20gal Nano Reef Tank

[Fishguy8]

I am thinking about a Nano Reef Tank. Can I keep a pair of Clownfish, a Benny, a Royal Gramma, a Cleaner shrimp, a Yellowtail Blue Damsel, and a Cleanup crew along with some coral in a 20gal hexagon tank or 20gal long.

 

[ScottJ]

I am thinking about a Nano Reef Tank. Can I keep a pair of Clownfish, a Benny, a Royal Gramma, a Cleaner shrimp, a Yellowtail Blue Damsel, and a Cleanup crew along with some coral in a 20gal hexagon tank or 20gal long.

Maybe a pair of clowns. Or a Blenny (like a Tailspot) and a single Clown. Some Blennys need more room than that, though. The Yellowtail and the Gramma are min 30 gallon according to LiveAquaria.

I wouldn't use a 20 hex for any of these fish. Not enough swimming space.

 

[Fishguy8]

Would a 20gal long work for a pair of clowns and one more fish like Long nose Hawkfish, Blenny, Gramma, or Damsel

 

[SonOfaGoat]

I have a 25g peninsula, I have a female clown and a yellow watchman goby. I have on order a male clown and a banggai Cardinal. Normally I wouldn't go beyond the clowns and 1 fish but the YMG is almost never seen and has an entirely different territory. For a 20 I would do clowns and 1 fish. Clean up crew is fine and I think Cleaner shrimp as well.

 

[Fishguy8]

Ok, thanks

 

[ScottJ]

Would a 20gal long work for a pair of clowns and one more fish like Long nose Hawkfish, Blenny, Gramma, or Damsel

You might be able to get away with a pair of clowns and a bottom dwelling small gobie, like a high fin or a yasha. Problem is a pair of clowns could claim the whole small tank as their territory and not tolerate any other fish in the tank. (Just search 'clowns are evil' or similar on the forum) A single clown can be evil (I know from personal experience. I had a single Darwin Clown who would actually jump out of the water to try and bite me. I had to wear gloves to work in the tank) But I think they are more likely to be less evil when kept alone.

A quick look at the Liveaquaria site will give a pretty well accepted minimum tank size and temperament for a species. Stressing MINIMUM TANK SIZE. There will always be disagreement, and if you ask long enough, you will find someone who agrees with you, but it's a good guide.

The key to long term success, IMHO, is research, don't overstock, know the limitations of the tank, and more research.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have a 20g it had a fire fish, and currently has a yellow watchman and 2 clowns in it.

Im going to add this link below, it is full of good information especially for starting your tank
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would keep it to 3-4 fish, but I wouldn't put any damsels in a 20 gallon, it will take over and terrorize the other fish (in my experience). Blennies can be mischievous and pushy in that small of a tank. Tank is too small for hawkfish IMO.

I would stick to your idea of the clowns and the gramma and some type of goby for best chance at a peaceful tank.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If you buy a hexagon tank, you will soon find out why they are universally hated. :(