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Livening Up My 40 Breeder

Discussion in 'Buy/Sell/Trade' started by Super2, Apr 13, 2013.

  1. Super2

    Super2

    19
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    Right now, I have a 40 breeder with 2 ocellaris clowns and a yellowtail damsel(anybody want the damsel?). I have plans to put in a royal gramma, and a flame angel. I am looking for a fish that will school, and is not too expensive, as I want at least 5 or 6. Are there any suggestions for my predicament? Thanks
     
  2. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0

    In a reef tank fish really won't ever school. There are a couple species that may show some "shoaling" behavior, but even then its limited due to the typically non-aggressive environment of a reef tank. They feel comfortable because of lack of predators and don't find it necessary to group up.

    The 40 breeder size limits you even more. You'd need something pretty small to get a decent sized group.


    Chromis - I've never had them, but it sounds like the consensus is you start with a group and eventually it dwindles down to 1 or 2

    Anthias - Nice small fish, but some species can be difficult. They do best with several feedings a day. At one time I had 7 or 8 in my tank I am now down to 2.

    Cardinal fish - I don't have experience with these, but I have been doing a little research. From what I have been reading some species do seem to show some good shoaling behavior in reef tanks. Plus they stay pretty small. One I have been looking at is the threadfin cardinalfish.


    Personally I would skip looking for a group of "schooling" fish for your tank, I don't think you will ever actually get what you are after. And there are too many issues with groups of the same fish, especially in a small tank like yours. Instead get a variety of small, active fish. One or two chromis, A couple anthias, maybe a wrasse.

    for small fish I have a couple anthias, and several different wrasse in my tank. They are always out and actively swimming around throughout the entire tank.
     
  3. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    I think Fire fish school don't they? They would be good in a 40breeder. Maybe 3 or 4!
     
  4. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0



    I think its similar as the other ones, but either way they are a cool fish and would be another good option for a couple small fish to add to the tank..



     
  5. mfisher

    mfisher

    255
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    Firefish will hang in pairs. I have two that hate the third... They jump so lids are important

    I have 7 or 8 threadfin cardinals and they are the best schoolers. They stay in a pretty tight school. They always look horrible in the store, but are beautiful when they aren't stressed. Their huge eyes turn bright blue with transluscent orange bars on their sides... Very underrated fish.

    Matt
     
  6. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    How long have you had the cardinals? Everyone that has them seems to say the same thing about them being underrated.






     
  7. mfisher

    mfisher

    255
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    I've added them over a year. They constantly mouthbrooding.
     
  8. mfisher

    mfisher

    255
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Two of my firefish (males?) were trying to kill each other today... They had Tattered fins when i found them and the one was clamped onto the other's belly with its mouth. Pretty vicious behavior for such cute little guys... I've had them in other tanks and never witnessed this. 2 seems to be the magic number w ff!
     

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