I wanted to add just one yellow tail damsel. To my 30g with pair oc clowns and a firefish already in there. My LFS said better to add 3 to 5 of them to prevent aggression. My LFS is pretty good but this sounds odd to me I would think more of them would cause more aggression. I like to keep bio load low. The most I would add would be 2. Or just don't add any. anybody have any thoughts? thx
Thinking of yellow t damsel?
- Thread starter brianr24
- Start date
cloak
New member
If your going to add a yellow tail damsel just add one, but be prepared for the worst. If this thing turns out to be a terror your probably going to have to remove it. Three to five would be an absolute nightmare IMO, especially in a 30 gallon tank.
Have you considered a Bangaii Cardinal instead of the damsel though? These fish are not as aggressive as the damsel, plus the colors would really compliment your clownfish. Just something to think about. GL.
Have you considered a Bangaii Cardinal instead of the damsel though? These fish are not as aggressive as the damsel, plus the colors would really compliment your clownfish. Just something to think about. GL.
While that makes sense in a larger system to put three in I would not suggest that in your tank in any way. How big are your clowns? They will take up a large portion of the tank once they get larger.
What about a goby? While the firefish is kind of the same shape there are some awesome gobies that are fun to watch! Maybe look for one that will help to flip your sand.
Another one that a lot suggest is the pygmy wrasse for smaller set ups.
I may have trouble suggesting any damsels (other than the clowns) simply because of the troubling times I have had with damsels in the past. The yellow tail seems to be a favorite for LFS to sell and their price tag usually means most don't question the purchase because they don't think they have a lot to be lost... until the damsel decides it doesn't want bothered by X.
What about a goby? While the firefish is kind of the same shape there are some awesome gobies that are fun to watch! Maybe look for one that will help to flip your sand.
Another one that a lot suggest is the pygmy wrasse for smaller set ups.
I may have trouble suggesting any damsels (other than the clowns) simply because of the troubling times I have had with damsels in the past. The yellow tail seems to be a favorite for LFS to sell and their price tag usually means most don't question the purchase because they don't think they have a lot to be lost... until the damsel decides it doesn't want bothered by X.
sailoracu2
New member
I agree with cloak, I would not put any species of damsel in a tank with other fish
There is some truth to the three to five recommendation. When they are overpopulated they can't figure out who to take their aggression out on. It makes for an overly active tank IMHO, but it can work. I would not add recommend adding one or multiples however. Mr. and Mrs. Clown are not going to be happy at all with your selection and since they own all 30 gallons things are likely to get ugly. You could probably get away with a Royal Gramma.
Treasure Coast
Platinum Member
I agree, you will want to get rid of the Damsel eventually and will have a real hard time catching it.
cloak
New member
In a 30 gallon tank catching pretty much any fish is actually a piece of cake IME. The High & Dry method outlined in the link below works extremely well. For this reason alone if a yellow tail damsel is what the OP wants then I say go for it. They're not all the little hellions people make them out to be, but like mentioned above be prepared for the worst. If the clownfish do in fact pair up and start laying eggs then you might have to get rid of everything. I sure as hell can't keep anything else in my 20 gallon tank with my breeding pair. The harassment was relentless. GL.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/sp/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/sp/index.php
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Thx guys you answered my question. Adding one would b my best option. After that I was fully aware of all the other concerns . I do fully apreciate hearing your more experienced views. I really like the ytd but I don't have to have one. I guess I will way the risks. I like royal gramma too. I was even thinking a yellow clown goby. I don't want anything that will threaten my beloved clowns. They are my headliners. Lol.
Sapelo
New member
I had a pair in my 90 and hated their aggression. When I moved them to my 300 gallon they became different fish, totally blending in with everyone else.
They just need lots of room which you don't have.
The truth is that most clown pairs want to control 30 gallons.
A gramma is a nice possibility.
They just need lots of room which you don't have.
The truth is that most clown pairs want to control 30 gallons.
A gramma is a nice possibility.
Goldenshark14
New member
Damsels
Damsels
I have 1 YT damsel in with my clowns, yellow tang and blue cheek, and have never had a problem with it. The damsel is probably the most passive fish I have. You do need to be careful though. If I were you, I would add the damsel as the last fish you are going to add to your tank, as they can become aggressive over their territory.
I have found the damsel a perfect 'little fish' for my tank while retaining the same colour as the regal tang while not having the white spot magnetism of said tang. In your position, I would only add one damsel as more could make them more aggressive.
Happy Reefing:fish1::hmm5:
Damsels
I have 1 YT damsel in with my clowns, yellow tang and blue cheek, and have never had a problem with it. The damsel is probably the most passive fish I have. You do need to be careful though. If I were you, I would add the damsel as the last fish you are going to add to your tank, as they can become aggressive over their territory.
I have found the damsel a perfect 'little fish' for my tank while retaining the same colour as the regal tang while not having the white spot magnetism of said tang. In your position, I would only add one damsel as more could make them more aggressive.
Happy Reefing:fish1::hmm5:
dianapickles
New member
I have a 200g and even with all that space my gorgeous little (evil) damsels are absolute monsters to any new additions. No matter the size.
They'll also attack any fish that comes near their cave.
They're awesome fish as long as you add them last. 1 damsel should be fine in your tank. Clowns usually stay in their own spot so I doubt there'd be much fighting or nipping going on and firefish are always darting into their own spot
They'll also attack any fish that comes near their cave.
They're awesome fish as long as you add them last. 1 damsel should be fine in your tank. Clowns usually stay in their own spot so I doubt there'd be much fighting or nipping going on and firefish are always darting into their own spot
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