Stocking Question for 24 Gallon Nano Cube

[lizs0701]

Originally I was told by several LFS that I could get away with 5-6 fish in a 24 gallon AIO. Because of the fish I have chosen I'm thinking that may not be the case anymore. So far I have a pair of 1 1/2-2in Orange Spotted Filefish who have been in there alone for a few weeks. They stick together 24/7 and don't move around a whole lot. I was tempted into purchasing a Coral Beauty because they were on sale for $16...maybe not the greatest move. I also have some hermits and trochus snails as well as a Scoly (4in or so when puffed up) and 4 heads of branching hammer. What else would I be able to add or would you suggest getting. Rid of a specific fish? The Coral Beauty seems very shy and spends 80% of it's time hiding. Parameters have always been fine.

Current list:
2 Orange Spotted Filefish (1 1/2-2in)
1 Coral Beauty Dwarf Angel (1 1/2in)
5 hermits
2 trochus snails
1 Scoly (4in)
4 heads Branching Hammer


Would like:
1 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Goby or Blenny (not set on a specific kind but currently have nothing but the angel occupying the rock and nothing on the sandbed.

Also how managing should you add at once and how long should you wait in between adding new fish?

 

[eatbreakfast]

A coral beauty when full grown will be a bit cramped in a 24g. I would recommend removing him.

I would add one fish at a time, test frequently, and wait 3+ weeks before adding again to make sure your tank can handle the increased bioload.

 

[ahiggins]

I have a 25 cube with an occ. clown (3"), and orchid dottyback (4"), and a 6 line (3"). I think Im pushing it with the bioload they have. Also, some snails, a brittle star and a pep shrimp.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I've never kept orange filefish, so my recommendation comes apart from knowing about compatibility issues.

I think the clown and goby or blenny would be fine to add. The coral beauty will be a wildcard. He might work out or might not. If you can take him back, I probably would.