[pete york]

Hey, all you experts out there i have some questions about this 'future' setup tell me if theres any suggestions you would have anything you would do differantly with this, thankyou here is the setup

30 gallon "not positive on the parameters but its a normal 30 you can get at any petstore"

Live sand 1 inch
no live rock "but some fake rocks"
2 percula clowns
3 3 stripe damsels
2 yellowtail damsels
1 chocolate chip starfish

and i would also really like to have one really like colorful centerpiece of a fish perhaps a dwarf angel or something please tell me what you think!! anything you would do differently any thoughts thankyou alot

[Mattfish]

I'd suggest cured live rock instead of the fake rocks - I'm still new at this, but the LR is safer, and provides lots of benefits to the tank, and actually makes water quality and chemistry more stable.

Also, a skimmer, even a small one will also increase quality and stability. If done right, both of these things, from everything I've experienced and learned here will make your experience much more enjoyable.

My understanding is that damsels in general are territorial and difficult. There are many colorful wrasses, blennies and goby's that are relatively small in size - comparable to most damsels, and are beautiful, easier to manage, and many are just as hearty, offering a wider range of choices.

The Scott Michael Marine Fishes book is a great guide and worth every penny.

Also, some cleaner stuff - hermit crabs, snails, and a shrimp or two will also help keep the tank in balance and cleaner. Very little bioload, and a great help. The hermits and snails are mostly invisible - they just sort of blend in and do their work, and the shrimps are great to watch and the fish love to get cleaned by them.

For a center piece fish, the smaller angelfishes are colorful and great to watch. Since you're not planning corals, most of them will be relatively easy to maintain. The Michael Marine Fish book classifies them regarding ease of care, etc. Also, the live aquaria website is another great resource for info on specifics of most fish. Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums

Enjoy - and take the above for what it's worth - just one opinion. There are plenty of great ways to go from what I've seen so far.

[ncdiablo]

I concur with Mattfish.

I suggest going with Live Rock, getting a small hang on the back protein skimmer, definately a clean up crew.

Get a blenny to help with algea. Like the Lawnmower type. I personally am going with a Starry Blenny.

Damsels, some love em but most hate em for their uber territorial disposition.

Snails and Hermit crabs would be very important.

Steven

[glampka]

Way too many fish for a 30 especially if you want a centerpiece fish which will no doubt be a bit bigger. Ditch the damsels, chances are you're going to have all sorts of territory problems like Mattfish said.
Listen to what the other 2 said-they're right on.

[DoLceNBeLLa]

Definitely read those last few posts on damsels. They're pretty and hardy, but they do NOT like sharing space. I had 3 in a 55g tank and that was a nightmare, so 5 in a 30g might be asking for some trouble.

[pete york]

thankyou alot!! i believe im going to ditch the damsels and possibly buy live rock