Need Suggestions for 37g FOWLR

[rhythm9]

So my parents asked me if I would set up my old 37g for them because they think it would look pretty in this one spot in their house. It would have to be a FO or FOWLR setup, I already have an overrated fluval filter sitting around from an old 55g setup, 2 koralia powerheads, and the lighting would just be stock lighting.
Im looking for fish suggestions! I want something simple, active, and HARDY for my parents to enjoy and care for under my guidance.
I was thinking a small school of chromis, a small school of cardinals, and then one larger "centerpiece" fish... Maybe something a little unique?
All suggestions welcome! Thanks!

 

[sweatervest13]

Dwarf Angel. Something like a Flame Angel or a Coral Beauty. Maybe a lemon Peel.
One of those would look cool with a small school of chromis.

 

[rhythm9]

I agree those are gorgeous, Ive always wanted a flame!
However, I had a bicolor in this same tank years ago when it was still running and it did not fair well... dont you need a lot of rock to support a pygmy angel? Granted the one I had never even started eating but I dont want to starve one with too little algae to graze on.

 

[sweatervest13]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhythm9 http:///t/396031/need-suggestions-for-37g-fowlr#post_3527713
I agree those are gorgeous, Ive always wanted a flame!
However, I had a bicolor in this same tank years ago when it was still running and it did not fair well... dont you need a lot of rock to support a pygmy angel? Granted the one I had never even started eating but I dont want to starve one with too little algae to graze on.
How much LR were you planning on using?? As long as you have 25-30 lbs and add the Flame last (3-4 months after setup), there should be plenty of algae in the tank to support a dwarf angel. You can also feed algae sheets a few times a week (not a whole sheet for one fish, maybe a quarter sheet).

 

[rhythm9]

Ok, perhaps the one I had years ago was just sickly to start because I probably had around 25lbs of rock ad the tank had been up for about 2 years by the time he was added... I will definitely consider trying the pygmy angel again!!!
I am also partial to Wrasse.. are there any of those that would do well in the 37? Again doesnt have to be reef safe, I just want something active and colorful. Also the tank has a tight fitting glass top so I dont have to worry about any jumpers!

 

[geridoc]

Most of the aggressive, non reef-safe wrasses will not fare well in a 37 gallon system. However, there are a variety of really gorgeous reef-safe wrasses that would do fine. Take a look at the red velvet fairy wrasse, for example, or any of the flasher wrasses.