Hey guys. I'm putting together a 29 gallon reef tank. I have a RemoraC Nano HOB skimmer, one naon Koralia 400gph (plan on getting a second at some point), and a MH 150w fixture with two 65w PCs. I'm doing 30lbs of sand with 30lbs of rock. I'd like to do four-five fish, with a few corals. The only fish I really have decided I want is a mandarin, I know they're hard to care for but I have an LFS who says he can get the ORA tank-raised that eat frozen foods reliably. Besides that, I was thinking some kind of wrasse, and either a small angel (if I can find one that's reef safe), another colorful wide bodied fish (suggestions?), and either a goby or rarer clown, like a picasso, not sure yet. What do you guys think?
Stocking a 29g Reef
- Thread starter TMF89
- Start date
MikeandNicole
New member
If you can get the ORA mandarin, then you should not have a problem. I would not get a wild caught one in a tank that new.
Wrasses are tough as they get a bit bigger, look for a possum wrasse. They stay small are reef safe and not aggressive. There are several up on divers den right now to show you the different color patterns they have.
I have a flamback in our 30g cube right now and he leaves LPS alone but likes the SPS and gorgonian polyps. A pygmy angel might also be an option.
Any goby in a 30g will probably be fine, look for a pair or one with a pistol shrimp for a cool combo.
If you are going to get a clown, get a pair IMO.
Look at the ORA gold assesor basslets, tank raised bangaii cardinals, or some firefish (if it is covered). You can also look at maybe a pearly headed jawfish (again if covered).
Wrasses are tough as they get a bit bigger, look for a possum wrasse. They stay small are reef safe and not aggressive. There are several up on divers den right now to show you the different color patterns they have.
I have a flamback in our 30g cube right now and he leaves LPS alone but likes the SPS and gorgonian polyps. A pygmy angel might also be an option.
Any goby in a 30g will probably be fine, look for a pair or one with a pistol shrimp for a cool combo.
If you are going to get a clown, get a pair IMO.
Look at the ORA gold assesor basslets, tank raised bangaii cardinals, or some firefish (if it is covered). You can also look at maybe a pearly headed jawfish (again if covered).
Angel*Fish
cats and large squashes
Centropyges, dwarf angels, need a minimum of 55g and some of them need more. It's better to wait until your tank is 6 mo old if possible or at least have a LOT of rockwork stacked and arranged properly for angels.
If you're getting a wrasse make sure it's a pelagic feeder that wouldn't compete with the mandarin for food.
Mandarins are slow, not to be rushed, methodical feeders. Even if your fish will take frozen foods, it's a large commitment to make sure he gets enough to eat before the other fish snap the food up. I would read up on the experiences of others who've done this in the same size tank and techniques like using a feeding jar etc. to be sure you completely understand the time and effort involved.
If you're getting a wrasse make sure it's a pelagic feeder that wouldn't compete with the mandarin for food.
Mandarins are slow, not to be rushed, methodical feeders. Even if your fish will take frozen foods, it's a large commitment to make sure he gets enough to eat before the other fish snap the food up. I would read up on the experiences of others who've done this in the same size tank and techniques like using a feeding jar etc. to be sure you completely understand the time and effort involved.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
I wouldn't say that, numerous people (( will see if I can find the thread )), had issues with even them not eating prepared foods and starving to death.
You are new, takes Todd's advice and do NOT start with a Mandarin, especially an ORA mandarin that is dependent on target feeding. A 29 gallon tank which is a reef tank should not have an angelfish.
Alright guys well I've done some thinking and decided to hold off on the reef aspect of this venture for now. I could use the $ from not buying a fixture, and I really like the look of the Flame Angelfish. Could I do one of those, some sort of colorful goby, a wrasse, and a fourth, maybe a bangai cardinal? I really would like a mandarin, and know the risks. I'm also starting up a 20L however, maybe it would be easier to put the mandarin in that smaller, easier to manage tank? And I think I'd rather have the clown in there as well, so that opens up another spot in my 29 gallon. So, a Flame angel, colorful wrasse, goby, and bangai cardinal? What do you guys think?
small alien
The fungus is among us.
I think you should sell your gear and start over with a 40, 50 or 55 FOWLR. Do it now before you get further in and end up with multiple small tanks. You'll have so many more options and be so much happier in the long run. And it won't cost you much more in the long run either. Good luck.
Angel*Fish
cats and large squashes
I'm sorry but I think 30g is too small for a flame. I make no distinction about whether it's a reef, my concern is for the fish, not the corals. If you are dead set on an angel for that size tank, I'd go with a tiny one like an argi.
Like Alien said it sounds to me like you'd be much happier with a 55g, if it's not too late. If you get one, you'll thank yourself for having it drilled with an overflow installed, even if you don't plan on having a sump at this time.
Like Alien said it sounds to me like you'd be much happier with a 55g, if it's not too late. If you get one, you'll thank yourself for having it drilled with an overflow installed, even if you don't plan on having a sump at this time.
Honestly at this point I'm tired of planning, I think I've revised my plans for a SW tank about half a dozen times in as many months. I feel like if I don't get something started, I'll never get around to doing it, lol. I understand what you guys are saying, and believe me I agree, but at this point I think two smaller tanks are my best option. And loud and clear on the Flame angel. So maybe a wrasse, goby, a bangai cardinal, and a pair of picasso clowns? I like the look of them.
Last edited:
Figured I'd drag this thread up from the dead, I posted in the stocking list thread in the New To The Hobby but it got overlooked, I figure I can get better attention and more detailed answers here anyway! lol
Setting up a 29g reef that's fish-centered however. So far I have:
Yellowfin Flasher Wrasse
Bangai Cardinal
Black Cap Basslet
Osc. Clown
Would those four plus some kind of Goby work? Thanks.
Setting up a 29g reef that's fish-centered however. So far I have:
Yellowfin Flasher Wrasse
Bangai Cardinal
Black Cap Basslet
Osc. Clown
Would those four plus some kind of Goby work? Thanks.
small alien
The fungus is among us.
I think you're basically fine though the flasher might like a little more swimming room. Maybe one of the wrasse experts will weigh in on that.
Good luck.
Good luck.
I was eyeing that. I really like the looks of him though, I might switch out to a smaller wrasse. For some reason six-lines don't appeal to me, and the tiny ones like pink striped and possums don't have enough color. Another question for you guys, I have the Koralia 1 which is rated to 400gph, and the maxijet 900 on the Remora, so my total movement is 1300gph. My question is for corals that require a lot of current, will the skimmer's gph count, or are they just talking powerheads when they talk about current in a tank? Thanks.
palmer373
New member
you know that the maxijet 900 (PH right? only familiar with 400s and 1200s) doesnt put out 900gph, i think around 180gph, maybe 200gph.
pumps/powerheads that are used for something other than flow in tank dont count towards flow in tank. i would suggest geeting another K1 or K nano for a PH option.
in no expert on fish, just a 'noob'.
pumps/powerheads that are used for something other than flow in tank dont count towards flow in tank. i would suggest geeting another K1 or K nano for a PH option.
in no expert on fish, just a 'noob'.
Well that is not really true.
It is marginal for a flasher wrasse. But I agree with your earlier suggestion to get a slightly larger tank.
Hm alright. If I buy a smaller one and upgrade in a year or two or three (not sure how long it takes for them to reach maturity), would that be alright? And if the other fish are larger than the flasher wrasse (If I can't buy the other fish smaller as well), will they hararss it at all?
Also, if I were to round it out with some kind of blenny, and replace the clown with a Yellow Candy Hogfish, would that be doable? So five fish total.
Also, if I were to round it out with some kind of blenny, and replace the clown with a Yellow Candy Hogfish, would that be doable? So five fish total.
Last edited:
velvetelvis
Active member
I wouldn't bet on upgrading your tank. Not that I doubt your intentions, but a lot can happen in a year that can prevent you from upgrading your tank. The best bet is always to buy only fish that will be able to spend their entire lifespan in the tank you have right now. You can always buy the "upgrade" fish if and when you do get a bigger tank.
Similar threads
