Need suggestions on future fish for my 40g

glb · Jul 3, 2017

I have a new 40g breeder and am planning out tankmates. Right now it's fowlr but will eventually be a reef tank. I used the estimated max size on liveaquaria to make sure I wouldn't outgrow the tank eventually. I have 47g total water volume. I know the inch/gallon rule isn't foolproof, but it's worked for me in the past.

Here's what I currently have:

Two ocellarus clownfish 3" each= 6"
Two pajama cardinalfish 3.5" each= 7"
One Midas Blenny: 6"
One Royal Gramma: 3"
For a max total of 22" so far

Here's what I'd like to add:

A pair of gobies, preferably yellow prawn (6" total) or neon blue (4" total). I'm not sure two different kind of gobies would get along.

A pair of fire fish (6" total)

I'd love a small (4-5) school of chromis but I'm not sure I want to give up that much bioload for one type of fish. I've read they like to be in larger shoals so I'm not sure they're right for my tank.

I'd appreciate any advice on compatibility, ease of care, and personality of the fishes I'm thinking of adding. Personality is a must! Thanks in advance for your help!

melypr1985 · Jul 3, 2017

I think you would be fine with the neon gobies or the watchmans, but the firefish may have an issue with the royal gramma(or more likely the gramma will take issue with the firefish lol). I don't think the chromis will shoal in a tank that size and there probably just isn't room for them at this point. I would suggest a small fairy wrasse to add color and movement.

glb · Jul 3, 2017

melypr1985 said:
I think you would be fine with the neon gobies or the watchmans, but the firefish may have an issue with the royal gramma(or more likely the gramma will take issue with the firefish lol). I don't think the chromis will shoal in a tank that size and there probably just isn't room for them at this point. I would suggest a small fairy wrasse to add color and movement.

Thanks. I'd like some more active fish in there.

glb · Jul 3, 2017

And prawn gobies are also called watchman gobies?

glb · Jul 3, 2017

melypr1985 said:
I think you would be fine with the neon gobies or the watchmans, but the firefish may have an issue with the royal gramma(or more likely the gramma will take issue with the firefish lol). I don't think the chromis will shoal in a tank that size and there probably just isn't room for them at this point. I would suggest a small fairy wrasse to add color and movement.

The fairy wrasses are beautiful. Any one in particular that would be better for a 40g?