These filters feature a rotating paper filter, which is a pain to keep clean, so clogs are common. Special Requirements: Coldwater marine fish, deep substrate. The Starkii Damsel is one of the many damselfish suitable for keeping in a 30-gallon aquarium. These fish like very warm waters, low currents, a lot of vegetation, and somewhat basic and hard water. Therefore, a 30-gallon tank could hold 12 of these fish at most, although 10 is better. They catch the eye from across the room and swim boldly in the open, so despite their presence limiting livestock in the tank youll still have one heck of an eyecatcher! We have created a list of great fish that thrive in 30-gallon tanks. These fish should be fed 2-3 times daily, rather than the usual once per day feeding to match their metabolism. This species of fish is usually a peaceful bunch but can be territorial in its tank environment. Tank Size: 50 gallons. While this relationship is always front and center, these fish can easily be kept without the shrimp. Resembling the famous Bolivian Rams from freshwater aquaria, the Pajama Cardinalfish is a darting, shy schooling fish that does well in captivity. While their popularity skyrocketed after Finding Nemo hit the scene, theyve got staying power thanks to their unique habits and excellent colors. The name only implies that these saltwater fish were born and raised in captivity so they will acclimate to aquarium life much easier than their wild-caught cousins. The actual sand should be fine-sized to dig around in. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'sealifeplanet_com-leader-3','ezslot_4',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sealifeplanet_com-leader-3-0');A 30-gallon tank might sound like a lot, but its actually one of the recommended volumes that experts suggest to novice fishkeepers. For that reason, a tank that contains one needs to be very well established. Weve also mentioned the molly fish in our easiest saltwater fish to raise guide and they will fit right at home in a 30 gallon tank. And lets not forget the fact that a school of fast swimming and super colorful neon tetras looks amazing as well! Available As Tank Bred: Rare. Plus, their symbiotic relationship with anemone makes them an attractive addition to any saltwater aquarium. The main problem is that the diminutive fish is actually a predator. The AquaClear A600 Fish Tank Filter is an easy one to love for any 30-gallon tank owner. This is an individual fish thing, so watch them carefully if you think there may be problems. 2. Its been done a few times, the main problem is making sure that you have the right sexes in the pair since they display no sexual dimorphism. The Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit is a great starter model for a nano fish tank. They are a reef safe saltwater fish, too. These vibrant saltwater fish can steal the show in any reef aquarium with their bright red and orange body. The drawback here is the lack of flare, if youre looking for it. Based on the average size of an aquarium goldfish, you will likely be able to hold 7 to 15 of this species in a 30-gallon tank. They seem to navigate the local terrain in their own unique way, inversion included. The Blue Spotted Jawfish is a type of goby and, as should be no surprise by its name, is strongly characterized by its jaws and mouth. In return, the pistol shrimp excavates a burrow that is used by both animals and the goby gets to eat parts of the shrimps prey. Diet: Omnivore. The fact is, with a 30 gallon tank, youre going to be able to really light up your room. One of the reasons why many people get bristlenose plecos for their tanks is because they are scavengers that clean up all sorts of debris, plus they really enjoy eating algae too. The Coral Beauty Angelfish is a jaw-droppingly beautiful fish. Join our list of interested reefers to get the latest updates, Also, dont forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The cherry barb is known as being one of the most peaceful aquarium fish around and they never cause trouble or problems with others. What fish are a great starting point if you arent sure where to look? Maybe all your saltwater fish prefer small spaces and you dont have enough caves and formations to accommodate them. Therefore, in a 30-gallon tank, you could fit up to 10 platies. Depending on the exact type of molly fish you get, it could grow to around 4.5 inches in size. The best part is that the Neon Dottybacks are bristle worm eaters. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sealifeplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sealifeplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Saltwater fish are some of the most exotic and exciting to keep and watch, but as with other types of fish, they are going to need some looking after. Some may not ever grow to be this large. Its a good size that doesnt take up too much space yet is large enough to fit a good number of fish. That said, its best to make them the sole fish in the tank if youre keeping 30 gallons to ensure theyre comfortable and secure. Transporting fish is stressful for them. Dozens of fish would work well in a 30-gallon tank but not all of them will work perfectly with one another. Web1.6 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit with Cover,aquaponics Growing System Fish Tank, self Cleaning Fish Tank Betta Fish Tank with Filter Desk Aquarium with Cover 100+ viewed Like many others on this list, they are jumpers, so you need to take the proper precautions to ensure they stay safe and secure inside your reef tank. You will want to make sure that none of its tank mates are so small that they might be eaten by the Longnose Hawkfish. After all, it offers a superior water quality that I havent often found with other power filters. They even live well in less than They grow to be around 3 inches in length maximum, which means in a 30 gallon aquarium, you can expect around 5 of them to make their homes fairly comfortably here. Dont worry if you cant find any of these beasties either in the wild or in stores try your luck and see what you can spot while out and about! This species prefers living around corals so be sure to have an environment that will best support that preference. They excel as dither fish while having an unmistakable charm of their own. There are a few things to consider for proper care such as their temperament, diet, and their preferred habitat to consider before you start trying to acclimate fish to your marine aquarium. One thing to note is that killifish do require fairly specific water parameters, especially in terms of the water temperature and pH, but they are still quite easy to care for in general. Dottybacks can grow to the same length as Clownfish, on the whole, meaning you are going to need to make sure you have a tank thats big enough to welcome them all. The main culprit appears to be crabs, but problems with clams, shrimp, and anemones have also been reported so keep an eye out. All the saltwater aquarium fish below would make a great addition to your 30-gallon saltwater aquarium. So buckle up and lets dive in to take a look at the best saltwater fish for a 30-gallon tank. Adult size: ~ 3 inches. The Green Chromis is a peaceful tank mate and can live up to 8 years in captivity. If you do not happen to have enough algae to keep these fish happy, you will need to feed them microalgae. Their reef aquarium should be well established by the time they are introduced with plenty of sand bed space. Coralife Super Skimmer. For example, your 30-gallon fish tank can accommodate about 20 up to 30 small and medium fish. When calculating the number of fish in your aquarium, be sure to consider the estimated size of each inhabitant as an adult. Do your research before buying new fish. Aquariums do not come with pre-molded stock lists attached. Note of warning, this species is increasingly overfished from the wild. Whats more, when some experts or websites advise you that the max size of a Clownfish, for example, is four inches long, theres no guarantee that your fish will be exactly that size once it matures. Even the smaller fancy goldfish can reach up to 12 inches in length if properly cared for. You can feed Chalk Bass Mysis Shrimp and properly sized pellet and frozen food and they are a reef safe addition. WebMy top list of corals will introduce you to the best corals for 30-gallon reef tanks. Its incredible multi-stage filtration process alone should excite buyers. That said, active swimmers and territorial fish may benefit from having up to 2 gallons of tank space per inch of fish. They should have a varied diet in your tanks community, too. 99 ($40.99/Count) Lets dive in and take a look at what you need to know about setting up a 30-gallon saltwater aquarium, and which fish work the best in a setup this size. In a weird twist: these fish were already being kept before being described scientifically. They are wonderful beginner fish and you will learn a lot from them if you care for them. Guppies also make for some really peaceful tank mates that get along well with others. Best 10-gallon fish tank: ADA Cube Garden 45P Aqueon's 20- Gallon Glass Tank is an affordable option for building a larger aquarium. They require a mix of marine flesh, feeder shrimp, pellets, and bloodworms. Easy to feed, no special care requirements, and a lack of aggression are all great qualities. All trademarks property of their respective owners. The Green Dragonet is actually just a bit easier to keep, although both require a very experienced aquarist. Scotts Fairy Wrasse Cirrhilabrus scottorum by tsm corals As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As noted before, these fish usually grow to around 1.5 inches in length, with some other types of tetras being slightly larger or smaller, but usually never over 2 inches long. Of course, just keeping them is its own reward, theyre a truly beautiful example of reef fish. Neon tetras make for ideal schooling fish for 29-gallon tanks because you could fit up to 19 or 20 of them in there. This fish will grow to about 2.75 inches in length, they like to explore, and they like to be kept in groups of at least four or five. 30 gallons is actually a good midsize choice, with 50 gallons, 65 gallons and more being great picks once you know a bit more about how to raise and care for fish! It isnt bulletproof but can tolerate poor water conditions if you make a cycling mistake. They tend to grow up to 2 inches in length, max, so you will probably do well to adopt around 7 or 8 of them. There are so many beautiful and interesting fish that can thrive in 30-gallon tanks. They can be semi-aggressive but that largely depends on their overall environment. In other words, they get the majority of their nutritional needs met through devouring rotted matter in the substrate. Theyre active, brilliant little fish that require a good bit of space but little in the way of specialized care. With that out of the way, they can make a great display in the right tank. The best plan for stocking saltwater fish for a 10-gallon tank would be to pick 5 fish or fewer, in total, from the following options and create a healthy, compatible community saltwater tank: 1 or 2 small, peaceful Clownfish ( Preferably Pink or Orange skunk due to their mild manners, but and Ocellaris and Percula (like Picasso ) are okay After all, you dont want to invest in a massive tank, although, of course, 30 gallons is still quite sizeable. Its a defensive weapon, these Blenny will only bite when cornered. This is ideal because cherry barbs are schooling fish that prefer to be kept in fairly large groups. As you can see, this is a real numbers game. Firefish are just as easy to look after as the watchman goby on the whole. Sexing Banggai Cardinalfish isnt easy, but they do display sexual dimorphism if you know what to look for. The Firefish Goby will get along with most of the fish that could be in your saltwater aquarium just as long as that fish is peaceful. My mission is to grow this website and help others with useful information about the sea world. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They are small carnivores that eat frozen and fresh food as well as Mysis Shrimp. When it comes to their tank size, each molly will require 4.5 gallons of tank space at the very least, which means that you could fit up to six of them in a 30-gallon tank. The absolute minimum tank size for the angelfish is 10 gallons, with most recommending 15 or even 20 gallons per fish. An indispensable tool for acclimation and many other aquarium tasks. By carefully researching your fish before buying them, you avoid introducing a lot of fish that dont conflict in needs or will fight over food or space. They get along with other peaceful saltwater fish. They need lots of swimming room and water flow to thrive in captivity. Skip to content. Take your time and see what works best for you. While not the most active fish, youll find that Lawnmower Blennies are curious and will often study whats going on outside the tank. The Chalk Bass is one of the best saltwater aquarium fish for beginners. Firefish Gobies are magnificent little critters, defined by high-speed swimming, bright colors, and a surprisingly tall dorsal fin spike right at the front of the fin. It can reach 3 and a half inches in length. It likes to keep to the middle of the tank when it has become used to its surroundings. Without a doubt, the Blue Damselfish is one of the bestselling saltwater fish in the US. These fish are a bit more aggressive than many on this list, so their temperament needs to be accounted for. As the name implies, the Zebra Barred Dartfish has vertical red stripes lining the sides of its body. Its a 30-gallon tank and you are eager to begin to plan your very first saltwater aquarium. Most models of the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel run under $30 and its useful for a wide range of mid-size aquariums. They reach about 3 in length, making them another solid choice for 30-gallon tanks. You may need to introduce the live foods they prefer along with what you plan to keep feeding them. Just keep in mind that an angelfish will eat any and every other fish that is small enough to fit in its mouth. These fish also require some loose coral and rocks with plenty of swimming room. What does need to be said about cory catfish is that they can be quite fragile when it comes to water parameters and tank conditions. 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You can really only keep one damselfish of the same species in an aquarium, otherwise, theyll fight constantly. Wed actively suggest you get a 30 gallon tank if you are just starting out. The Purple Firefish is another goby that comes in at a bit above 3 in length. As you can probably tell by the name of it, the rainbowfish is super colorful, bright, and just downright beautiful, which is why so many people choose to put them in their tanks. Clownfish are a classic choice for 30 gallon tanks. The Bicolor Blenny can reach to be 4 inches in length and live upwards of 4 years. Clownfish. The only concern you might have is if you dont have a persistent algae problem, these fish might be tougher to keep fed as they can be picky eaters. Threekillifish should have about 10 gallons of tank space, and when it comes to a 30-gallon tank, you could fit about 10 of them in there. The amount of fish that you can in a 30-gallon tank can really depend. Its so important to get your numbers right, however, if you want your fish and other marine creatures to be happy and healthy. While not the flashiest fish out there, Mollies are a solid choice in a marine aquarium. You will want to keep the amount of these fish to one per tank to ensure that no infighting breaks out. However, there are some goldfish that have bucked this trend and have grown to be even longer. One of the more interesting behaviors you might see is them swimming upside down underneath rocks and other decor objects. In the wild, these fish partner up with pistol shrimp and act as a lookout for predators. You need a well-established, stable tank that fits its required parameters. The only real caveat to their care is that wild-caught specimens can be picky eaters. You may have heard of the 1 inch of fish per gallon rule before, but this rule is a lot more complicated than you may have realized. Hello, there. Of course, your tank size is going to determine the type(s) and number of fish that you can put in there. The Clownfish is a reef safe saltwater fish. First, the fish should be kept well fed (not overfed) to prevent it from wanting to snack on corals thus potentially damaging them. Theyre wild-caught, hard to keep, and many of them meet a bad fate due to inexperience. These fish are known for being individuals, and theyre also known for being a bit more fierce than their size would indicate. The Royal Gramma is defined by its purple and yellow color and is a really great addition to your saltwater aquarium.