Adding fish to our 60g cube?

Oberst Hajj · Mar 7, 2019

The wife has been complaining that we don't have enough fish in our 60g cube. So, while I sort out my Alk/Cal/Mag levels issue, I got to looking at various fish that we might like. Currently we have 2 clown fish that have been in the tank for about 20 months. We are looking at adding the following:

Black Axil Chromis
Court Jester Goby
Watchman Goby
Canary Blenny
Orchid Dottyback

The last 4 would all be captive-bred specimens.

Does anyone think that might be too many fish for our 60g cube:

<img>http://cofamjeepn.com/Aquarium/Full Tank Shots/index.html#Corals-Critters-9288.jpg</img>

None of the corals are in there now except a rico.

If we get those fish, should I try to add them all at the same time (they would be QT'd in a 20g tank for a month) or add them in smaller groups or singles?

Jesterrace · Mar 7, 2019

Shouldn't be. Unfortunately the cube dimensions limit your stocking options quite a bit, but what you have should work. Just be aware that the Orchid Dottyback can be aggressive (even though it's the best behaved of the bunch). Not sure if it would be any better but if you are okay with wild caught and want a similar look but a fish that is likely better behaved, a black cap basslet could work:

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+2730+47&pcatid=47

*EDIT* Just saw the part about the established clownfish and the Chromis. I would skip the Chromis as many are shipping with disease these days and what kind of clowns are those? Clownfish can become downright nasty once established and it's highly likely that in a 2 foot cube they will see any new additions as a threat.

mattzang · Mar 7, 2019

i have pretty much that same tank, idk if i'd do an orchid dottyback with gobies. i have the orchid and, while peaceful, he can be a little rude to other fish that want to come near his cave area. at the very least, put that one in last. i don't have any gobies or anything super peaceful that the dottyback can bully too much, i just probably wouldn't combine it with really peaceful possibly timid fish like gobies.

the basslet might be a better alternative. i will say though, the orchids are a really pretty purple that seems kind of hard to find elsewhere. i don't think the blackcap pops quite as much, although i've only ever seen them at lfs under crappy lighting.

Jesterrace · Mar 7, 2019

If he doesn't mind a mix of coloration that is very similar to the Bicolor Dottyback there is a much better alternative that is cheaper:

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+2730+53&pcatid=53

Oberst Hajj · Mar 7, 2019

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. If the dottyback might cause issues, I could pass on it. I like the black cap, but not the price this early in my saltwater career. The royal gramma basslet could be a good alternative.

My biggest concern is the minimum rock scape that I have. The two clowns are still pretty small, 1-2 inches.

mattzang · Mar 7, 2019

Oberst Hajj said:
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. If the dottyback might cause issues, I could pass on it. I like the black cap, but not the price this early in my saltwater career. The royal gramma basslet could be a good alternative.

My biggest concern is the minimum rock scape that I have. The two clowns are still pretty small, 1-2 inches.

the blackcaps are quite a bit cheaper on kpaquatics

royal grammas are cool too. i didn't have much luck with them, seemed to be too timid, so i went with the orchid for my rockwork fish. i think your scape looks cool, i'm just trying to envision the orchid in there and maybe he'd claim that main rock cave area, then the watchman could have that island area. and maybe he'd leave the court jester alone since he's a sand sifter guy? perhaps @eatbreakfast can weigh in, i'm sure he has come across some goby dottyback combos

i hate to discourage orchids because i like my dude, it's not like he's ever done anything that was overly aggressive. just chased my red line wrasse for a day or two when i added her and she didn't even end up with any nipped fins or anything. just letting her know that's his zone. and now the red line and the yellow wrasse seem to freely cruise that area and the orchid doesn't mind.

Oberst Hajj · Mar 7, 2019

There a couple of smaller cave areas on each side. The clowns hang out some of the time in the larger one on the right.

I could put some more rock under the arch in the center, just to give some more living space.

Oberst Hajj · Mar 7, 2019

Jesterrace said:
what kind of clowns are those? Clownfish can become downright nasty once established and it's highly likely that in a 2 foot cube they will see any new additions as a threat.

They are Ocellaris.

Oberst Hajj · Mar 7, 2019

A shot showing more of the right side of the tank:

<img>http://cofamjeepn.com/Aquarium/Full Tank Shots/index.html#Day122FTS-9662.jpg</img>

And the left:

<img>http://cofamjeepn.com/Aquarium/Full Tank Shots/index.html#Day122FTS-9663.jpg</img>

Oberst Hajj · Mar 11, 2019

I've been thinking I might replace the Dottyback with a Exquisite Firefish instead. Not as much purple, but some and still a pretty fish.

Jesterrace · Mar 11, 2019

Be aware that firefish can be very timid and easily bullied. I had a purple that was a bully magnet that ended up spending most of it's time in hiding.