Peaceful, relatively inactive, top feeder recommendations

[romanr]

I have a group of 6 blue/green chromis which I really like and have done extremely well for me. They stay in a nice tight group, etc. The problem is that I think they are a little too active, particularly at feeding time, for my garden eels liking. They don't pick at the eels but they swim rapidly chasing down food and seem to startle the eels a bit too much. Now I've only had the eels for a couple of weeks so I'm not sure if they will adjust to this over time or not. If I end up removing the chromis, can someone recommend a suitable replacement that would be more inactive/slow-moving? Looking for something that will hang out near the top of the water column.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

A group of chalk bass would be a nice addition.

 

[jarrod13]

I think chalk bass hang out around the rocks, not 100% sure though

Cardinals might work

 

[Angel*Fish]

If I had a nice tight group of chromis that were staying together and not picking each other off, I'd be tempted to get rid of the garden eels :lol: j/k Whether or not they'll adjust to the chromis - if no one expereinced with garden eels sees this thread maybe you could search garden eels on RC and see who has them and try pms. Good luck.

 

[romanr]

I know, I've tried chromis before with no luck. I started with 10 this last time and I'm down to six but this six has been doing well for several months. I think the bigger tank and 4 timed feedings a day is responsible for the new success.

 

[Bret61081]

How about threadfin cardinals? I started with 6 5 years ago and still have 3 left. Looking for more. stay near the top of the tank and dont swim a whole lot. When is just the right light they have the most amazing cobalt blue to them! one of my favorites!

 

[small alien]

Pj cardinals.

 

[Elysia]

Everything I have read about chalk bass says that they swim in the lower half of the tank, which would not please your garden eels. I think that small alien has given you one of the best suggestions. If you didn't mind only having two tankmates, you could get Banggai cardinals. Most people complain that all these cardinals do is hang around the top of the tank. I wouldn't hold my breath that the garden eels will get use to the chromis -- they are often recommended for species specific tanks. I hope that they do well for you -- they are awesome fish.

 

[jarrod13]

Do the eels and chromis eat the same food at the same time?

 

[namxas]

chalkies do indeed hang out in the lower half of the aquarium...I've kept them. They're great little fish tho.