Damsel in 5 Gallon?

[Jas6318]

Sort of. Like cichlids- constant chasing but no murders

Lol fair enough, maybe they just liked playing tag

 

[ApoIsland]

I’m just wondering if it’s doable to have either an azure or yellow tail damsel in a 5gal (long) tank? Was also considering a royal gramma or a dottyback. Whichever of these (if any) I chose, it would be the only fish in the tank.

The reason I ask is that I’m aware the general guidelines say 30gal but I’m wondering if this is due to them being territorial to other fish, in which case, that would not be an issue as they will be the only one in there.

I’ve kept saltwater tanks before for a few years, but have never had any of the above mentioned fish so not sure how they’d go in there. I wouldn’t want them to be miserable! I’d rather not do it if that was the case.

I had a jeweled damsel in a 2g reef jar for a couple months and it did fine. Moved it to a 90g when I got tired of the weekly water changes on those jars and it died in there a few weeks later. Bigger tank doesn’t necessarily mean better life.

 

[Rtaylor]

Barnacle blennies would be perfect. They hide in the rocks 99% of the time so don't need swimming space and they only get to maybe 1.5" at most. They are fun to watch darting in and out of their holes to get food.

 

[areefer01]

Will definitely share! I should actually start a build thread of my current tank. It’s a 20gal cube, about 12 weeks old. It’s got an oscellaris clown, and a yellow assessor, various soft and lps corals. I’m really happy with it so far!

Yellow assessor - love them. I have one and really enjoy how it swims up and down a rock wall / overhang in my system. Great choice but not going to lie - i'm biased

 

[areefer01]

Barnacle blennies would be perfect. They hide in the rocks 99% of the time so don't need swimming space and they only get to maybe 1.5" at most. They are fun to watch darting in and out of their holes to get food.

This is actually a great suggestion. They are some really neat looking fish with great personalities.

Good recommendation!

 

[Steve and his Animals]

Hmm great ideas in there! Are dottybacks big explorers?

Not really. They look around a small area around their chosen cave, kinda like royal grammas and other basslets.

 

[Jas6318]

I had a jeweled damsel in a 2g reef jar for a couple months and it did fine. Moved it to a 90g when I got tired of the weekly water changes on those jars and it died in there a few weeks later. Bigger tank doesn’t necessarily mean better life.

Wow interesting huh, they are fickle sometimes. I’m sorry your fish died on you

 

[Jas6318]

Barnacle blennies would be perfect. They hide in the rocks 99% of the time so don't need swimming space and they only get to maybe 1.5" at most. They are fun to watch darting in and out of their holes to get food.

Great suggestion Rtaylor, but I’m not sure I can get them in Australia.

 

[Jas6318]

Yellow assessor - love them. I have one and really enjoy how it swims up and down a rock wall / overhang in my system. Great choice but not going to lie - i'm biased

Me to! It’s such a weirdo, it’s great!

 

[Jas6318]

Not really. They look around a small area around their chosen cave, kinda like royal grammas and other basslets.

Ok maybe that’s an option too then

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Many years ago, had 4 damsel and a shrimp in a 5 1/2 gallon

That makes it sound like it is OK to do. I think it is very cruel.

 

[Big Smelly fish]

Sure it can!

If in any doubt, just remember sardines.... 10 of them in small can, and you dont hear them complaining.

Lol, funny answer. My wife is the only bone that complains when I open a can to eat as a snack during a television show.

 

[JumboShrimp]

This was my 7-gallon AIO with a Yellow Tail Damsel, a small Clown, and a Shrimp.

 

[Jas6318]

This was my 7-gallon AIO with a Yellow Tail Damsel, a small Clown, and a Shrimp.

Beautiful! What did you think of that tank? That’s the lifeguard full view yes? Was looking at that style as well as a fluval evo.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Yes— LifeGuard Aquatics 7-gallon AIO. Slant nose front. Fun little plug n’ play tank. Great as a beginner thank and beyond.

 

[Jas6318]

Yes— LifeGuard Aquatics 7-gallon AIO. Slant nose front. Fun little plug n’ play tank. Great as a beginner thank and beyond.

Wow! Stunning!!

 

[Obsessed with fish]

Neon gobys or clown gobys are good, shrimp?

 

[Jas6318]

Neon gobys or clown gobys are good, shrimp?

Was thinking either a fire shrimp or some sexy shrimp. Depending on the fish that goes in there.

 

[Obsessed with fish]

Was thinking either a fire shrimp or some sexy shrimp. Depending on the fish that goes in there.

Sexy shrimp and fire shrimp are awesome, I said red blood shrimp because there big so you have more freedom with fish stocking, but any shrimp would be fine as long as they don't get eaten alive.

 

[Jas6318]

Sexy shrimp and fire shrimp are awesome, I said red blood shrimp because there big so you have more freedom with fish stocking, but any shrimp would be fine as long as they don't get eaten alive.

Yeah I definitely won’t go for sexy shrimp if there’s anything that’s likely to eat them going in the tank!