4 damsels in a 20G

[excell007]

Will 4 damsels (3 4-stripes, 1 blue velvet) be OK in a 20G aquarium? I am starting to add corals on my old fowlr, but the damsels are picking them off. the blue velvet shreded the edge of a chalice and the 4-stripes are picking on the toadstool and duncan. I don't want to get rid of them, since I have them for more than 5 years but I don't think I can have a successfull reef with them in there. So I have been cycling this 20 high, the 2 HOB filters have been running on my sump for a week and I also moved a few pieces of rock from the DT, initial water is also from the DT. Is this big enough for them?

 

[PokeFish]

should be fine! I have 4 chromis and 2 clownfish in a 20 g but 1 chromis got bullied to death so watch out!

 

[excell007]

should be fine! I have 4 chromis and 2 clownfish in a 20 g but 1 chromis got bullied to death so watch out!

Thanks. Yup, hopefully they don't kill each other now that the space is much smaller. They been together for more than 5 years so I think they will be fine. I can add some more rock from the DT for more hiding spot if needed.

 

[G Santana]

That's alot of terror in a small tank.
Good luck!!!

 

[excell007]

will the bacteria die if the tank remains fishless for another week? still can't catch the damsels

 

[tripdad]

Make sure to have plenty of caves, holes so that each has a place to sleep.

 

[excell007]

Make sure to have plenty of caves, holes so that each has a place to sleep.

Added a couple more rocks from the DT. Now if I can just catch these damsels

 

[jesspal]

If you plan on calling it the, thunderdome.

 

[excell007]

not going for aquascape of the month, just wanted something to house 4 damsels so they don't pick on the new corals on the DT

 

[jesspal]

Maybe they won't bother each other, I'm no expert.

 

[DazAquariums]

I think you will be just fine. Only thing I would be concerned about is aggression between them all. If at all possible Id add additional rock just so they can make themselves "homes" and claim territory and that might help. If there is only one decent spot there might be competition for it.

 

[excell007]

they get along fine on the 90G DT, it's the new frags that their tryng to shred. hopefully the smaller tank will not turn them against each other.

 

[excell007]

I'll try to see if I can get a few more rocks from the DT.

 

[DazAquariums]

they get along fine on the 90G DT, it's the new frags that their tryng to shred. hopefully the smaller tank will not turn them against each other.

90 gallon to a 20 gallon is a big decrease. They are going to be forced into being closer to one another. Granted nothing could happen either. But its better safe than sorry.

 

[TriggerFinger]

I’m not sure that’s going to work long term. The tank is too small for 4 damsels. You may end up with one

 

[mrk1720]

Damsel warfare in that size. Need more hiding places and "territory" they can call their own.

 

[attiland]

@excell007 I had 3 and the numbered out 1 which has died at the end. That was in 39G. I think it is too much
Go with 1

 

[excell007]

if they try to chase each other I can put the other 2 in the sump then think about the next move. Hopefully it doesn't come to that, they've been together for more than 5 years. Maybe that ledge where the 20G sits can carry a 40G, the light is long enough for it. Looking at available tanks and I think the biggest I can put on that ledge is 29G

 

[excell007]

I think it is ready, I added 20lbs of Fiji Pink, I just dump the bag in and it took 10 hours for the cloudiness to disappear. I may be able to add a couple of rocks when I re-do the aquascape of the 90G this weekend when I try to catch the damsels. I would love for the blue velvet to stay because he never bothers anybody except the chalice. Thanks everybody, your inputs are very much appreaciated.

 

[Nathan Milender]

I did a damsel tank in the 90s. 20gallon with I think 6 damsels in it. I would have more rock or other hiding places but otherwise they did fine until I had to give them away for a move. Every fish claimed a spot and guarded it. They can be pretty feisty and feeding time is a frenzy. Mine were the black and white stripped, the all blue, and the yellow tail.