Stocking Help for 30g Innovative Marine

[TacticalReef]

I have been working on finalizing my stocking list for my tank but wanted to get some feedback and ideas from the community. I finished getting my quarantine items ready so whenever I go on my next "store tour" I can find something from the list I can be ready to get the QT going.

Stocking List:

• 1 Longfin Mocha Clownfish (already in the tank)
• 1 Frostbite Clownfish (already in the tank)
• 1 Yasha Goby/Pistol Shrimp Pair

Suggestions Needed - These are the fish I would like to get but not sure which specific one.

• Blenny - I love the personality of Blennies so I definitely want one in this tank eventually.
  • Midas
  • Tailspot
  • or Bi-Color?
• Wrasse - Great fish that can provide a great pop of color to the fish life.
  • Carpenter's Flasher
  • Ruby Longfin Fairy?
• Conversation Fish - I want a great statement fish and I think either of these would work great for that. I am working on my pod population now so in a few months I could support a Mandarin.
  • Mandarin Goby
  • Helfrichi Firefish

I also plan on adding a Fire Shrimp and maybe an Anemone. Still not sure on the Nem as I dont want it walking over and killing the LPS and SPS that will be in the tank in a few months - so if anyone has thoughts on that I would appreciate that as well.

 

[Jekyl]

I'd recommend some type of additional plan for pods if you want a mandarin. 30g won't be able to sustain them on its own in most cases.

 

[Breadbox]

Midas:
Instinctually snap at fishes that get in its way, can be a fin nipper and bully, especially towards smaller fishes in small tanks. Is the prettiest and the most active.

Bi-colour: Can be a coral consumer

Tailspot: Least likely to cause problem of the three, but has drab colouration and is the smallest.

Henfrichi: Keeping fire-fish(or any fish that can't fight back, worse if it is timid as well) can be a risk with midas, might be terrified into never leaving its hidey hole.

Mandarin: Difficult to feed, may want to consider spotted or red ruby for somewhat easier time to feed.

Wrasse: I haven't noticed or heard any behavioural issues with flasher or fairy wrasses, they might enjoy a bigger tank tho.

 

[Driceftw]

A firefish would make a great choice especially a helfrichi. If you choose to stock any firefish or wrasse do take in mind that you will more than likely need a top of some sort as both types of fish are known to be jumpers. All of your choices are pretty solid and as long as you are willing to make those species specific commitments whether it be a top or stocking the tank continually with pods I am sure you would be happy with any of your choices.

 

[TacticalReef]

Midas:
Instinctually snap at fishes that get in its way, can be a fin nipper and bully, especially towards smaller fishes in small tanks. Is the prettiest and the most active.

Bi-colour: Can be a coral consumer

Tailspot: Least likely to cause problem of the three, but has drab colouration and is the smallest.

Henfrichi: Keeping fire-fish(or any fish that can't fight back, worse if it is timid as well) can be a risk with midas, might be terrified into never leaving its hidey hole.

Mandarin: Difficult to feed, may want to consider spotted or red ruby for somewhat easier time to feed.

Wrasse: I haven't noticed or heard any behavioural issues with flasher or fairy wrasses, they might enjoy a bigger tank tho.

Thanks for all of this detail. I did not know that about Midas blennys. I have had tailspots in the past and they have so much personality and I think would be a good size for the tank.

A firefish would make a great choice especially a helfrichi. If you choose to stock any firefish or wrasse do take in mind that you will more than likely need a top of some sort as both types of fish are known to be jumpers. All of your choices are pretty solid and as long as you are willing to make those species specific commitments whether it be a top or stocking the tank continually with pods I am sure you would be happy with any of your choices.

A top was the first thing I made for the tank. I have lost a clownfish to having no lid and I printed some pieces to raise my water level so a top was definitely required.

 

[hllb]

Thanks for all of this detail. I did not know that about Midas blennys. I have had tailspots in the past and they have so much personality and I think would be a good size for the tank.



A top was the first thing I made for the tank. I have lost a clownfish to having no lid and I printed some pieces to raise my water level so a top was definitely required.

I have a Midas and he spent almost 2 yrs in a 32g biocube. I would call him cantankerous rather than aggressive, unless you get near his hole. Then he will put you in your place! Including the snails and crabs that tried to invade - he would angrily throw them onto the sand bed. He’s a favorite for me.

I have a orange firefish too and they are generally fine together. But, the firefish is shy and while beautiful, isn’t what I would consider a conversation piece since he spend a lot of time in his cave.

for a wrasse, you would probably be better with a possum wrasse in that size tank. I tried a couple of flashers and they didn’t make it, though I’m not sure precisely why.

You could consider a cherub angel. The tank is a bit small for one but mine did very well for a year until he decided to eat my zoas.

I currently have an orchid dottyback and am amazed at how pretty, active, and social he is. They are known to be a less aggressive dottyback and he is beautiful.