How about a all devils tank

[Bonsai reef]

I was thinking about stocking my 65 gallon tank. I like small active colorful fishes that swim around and not too shy and of course reef-safe!

I have a pair of clowns already in the tank. What if I stock it with all the devils in the following order of introduction over time? (given tangs are not an option in this size)

Clown pair (already in)
Azure Damsels (2)
Yellow Coris Wrasse (1)
Bicolor dottyback (1)
May be a yellow or purple tang later

Would that be a disaster? Any thoughts?

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Think OK, but pass on the Tang.

 

[nereefpat]

4 foot 65?
It actually doesn't sound like that much of a disaster to me. I would change just a couple things, if it were me.

I'd just get 1 azure damsel.
I'd swap out the bicolor dottyback for either an orchid dotty or a royal gramma. Those dottys can be really vicious.

I agree about not having any tang. Maybe a starry blenny?

 

[Bonsai reef]

Its a RSR300XL, so 3 feet.
Thanks for the feedback!

agree on having no tangs. Also, two damsels will fight in this tank size? Royal gramma i had previously and was very peaceful. So i would avoid putting one with these guys.

 

[Cthulukelele]

Bicolor dottybacks scare me no matter what. They have a very bad track record with tankmates, and royal grammas are pretty boisterous and assertive once established. Don't see the appeal of the bicolor over a gramma.

 

[Cthulukelele]

4 foot 65?
It actually doesn't sound like that much of a disaster to me. I would change just a couple things, if it were me.

I'd just get 1 azure damsel.
I'd swap out the bicolor dottyback for either an orchid dotty or a royal gramma. Those dottys can be really vicious.

I agree about not having any tang. Maybe a starry blenny?

I also think a salarias blenny of some variety would go quite well in this list as they can be pretty assertive as well

Another option is to go actual demon tank. Do something like the coris wrasse, lightning maroon clown, blue devil damsel, and bicolor dottyback

 

[Bonsai reef]

Bicolor dottybacks scare me no matter what. They have a very bad track record with tankmates, and royal grammas are pretty boisterous and assertive once established. Don't see the appeal of the bicolor over a gramma.

Only reason for dottyback over gramma is I dont want the gramma to be bullied by these and its more stationary than a dotty may be?

 

[Cthulukelele]

Only reason for dottyback over gramma is I dont want the gramma to be bullied by these and its more stationary than a dotty may be?

Gramma would not get harassed by the fish you listed but it does tend to swim around less aggressively than a dottyback.

 

[nereefpat]

Also, two damsels will fight in this tank size?

Those small and peaceful Chrysiptera damsels seem to be born m/f or change really early. I had 2 yellow tail in my 125, and 1 killed the other. If you get a male and female, then I suspect that it would work.

Royal gramma i had previously and was very peaceful. So i would avoid putting one with these guys.

They are mostly peaceful, but I also don't expect any of your other fishes to bother it. The others aren't really that aggressive. I only recommend dottys for big tanks with tangs/angels/etc, as crazy as that sounds, unless it's an orchid dotty.

 

[Cthulukelele]

Those small and peaceful Chrysiptera damsels seem to be born m/f or change really early. I had 2 yellow tail in my 125, and 1 killed the other. If you get a male and female, then I suspect that it would work.


They are mostly peaceful, but I also don't expect any of your other fishes to bother it. The others aren't really that aggressive. I only recommend dottys for big tanks with tangs/angels/etc, as crazy as that sounds, unless it's an orchid dotty.

It's hard to overstate that pound for pound most adult dottybacks other than orchids are some of the toughest AND meanest fish in the ocean

 

[Bonsai reef]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Royal Gramma in the list. Dottyback out!

 

[Zionas]

Aww nobody wants to be friends with this little guy? ^^


On a serious note, do Grammas and Liopropoma Basslets in your experience change sex?

 

[Neptune 555]

What about a dwarf angel? A flame angel is beautiful and tough… or a flame back angel?

 

[Bonsai reef]

What about a dwarf angel? A flame angel is beautiful and tough… or a flame back angel?

Are flame angels reef safe? I wont take any chances with my corals Anything with caution has a strict No Entry!

 

[Zionas]

Many people successfully keep them in reefs, some have nipped too much for comfort, but I’m really biased towards angels and butterflies (the two “main” categories of RSWC fish) and not having one or both pretty much takes the joy out of the hobby for me. Angels > Butterflies, between the two. The pygmy angels and Coral Beauty also have a generally good reputation. If you are too risk averse to putting in an angel (which I admit kinda disappoints me lol just kidding), I think a Mystery Wrasse would fit the bill.

Edit: Wait, you already have a wrasse, so not sure if I’d risk the Mystery Wrasse as they’re not the best friends to other wrasses at least that’s what I heard. Personally, I’d really get an angel. They are, hands down, the best combination of colors, patterns, and body shapes to me.

 

[Bonsai reef]

I love angels and butterflies too! They are among the most beautiful fishes and I have seen them in many reef tanks with large coral colonies. But since its a new tank and will be starting with sps frags, chances are it can be more damaging even with few nips.

 

[dennis romano]

If you want a pretty safe angel, try a Centropyge argi. I have had several over the years and none have ever nipped at a coral. My current 3 Y.O. argi only bothers corals when I feed the corals pellets. He steals the pellets.

 

[Bonsai reef]

If you want a pretty safe angel, try a Centropyge argi. I have had several over the years and none have ever nipped at a coral. My current 3 Y.O. argi only bothers corals when I feed the corals pellets. He steals the pellets.

Looks pretty cool!