I'm setting up a 24gallon nano and was thinking of stocking it with a few fish. Initially, I had my heart set on a pair of occelaris clowns, but then I started considering other options. I also really like the look of azure demoiselles, but I've heard mixed reports about keeping them with clowns in a small tank. Another option I'm toying with is a royal gramma or a firtideflow - maybe both if I decide against the damsels.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this - is a pair of clowns and a damsel or two a recipe for disaster in a tank this size?
are these options viable?
Re: are these options viable?
Clown and damsel in a 24g tank, not a good combo.
Re: are these options viable?
Not entirely sure about the damsels' species, but 24 gallons might be a bit cramped for all of them as they mature. The clowns could end up chasing everyone around, which isn't ideal. Fire gobies generally do better in pairs or groups, if that's feasible. A couple of fire gobies, a royal gramma, and a pair of clowns would likely work out okay. Keep in mind that the tank's actual volume will be lower once the rock is in, so monitor water quality closely due to the small volume and potential for rapid fluctuations.
Re: are these options viable?
I'd advise against pairing Dascyllus or Abudefduf damsels with perc/ocellaris clowns - they can be pretty rough, and I don't think they'd mix well.