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I am considering getting a 30 gallon set up for a blue acara. I saw that it was the minimum recommended tank size for it, so I was wondering what else, if anything, would fit in there.

A 30 gallon would probably suffice for just a single blue acara and a dwarf pleco or other small and robust bottom feeder. I'd definetly aim for a 55 gallon+ which could expand your limits to at least a pair of blue acaras or other medium sized cichlid.

The prices on a 30 gallon setup and 55 setup aren't that big of a difference, so if you have the time, I'd get a larger tank. With medium/large sized cichlids, the water quality could easily go bad in 30 gallon, a larger tank would give more water stability.

Blue acaras typically get 6-8" and could easily feel cramped in a 30 gallon and kill off any tank mates.

I actually had already purchased the tank by the time I'd seen your post. However, I could not find a blue acara in my area at all, so I substituted 2 convicts and 2 firemouths. I am going to get more drift wood and rocks to help them define territory when they're larger.

LOL they kill off tankmates in a 55 let alone a 30. Pairs will try to kill almost anything if they breed. I trust them with no fish except armoured doradids any more.

I am guessing you are talking about the convicts? The firemouths seem pretty calm right now; one convict likes chasing the other one. I think the 2 con are going to head back to the store and another more colorful, guppy-hungry cichlid hopefully added.

Nope, im talking about blue acaras. Convicts can be worse, but blue acaras arent that far behind.