starting a saltwater aquarium

[Torvik9]

I've had my tank up and running for about 4 months now, and it's been cycled... I've got a mix of fish in there - 2 yellow tailed damsels, 1 three striped damsel, and a devil blue damsel. There's also a chocolate chip star, some small blue legged crabs, and a couple of snails. I'm thinking of taking the 2 yellow tails back to the pet store and swapping them out for something a bit bigger. My tank's a 35+ gallon octagon, and I've got about 15 lbs of live rock in there so far. What fish would work well with my remaining damsel?

[dune9x]

I've had my tank up and running for about 4 months now, and it's been cycled... I've got a mix of fish in there - 2 yellow tailed damsels, 1 three striped damsel, and a devil blue damsel. There's also a chocolate chip star, some small blue legged crabs, and a couple of snails. I'm thinking of taking the 2 yellow tails back to the pet store and swapping them out for something a bit bigger. My tank's a 35+ gallon octagon, and I've got about 15 lbs of live rock in there so far. What fish would work well with my remaining damsel?

Damsels can be quite territorial and aggressive towards new tankmates, so it might be a better idea to remove them altogether. Consider replacing them with a more peaceful species, such as a Hawkfish or a Dottyback. However, keep in mind that even these species can have their own personalities, so it's essential to research and observe them before making a decision.

In terms of tank size, I would advise against getting anything significantly larger than a Damsel for your 35-gallon tank. The space and resources will be better utilized by smaller or medium-sized fish.

Regarding your filtration system, I noticed you mentioned using live rock. While live rock is an excellent natural filter, I would recommend doubling the amount you currently have to ensure optimal water quality and stability. This will not only benefit your fish but also create a healthier environment for your other tank inhabitants.

[microvolt]

I'd consider getting rid of all the damsels and replacing them with some more peaceful fish. Maybe a pair of cardinals and a small clownfish would work well in your tank. You could even consider an Angel, but make sure to research compatibility first. Damsels can be pretty aggressive, so it's probably for the best if you remove them to avoid any issues.

[dreamon7]

I'm curious about the damsels you have - are they a particularly feisty species or more laid back? Some damsels can get along just fine with other fish, while others are a nightmare. I've had success with four stripe and yellow tail damsels, keeping them with clowns and gobies without any major issues. One time, I even had a tomato clown that would bully my damsels - it was pretty funny, actually.

[Torvik9]

I'm considering rehoming my two smaller yellow-tailed damsels - they're always getting picked on and stuck at the top of the tank. My girlfriend's offering me her cinnamon clown, but I'm hesitant since it'd be solo. I do love my devil blue and three-stripe, they're entertaining despite being on the cheaper side. I'd like something a bit larger, but space is limited in my tank, given its vertical layout. Definitely need to add more live rock, that's a priority.

[dreamon7]

Three stripes and blue devils can be pretty feisty, I had some issues with them in the past. You might find it tough to find suitable tank mates for them in a 35-gallon tank. If you're open to returning some fish, I'd consider taking the three stripe and blue devil back and keeping the yellow tails. In my experience, yellow tails aren't typically aggressive, they usually only nip when another fish is weak. I recall one instance where a yellow tail was nipping at an occ clown that was suffering from cryptocaryon, but that was the only time I saw any aggression from them.

[Torvik9]

Yeah, I figured that was the case. Adding a gobie and a clown was my ideal scenario, but I guess I'll have to reassess my tank's capabilities. I'm already pushing the limits, so introducing another fish, even with more live rock, might not be the best decision.

[zenoxa]

Some gobies, like the more robust species, might work out in your tank. A cinnamon clown, especially if it's bigger than the damselfish, could also do alright. I've had seveflake blue devils before and they weren't aggressive at all, so maybe the devil blue you have isn't as bad as you think.

[dreamon7]

Some gobies, like the more robust species, might work out in your tank. A cinnamon clown, especially if it's bigger than the damselfish, could also do alright. I've had seveflake blue devils before and they weren't aggressive at all, so maybe the devil blue you have isn't as bad as you think.

So I gotta correct myself - I made that comment about blue devils being aggressive based on what I'd heard, not from personal experience.

[Torvik9]

I've had some experience with a devil blue damsel and I gotta say, mine's pretty feisty. It's always going at it with the 3 striped damsel and nipping at the yellow tails. I'm not sure how it'd do with any other fish, to be honest. I think it'd be best with another damsel, but I'm not sure that's the best idea either. I was thinking of getting a watchman goby, I've heard they're pretty cool. And the reason my girlfriend wants to give me her clown is because her angel is picking on it, so I'm not sure that's a great idea either.