Any suggestions for 70g shoaling fish?

[reefstarter]

I have a 70g tank (36x18x24deep) (1 month old) and think it would be cool to have a group of 3 or 4 shoaling fish. I have a clown, 2 mollies (moving them back to my brackish tank soon), and am planning to get a flame angel. I was thinking some bangai cardinals would be good, but I heard they pair off and fight once they get bigger? I also heard some good things about shoaling bartletts, too, but do I have enough water for 3 of those?

And finally, I thought chromis might be a good idea, but have heard that they also fight a lot and end up dying.

Any hardy, not too expensive, good shoaling fish out there for a 70g tank?

Thanks for the advice, guys!

 

[ReeferBob]

Are you saying, "Schooling" fish?

 

[coralfragscanada]

Chomis make for wonderful schools. You will hear mixed experiences but I'm afraid that is IMO the norm for all schooling fish in aquariums.

 

[swannyson7]

Chromis will shoal, are quite active, and won't break the bank. With a 70g, you're restricted from anthias, but you may want to look into cardinalfish for a little more "flash." They aren't as active, but come in a variety of colors and are known to shoal in home aquaria. As a bonus, some species readily breed in captivity, so your collection can grow over time! :xd:

 

[FaviaFreak]

apogon leptacanthus (very hardy btw)

 

[jedimasterben]

Chomis make for wonderful schools. You will hear mixed experiences but I'm afraid that is IMO the norm for all schooling fish in aquariums.

Chromis only shoal when they are young - as they age, they pair up and nest and need their territory - that is why you see people saying that they mysteriously die off one by one.

With a 70g, you're restricted from anthias

Why is that? I've got eight anthias in my 80.

 

[swannyson7]

Chromis only shoal when they are young - as they age, they pair up and nest and need their territory - that is why you see people saying that they mysteriously die off one by one.


Why is that? I've got eight anthias in my 80.

Several anthias that are commonly available are recommended for larger tanks. While species such as bartlett's are usually recommended for something along the lines of 70-80 tanks, I wouldn't want to recommend getting them as a shoaling fish for a tank that size. The number required to truly appreciate their shoaling behavior would quickly increase the bioload to dangerous levels and potentially lead to other problems. As for the comment on the Chromis, I know it's a common problem. However, given adequate feedings and space, a group of chromis can survive long term with no issues. I have 7 chromis in my tank that have been in my tank for about 5 years, transferred from my previous tank. I lost one to a maxi mini nem a couple years ago, but replaced it to maintain an odd number and have had no issues with aggression.