30 Gallon Tank

[dabigger]

I am looking to set up saltwater fish only tank, for now i can only get in the 30 gallon range ($ and space) what are the unique isuues that apply to a smaller tank and what fish am i limited to? thanks for your help

 

[yacobito]

Hello and welcome to the boards! A 30G will limit the number, size, and type of fish for sure, but this is true for almost any size tank. Make sure and do lots of research and ask lots of questions. The people here are wonderful and very friendly.
With 30G you will want to stay way from Tangs, Butterflies and most Angels (They need lots of swimming room). You might want to look into Clowns, Blennies, Gobies, Cardinals, and Dottybacks. Most of those are relatively small and don't need huge tanks to be happy. You will have plenty of fish to chose from, but make sure and get lots of opinions before you buy anything.
Anyway, good luck with the new tank! I also have a 30G, so if you have any questions for me I can tell you what I have know and have learned (I have two perc clowns and a bi-color blenny). See ya around.

 

[ophiura]

Personally, I prefer a 30g (generally a 3' tank) to a 29g which is "shorter." It is only one gallon difference in size, but can "space out" territorial fish better.
An important consideration from the outset, which will impact your fish selection, is whether you intend to keep corals or anemones.