a "dory" in a 46 bow front?

[mykidsclownfish]

before i get flamed, i know tangs need big tanks. my question: is there something that looks like a blue tang that i could go with when i get my 46 bow front running? or perhaps a very small tank species? my son has been asking for a dory since we set up the 20 gal with 2 "nemos". my existing live stock that will be moved: 2 occ. clowns, melanarous wrasse, clown fairy wrasse, six line wrasse, red firefish gobi, yellow watchman gobi, mandarin gobi.

 

[bucksfan1976]

I wont flame bc I did this. Think about the future, do you think you will get a bigger tank? If so you can get blue hippos very small, aprox 1-1.5 inch, now it will need to go in a bigger tank then a 46 gallon probably after a year or so, There are alot of people that get the real small ones for Nano tanks (29 gallon biocubes) and they are fine for awhile.

 

[typicaltony]

I got my 'dory' when she was the size of a dime for my 25g and now about 2 years later shes still in there, I had plan for a bigger set up by now but opted to buy a house for us instead. Planning on giving her away but its honestly really hard letting her go.

 

[evolved]

A blue chromis? Not a great look-alike, but not a bad one either.

 

[Mrfresh]

It can be done but u have to understand you will need to either move it to a bigger tank or trade it into a petstore.

I bought 3 baby blues for my 90. There were 1 inch to 1.5 inches. It was great bc they schooled together and what not. But I have had the for about 9 months are they are getting close to out growing the tank. There about 5 inches now, and with three of them.... It's cool bc they still school but the tanks to small now.
S now it's time to catch and hopefully trade them in at my local pet store and they can get me another baby blue hippo...I think just one this time

 

[Trex]

IMO/E, it is best to stock with fish that can spend their lifespan in the tank that you currently have --- hoping that you will upgrade, or will be able to catch and sell the fish isn't a good plan. Life has a funny way of changing your plans.

 

[evolved]

I'd just like the re-emphasize the OPs original question:

is there something that looks like a blue tang that i could go with when i get my 46 bow front running?

 

[mykidsclownfish]

budgetary reasons will keep me at the 46 for at least a few years. long term i plan to go with at least a 125, but, that is in conjunction with a living room remodel. i was just curious if y'all had any thoughts on a permanent small tank "Dory". obviously, not an exact look alike, but something blue and yellow, etc.

 

[oigimsar]

Depending on what corals you plan to keep there are some really nice and hardy dwarf angels. I am not familiar enough with minimum tank sizes to give specifics but there are some that would give you the colors you are looking for.

 

[mykidsclownfish]

i have several zoa's, an acan, a few paly's, garf banzai, a few favia, ricordeas, and a few milepora sticks. i have heard angels like to eat polyps. are there some reed safe angels? my fish ignorance is large.

 

[mykidsclownfish]

bump, any other ideas for a dory doppelganger

 

[doylef4i]

there are blue with yellow tail damsels.

 

[Trex]

i have several zoa's, an acan, a few paly's, garf banzai, a few favia, ricordeas, and a few milepora sticks. i have heard angels like to eat polyps. are there some reed safe angels? my fish ignorance is large.

Any dwarf angel is going to be a risk with those corals, mine seem to prefer fleshy LPS to anything else.

Off the top of my head (( and ones that I have personal experience with )) that MIGHT fit the bill would be a coral beauty and venustus ---

 

[mykidsclownfish]

the coral beauty is awesome, but, are there ways to protect my corals. i was thinking about a yellow tail damsel as well. i have heard that damsels can be jerks to other fish. my clowns are punks, would adding a damsel make things worse?

 

[Trex]

Had a yellow tail damsel about 20 years ago --- will never have one again, so very mean. Would forsee a lot of issues between one and your clowns.

As for protecting your corals, nothing that would really work -- sure you don't want to put an egg crate cage around them. IME, feeding the angel more really won't change a thing if you happen to get a nipping one.

 

[Gladfelter]

The Yellow Tail Damsel is probably the best doppelganger. Mean though. I know my son thought they were dory until he learned better.

 

[doylef4i]

They can be mean but just sayin'

 

[ritter6788]

Yellow tail damsel would be the top choice IMO but they will likely harass your gobies. The clowns and the sixline would likely be ok.

 

[kes]

doesn't sound too much of a problem, as long as it's not a 'big' dory