Fish to occupy midwater in a 30gal DT

[Biodork]

I have a 30 gallon DT that is currently home to an orange spotted goby and pistol shrimp. Looking for some additional peaceful fish that would occupy the mid to upper sections of the tank and add some activity.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Dartfish.

 

[bat21]

Possum wrasse

 

[nuxx]

Lyretail Anthias

 

[Biodork]

I really love anthias, but was under the impression they required a larger display than 30gal

 

[nuxx]

I really love anthias, but was under the impression they required a larger display than 30gal

Somewhat smaller species, I think one would do OK in a 30 gallon if bought small.

 

[Biodork]

But at some point WILL outgrow my system?

 

[nuxx]

But at some point WILL outgrow my system?

It's possible. I have a feeling our tangs will outgrow our tank as well.

The Lyretails in our tank have grown pretty slow and still seem very small, especially compared to the Huchtii Anthias in there.

 

[Biodork]

Ok, thanks for the info.

 

[Biodork]

One more question, do anthias do better in a small group or singly, given the small tank size?

 

[nuxx]

One more question, do anthias do better in a small group or singly, given the small tank size?

They do best in a group of 4-5 females (or one male).

Multiples would be too much for a 30 gallon.

 

[bat21]

Lyretails are one of the larger anthias. LiveAquaria recommends 125 gallons for a single specimen.

I do not think any anthias is appropriate for a 30 gallon.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Lyretails are one of the larger anthias. LiveAquaria recommends 125 gallons for a single specimen.

I do not think any anthias is appropriate for a 30 gallon.

I agree. Chalk bass would be great in a 30g tank.

 

[snorvich]

Lyretails are one of the larger anthias. LiveAquaria recommends 125 gallons for a single specimen.

I do not think any anthias is appropriate for a 30 gallon.

I agree. Also, when keeping multiple anthias, the social interaction requirement suggests a larger (longer) tank.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Perhaps a firefish and/or one of the ORA tank raised blennies

 

[nuxx]

Perhaps a firefish and/or one of the ORA tank raised blennies

Oh yeah!

Pair of Helfrichi Firefish!

 

[lespaul339]

McCoskers Flasher Wrasse would be a colorful midwater dweller that is active. Would be more active than a dart fish would be.

 

[oldbones]

I am fairly partial to my Springeri Damsel (Sapphire Damsel). Gorgeous fish, hangs out center tank.

There are two color morphs of this fish, one that's 98% blue, and one with definite black 'stripes'. Mine is the all blue, I think much better looking.

 

[Biodork]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[DopeCantWin]

Oh yeah!

Pair of Helfrichi Firefish!

A pair of firefish will very likely eventually end up as one firefish, even if they are a mated pair. Seems like a very risky move considering how much Helfrichi cost.