New SPS Tank (Fish Help)

C

CharlieBB

New member
I've just ordered a tank that is getting built now. It's 60 X 60 X 30cm H and it will be SPS only with maybe 1 or 2 zoas.
I'm actually on holiday at the moment in Fiji and have been getting plenty of inspiration, but what I'm undecided on is stocking (fish wise) for the tank. It's obviously not a large tank, but it's got a decent foot print, and my scape will be a shallow lagoon style with as little rock as possible, and some really nice SPS staghorns, Acros and birdsnest to cover and grow over the rocks and create a nice coral scape. The tank will be bare bottom, but that may change later on.
I'm after a few small fish to live in and around the corals, at the moment I'm thinking either Chromis (very small) or some sort of small damselfish. And get about 5 of Which ever one. The only other inhabitants will be a few snails and some hermit crabs. And for a short period of time a tiny yellow tang that is about 4cm, to help with algae control. Thanks very much for your help!
 
no suggestions at this point, but for reference 24inx24inx11in about 30 gallon... I'll only speak for myself, but it was pretty easy for me to miss the cm part...then I had to look up the conversion.
 
Thanks Spies!
I really like Clowns, but what I'm after is a little fish to compliment the forest of Acros, something that will take refuge in them and hide amongst them if they feel threatend. I saw 4 stripe black and white damsels in Fiji, groups about 12 or 14 all hanging over this one really large staghorn colony and it looked so cool, different sizes of them with the biggest being right out in the water, to the smallest right into the jungle of braches of the staghorn. But I'm concerned that in a tank, the damsels will kill each other?
Thanks
 
cardinals are a good "refuge" in the corals type fish...clown goby too (although they may nip a little at sps)....gobies and shrimp pairs at the bottom of the tank could add some life at the bottom of the tank, and fit that same kind of feel....
 
For this tank, I'd probably stick with a couple gobies, and maybe a flasher wrasse. The Azure damsels (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) are very pretty fish, and would give you what you want. Keep in mind, any damsel you get will be territorial.

I'd definitely stay away from the stiped and "domino" damsels. They get big - up to 10cm -, very ugly, and even more territorial.

If you really want a stunner, grab a group of 4 or 5 Apogon species. These fish are pretty, will actually school, and would really round the tank out. These and a Rainsford's goby and maybe a tail-spot blenny, and you are rockin. Check this link for the perfect 5 fish, if your lucky enough to find them where you are :) http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversde...ref=4282&subref=AI&cmpid=E-_-TR-_-DDN-_-PRDCT
 
Yeah I really like Apogon species, and I'll have to check what sort I can get in Australia, the red spots look really good :) I've always liked Leonardo's Formosa Forest and he uses Apogon and they look really awesome!
So maybe I'll go with
5 Apogon (More perhaps if the tank permits)
1 Yellow Tang (Short term)
And I was thinking of adding some tank bred Orchid dottybacks, is It possible that a group of them can live harmoniously, otherwise I'll scratch them off the list or just get a pair.
Thanks :)
 
CharlieBB said:
Yeah I really like Apogon species, and I'll have to check what sort I can get in Australia, the red spots look really good :) I've always liked Leonardo's Formosa Forest and he uses Apogon and they look really awesome!
So maybe I'll go with
5 Apogon (More perhaps if the tank permits)
1 Yellow Tang (Short term)
And I was thinking of adding some tank bred Orchid dottybacks, is It possible that a group of them can live harmoniously, otherwise I'll scratch them off the list or just get a pair.
Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Why the Tang? Even for short term? In an appropriate tank I've heard them growing to full size within 6 months.
 
CharlieBB said:
Yeah I really like Apogon species, and I'll have to check what sort I can get in Australia, the red spots look really good :) I've always liked Leonardo's Formosa Forest and he uses Apogon and they look really awesome!
So maybe I'll go with
5 Apogon (More perhaps if the tank permits)
1 Yellow Tang (Short term)
And I was thinking of adding some tank bred Orchid dottybacks, is It possible that a group of them can live harmoniously, otherwise I'll scratch them off the list or just get a pair.
Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Also with the dottybacks, from what I understand even a pair will only tolerate each other. When they're not mating they won't really be hanging out. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I do like the Apogon.
 
Here are your choices.....smaller clowns such as Percula, Occellaris, or some of the designers. Stay away from clarkii, tomato, or maroons. They will get agressive

Blennies...my two fav are starry or sailfin but only one (Not including scooter blennies)

Cardinals

Gobies (Not to include mandarin gobies)

Less agressive dottybacks

Royal Gramma

Maybe a basslet or assessor

Firefish

Some of the smaller hawkfish would probably do well

Some of the others people have suggested I would avoid:
Dwarf angel - in 30 gallons would have a big tendency to agressive due to limited space
No tangs
No wrasses - not enough swimming space
Anthias - too small of a tank
Damsel - I wouldnt recommend even the most mild mannered damsel for less than 75 gallons
 
I'm aware of the other choices,
I've been keeping marines for close to 5 years, and this is my second SPS tank, I was just after some feedback for a few specific fish.
Also the tang is in there for algae control, sorry if that upsets anyone.
But yes getting back to it; I'm thinking
5 Apogon Species (Names?)
2 Orchids (Perhaps)
1 Yellow Tang for a short time before giving to a friend with a much larger tank and system.
And some snails/a few hermits.
I can't really get goby species that are sand dwelling because it's going to be a bare bottom.
Thanks for all the help :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Oculina Diffusa and Oculina Robusta Frags
Replies
12
Views
534
Coralgardener65
C
K
Help: SPS peeling strangely.
Replies
5
Views
558
griss
griss
griss
New Acquisition
Replies
14
Views
592
griss
griss
Lebowski_
Why do SPS need "aged" tanks?
Replies
5
Views
738
shred5
shred5
S
AI Blade Grow and Glow help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Sermanley
S
Back
Top