What to get in trade-in

[mrs.som]

In a month or two I'm hoping to trade in my current fish stock (Clown, Three-Stripe Damsel and Sixline Wrasse) at Preuss (already got the 'ok' from them). I am torn between getting a smaller clown and an anemone or a Goby and shrimp pair. I want a centerpiece type of fish or pair. What is going to be happiest and most enjoyable in the long run? I'd welcome additional suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance!

[EMUreef]

In a month or two I'm hoping to trade in my current fish stock (Clown, Three-Stripe Damsel and Sixline Wrasse) at Pruess (already got the 'ok' from them). I am torn between getting a smaller clown and an anemone or a Goby and shrimp pair. I want a centerpiece type of fish or pair. What is going to be happiest and most enjoyable in the long run? I'd welcome additional suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance!

get a Picasso pair, and a RBTA. or get some Onyx clowns.

[mrs.som]

Ooo, man I'm a newbie and those types of clowns are a bit out of my price range, though they are gorgeous! I'm looking about a $70 budget after my trade-in and the extra money I'll have to add.
Thanks for the input though!

[EMUreef]

Ooo, man I'm a newbie and those types of clowns are a bit out of my price range, though they are gorgeous! I'm looking about a $70 budget after my trade-in and the extra money I'll have to add.
Thanks for the input though!

maybe get some purple firefish. they're always cool too.

[jimsflies]

I would talk to fishtal about some picassos. then get a rbta. If funds are an issue...save up and get them.

I'd also recommend a yasha goby and pistol shrimp.

In a small tank it is hard to beat having the cool symbiotic relationships that those animals share. All would do well in a 29 gallon biocube...I know cause I have them right now. :)

[jimsflies]

Other cool fish I would recommend include ...the yellow canary (fang) blenny and a red elongated dotyback (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+38+2989&pcatid=2989). Both are fairly small, fairly non-aggressive, and fun to watch because they are always foraging for food in the rock.

I would like to try one of the captive bred mandarins too...but haven't yet. Previously having one of these wouldn't have been possible in a small tank. But again, they are a little spendy.

[mrs.som]

@EMUreef - firefish are gorgeous no doubt but what about personality? The last set I saw was just kind of hovering there.
@Jimsflies - thanks for the tip on the picassos, maybe I'll look into those guys for a Christmas present.
I do like the Canary Fang Blenny, saw one at Preuss last time and he/she definitely caught my eye.
The dottyback is pretty cute too.

I really appreciate everyone's input...you guys are so friendly, definitely gives me a good impression of Michiganders :thumbsup:

[MizTanks]

I have a Yellow Rose goby pistol shrimp combo and I love them! Watching the goby feed the shrimp is one of my favorite feeding time experiences!

[rmalone]

I wouldn't put an RBTA in a 29 cube to save my soul. I suppose it can work but my RBTA's are both about 13" across. You would really limit your corals, and nems can and will move a little, or alot if they want to. In other words you will not be choosing where they choose to settle.

[mrs.som]

@MizTanks - I am leaning toward that, both for price reasons and for lasting entertainment value.
@RMalone - Ooo, that is a bit big...though I guess it would be fine considering I want a centerpiece.
Decisions, decisions!

[jimsflies]

The great thing about a 13-inch anemone is it can be cut into four 6-inch anemones and sold.

[mrs.som]

@JimFlies - you make another excellent argument. Now if I can get some clowns to make babies and an anemone to frag I might have myself a tank that pays for itself :)

[rmalone]

I wasn't aware you can cut nems up to make more. My bad, I thought everybody just pawned off natural splits from their nems. HMMMM. Yes a big ol nem would look cool in the center of a 29 cube, with a pair of clowns, no doubt, but most of your real estate would be spoken for. The only corals I have seen be one bit tolerant of nems is zoanthids. I dunno, I still think nems in small tanks are best left to guys like jimsflies with tons of experience.

[mrs.som]

UPDATE
Hey everyone. I got tired of my damsel being a tyrant and my poor clown looking downtrodden so I grabbed the whole lot and brought them into swap. I returned with a fav of mine, the lawnmower blenny. I had seen these guys a long while ago and decided to get one. While they are not the most expensive, "fancy" or flashy fish under the sea, there is just something simply charming about them. I :love3: my Mr. Limpet and he shall be King of the Reef until I get more cash.
Thanks to all for your suggestions, I will definitely refer back to them once I get a bonus or maybe a tax return :piggy-bank: