Get them about as small as you can, they don't produce too much waste at 1". Also you can ghost feed the tank before introduction if you want to build up more slowly. But even for my 21 clowns, I'm only feeding like 1/3 to 1/2 of a cube at a time (although three or four times a day). You'll be feeding a quarter of a cube of cyclopods at first, so the bioload is reasonable.
And skunks are less aggressive and more accustomed to living in a group overall. So for <10 I would recommend skunks. But get other opinions. From what I've seen diving and in tanks that's my philosophy.
My lfs gets fish from Sea and Reef, so I just had him special order my harem. I could have gotten the same clutch/size, which would have been ideal. But I wanted to roll the dice a bit.
As far as reducing aggression, lots of anemones, lots of food, space is most important. That's why you're starting at a disadvantage. Also don't have any that stand out. Another reason for skunks, fewer visual differences.
