Compatibility issues and concerns

[knightfox]

I've seen people pair clowns with lions, and I think it can work if you're careful. As a general rule, I'd say any dwarf lion tankmates should be at least half the size of the lion, and pretty robust - that way, everyone gets along.

The fuzzy lion at my work actually eats krill and other stuff like that pretty easily.

[Falcone]

Thanks everyone for the advice, really appreciate it. Just got the tank yesterday, so now I'm just waiting to see if I'll be heading to uni this year before I start setting it up - hopefully it'll be this week or next. If I do end up going to uni, I think I'll have to pass on the fu manchu, wouldn't be fair on my parents to leave them with the responsibility. We'll see how it goes, thanks again for the help.

[tunnel9]

I think you'd be better off without the lionfish, to be honest. Consider adding some hawkfish, blennies or gobies instead - they're all great options for a nano tank like yours. The clownfish will dominate the tank once they start breeding, and any midwater fish will be at risk of being harassed. Bottom-dwellers are your best bet.

As for leaving your fish unattended for a week, I've done it myself without any issues. Just make sure they're well-fed when you're around, and they'll be fine. I've left mine for weeks at a time without feeding, and they're still going strong.

A good cover glass can help minimize evaporation and salinity fluctuations, so that's definitely worth considering.

I'm curious about compatibility - would a Red Spotted Hawkfish see a Coflake Banded Shrimp as a snack, or would the shrimp's claws be enough to deter it? I've read that hawkfish aren't too fussy about what shrimps they eat, but maybe the CBS's defences would save it. Anyone had experience keeping these two together, or would crabs be a safer bet with a hawkfish?

[coltin]

Red Spotted Hawkfish are probably not a good match for Banded Coflake Shrimp if the hawkfish is large enough. Size really matters in this case - if the hawkfish is more than twice the size of the shrimp, it'll likely see it as a meal. The Banded Coflake Shrimp's claws aren't much of a deterrent, unfortunately. On the other hand, crabs tend to be safer since they often hide under rocks and have tougher shells and stronger claws to defend themselves.