSea E-170 (56 gallons) and am currently considering what i'll add fish wise to it.

I've been going back and forth (and forth and back) about a dozen times regarding what i'll stock it with, both fish and coral. I really only want 3-4 fish in total.

I want to know what is going in before starting, and i *think* i have the patience and fortitude to stick with it and not buy compulsively.

I want the tank to succeed as an ecosystem.

Having said that, the question i just thought of was:

Would it help the inhabitants get along if i bought one bottom dwelling fish, one that sticks to the center of the tank most of the time, and one that likes the surface mostly?

Not married to this list, but as an example:

One kind of goby or dartfish (tailspot.... or zebra barred?)
A Carpenters or McCoskin wrasse
A bluereef Chromis or two

Plus a CUC and whatever comes in a TBS live rock package.

Am i missing something in my reasoning?

Thanks

 

[nereefpat]

That list is short and peaceful. I don't think you will have any problems.

It's possible that only one chromis will work in that tank size, although you could get lucky. Others have reported success with multiples.

 

[Sk8r]

I'd recommend 1 chromis in a 50. They're active. ALL dartfish jump like bandits: be sure you're screened. Gobies and blennies get along with each other, no matter where from. Lawnmower can be a bit aggro, but the starry is a gentleman, and will get along with a tailspot, another blenny.

 

[Therinx]

Oh I'm definitely using a cover. Cats, dogs and birds here.

 

[on the spot]

...Cats, dogs and birds here...

That should work itself out nicely.

That's a nice fish list.

I might be prone towards cardinals vs. the chromis.

 

[Easy E]

I think your reasoning is sound. Most people want too many fish or fish that will get too big for their tanks. I was one of those and it cost me dearly. I wish I had adopted your philosophy from the start. Continue to think things out, resist the temptation to act compulsively, and you should be fine. Good luck!

 

[Therinx]

Thanks all. So 1 Chromis is fine, therefore Chromis, Dartfish, Wrasse. Maybe i'll put a small goby in like a Neon. I do like the Green Clown Goby too. No more than that, to avoid a high bioload.

Thanks again.

 

[Jekerry]

I love my shrimp goby and his pistol shrimp. They have a lot of personality. Highly recommend! I also ready enjoy my cardinals. Take a look at them. I have two PJs and one bangggai in the same size tank and it is all peaceful.