fish for a 33 long

What fish do you guys think would work well in a 33 long? 48x12x12 basically. Not looking to have a heavy stock of fish but i would like to have fish that are beneficial to my reef. (eat algae, ect.) i was thinking about a couple of chromis and past that really am not sure what would work. thinking of maybe an anthia, maybe a jawfish, clownfish? (but i dont want an anemone with my sps) any ideas? suggestions? cautions? im not sure yet if my tank will be open or close top

 

A clown would do fine without a nem.

 

okay, thanks for the reply. I guess a tank bred perc wouldnt be missing anything without an anem haha

 

Lol correct. Anything can host a clown. Rocks, powerheads, corals...

 

my clowns host my hermit crabs. they are pretty stupid. if your going for a smaller tank, then check live aquaria for nano fish and gobies, to get a clear picture, there are lots of little fish on there to give you a great idea

 

Like mentioned a jawfish would be awesome. While I dont personally have one, I have seen them in person & believe I am missing out! Truely entertaining & the yellow/blue-spots are beautiful imo.

A good blenny to hop around would be a good choice too. I have a starry & a lawnmower (seperate tanks), both are fun to watch as well.

Another thing to think about would be a tube anemone. They are really pretty & dont move, or even if they do its in the sandbed & not onto the rocks. Keep in mind thye dont host clowns.

For column swimming fish you could consider one of the pygmy angels, clowns (like mentioned), blue reef chromis are good active swimmers & imo more colorful that the standard issue chromis. Depending on your stock choices a six line wrasse or damels could be a possibility. I wouldnt recommend any of the other wrasse' or anthias as they are very active swiming and would be a little cramped in a tank that size imo.

 

That's a great tank! I always liked the 33Ls, but you don't see them that often. You can keep a lot. Are you planning to have a cover? Some of the fish mentioned are jumpers, just so you know.

 

I think damsels are beautiful, but are very aggressive, and if added should be added as the last fish. IME

 

Im not sure if ill have a top or not. I'm worried about a top obstructing the light getting to my sps with a 4 bulb t5. Any input on that? Thanks for all the input that is all helpful. I was thinking of maybe just cutting some plexiglass as a cover; do you think it would affect the intensity of light?

khowst i saw a couple of jawfish in a tank in some office i was in years ago and i have loved them since but have also not had any haha

 

I'd go with a mesh top. More gas exchange, less light loss and no salt creep.