Livestock (fish) for 40G Breeder

[OctoReef12]

I'm in the process of getting my first saltwater tank set up. I purchased a 40g Breeder during the recent Petco sale. There are so many suggestions and lists for fish; my biggest concern is that fish aren't crowded and live harmoniously. One of my considerations was a surgeon fish (tangs) of some sort, but I know that 40g is way too small for a tang to live comfortably or long term. Are there other fish out there that perform as good of a job in algae control?

Current running (want) list:
Clown pair
Watchman Goby
Bangai Cardinal Fish
Firefish

Any suggestions/discussion is much appreciated.

 

[Shibaken3]

algae control = algae blenny, tailspot blenny, hector goby.
wrasse = pink streak wrasse, six line, possum wrasse.

 

[TokenReefer]

I've never had a clown but those are all good/peaceful fish (on paper; individuals can always vary). My suggestion as your first saltwater tank (and there are tons of opinions out there) is to go slow. Start with one fish. Dial in filtration for that one; get another, etc. Slow and steady...just my thoughts. Oh and for fish, tailspot blenny...so much personality

 

[Uncle99]

I'm in the process of getting my first saltwater tank set up. I purchased a 40g Breeder during the recent Petco sale. There are so many suggestions and lists for fish; my biggest concern is that fish aren't crowded and live harmoniously. One of my considerations was a surgeon fish (tangs) of some sort, but I know that 40g is way too small for a tang to live comfortably or long term. Are there other fish out there that perform as good of a job in algae control?

Current running (want) list:
Clown pair
Watchman Goby
Bangai Cardinal Fish
Firefish

Any suggestions/discussion is much appreciated.

The simple Yellow Tang is IMM, the single best rock/sand cleaner ever.
Non stop grazer.
I might just try that, mines 6 years old, is super peaceful and respectful of others, and has not grown much past 4”.
I know it’s pushing the envelope a bit, but this one spent 4 years in 55g, with 10 others, worked fine for me.
Just introduce last.

 

[Tamberav]

You don't need tangs for algae...

literally a good cuc does just as good a job. It isn't like every nano is an algae box or people are going in with tweezers pulling it out themselves. There are even larger tangless tanks and they seem to do fine.

Trochus snails are my fav
Emerald crab can remove bigger stuff if you get something annoying/invasive like bubble algae or macro stuff
Tuxedo urchins can be interesting to watch

Add the fish you want that work well together.

 

[OctoReef12]

algae control = algae blenny, tailspot blenny, hector goby.
wrasse = pink streak wrasse, six line, possum wrasse.

I'm not sure how I've missed a Tailspot Blenny. Those guys look awesome.

 

[OctoReef12]

I've never had a clown but those are all good/peaceful fish (on paper; individuals can always vary). My suggestion as your first saltwater tank (and there are tons of opinions out there) is to go slow. Start with one fish. Dial in filtration for that one; get another, etc. Slow and steady...just my thoughts. Oh and for fish, tailspot blenny...so much personality

I totally agree about going slow. I don't plan on adding more than a fish or two without ensuring the tank is stable after the introduction. You and Shibaken3 have me going down a Tailspot Blenny rabbit hole. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[OctoReef12]

You don't need tangs for algae...

literally a good cuc does just as good a job. It isn't like every nano is an algae box or people are going in with tweezers pulling it out themselves. There are even larger tangless tanks and they seem to do fine.

Trochus snails are my fav
Emerald crab can remove bigger stuff if you get something annoying/invasive like bubble algae or macro stuff
Tuxedo urchins can be interesting to watch

Add the fish you want that work well together.

Yeah I didn't think I needed one, but have heard nothing but great things about how good they are with algae control. I do plan on having a decent cuc once the tank is established and has "food" for the crew.

I have thought about Urchins for the cuc as well as a Tile Sea Star.

 

[shakacuz]

hector goby or court jester goby are good for algae or an increased amount of snails, an urchin, or hermit crabs