Tank Stocking, Looking for ideas

[BlackiceClowns]

Hello Everyone
I've got a 20 by 20 by 28 inch tank. 45 Gallon system with a sump which will be coral-heavy. I already have two clowns and I'm trying to add some more fish.
This is my potential list
Clownfish (2)
Clowngoby (2)
Splendid Dottyback (1)

What do you reckon? Doable or Not

Also if I were to get rid of the Dottyback could I Add a goby and pistol shrimp pair?

 

[Slocke]

Hello Everyone
I've got a 20 by 20 by 28 inch tank. 45 Gallon system with a sump which will be coral-heavy. I already have two clowns and I'm trying to add some more fish.
This is my potential list
Clownfish (2)
Clowngoby (2)
Splendid Dottyback (1)

What do you reckon? Doable or Not

Also if I were to get rid of the Dottyback could I Add a goby and pistol shrimp pair?

I'd lose the dottyback as they can be very aggressive. Then you could replace it with the goby and shrimp pair or a basslet like a black cap or royal gramma. Or you could do a possum wrasse which would be my favorite.

 

[1112-425XL]

I have an electric indigo dottyback, if I could catch it it'd be donated to my LFS. Fortunately my Melanurus Wrasse and Swallowtail Angel keep it in check. But it chases my tail spot blenny and orange spot goby when it gets the opportunity.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

Quick Question what would the dotty back be aggressive with?

 

[BlackiceClowns]

So it seems out of everyone I've asked and all the research almost everyone says I shouldn't keep the dotty back. I guess that solves that. Do you think I could keep a possum wrasse with 2 clowns, 2 clown gobies, and a Pistol shrimp goby pair? Or do you think that would be overdoing it

 

[Slocke]

So it seems out of everyone I've asked and all the research almost everyone says I shouldn't keep the dotty back. I guess that solves that. Do you think I could keep a possum wrasse with 2 clowns, 2 clown gobies, and a Pistol shrimp goby pair? Or do you think that would be overdoing it

Depends on the filtration and a bit on the temperment of the clowns. I advise using an acclimation box for all additions.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

Depends on the filtration and a bit on the temperment of the clowns. I advise using an acclimation box for all additions.

From when I saw them a the shop they where in a group of clowns and hawkfish and I saw no aggression. I watched the tank for half an hour. But I get what you mean I have heard of clowns being kinda aggressive. Why the acclimation box and how would I use it?

 

[1112-425XL]

I think so. I have a 20 gal. with two clowns, a possum wrasse a royal gramma and a pom pom crab. Rbta and a bubble coral. They all get along fine.

 

[Slocke]

From when I saw them a the shop they where in a group of clowns and hawkfish and I saw no aggression. I watched the tank for half an hour. But I get what you mean I have heard of clowns being kinda aggressive. Why the acclimation box and how would I use it?

It allows fish to safely get used to each other. I have one that uses suction cups. You put the new fish in there and watch to see any aggression from the older residents. If there is none after a couple days then there should be no issues.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

I think so. I have a 20 gal. with two clowns, a possum wrasse a royal gramma and a pom pom crab. Rbta and a bubble coral. They all get along fine.

Thanks for the response. I think I'm going to stay away from the royal gramma for now. I might setup a single species tank just for a dottyback.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

It allows fish to safely get used to each other. I have one that uses suction cups. You put the new fish in there and watch to see any aggression from the older residents. If there is none after a couple days then there should be no issues.

View attachment 3176805

Awesome thanks for the response. I might buy one of those they look pretty reasonable. Is that a marine betta in the acclimation box? They are stunning fish.

 

[Slocke]

Awesome thanks for the response. I might buy one of those they look pretty reasonable. Is that a marine betta in the acclimation box? They are stunning fish.

Actually it’s a yellowtail tamarin wrasse! One of my favorite fish but can be very shy and sensitive. This the box.

 

[grynning4fish]

Hello Everyone
I've got a 20 by 20 by 28 inch tank. 45 Gallon system with a sump which will be coral-heavy. I already have two clowns and I'm trying to add some more fish.
This is my potential list
Clownfish (2)
Clowngoby (2)
Splendid Dottyback (1)

What do you reckon? Doable or Not

Also if I were to get rid of the Dottyback could I Add a goby and pistol shrimp pair?

Maybe try an orchid dotty back? I believe it’s one of the least aggressive dotty backs.. i’ve never had any problems. Also neon gobies and yellow line striped gobies are pretty fun, they are fast and nice to watch.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

Maybe try an orchid dotty back? I believe it’s one of the least aggressive dotty backs.. i’ve never had any problems. Also neon gobies and yellow line striped gobies are pretty fun, they are fast and nice to watch.

Thanks for the response. I'm just gonna stay away from the Dotty Backs for now. Yeah lots of gobies are upright characters.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

Actually it’s a yellowtail tamarin wrasse! One of my favorite fish but can be very shy and sensitive. This the box.
View attachment 3176828

Looks STUNNING. Are they hard to keep? I've seen they need a 50-gallon tank or larger. Do you think I could squeeze one into my tank? I am a beginner so be honest.

 

[Slocke]

Looks STUNNING. Are they hard to keep? I've seen they need a 50-gallon tank or larger. Do you think I could squeeze one into my tank? I am a beginner so be honest.

Unfortunately it is not right for you. I don't know where you saw 50 gallons. Mine is tiny but they reach 9 inches. Maybe for a few years you could keep a small one as they grow fairly slow however the other issue is their difficulty. You may have seen they are listed as an expert only fish on Live Aquaria and that is because they often don't take to captivity and are easily injured. If you see one at a store and you can see it eat and also swallow that food then I'd be tempted. However I'd also want a good copepod population. It is not a beginner fish.

A possum wrasse or a pink streak are great starting wrasse I would suggest though.

 

[BlackiceClowns]

Unfortunately it is not right for you. I don't know where you saw 50 gallons. Mine is tiny but they reach 9 inches. Maybe for a few years you could keep a small one as they grow fairly slow however the other issue is their difficulty. You may have seen they are listed as an expert only fish on Live Aquaria and that is because they often don't take to captivity and are easily injured. If you see one at a store and you can see it eat and also swallow that food then I'd be tempted. However I'd also want a good copepod population. It is not a beginner fish.

A possum wrasse or a pink streak are great starting wrasse I would suggest though.

Awesome Thanks a lot or the detailed response. Ill definitely hold off on them in that case. Your fish looks amazing though. Im thinking of going for the possum wrasse if i can ever find on in Australia. I hate living here.