Ideas for a new fish please!

[jpc763]

I have a 55g tank with T5 lighting. It has been up since July. I currently have two false percs, sixline wrasse & a firefish. My QT has been up since September and the firefish has moved from QT into DT.
That leaves room for a new fish in the QT!
I would like a fish that is not too expensive, is reef safe, good coloring and will get along with the crew I have. Ideally I would like a fish that is not too shy as well.
I have had and lost a Banggai Cardinal and a Yellow Clown Goby in the DT and Lawnmower Blennie never made it out of the QT.

Can I get some suggestions please? Thanks, John

 

[earlybird]

How about a yellow watchman goby? I'm thinking color.

 

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by earlybird
How about a yellow watchman goby? I'm thinking color.
That is a good looking fish. Are they social or do they hide all of the time?

 

[fishycpa]

would 3 blue reef chromis or green chromis been too much for a 55 w/ that current stock list? Lots of color and movement.

 

[earlybird]

I've never had one but I believe they are hit and miss which is why you should shop around. For example, my LFS has one in their display tank that sits in the very center of their tank right next to a clam on the sand bed. Every time I go in there he's just chillin on the sand. However, I've read that they like the bottom half of the tank and like to perch in caves/holes that they can retreat into if they feel threatened. It's possible that the fish I see is just very comfortable.

 

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by fishyCPA
would 3 blue reef chromis or green chromis been too much for a 55 w/ that current stock list? Lots of color and movement.
I figure that 3 Chromis would max out my stock list, but I could add them and quit. QT might be a different story since my QT is only 5g. Can you add Chromis 1 or 2 at a time?

 

[jpc763]

Any other suggestions? I have thought of the following:
Royal Gramma - worried that it is very shy and won't be out
Tangs - Tank too small
Cardinal - Easily stressed (which I think is why my other died)
Thanks! John

 

[carrieabn]

My yellow watchman hides all the time :-( At least the rock he has picked as his to hide under is front and cent of my tank so I can see him when he does come out.
I'm interested to see what fish others suggest, I too, am looking to add another fish or 2 to my 55.

 

[mcbdz]

My royal gramma is always visable. The first week or so he'll be shy, but as soon as he is comfortable you'll see him out and about. Mine thinks she is the boss of the rt side.

 

[t316]

Originally Posted by jpc763
I figure that 3 Chromis would max out my stock list, but I could add them and quit. QT might be a different story since my QT is only 5g. Can you add Chromis 1 or 2 at a time?
Keep the green chromis in odd #'s (1,3,5,etc). For some reason they will end up killing the weakest (even # fish) leaving an odd # anyway

 

[alexmir]

Royal gramma's are very pretty and do come out alot. But, mine is a hermit crab and snail murderer!!!! he hasnt done it as much in the past 2 months, but within a few weeks he had killed 6 hermits and a few snails. I watched him do it one night, he would wait till their pulling out of the shell to grab something, grab their claw, and shake them as hard and as fast as he could.

 

[golgi aparatus]

I'll put in my vote for a midas blenny. They are AWESOME. Very pretty fish with tons of personality. They are always out in the middle of the water column....

 

[jpc763]

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions! I will let you know what I decide to add (based on what the LFS has).

 

[sepulatian]

Are you looking for a bottom feeder? What kind of fish are you looking for? You already have some vibrant middle feeders. You can only get maybe two more fish. Think long and hard about what you want.

 

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
Are you looking for a bottom feeder? What kind of fish are you looking for? You already have some vibrant middle feeders. You can only get maybe two more fish. Think long and hard about what you want.
Bottom Feeder would be fine. I want a good compatible fish for my other 4 who is colorful and not too shy (I know it depends on the fish)
I was thinking of a Coral Beauty for my final fish. An algae eater. Thoughts?

 

[sepulatian]

A bottom dwelling blennie would be good. A coral beauty would work as a final touch, but you would be absolutely at max with that fish. It will do fine in your 55, but that is max. You don't need a bottom dwelling fish, let your cleanup crew handle watever hits the bottom. Please slow down though. I have a 55 with 3 fish in it. This tank is over a year old. Make good choices for your tank and do it slow. Your tank will be much healthier.