Indecisive 20g Long Tank List

[MerkethMerky]

Hi Everyone, So everytime I try and come up with a stocking list for my 20 gallon I keep going back on what I want and can't really decide on what group I want. I guess I'll just offer it to y'all and see your thoughts too?

A Harptail Blennie and a Longnose Hawkfish (I do want a Blood Red Fire Shrimp, it might be too small but its still 2-3" already).
A pair of small clowns and a trio of Firefish
A pair of clowns and the harptail blennie
A pair of clowns and a Longnose Hawkfish

I don't really like the goby/pistol shrimp combo, nor do I like the more usual blennies and gobies anyways. So those are off the table for me unfortunately. I don't know if my CUC matters, but its a blood red fire shrimp, and then a variety of snails. Possibly a clam if I can find the right lighting. Any help is appreciated!

 

[Mikeltee]

I have had a couple of goby/pistol shrimp combos and they always hid. Why don't you consider the 40g? Its not much more expensive with the 50% off deal. That gives you twice the real estate and half the problems. I have a 20g for qt and it's really small. I have a 40g while I redo my main display and the fish seem happy in it. I wouldn't stock much more than a pair of clowns in a 20g.

 

[NotReefsafe]

Don't get a firefish trio. They do not play well in groups.

I like option 4 personally.

 

[DCR]

The Hawkfish is likely to make a meal of your shrimp. I would pick one or the other.

 

[JoJosReef]

Some people say a full size cleaner shrimp is ok with hawkfish, but I don't know if that is exceptional. I like option #3 to be on the safe side.

 

[MerkethMerky]

I have had a couple of goby/pistol shrimp combos and they always hid. Why don't you consider the 40g? Its not much more expensive with the 50% off deal. That gives you twice the real estate and half the problems. I have a 20g for qt and it's really small. I have a 40g while I redo my main display and the fish seem happy in it. I wouldn't stock much more than a pair of clowns in a 20g.

Unfortunately my apartment limits me on tank size, I can do multiple 20s but nothing larger individually unfortunately. Otherwise if 100% get a 40g+

 

[MerkethMerky]

Some people say a full size cleaner shrimp is ok with hawkfish, but I don't know if that is exceptional. I like option #3 to be on the safe side.

So I’ve heard, I’m going to try and get one that’s been in the tank with a shrimp, if not I will probably stay with #3

 

[MerkethMerky]

Don't get a firefish trio. They do not play well in groups.

I like option 4 personally.

I thought they could only be in groups cause they’re schooling fish? And if I can get the hawk fish to play nice with my blood shrimp I will def get #4