Saltwater fish question?

Question

I recently I bought a 29g. tank ( I know its small but I live in the 2nd floor apt. and my landlord won't let me have any bigger ). I already have everything set up (tank, stand, substrate, lighting, salt, filtration, heaters, hydrometer etc.) and I was wondering, I'm thinking about getting a couple clowns, a couple green damsels, and a chocolate chip (?) starfish... I think thats the name of it, I looked it up on google images and it looks like the same fish as the one at the pet store. Would all of these fish be compatible together? And the only reason I say green damsels is because the guy at the local pet store told me the green damsels are less aggresive than others, is this true or is he just trying to get a easier sale out of me? I have let my tank filter for 8 days and I'm going to a few pet stores tomorrow so I need an answer asap.

also... in the future I'm considering getting a couple yellow tangs, how many would be appropriate to put in a 29g if theyre by themselves?

Answer 1

I agree with the others here - your tank is too small for any tangs - they are active fish and will not stay the size you see them in stores. The yellows will get to be inches each.

For a tank your size, I'd suggest a total of four medium fish, like the clowns or damsels. Depending on the species, clowns can get to 3-5 inches as adults. Saltwater fish are more territorial than their freshwater community counterparts, and usually intolerant of poor water conditions, so the more space each fish has, the better. (and yes, they are compatible, and the chromis are one of the more peaceful of the marine fish - they should be kept in a larger school, though)

I'd also suggest that you reconsider the chocolate chip star, especially for a new set-up.

You really should let your tank cycle first, so the fish aren't affected by ammonia and nitrite in the water. I'd suggest using one or two of the chromises first, and adding your clowns last - and as a pair - as this is usally the best way to have them form a pair bond.

I've put some links below to give you some additional references to what everyone here's been advising you about.

Answer 2

I breed clowns and your tank is ok in size.

It isn't ok to dump your fish in. First it is not cycled nor even close to add these fish. Once the tank cycles (around 6 weeks) you can add one or two no more damsels. NO Starfish. HE will die. DO not believe what anyone tells you about passive damsels, they can all be agressive.

Tangs cannot go into this tank with all the other fish. There isn't enough room.

After 6 weeks of cycling, get your pair of damsel clowns. See how they do. If you feel the need to get the green damsels, only get one. Your clowns more than likely will beat the crap out of it. Clowns are very territorial and don't take lightly to intruders.

Your tank will not survive until your tank has matured (Around 6 months)

The key to a good salt tank is PATIENCE. It isn't like fresh water nor does it follow the same rules.

8 days your tank has bairly begun to build up the bacteria your fish need to live. Salt water fish "Poop" differently than fresh water fish. MATURE bacteria is needed to support this waste not just a cycled tank.

Get your clowns, you will not be able to house annemone's for a while (clowns don't NEED them they use them for protection) I suggest you research more on your star fish prior to getting one. They need to be target fed and in your tank a chocolate will quickly go thru all foods in the tank, then will starve. I have housed one tang in a 30 gallon for a number of years. Rarely do tangs reach their full potential at around a foot in any tank. My 250 houses one yellow tang and he is still no larger than around 7-8 inches and he is over 7 years old. Only in the wild to they reach such lengths.

You may end up with a problem with the clowns and the tang. Tangs are veggie eaters and the clowns will eat just about anything. (All fish will eat brine shrimp however) Your clowns may chase the tang. Reminding you about the spur on the tangs are poison. (The white spur on either side of the tail) they will rarely use them but if your clowns bully him too much, he will. this is also a good reminder if you ever have to remove the tang from the tank.

PLEASE do not buy fish for your tank at this time. have patience. NO impulse buys. You will be met with dissapointment.

If you need additional help fell free to email or im me.

Answer 3

You're tank is too small for tang fish. They'll need at least a 75+ gallon tank. The clowns should fit in there ok, but I can't say as far as the compatibility for the others you mentioned. Are you using live sand or getting live rock? How are you planning on cycling the tank? I'd do a bit more research, just letting the tank run for 8 days isn't cycling the tank. And salt water fish are too expensive to experiment with.
Here's a link to check the compatibility of fish, and their requirements and care:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=15

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