Gsm?

[Moonstream]

I'd really, really like to include one or two of my favorite clowns in my upgrade from a 29 to a 40breeder. I've had plenty of perc's and occy's, but never a larger species, though I've always waned them. tankmates would be a longnose hawk, a YT damsel, a sixline, a coral beauty and an engineer goby, plus various corals (of most all sorts) and maybe a BTA in the far future.

my first question is, obviously, would a GSM have any hope of co-existing? from what I can tell, they would do well, but I'm not sure? would a Clarkii or Tomato be a better choice? Keep in mind that I dont care much about aggression directed towards me, but I am worried about my fish and corals being destoyed... I can put up with some chasing and sqabbling, but vicious attacks are a whole 'nother ballgame.

my second question is, would a single or a pair be better, or just not matter? I'd be happy with either, though I'm leaning towards a single to avoid spawning-clown syndrome; I was thinking that if it got too boisterous for me, I could always pull it, but I'm sort of determined to give it a try...

from those of you who have owned them, what can I honestly expect in keeping one? blood? tears? curses? dont be gentle, and any help/insight is greatly appreciated!

 

[elegance coral]

The maroons and damsel will declare war. It won't be pretty. Personally, I think a 40 breeder is to small for all those fish, and a pair of maroons. I have a pair of maroons in a 40 breeder and there isn't much room for any other fish. All large clowns get very territorial. The larger they are, the larger their territory.
An example of what you can expect.
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[jasonrp104]

I'd have to agree with elegance. I can't imagine any other fish in my 45 other than my maroons and scooter. Mama clown patrols the entire tank

 

[stevetcg]

While I would agree with the above posters, I will say that each fish has her own personality. I have a mated pair of GSMs and neither move more than 6 inches from their home except to dart out for food pellets. I have temporarily (~1-2 months) housed a number of other fish with the pair including Clarkii and dwarf angels and never once had an issue.

The 'right' answer is EC's, but as with anything in this hobby, your mileage may vary.

 

[OrionN]

In a 40 g breeder, the fish you wanted to add are all OK except the engineer goby. These goby get large and very destructive and can/will topple your rock structure. They want to rebuilt your tank as they see fit. Yellow tail damsel is pretty docile and should do OK with the clowns but you should add it last and run the risk of it been kill by the maroon clown (better than the other way around). You can avoid the risk by not adding him. IMO, they are beautiful hardy fish. You cannot any brighter blue fish than a yellow tale blue damsel. Tiny maroon clown should be added first but if you have mid size to larger then they should be add near the end.
Other than the two potential problem, your tank is very do-able. Good luck