new 20 gallon stocking

[fish are friends!!]

Hey guys i got a new 20 gallon tank....i know with its small size there are not too many options buti was thinking:
1 ocellaris clownfish
1 three-stripe damselfish
is that enough room? and if so could i get 1 or 2 more clowns or damsels?

[leebca]

This topic has been more than covered in several different threads, faf. However, I will say this, the 20 gallon tank, after you put in substrate, equipment, live rock (or not live rock decorations) and since it isn't filled to the top, will hold less than 16 gallons of water. This is good for about 2-3" of fish. BUT. . .

Stocking the marine aquarium with fish is done by the size of the fish when it gets bigger and older. You'll find small fishes in the local fish store, but they grow. So, you want a fish that when full grown is still tiny. There are few fishes like this. Also, you'll probably want to put in other life, like invertebrates.

The Ocelaris anemonefish will fit that tank when it gets to its full size and you'll still have some room for a tiny Goby of your choice. So, that could be your one or two fishes. OR. . .you can choose one of the Damsel fishes that, when old, is still small.

Look through this post for more information: Fish Stocking Limit - for FO and FOWLR

If you're interested in maybe a pair of Anemonefishes, then up your tank to a 29+ gallon for two Anemonefishes of the smaller size (there are Anemonefishes that get up to 6" in length when adults and mated, and that species is NOT for the 29).

Good luck!

[fish are friends!!]

k thz...so is it big enough for a 3 stripe damsel and a small clown and nothing else?
if not both could i get just the damsel? (as u can c i rele want this damsel lol)

[Ryan seymore]

IMO you can definitly get the damsel i think you mean the convict damsel if im correct. They dont get very big and would fit that tank perfect firefish would be perfect as well and if you want a bottom dweller and a fish to keep your tank clean a lawmower or scooter blenny would be perfect and they have so much personality. good luck and dont let any bad feed back get you down its just text book rules and peole that have already been through what your doing right now and they are trying to save you from the ups and downs with SW tanks. Its very helpful advice 99% of the time.
take care

Ryan

[leebca]

You can get an idea on sizes of fishes from the Internet. For instance, the Anemonefish you are thinking about will get to about 2.5" long. If you look up the "Striped Damsel" (assuming you mean Dascyllus aruanus or its 'cousin' with four stripes) you'll find that it adult size is about 4" although I've seen them in captivity up to 5". They, alone in a tank, require a 30+ gallon aquarium. So, the answer is, "No." Those two are not right for the 20. The Striped Damsel is too large for the 20 gallon, even though when you see them in the store, they are 'tiny,' they will grow quickly in captivity when fed properly. Damsels also become belligerent with age and even in a larger tank they are not a very good community fish.

I'll not reply to your suggestions, since I've shown you how to look them up and how to use the information, together with that link, to figure out almost any fish you're interested in keeping.

Good luck!

[fish are friends!!]

ummm thx.....

[Marinefish]

IMO you can definitly get the damsel i think you mean the convict damsel if im correct. They dont get very big and would fit that tank perfect firefish would be perfect as well and if you want a bottom dweller and a fish to keep your tank clean a lawmower or scooter blenny would be perfect and they have so much personality. good luck and dont let any bad feed back get you down its just text book rules and peole that have already been through what your doing right now and they are trying to save you from the ups and downs with SW tanks. Its very helpful advice 99% of the time.take careRyan

Scooters need special diets, so do lawnmowers. Do some research first, but a tuxedo urchin might be good. Clown gobies (AKA coral gobies) are great bottom dwellers at 1 1/2" full size, but they might be aggressive toward other clown gobies. Most damsels are mean. Definitely do research. NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH RESEARCH!!!!!

[fish are friends!!]

Marinefish - haha, ive been doin a lot of research....but i like to run my stocking lists past u guys...i love the look of damsels i dont rele care if they r mean
I want ur opionion too tho, could one live in a 20 gal? it may need up being the only fish i decide to get 4 the 20 gal if so....

[leebca]

Could you be more specific about which of the Damsels you're referring to? Can you post the scientific name of the fish you are interested in? Thanks.

[Ryan seymore]

I succesfully kept a sebae clown a domino damsel and an algae blenny in my 20g nano and they are still alive and healthy and to say i need to research before i post is completely disrespectful. you cant always go off of a text book for every detail you have to learn for yourself sometimes

[fish are friends!!]

Ryan Seymore - ok thx

Leebca - The scientific name is:
Dascyllus Arunanus
other names: humbug damselfish, black and white damsel, humbug dascyllus, three stripe damsel
hope this helps!

[leebca]

Dascyllus aruanus is the fish mentioned above -- grows to 4-5 inches. Doesn't belong in a 20 gallon aquarium. Granted while very young they will do fine, but when fed properly, the small/very young fish will grow about .5 inch or more per year and will need a larger home soon. If you go to an online fish source, like Drs. Foster & Smith, they recommend a 30 gallon aquarium as a minimum for one of these fishes: Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Three Stripe Damselfish

Researching any pet before you acquire it Ryan, is just good sense to be sure the pet can be properly cared for. I don't think Marinefish meant you need to research before you post but that research is good before you acquire any life form.

Let's try to be understanding and tolerant -- everyone please. Doing what's right for the wild life in our care is a fundamental part of the hobby. Thanks.

[fish are friends!!]

yeah i understand! i will soon also be gettin a 60 gal but will it terrorize other fish if i add one 2 that??

[leebca]

As they get older, they become more belligerent. So to answer properly, "It depends." It depends on the other tank mates. They won't get along very well with shy or laid back fishes (like some Butterflyfishes). It will be fine with other 'assertive' fishes like some Dwarf Angels.

[fish are friends!!]

ok thx