29 gallon stocking

[llovasco]

Hi!

Just finished cycling my 29 gallon and ready to start slowly stocking. I am super confused as to the best order to put fish in. I know we would like some clowns and also I really like the yellow watchman/pistol shrimp combo. We are undecided on what we would additionally like in their besides the cuc of course. I also have liked the diamond gobies. My kids like the brighter fish when we go and window shop at the lfs.

I have heard that clowns are good starting fish since they are hardy and I am still learning but I have also heard they can be territorial when adding new fish. My lfs has a single mismarked lightening maroon clown that we really like but they have advised not to get him in as a first fish due to them being aggressive. I don’t want to get a fish and then have troubles in the future when we add another, although I know that is always somewhat of a risk with any additions.

I guess I am looking for some guidance on both stocking ideas for a fun to watch tank as well as order of adding them. I hope to eventually make it a mixed reef so anything added should be reef safe.

 

[Jekyl]

Don't know if I would put a maroon in a tank that size if you want other fish. I've heard they can be the meanest of the group. My first added were 2 black and white and besides biting me they never bother the other fish.

 

[llovasco]

Don't know if I would put a maroon in a tank that size if you want other fish. I've heard they can be the meanest of the group. My first added were 2 black and white and besides biting me they never bother the other fish.

That is pretty much what they told me too so we have steered clear of him but he is so cute ‍

 

[Jekyl]

They're all cute until it comes time to clean the tank. Mine used to attack me like piranha when first introduced. Ever seen a grown man jump from a 1 inch fish?

 

[MohrReefs]

Get a Royal Gramma, peaceful and pretty. Couldn't go wrong with a blenny too.

 

[Jekyl]

Pistol shrimp are nice but can make a mess. Be prepared to have a filter sock or floss for them. Pretty sure mine murdered a few emerald crabs also. Lawnmower blenny is a nice addition. Named mine Don Corleone because of his jowls.

 

[llovasco]

Pistol shrimp are nice but can make a mess. Be prepared to have a filter sock or floss for them. Pretty sure mine murdered a few emerald crabs also. Lawnmower blenny is a nice addition. Named mine Don Corleone because of his jowls.

I am running sumpless so no filter sock. I knew they were busy but didn’t know there would be a big mess. I do like the lawnmower blennies. Are they table to go in with a goby as well?

 

[MohrReefs]

I am running sumpless so no filter sock. I knew they were busy but didn’t know there would be a big mess. I do like the lawnmower blennies. Are they table to go in with a goby as well?

My starry blenny and diamond goby do not get a long. But I suspect my starry blenny thinks my white goby is an aggressive starry blenny(they turn white when mad)

 

[Jekyl]

I am running sumpless so no filter sock. I knew they were busy but didn’t know there would be a big mess. I do like the lawnmower blennies. Are they table to go in with a goby as well?

I have a lawnmower and a watchman. They don't bother each other. The watchman and my tang hate each other though. If not running a sump I recommend a simple hang on back filter. Nice to have for floss, carbon or chempure should the occasion arise. I run mine also to clean my water surface.

 

[NJBillyV]

First off, add nothing before proper quarantine. Fish go in a QT w/ copper, but inverts can't and have to be QT'd 76 days, so that's two QT tanks to start with.

When planning a fish list I think algae control should be considered. Because of your tank size you are limited because you can't have tangs.

I'd consider a Lawn Mower Blenny first, he's peaceful and eats algae.

YWG next because they're shy. But Pistol Shrimp will still be in 76 day quarantine. A Tail Spot Blenny is also a good one because they're peaceful and eat algae.

DON'T get a Firefish, they hide and you never see them.

Royal Gramma is a beautiful, peaceful fish so if you don't care that everyone else has one that's a good third add.

Pair of Clowns can go next.

Every tank needs a alpha so I'd recommend a Black Capped Basslet. Great fish, always moving.

Now your out of room except for your CUC.

You could also look into Pipefish, they are require a lot of attention (read up on them and you'll see) but they are the coolest fish in my smaller tanks, visitors sit and watch them for hours.

 

[llovasco]

First off, add nothing before proper quarantine. Fish go in a QT w/ copper, but inverts can't and have to be QT'd 76 days, so that's two QT tanks to start with.

When planning a fish list I think algae control should be considered. Because of your tank size you are limited because you can't have tangs.

I'd consider a Lawn Mower Blenny first, he's peaceful and eats algae.

YWG next because they're shy. But Pistol Shrimp will still be in 76 day quarantine. A Tail Spot Blenny is also a good one because they're peaceful and eat algae.

DON'T get a Firefish, they hide and you never see them.

Royal Gramma is a beautiful, peaceful fish so if you don't care that everyone else has one that's a good third add.

Pair of Clowns can go next.

Every tank needs a alpha so I'd recommend a Black Capped Basslet. Great fish, always moving.

Now your out of room except for your CUC.

You could also look into Pipefish, they are require a lot of attention (read up on them and you'll see) but they are the coolest fish in my smaller tanks, visitors sit and watch them for hours.

Great information. Thank you for being so detailed. It is extremely helpful for me as I learn.