PufferofDoom

Ive made a fish stock list for a 30 gal SW reef aquarium. But I feel that it might be overcrowded. So, I'd like some opinions from other people on if this would be overcrowded in a 30 gal. I'd also appreciate any suggestions with the fish selection itself! This is my first time with SW so I just want some advice.

2 Ocellaris Clowns
2 Yellowtail Damselfish
1 Orchid Dottyback
1 Yellow Watchmen Goby
1 Black Cap Jawfish


This list is just the fish list, so not including inverts and such.
Thanks!

agsansoo

I would not add the (2) Yellowtail Damselfish ! They are very aggressive. The rest are fine.

kloseo

really i would be concerned with the dottyback as they are really aggressive, have you looked at bangii ( high fin ) cardinals...they are pretty cool

PufferofDoom

Well, unfortunately I'm kind of dead set on getting a dottyback. my LFS is already holding an orchid dottyback for me in a tank, and it gets along with the other inhabitants in its tank, such as firefish and some true perc clowns. and the tanks' perimeters are all spot on so im not so worried about its aggression.

almostthere002

You should stay away from the Damsels. They are beautiful fish but they are aggresive. green chromis are ok to have but I would put any other damsel fish in there. Fish at the pet store do well because of the great filtration they have and the amount of water all those tanks share. They can get away with ovrstocking because there are usually far too many aggressive fish placed in the same tank that they actually get along for the short time they are there. Some tanks dont offer hiding places to more aggressive fish in crowded tanks so no one can try to defend a territory. Anyway...I wanted a dottyback to but I chose the Royal Gramma which is a beautiful fish and my ocellaris clowns and her get along so well together. They swim with her like she is one of them. It's adorable. The yellow watchman goby is beautiful and peaceful but I have heard it is harder to keep. It also has been reported to jump so make sure you keep a lid on the tank.

Do you have live rock in your tank? Is this a Nano (just trying to figure out equipment). how old is the tank and what is the parameters right now? Personally, I think the two ocellaris are about the only thing I would keep in a 30 gallon. I have a 55 gallon and I have two ocellaris, one royal gramma, and a firefish which is new in my hospital tank. Do you have a hospital tank?

matt_trace

i had 5 yellowtail damsels and had to return them to the lfs they got my clowns into a corner and wouldnt let them out very aggresive fish wouldnt advise them

PufferofDoom

i suppose im gonna keep the list, but rid of the damsels. thanks for everyones help!
oh, and the tank isnt even set up yet. I like making plans and researching WAY in advance.

almostthere002

That's a really good habit to get into with SW fish. Once you get your tank up and cycled keeping up with the tank isn't hard and keeping the fish healthy and happy isn't hard either....but only if you know what you are doing. Researching like you are will make this process easier to do and also takes away from a lot of frustration and guess work. SW fish keeping doesn't allow for much guess work. Good luck...you'll love it!

harpua2002

Dottybacks (pseudochromis sp) can be aggressive, but reportedly the orchid is one of the least aggressive species. Still, I would add it last, as any fish added after it could be in trouble.

And +1 on skipping the damsels.

PufferofDoom

hehe, thanks everyone. ill think ill be adding them to the tank like this:

corals, inverts, an such
jawfish
watchmen goby
Ocellaris Clowns
dottyback.

kloseo

best of luck on the tank please post pics after you get it up and running

PufferofDoom

its gonna be a while Yet. But once its done I'll post some!