Starting a fowlr tank

A

AnSanch357

New member
Hey everyone, this is my first time posting as I am new to the hobby. I've done some research but have yet to go out and buy anything strictly bc I need a few things answered before I get started. I was looking into getting 2 ocellaris clownfish, 1 purple firefish, and 1 forktail blenny. My first, and most obvious, question is are this fish compatable? And then what is the smallest tank size you think I can have those 4 fish in together? Any additional info on beginning a fowlr tank would be greatly appreciated as well. Again this isn't something I'm going to rush into. Just trying to gather as much info as I can first. Thanks!
 
Welcome to the reefkeeping hobby!

Yes, those fish are compatible. I'd be looking at minimum a 29g biocube. A 40B is a nice size as well.

My advice. Don't rush and get the best equipment you can afford. Pay once and do it right. Even if you find good second hand deals. All of my equipment is second hand. Take your time and don't rush into buying stuff.
 
Thank you! I think I am set on a 29 gallon tank. And I am not rushing to get it all together, definitely going to take my time on this. So with a 29 gallon tank and those 4 fish would I be able to add any other fish or am I maxed out with those 4 fish in that size tank? And if I am able to add another fish or 2 what kinds would you recommend to go with those other fish I already said?
 
When it comes to equipment there are gonna be a lot of opinions but I think most of them will involve a sump or refugium. I would say get a stand and setup a sump/refugium underneath and have enough room in it that you can fit your heater and possibly a skimmer and maybe another piece of equipment.
 
Anemones are very hard but my clowns never really bothered, instead they made a home of my frogspawn (Beginner coral) and made it clear that was there home (they would actually peck at my hand when I tried to rearrange things)
 
I understand but I think most people would say in this hobby its ideal to do things right the first time (not saying FOWLR is wrong) but limiting space under your stand to in the future hold a sump might be a future frustration. For me I think I had FOWLR for about 5 months and then once I had all my filtration dialed in I got some of the easy beginner corals like Xenia and Frogspawn, Another example would be buying a light that is low wattage only to upgrade to a better light in a couple months.
 
4 fish in a 29 is fine. Good call on a cheap 29G setup. Many would consider that to be a disposable tank but it's great to start with. You can turn it into a sump when you upgrade because you're going to. Everyone does. And after your first upgrade you tell yourself that your new tank will do you good for the long hall until your corals outgrow that one. At that point you realize that you want new lights and a better sump and more circulation so why not get a new tank. A bigger tank. With a new stand. And then you position it in your house so that there is room to add on if need be. But then you do and you find yourself busting through drywall to find out where the load bearing studs are so you can.........Anyway I do recommend staying away from T8 lighting as this is a common item pushed by larger "Petstores". It is insufficient for your purple algae growth and will cause green hair algae(GHA) to bloom. I started with a FOWLR and didn't have a sump. I upgraded my lights to T5HO 10,000K and 423nm spectrum. It made all the difference. If you're new and there are terms or acronyms that you don't understand google them to learn. SLOW DOWN!
 
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Yeah like I said definitely not in a rush. Doing as much research as I can first. The first thing I'm doing is really trying to figure out how man fish and what types I can have in a 29 gallon setup
 
29 gal owner here. That is a good start. The size rule is only part of it and as you see ... debatable. Fish have their own domain space. A little damsel will want the whole tank to him/herself and chase the rest of the tank mates until they die of stress. It is not only size fish, but also how much space they will need to be comfortable. The clowns are happy staying in whatever they think is a good host. A watchman goby will stay put in a home he digs under the rocks. Pajama cardinals are happy hanging at the top of the tank. A dwarf angel may fit the "inch" rule but it's a swimmer and 29gals will cramp it's style.

So if you do consider adding more that four, spend your time observing the ones you have and researching the habitat and behavior of any fish you may consider.

If you add a cleaner shrimp to your clean up crew, it will need space and parade around the tank like any good display fish.

In time you may want to add corals and you'll have lots of options with a 29 gal tank. These may even over take your fish for your attention and enjoyment. With nano equipment like HOB sumps, nano skimmers and nano pumps etc, don't let these big tank owners fool you. They are far from simply being starter tanks.
 
Thanks appreciate the advice. You think 1 clownfish, 1 purple firefish, 1 forktail blenny, and 1 yellow watchman would be a good combination? Would love to add 1 more fish to that combination. If I did what type would you recommend?
 
AnSanch357 said:
Thanks appreciate the advice. You think 1 clownfish, 1 purple firefish, 1 forktail blenny, and 1 yellow watchman would be a good combination? Would love to add 1 more fish to that combination. If I did what type would you recommend?
Click to expand...

I'll make this post for more experienced reefers to comment and if needed refute me, but I think a pair of ocellaris would be fine - they will pair off and occupy the same tank space and their interactions will capture your attention. 29gal should be fine for a mated pair.

I got mine as juveniles at a pet chain and they paired off right away.
 
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