Potential fish options

[ssick92]

Hey everyone,

My 30 Gallon Long tank still isn't even set up at all, so this is probably really early to start looking at fish and corals that I will want, but since I am a complete noobie I figure I might as well expand my knowledge early... I just need help with what fish/corals are compatible with other fish/corals.

Some cool fish I'd like to possibly have: (Obviously not all of them since it is only 30 gallons, I just like the way they look )
-Oscellaris Clownfish
-Banggai Cardinalfish
-Bluehead Fairy or Leopard Wrasse
-Catalina or Neon Goby
-Tuxedo Damselfish
-Fire Shrimp

Some ideas for corals: (Do they go by the scientific name or common name?)
-Zoanthus
-Lemon Tree coral (live aquaria)
-Pineapple Tree coral( " " )
-I really have no idea... maybe one of the beginner coral packs at live aquaria?
Do SPS need anything special? Or are soft corals just easier?

So, if anyone foresees any issues with mix and matching whatever is on this list, please let me know.

 

[nanoreefer1000]

Catalina gobies are cool water fish, those wrasse will not fit in a 30 gallon, the damsel could get aggressive. The goby, clownfish, and cardinalfish would be great imo

 

[skimeister56]

I would rethink the wrasse and the damsels as well.

 

[rssjsb]

Hey everyone,

My 30 Gallon Long tank still isn't even set up at all, so this is probably really early to start looking at fish and corals that I will want, but since I am a complete noobie I figure I might as well expand my knowledge early.

Good for you! It's not too early -- in fact, early planning will save you (and your fish) trouble down the road.

I agree with what others have said. In a smaller tank, you need to carefully plan your stocking options. You could easily do the oscellaris (or a pair of them), the cardinal, and neon goby in this tank. Maybe a tailspot or midas blenny, too. Possum wrasses or assessors are also very nice.

 

[ssick92]

Any particular reason why certain wrasses could work but others will not? From my understanding, they all stay pretty small, so is it just a matter of swimming space? I'm not disagreeing with you guys because you obviously know a lot more than I do, but I'm curious as to what the differences are.

 

[nanoreefer1000]

Any particular reason why certain wrasses could work but others will not? From my understanding, they all stay pretty small, so is it just a matter of swimming space? I'm not disagreeing with you guys because you obviously know a lot more than I do, but I'm curious as to what the differences are.

horizontal swimming space, leopards need a bigger tank generally imo
HTH:crazy1:

 

[rssjsb]

Leopards also need a lot of live rock for foraging pods.

You might be able to do a single flasher wrasse, like a carpenter's or mccosker's.

 

[SDguy]

I'd do percula clowns instead. Slightly smaller, slightless less aggressive, especially while breeding.

 

[ssick92]

I'd do percula clowns instead. Slightly smaller, slightless less aggressive, especially while breeding.

Ya that would be a good idea, since it is a small tank to begin with. I changed some of my thoughts about stocking. Now I'm thinkin of:

-A pair of Percula Clowns
-Tail spot Blenny
-Banggai Cardinalfish
-Some sort of Prawn Goby and Shrimp combo

That would take it to 5 fish. Is that too many for a 30G Long?

Also, on LiveAquaria, it says a Yellowfin Flasher Wrasse as well as a Linespot Flasher Wrasse can be in a 30 gallon. If it isn't recommended though then I wouldn't want to do it, as I want a pretty peaceful tank. Not one where fish are stressing about their environment. However, if it wouldn't be too bad then I might replace one of the clowns with a capable Wrasse. Or just add it to take it to 6 fish, but I feel like that is kind of a lot of fish in a 30g.

 

[SDguy]

Your list sounds great, IMO. I'd stick to a McCoskeri...gorgeous and small.

 

[ssick92]

How much sand do Gobies need in general? I will not have that deep of a sand bed, maybe 1.5in? I'm getting 40 lbs of sand for my 30g long. Will this be sufficient sand to house a Goby?

EDIT: After recalculating, it appears as though I will only need 35lbs of live sand to achieve a 2" sandbed. I will still be using 40 lbs of sand so I guess it will be a little over 2". Should THIS be enough to house a Goby? If someone wants to double check my math, my tank is a 36"L x 12"W.