Question on new build

[Rugger]

Okay I have got a 30 gallon. Have a Ehiem 3 stage filter a cpr pak bak protien skimmer about 60 lbs rock ( 12 of it live fiji) Cycled it now almost 4 weeks all my water parms are right. Want to make it a reef/fish but want to start slow so to cut any losses to a min. Please a few suggestions on corals/fish to start please. Also was thinking about building a refuge would I need one with a 30 gallon tank?

 

[scottayy]

You wouldn't need a refugium, but it cannot hurt - only benefit.

How about a pair of clowns

 

[crister13]

For corals mushrooms leathers and zoas are easy beginners and look cool.

 

[Heera]

What ever you do Plz no damsels.
School of blue/green chromis looks cool.

 

[scottayy]

Chromis are in the same family as damsels but are generally pretty mellow. I believe clownfish are in the damsel family too, and can be quite agressive (maroon) but generally aren't.

A school does look nice, but they end up picking each other off. I've tried to keep 3 for a while but after losing 1 i bought another 1 and lost that one too. Mine seem to want two only.

 

[DoIt4Fun]

Chromis are in the same family as damsels but are generally pretty mellow. I believe clownfish are in the damsel family too, and can be quite agressive (maroon) but generally aren't.

A school does look nice, but they end up picking each other off. I've tried to keep 3 for a while but after losing 1 i bought another 1 and lost that one too. Mine seem to want two only.

With a school you need 4 or more just to distribute the stress that they cause to each other.... Question I have a hummingbird damsel would I be able to put a maroon clown in with it

 

[Newfiereefer]

With a school you need 4 or more just to distribute the stress that they cause to each other.... Question I have a hummingbird damsel would I be able to put a maroon clown in with it

I just got a 3rd chromis for my tank, it seemed that's what was needed to get the other two to come out of hiding ,my Clarkie was a bit of a bully and now I thin with a 3rd they feel safe

 

[AquaRick]

+1 on 3 chromis. 4 isn't a must. Though IME an odd # of chromis in a school tend to do better.

 

[Heera]

I love a school of chromis. But they do pick at each other and die off over time.

My bad luck is that they go blind and starve to death. I had 5 now left with 1. Even he is half blind.

 

[carey]

I starteed with 5 blue reef chromis and now I have 3. One jumped and one just disappeared. The three I have left all hang out together usually and swim together.

 

[Newfiereefer]

Yeah mine chromis pick at each other , but not overly aggressive , more in a " three stooges " sort of way , if one get picked on he takes it out on the 3rd