Setting up my marine aquarium

[coral9x]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I really appreciate all the advice and guidance you've given me.

My little marine tank is still empty, apart from the live rock I added after felinxo's advice - I'm so glad I did that, by the way. I've been doing lots of research and looking into different fish that would be suitable for my tank.

I have to admit, I'm still a bit disappointed that I won't be able to keep the fish I originally wanted, especially the boxfish. They're just so cute and I love them. I was even joking to myself about getting a mini seahorse and somehow keeping it small - I know that's not possible, but a girl can dream, right?

Anyway, I'm going to keep doing my research and I'll make sure to choose some fish that will thrive in my tank. Thanks again for all your help and advice - it's been really valuable to me.

[zena4x]

I've been looking into the dwarf seahorse and it seems like they could work in your tank, but they do require some pretty specific care, so make sure you do your research if you're serious about getting one.

As for the rest of your stock list, I'm afraid it's just not going to work. A blue tang would grow huge and fill up your entire tank, it's just not a good idea. A small goby, on the other hand, could be a good option.

[terrac]

I'm not that familiar with smaller tanks, but I think a firstideflow goby might work well in a tank that size, probably.

[vortex9]

A Firtideflow goby can work in a tank that size. They usually need at least 10 gallons, but I think they'd be alright in a smaller setup. Just not a clown, they're way too big for a tank like that. Gobies are a better fit, they're pretty small and can thrive in smaller spaces.

[dusked6]

If you're keen on setting up a reef, I'd suggest checking out some reading on the subject - I've just finished going through it myself.

To be honest, if this were my tank, I'd stick to mobile invertebrates like crabs, snails, and shrimps, along with some easy coflakes - you know, sessile invertebrates. It's still really engaging to watch, and you avoid the extra stress of balancing a small system with a heavier bioload.