30 gal fish count

[newby30gallon]

looking for guidance on how many fish would be appropriate for a 30 gal keeping in mind the bio load and wanting to keep phosphates low....

-have skimmer and about to purchase a phosban reactor and run GFO.

any help is appreciated.

[Sugar Magnolia]

3-4 nano appropriate sized fish.

[gone fishin]

maybe 2-3 mid column swimmers with a goby at the bottom. choose wisely for compatability. Once you have a list post it in the check here before thread at the top of this forum. Snorvich can give you some excellent advice.

[AdamNC]

I keep 4. 2 Clowns, 1 Royal Gramma and 1 Lawnmower Blenny. IMO seems like a good amount.

[NicksMarine200]

Around six fish, you could get away with maybe two more nano fish

[Clownfish Chris]

I have 2 Clowns, an Orchid Dottyback, and a Ruby Red Mandarin. All are doing great. The mandarin was not introduced until about 9 months. He needs LOTS of pods so may not be a good choice for you.

[Jim.mer]

Two, No Tangs, No Anenomes , I use the rule 1 gallon per 2 inches of fish.

[top shelf]

Two, No Tangs, No Anenomes , I use the rule 1 gallon per 2 inches of fish.

That rule doesn't necessarily work as each fish has its own personality and may require more or less space. With that logic you could put a 15in fish in a 30g tank or 2 7.5in fish in said tank. My vote is 3-4 nano appropriate fish taking into account aggression and its care requirements.

In my 20 long I have 2 clownfish, bicolor dottyback, and a firefish.

[Jim.mer]

What kind of sense do you make, the only person to put a 15 inch fish in a 30 gl tank is the stupid arse who would even suggest that sort of thing.

[delor]

Rough estimate for saltwater is 1" of fish for every 3 gallons (SW holds less oxygen than fresh, hence why fw estimate is 1 for 1). Given a 30 gal, no more than 10" of fish. Remember to use their grown size, not their "as bought" size. This isn't a hard fast rule. The actual fish can make a difference. Some fish are messy eaters and can quickly foul your water. You have to be smart and thoughtful on stocking. Is there something you have your heart set on? You might be able to work around what you want.

[top shelf]

What kind of sense do you make, the only person to put a 15 inch fish in a 30 gl tank is the stupid arse who would even suggest that sort of thing.

Thank you for the insult and the only reason I even said anything is because I've read a few post by ppl that would see that and think oh well this person said I could put in 2in of fish per gallon so I can put a tang in my 30g tank.

So I guess if pointing out that rule has its limitations and keeps someone from doing something that dumb makes me a dumb arse so be it.

[pdiehm]

In our biocube 29 we got the plan is 2 clowns, a tail spot Blenheim and a diamond watchman goby or something of the sorts.

Would love to put an anemone in there for the clowns but we will see and a ways down the road.

[Silly clownfish]

I had a 30g for 16 years and 3-4 small fish was my sweet spot. The best combo I had was one ocellaris clown, flame hawk, cherub angel. I had that combination for over 7 years. I still have the clown and hawk in my 75.

[snorvich]

3-4 nano appropriate sized fish.

I agree. Assuming, of course, that none are behavioral monsters. There is no real inches per gallon rule in salt water. It depends on adult size, ecological niche, and behavior.