Minimum tank size for pair of orchid dottybacks

[velvetelvis]

After watching some footage of orchid dottybacks in the wild, I was inspired to set up the new system I'm planning as an orchid dottyback biotope. It's going to be in the range of 30-40 gallons, with plenty of rockwork and soft corals (Stereonephthya, Xenia, Nephthea) to hide amongst. Could a mated pair of orchids co-exist in a smaller setup like this, or is it safer to keep just one? I don't plan on breeding them.

 

[tcmfish]

People breed them in tanks as small as ten gallons.

 

[mscarpena]

If it is a pair I would say the 30-40 gallons will be fine.

 

[velvetelvis]

Thanks, folks! I may actually be taking this tank in a different direction after all, after discussing it with the friends who are helping me with the build, but I will file this information away just in case.