would it be alright if i put a coral beauty and a bi color angelfish together in a 20g long reef tank?

[nano_ryan]

The title says it all. Its a 20g long mixed reef with 2 ocellaris clowns and 2 sunrise dottybacks. Any thoughts?

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

No it’s a bad idea

 

[Flippers4pups]

Mixing two angels In such a small tank is highly not advisable.

 

[Crustaceon]

I can say with confidence that no, you definitely don’t want to do that. There’s pretty much a 99% chance they won’t get along.

 

[ParkerK]

Yeah I would not do that just try and go with the one you prefer!

 

[User1]

The title says it all. Its a 20g long mixed reef with 2 ocellaris clowns and 2 sunrise dottybacks. Any thoughts?

No. Neither fish are considered "Nano". They can get large depending on the health of the fish. 3 to 4 inches easy. I'd say mine in my 210 gallon tank, a coral beauty about 5 years old is pushing 4" easy. I had it in a 40 breeder for a bit while I was working on my upgrade and it was a bit much for that I felt although that is much better than a 20. Adding two is even a bigger mistake.

Now, people will say sure, go for it, if small and just remove them later. The trouble with that is while they are growing so is your fish tank corals. Corals are growing. Rocks are maturing. Thinks start staying together better as the biological filter and algae attach to rocks. You may get luck to catch them. You may not. You may have to start removing rocks and corals which disrupts everything stressing fish, corals, and the hobbyist out. Why put yourself through that? So I'm not a fan of that option although that is one.

What does that leave you then? Consider a Starcki damselfish. Smaller with a max size of 3". A nice community fish for a damsel, and has great colors that are striking. It is a fair option to consider but also borderline big for your tank but that is about the only compromise I can see.

Nano fish are, well, limited and your stock list is already up there.

 

[nano_ryan]

Wow thank you all for the fast responses. Its good to know that i can ask such a simple question and people come so fast to help.

 

[Crustaceon]

I’d focus on making your tank interesting by adding things that don’t need a ton of swimming room. I’d recommend inverts. Right off the top of my head, i’d say a yellow watchman goby and a tiger pistol shrimp would be an awesome combo and interesting addition. Featherdusters are awesome too. Think “small tank”. How about a few rock flower nems? Or if you want more movement around the tank, a few cleaner shrimp.

 

[OrionN]

Neither fish should go into a 20 gal by themselves let along both. Please don’t do this.

 

[User1]

I’d focus on making your tank interesting by adding things that don’t need a ton of swimming room. I’d recommend inverts. Right off the top of my head, i’d say a yellow watchman goby and a tiger pistol shrimp would be an awesome combo and interesting addition. Featherdusters are awesome too. Think “small tank”. How about a few rock flower nems? Or if you want more movement around the tank, a few cleaner shrimp.

You raise a great idea on the goby/shrimp combo. Would set it off really well. Also a few smaller could could be interesting such as clown goby's provided you have the corals they like to sit on. Also the neon blue or yellow gobies are nice and also will spawn.

 

[C. Eymann]

No, neither, the only angel Id consider to be somewhat suitable for a 20 long would be a cherub pygmy angel, but even that is really
toe-ing a moral line.

 

[OrionN]

I would not consider it immoral. However, a Cherub angel is a 3 inches angel and would not do well in a 20 gal either. Also Cherub angels are on the aggressive, and feisty side of all the Dwarf angel. and will give all the other fish in a 20 gal tank hell.

 

[C. Eymann]

I would not consider it immoral. However, a Cherub angel is a 3 inches angel and would not do well in a 20 gal either. Also Cherub angels are on the aggressive, and feisty side of all the Dwarf angel. and will give all the other fish in a 20 gal tank hell.

3" ? thats a big cherub! Onr of my old clients had one on their 180 that supposedly 8 years old and still was still 1.75-2" max, I do agree they are certainly fiesty/territorial.
Immoral lines are different for many people, some view fish as "just fish" but they are still an animal and should be respected as one IMO, which is why I mentioned the moral aspect of it.

 

[User1]

lines are different for many people, some view fish as "just fish"

Correct - what most of the experienced hobbyists do though is to try and change that mindset. That fish are not a commodity. In these posts bit it tang police or other size related questions I'll provide an answer then suggest an alternative.