What Size Tank Do I Need For These Fish

Hello I am wondering what tank size I need to keep the following fish together:

2 ocellaris clownfish
4 cardinal fish
1 tailspot blenny
2 trochus snails
2 nassarius snail

p.s I am not going over a 30 gallon tank

 

The 4 cardinalfish would be the trick as the recommended minimum for them is 30 gallons and 4 of them will take up a huge chunk of your bioload in a tank of 30 gallons or less. If you were to drop it to 1 or 2 then I would say a 20 gallon Long would be the way to go. If you are dead set on the numbers then a 40 breeder is what I would recommend. You need to keep in mind that saltwater fish aren't like freshwater fish where you can pack them together in close quarters. Clownfish can be downright aggressive once they establish their territory. So my recommendation is to reduce the number of Cardinalfish or go with a 40 breeder.

 

I agree with Jesterrace. If you are dead set on 4 cardinal fish then I would greatly recommend getting a 40, especially if you're looking to breed the clownfish because those suckers get nasty when they have laid eggs. Obviously, this is your tank, your money, your choice; all fish are different so it is possible that you don't run into any issues. Now, should you decide to go with a 30 for all these fish then I would definitely say go with a larger than required filter. I always tend to over filter my tanks anyway (30 gallon filter for a 20 gallon tank), but I would most certainly look for an at least 50 gallon filter.

 

Ok so I think I am going with a 30 gallon with a 50 gallon filter any suggestions on what tank I should get and a strong light would be good to because I might get coral after a year or two of fish only

 

Also what type of cardinal fish would you recommend pajama or banggaI cardinals

 

I would recommend BanggaI Cardinalfish because they tend to stay in a tighter group and are a little smaller and don't use as much of the water column. (I also prefer the way they look too). Also, in terms of light, I love Aqua Illumination's Saltwater light. Its $200 and you can completely adjust the light (intensity, light/dark cycles, color) from your phone Only problem with the light is depending on how long your tank is you may need two. Tank wise its up to you on what you want.

 

Ok so I think I am going with a 30 gallon with a 50 gallon filter any suggestions on what tank I should get and a strong light would be good to because I might get coral after a year or two of fish only

There are several options and all are a compromise of some form or another. AI makes a great light for the money but they are pricey. The advantage is that you get a fully programmable light with great growing capabilities for the money. If you position your corals on the rocks closest to the top and towards the center, you could go with a single AI Prime HD and it will do the job well. It runs $200 plus the mount, but it is fully programmable via computer, app, website, etc. and you can tweak the colors exactly how you want them and borrow power from what you aren't using to the lights you are, do ramp up and ramp down (simulates sunrise/sunset), moonlight, etc. The best way to control AI lights is via the website from a desktop/laptop. I have a pair of the AI Hydra 26 HDs over my 90 gallon tank and love them and they use the exact same control/customization program as the AI Prime HDs. If you aren't concerned with customization at all and don't mind taking a bit of a gamble with the warranty then you could go with what is known as the "Chinese Black Box" they do deliver good light for the money and run between $90-$120 each plus the mount cost. As mentioned though the customization on them is pretty much non-existent and they do have some long term quality control concerns and can be a pain to return or replace.

Here are the lights in question:

 

I would recommend BanggaI Cardinalfish because they tend to stay in a tighter group and are a little smaller and don't use as much of the water column. (I also prefer the way they look too). Also, in terms of light, I love Aqua Illumination's Saltwater light. Its $200 and you can completely adjust the light (intensity, light/dark cycles, color) from your phone Only problem with the light is depending on how long your tank is you may need two. Tank wise its up to you on what you want.

I would disagree with that. Pajama Cardinalfish can actually go in a smaller tank and, also unlike BanggaI the Pajama Cardinalfish actually stay smaller by the time you factor in the fins. The Pajama Cardinalfish also doesn't establish pecking order via aggression (unlike the others), so they would be easier to deal with. Also, just an observation, but BanggaI Cardinalfish seem to be a bit more delicate. I've seen several BanggaI Cardinals dead at the LFS, but never seen a Pajama Cardinal die off at the LFS. I have a single ORA Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal in my 90 gallon and it has been through ich and several other issues and it's still plugging along.

Here is the breakdown from live aquaria comparing the two:

 

could I keep 4 pjs an 1 baggaI and also if I get 3 pjs will they fight for a mate

 

could I keep 4 pjs an 1 baggaI and also if I get 3 pjs will they fight for a mate

You could but once again, for the size of the tank it is not best advised to have that many fish in that small of a space. You are putting 7 saltwater fish in a tank designed for 4-5. Regardless of PJ or Banngai, I would recommend cutting a couple of them out. As for PJs, no they don't fight for mates that I am aware of. They are called a "stoner fish" they basically just hang around.

 

Could I do 2 pjs and 1 banngai

 

Could I do 2 pjs and 1 banngai

Still pushing it a bit but it would be better. 1 or 2 of any kind of Pajama Cardinal would be best. Tanks of 30 gallon or less are not suited for schools of saltwater fish.

 

Incidentally here is a short vid of my PJ, it's still just a little guy, but is growing: