Stocking for Innovative Marine Nuvo 30 gallon

[buffy1270]

I think I finally narrowed it down to a couple of stocking choices. Again measurements of tank are 19.6 inches long by 19.02 inches wide by 19.02 inches high. I am thinking of one of the following stocking plans:

Pair of ocellaris clowns + either a Tanaka pygmy wrasse OR an orchid dottyback +
Neon goby or greenbanded goby and/or tailspot blenny. Let me know what won't work or what I need to take out in order not to overstock. I also like hawkfish and midas blennies but I think these are too big for my tank from what I have read so I am not seriously considering those.

I will also be adding a snail cleanup crew eventually.

I would also like to have a cleaner shrimp and maybe a couple of peppermint shrimp.

As far as corals I am looking at zooanthids, mushrooms and maybe some type of beginner-friendly leather coral.

Please give me some input. I'd like to do it right the first time without damaging/overcrowding fish or corals. Thanks.

[Freshwater Tropic]

Well, For this size tank I will say that I would mark the Midas Blenny as a NO GO! They have a tendency to be much more aggressive in confined spaces where territories are limited or Close. Plus, I'm afraid that full size it may be a little to large for a 30g tank.

As for the Ocellaris Clowns, Just remember the rule of thumb with a pair. Get one larger than the other. Always try and introduce them at the same time too! You will, At first notice some aggressive behavior between the 2 until one Clownfish establishes "Dominance". That is why you usually have better luck going with one larger and one smaller clownfish. Normally, the larger one becomes the dominant! So than the other(Smaller) one changes from a Female to a Male. Just in case you did not know this yet, but clownfish as Juveniles ALWAYS start as Females. Than as dominance is established so is there sex. Very cool little fact.

Now, on to the next... Hawkfish. . . They are some cool little fish. But as I see, You eventually want to have some shrimp or Crustaceans. . . If that is true, normally you can't have a Hawkfish because they will gladly eat them! lol.

Now, Tanaka pygmy wrasse are a really cool little Wrasse. They are pretty hard to get your hands on though. Plus, These can be pretty well known to be SHY! So, A big recommendation would be to house them with Calm & Peaceful tankmates to hopefully encourage the little guy to show itself more often.

I would keep your stocking list down to maybe 3-4 SMALL fish... Make sure to give plenty of hiding places for all of them. That way it gives them all their own territory.

Hopefully, I have covered everything you needed to know. If not, Just ask me. I will keep an eye one ya!

[buffy1270]

Thanks! Any input on the orchid dottyback? I know they are considered to be less aggressive than the other dottybacks but I read different things. Would it work in my size tank if I only did 1 clownfish?

Interesting about the hawkfish - I am assuming it would fit in my tank correct? I really like the shrimp but it is something to think about.

[buffy1270]

Ok. I would really like to plan any stocking around the tailspot blenny. Could I have a neon goby with him? What kind of fish would be good for activity in a different area of the tank? Orchid dottyback? Reef chromis? Thanks!

[J.B.]

I figured you'd eventually find a really cool blenny to put in there, and the tail-spot is IT, and by far one of my faves! Live Aquaria usually has them in stock for a pretty decent price.

My personal opinion is you could easily do a clown goby and a pair of clowns in your tank. And with that list, you could even put a cleaner shrimp in there. Sooooo...hurry up, and we want to see pics!

[Freshwater Tropic]

Orchid dottyback would be alright. They don't get too large though they can be a little more aggressive than your other Possible tankmates.

As for the Hawkfish, Let me know exactly what ones you are looking into... I will let you know if I have had any experience with them. I have had many in my days of SW Fish keeping.

Neon Goby's would be fine. They are very tiny and are very peaceful. Those should be fine with the Tailspot Blenny.

As for the Reef Chromis... It just depends on which ones you are looking at. EX: Blue Reef Chromis can get 6" at full grown. That would be a little too large for a 30g tank in the future with all the other fish full grown. You would eventually have to re-Home him. Plus, They really prefer to be in groups. Having only one of them might make him a little more stressed. If I were to recommend a Chromis, I would say go with the Blue/Green Reef Chromis. They stay around 3" full grown and they are very peaceful. They also can do alright solo, But do prefer to be in groups. They can really add some dazzle to the tank. Plus, They are truly a beginner fish to keep. They actually can thrive in some rough conditions.

I look forward to hearing more from you! Plus, Like J.B. I can't wait to see some photos!!!!!

[buffy1270]

Great feedback - thanks. I know I want the tailspot blenny as I said and possibly either a clown goby or neon goby but not both. I am still thinking about clowns but I kind of wanted something a bit different. Just so I won't be confused are you saying I could keep more than 1 of the smaller reef chromis in the tank with the blenny and goby or would it need to be just 1?

[Freshwater Tropic]

I would say just keep one Reef Chromis. Also, Don't completely shut out the idea of Clownfish. I am in the process of setting up a tank designated to a Mating pair of Picasso Clownfish. Those are my favorites. You wouldn't believe the amount of cool clownfish out there. You pay a little bit more for them but in my own opinion, I think its worth it. Try it, Google "Picasso Clownfish". Those are my specialty. The personality on clownfish can be very cool. Also, With proper care Clownfish can stick around for a LONG time! I've had my current set for almost 3yrs and they are so cool. They also keep having babies. I'm loving it. Anyway, Don't mark them off the list just because everyone else has them. So far, They have been one of my favorites to keep. Just figured I would share.

[buffy1270]

After doing research on the Chromis I think I would rather stick with the pair of clowns so now my stock list is:

A pair of ocellaris clownfish
1 tailspot blenny
and one of these gobies (input welcome):
neon goby
citron goby
court jester goby
green-banded goby (maybe 2?)
hi fin red banded goby

1 cleaner shrimp
3 peppermint shrimp
1 dwarf feather duster (tentative)

As stated before I will add a cleanup crew and beginner corals (mushrooms, zoanthids, etc.).

Now I have 4 more questions:

1. I am likely going to need to order any fish I get due to lack of a good fish store locally. How do I stock slowly in this situation while not going broke from shipping? :)

2. What order should the above fish be added?

3. Should I add CUC, shrimp, fish or corals first after tank is cycled?

4. Finally, since I am starting with rock that was in an established tank plus a piece of cured live rock will I still see a diatom bloom? As of yet with my testing I am reading zero everything. I thought the color of the nitrate test might show a minimal amount but looked closer to zero. Protein skimmer is running well but nothing is in the cup yet. Of course the only thing in there is rock and 3 snails that came on the rock.

Thanks ahead of time. You guys are helping me a lot!

[buffy1270]

Also meant to say above that instead of one of the gobies I could do 1 blue/green reef chromis. I like the gobies and the chromis. I am set on the other items (clownfish, tailspot blenny, shrimp, etc.) though. Thanks.

[J.B.]

I've got a Rainford's Goby/Court Jester Goby and it hides quite a bit, I unfortunately don't get to see it out and about much. I've got a Blue Devil Damsel in my tank that is a huge a-hole, and I've seen him tail-slapping at the goby, so I believe that is the reason he hides so much.

Although known to be somewhat timid, I believe with your proposed tankmates, you might likely see yours a bit more than I do mine.

I've got a Green Clown Goby which is a bit smaller than the Citron Goby, but I believe they have very similar characteristics. Mine is FULL of character, darting in and out of the corals (the large toadstool being the favored spot) and appearing to stick to the back wall of the tank, while hunting down the sinking pellets I feed. Really cool little fish! I think either would be fine in your setup.

I don't have any experience with the others you have listed there. I do plan to pick up one of the Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby for my 5½-gal though...another really cool looking little fish!

[buffy1270]

I keep being told that the clownfish will end up taking over the entire 30 gallon tank because they are so aggressive. What is your opinion? Another option would be pajama cardinalfish. As I said I am definitely set on the tail-spot blenny but I am getting a little confused with my research into the others.

[Freshwater Tropic]

Alright, Where do you I start. . . Hmmm... This will be a long thread reply I believe.

Anyway, Addressing what J.B. Mentioned. . . Most Damsels are mean suckers! Typically, Damselfish get even more aggressive with age so it rarely gets better. So, Unless you are planning on doing a Semi-Aggressive tank I would 100% Rule them out.

I personally would add the Tailspot Blenny First. That way he can establish a good territory before anyone else is there. Give him a good time to get settled than I would add the the Gobies you plan on keeping. I personally would go with a Neon goby, I love their pop in color they can add. They can get aggressive with their own kind though unless they are a mated pair. So, I would only do one. But with only doing one neon goby I would definitely go with a Blue/Green Chromis. I love them! Very personable fish. The other Goby I like a lot and have had a LOT of experience with is The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby. They are cool. Something that is cool with these guys is if you can get a pistol shrimp with them. They are commonly paired together in a way where the Pistol shrimp will dig a hole for the pair(Shrimp & Goby) and the Goby will guard the territory. With that you will sometimes see them feed each other. It is just cool.

The Following is a video Link(it wouldn't let me post the video directly on here for some reason?) of the bond between a Goby & Pistol Shrimp. Very cool. This is not my video so PLEASE excuse the talking. But this really shows the bond they can have.

Bond Between a Goby & Pistol Shrimp!

As for the Diatom Bloom, You more than likely will see at least a minor one. Typically, Even Perfectly maintained Aquariums normally see one within the first 3 months & than sometime after the first 6 months. Not in all cases though. Normally its very minor and goes away quickly.

In my experience, I have NEVER had a pair of clowns take over a tank. Not Ocellaris Clownfish. I could definitely see that happen with Maroon Clownfish, Tomato or Cinnamon Clownfish. They can be a little cranky. I have had MANY Clownfish, Mostly forms of Ocellaris Clowns. I have yet to have a problem. I currently have a MATING pair in a 17G with a neon goby and some inverts and they have NO problems with any of the inverts or goby that is in there. Even when they have eggs they aren't all that mean. Just mildly protective which is to be expected. You honestly should be fine. The unfortunate fact is you can't believe everything you read on the internet. I am speaking from Personal experience, But you may experience differently. I still stand by my opinion that you should be fine with the pair of clownfish with the stocking list we have talked about.

Hopefully, This covers what you were asking.

I have no experience with ordering online unfortunately. I am sorry, Otherwise I would be glad to recommend something. I'm sure someone else on here can help more than I can on that.

[buffy1270]

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. I apologize for the tons of questions. The internet is great for research sometimes but at times can be very confusing. I am definitely doing the pair of ocellaris clowns and the blenny then and I'll do some thinking from there. I'm sure I will be back with more questions.

[Freshwater Tropic]

Its never a problem! I don't mind helping as much as possible. I'm glad to hear this has helped you so far. Plus, I'm glad to hear you are still going with the clowns. They are cool! Like you said... Internet can be great for research. You just really need to watch some of the sources the information comes from. Some are just in their personal experiences. Not actual fact. Your results may vary! Man, I sound like a commercial. Lol