Fish for a shallow tank

My new tank will be about 80 gallons, but water will only be about 14 inches deep.  I will have a screen on the top.  The info I usually find about fish suggests the number of gallons you should have, but I don't see info about whether a fish prefers a deeper tank, etc.

Any suggestions for fish for a shallow tank?  This tank will be almost 100% higher end LPS and won't be overcrowded with coral or rock.

I will also have a large refugium for growing lots of macro algae and bugs.

If you go gobies (which are awesome) make sure you keep that screen on. I've got a couple of clowns, bangaiis and a butterfly tang in my 12" deep. I had a flame hawkfish which parished to brooklynella but he was fun to watch and got a long great with the tank mates (no shrimp though.)

Edited by Hogie - August 19 2014 at 5:56pm

Don't forget a few clownfish.

Aloha Molli,

It's great how you are exploring new territory in the hobby.
I have nothing against using screens but in my experience, it's not the depth, it's about the cover inside the tank. I don't have screens on my tanks (most are shallow) because the fish don't jump. In the wild, marine fish don't typically jump out of the water chasing flies and such. I'm a weirdo, I know. I do things differently than most.  I have learned that providing hiding places allows frightened fish to head down among the rocks and foliage for cover. In fact, the more hiding places that exist in a tank, the more a reclusive fish will stay out in open water. It feels more comfortable staying out because several hiding places are close by. Makes sense, doesn't it. I invite everyone to come see how I do it and try it for yourself.

I believe that practically all common hobby reef fish can learn to get along together. Regarding research, I hope people will use this forum for the final word. The general internet can often lead a person astray of the truth. I mean no offense, but I believe it's because there are so many loud yet inexperienced and uninformed voices. It's human nature.

Aloha,
Mark 
808-345-1049
750 E. Lakepoint Dr. #4V  in Murray


Edited by Mark Peterson - August 20 2014 at 8:24am

back when i did fresh water, i had a cat that would literally jump in the 55g tank, swim around for a min and jump out. not really helpful on this thread but thought i would share. :)

Agreed.