Damsel based tank, can it work?

Okay, I've got a 56 gallon, 30x18x24, so I'm limited from almost every tang, and I frankly dont like most gobies, dartfish jump, etc. I've come down the this idea, what about a mostly damsel tank. I'm talking about sticking with the "blue ones" (there are about 4 suitable species) that instead of being "agressive" are "moderately-agressive" (so like 8/10 instead of 10/10 id guess). I'm not sure how many is okay, but I figured i'd go one or two at a time until the bioload says "stop." Additional tankmates to break things up would include the engineer goby I just got (now THATS a cool fish), possibly a maroon clown or a pair even (as the "trophy fish"), and we'll see about a 6 line if someone in the reef club is getting rid of one.

3 things I know for sure, A i've got to keep my eye on the bioload (I'm NOT changing 20 gallons a week). B. There will be infighting, i've had cichlids I can tolerate it to a fault. C. you tell me!?

Can this possibly work, if you say no, please at least tell me would I be better off attempting it with all one species or 2 each of a few species, or 1 each of more species?

Thanks folks.

 

Well I'll be darned, someone who agrees it might work Like I said infightings isnt an issue, I've had most varieties of cichlid, and my previous tank was a *VERY* overstocked (50% water changes 3x weekly overstocked) 125 with 6 oscars, 4 jack dempsy, and 3 managuense... not TERRIBLE until they decide to make babies

Anyway I appreciate the support. I'll probably post more as it develops. So far I like the yellow tail blue (have one already, ill mix the rocks around when I add more to prevent territory issues), azure (blue with yellow tail and belly), canary (all yellow) and if i can find it the "flame." These are less aggressive. I like the velvet but it isnt pretty full grown, but I may do one anyway. The like i said a maroon clown (as I think percula would get harassed to death) and maybe a six line once I have a good pod situation.

Anyone else ?

 

Bumps?

 

I would love to see a Damsel tank.. that would be striking. Good idea.

 

A damsel tank should be no issue as long as you don't overstock just like any other setup.

Are you considering an Allen's damsel? Those are pretty cool.

 

I've read that you can keep small shoals of chromis damsels (the light blue, shimmery ones), however I've not had personal experience doing that. There are a lot of very pretty damsel's out there and with lots of caves and rock work it sounds possible to keep them. Keep us posted on your progress!

 

Azores damsel is a good one,I have have had one for about a year along with yellow tang,percula clown,and chromis,doesn't bother anything.You might want to add your clown after the damsels to lessen chance of territorial issues.

 

damsels are good, hardy fish. feed them some sea veggies or something, herbivores mainly in the wild.

 

I don't know for sure if it will work long term but I read about this idea a while ago and considered it for my 30g stocking. I really like the idea but decided to go a different route. I'd like to see it done.