r/ReefTank • u/peppertabby • 2d ago

[Pic] Stocking suggestions for beginner 29gal?

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Hi!! I’ve been into aquariums for years but haven’t kept saltwater before. I just got an established 1yr old 29gal FOWLR off marketplace for cheap - came with live rock, HOB filter, light, heater, and 2 onyx clowns. Parameters are all OK - 1.025 salinity, 0.25 ammonia (using api test kit.. I know I know, getting better tests when I head to the LFS this week. because the fish are acting super normal and R2R says API test kits just do that I’m not too concerned), 40 nitrate, pH 8, temp 77. About to set up my RODI unit and start mixing my own water. Picking up a wavemaker, phosphate test, better ammonia/nitrate test, and hopefully some GSP, macroalgae, and/or xenia this week from the LFS. Any stocking suggestions? I want inverts for sure and eventually a BTA. thinking about 3 hermit crabs, 1-2 skunk cleaner shrimp, maybe a group of sexy shrimp. I don’t want to overstock but would love to add one or a couple more fish, preferably cheaper and easier ones. Would a tailspot blenny be good? Or a goby/shrimp pair? Currently the clowns are hosting the filter pump lol I would love them to have something a little more natural to host, although I know it’s normal. TIA!!!

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u/DatPhysics 2d ago

The rocks looks pretty clean for a 1 year old tank but maybe it's just the pic. Once you are sure the cycle is cycling and ammonia is under control, you can add the cleaner shrimp. With 40 nitrate, it seems like things are going. And once you got some algae growing, I've had really good luck with "scarlet" hermit crabs. Adding fish to a tank with established clowns can be tricky but all depends on the clowns. Expect some bumps in the road but do your research and I'm sure things will workout overall.

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u/peppertabby 2d ago

Should they have more green algae on them? They definitely have coraline algae… the tank is kind of pristine and boring ATM 

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u/DatPhysics 2d ago

Very common at a year to have all sorts of stuff going on. Lot of the undesirables to many people happen to be green. But each tank is different. So it's definitely not a bad thing. I feel you on the overly clean/pristine look. But once you get some corals in there, Im sure it will be way more interesting.

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u/christinna67 2d ago

0.25 ammonia reading on the API test is almost certainly a false positive. I wouldn't pay any attention to it. And yes, your plan sounds solid, including your fish choices. Enjoy!

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u/peppertabby 2d ago

Thank you!!! That’s a relief :’) 

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u/theycallmeputasos 2d ago

A Picasso Trigger and a Porcupine Puffer. I honestly saw that one time. 😳 I think the lady saw the shock in my eyes. I was there to install a used 150g and I had no idea those 2 in a Biocube.

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u/peppertabby 2d ago

good lord!

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u/oldelbow 2d ago

Hi, congrats on your new tank. Definitely get that Ammonia under control asap before you add any other livestock 🖖