Need tank mates for 2 clowns and CUC.

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by Retronic, May 13, 2012.

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  1. Retronic

    Retronic Plankton

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    I have a new Boyu 550 (32 gallon) tank and have started stocking it over the past few weeks. Hermits and a couple of hitch-hiking snails initially, followed by a cleaner shrimp and last but not least a fire shrimp, 2 false perculas and a purple tip anemone. The anemone was in the tank at the stockists with the clowns so I got them at the same time figuring they'd be used to each other and after a day and a half the fish jumped in and have been happily bathing in it since. The anemone eats well and has shifted slightly from it's original position but looks to be doing well.
    Levels are all still fine. I am a total newbie to this and I think have had some luck while also not rushing too much and reading a lot.
    I'm wondering now what to put in with the clowns. I love the clean ups so it needs to be something that is hermit and shrimp safe. I saw a great tiger shrimp and yellow watchman goby combo but don't want to risk the small hermits. I nearly got a goby but the dropping sand all over everything put me off- are they all pretty zealous?
    My partner fancies a purple/ yellow damsel- is this a good idea if we wait 'til the others are all established and add the damsel last?
    I'm looking for something that will swim all over. I have some lovely rocks, caves and gaps but the clowns have never ventured around the back or through the tunnels preferring the front/ anemone. Something bright and noticeable, while also pretty peaceful and able to get on with the others.

    I look forward to some suggestions....
     
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  3. Moxtrain

    Moxtrain Peppermint Shrimp

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    Check out some wrasses. Maybe a Six Line or some type of Fairy Wrasse
     
  4. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

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    Dottybacks/ Royal Gramma are pretty colorful and are always swimming through the rock work.

    I have an orchid dottyback that looks great (vibrant purple).
     
  5. Fisk

    Fisk Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    For a 32 gallon? I'd recommend a Yellow Watchman Goby, or a Blenny, or both. I agree, wrasses are pretty neat, but I've read stories of them disappearing. Especially the six-line. And not really on topic, but have you checked out reefcleaners.org? Later, when you need a larger CUC, they'll be your ultimate weapon. :)
     
  6. Seancelebrity

    Seancelebrity Feather Duster

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    I always tell people to stay away from damsels they are mean and take over the tank. If you like bright and colorful go with wrasse i have a 6 line and its beautiful. But you would need a lid if you dont have one because they jump, or go jawfish they have some amazing colors.But again they need a hood because they are jumpers. I personally love flame angels they have beautiful colors but if plan on having coral you would be sol.
     
  7. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

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    I have a sixline as well, but out of the two, I would say I like my dottyback better. The dottyback seems a lot more curious and comes to the glass when I come home and look at the tank, whereas the sixline just swims around doing his own thing.

    A few other options are cardinals, firefish, gobies, blennies, jawfish, chromis.

    I would recommend against the damsel. Seancelebrity is right- damsels are fine when they are young, but get really aggressive as they mature.
     
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  9. Retronic

    Retronic Plankton

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    Thanks all for the tips. I'm going to do some research.
    We have a red fire and a cleaner shrimp- is it best to add another cleaner or could we get three little sexy shrimps? I gather red fires like to be alone.
     
  10. Retronic

    Retronic Plankton

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    Things going pretty well I think- I think I've been lucky. The anemone is still in the same place; eating well and looking beautiful. We lost a clown and the cleaner shrimp and have gained two chromis (who hang out with the clown) until lights out when they 'sleep' virtually glued to the back wall of the tank. Also got a yellow watchman goby who I rarely see eat but looks healthy and well. Definitely intend to get a tiger pistol shrimp for him as there is loads of potential cave spots for them to move about. Also got a scooter dragonet and again with some luck he dives up and eats frozen mystics shrimps. I have topped up Copepods and will do this from time to time as we have loads of hermits who'll likely eat away at them. I will get another small clown to complete the set up.