[gcline87]

Hey guys. I have a ten gallon mixed reef tank established for a year now. I have had a yellowtail blue damsel fish in there for the entire duration of the tank. I also had a clow, but one morning I woke up and his tail was gone so he died. I then let the damsel be by himself for a month or two and got a second damsel. I have seen them in the same tank at the store, but when I place the new one in there he eats the other guys tail to pieces. I tried placing the new fish in a transparent plastic container in the tank so that the two fish get to know each other for 24 hours. I also moved the live rock around. However, this seems to be a reoccuring problem with this fish. Is the tank just too small to have a second fish? Are there other ways of acclimating the fish to each other to prevent the old one from eating the new one alive? Any help is appreciated!!!!!

[gcline87]

I also have problems with my crabs eating some of my star poly corals. suggestions?

[spanko]

I think if you want two damsels in that small of a tank, not a good idea IMO though, you would have to get two small ones and add them at the same time. This would mean trying to catch the one that is in there and returning for store credit.
Damsels are very territorial, especially after they have had the run of the tank for a while.

[jsgates]

Damsels are mean little fish. I would get rid of him and get two small clowns. I have heard of damsels killing Yellow Tangs! If you want other fish, I would take him on a trip back to the LFS.

[gcline87]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am considering three different fish options.

1) three cardinal fish
2) two cardinal fish and one clown
3) If I can't fit three fish then I think I would do one of each.

What do you guys think? I know that these fish are pretty docile and the cardinals will not swim as much. Plus the cardinals will school together and share some of the same territory. For those reasons I think I may be able to get away with either three cardinals or two cardinals and a clown. Adivice?

[pyromaniac398]

I wouldn't do three fish in a 10. 2 is pushing it in my opinion. I have two true percs in my 14 and won't be adding any more. You might be able to pull of three cardinals, but like I said I would go with two max... (thinking of the fish) You could do a clown pair. Be careful when you shop for them though. Try and get your hands on an already paired pair of clowns (<- lol) if not try and get some juveniles. Also be sure to get the same type of clowns.

[gcline87]

Thanks for the advice. I will go with two fish then. Pyromaniac398, what are the advantages of going with two clowns over two cardinals?

[pyromaniac398]

none I'm just partial to clowns If you like cardinals better go for em.

[DEWAYNE]

I have lost three yellow tangs due to the territory that one little blue damsel knocked off.......puts a wole new meaning the phrase sleeping with the fish(S)... I would not put anything in that tank until he was gone, but if you loke them, you have an option, put othe fish that will be suitable for your tank, then add your damsel, or put none at all. The green chromis are a nice addition, very peaceful as well. GOOD LUCK

[gcline87]

That is amazing that they are that aggressive. I knew that they were not the most friendly fish but I had no idea that they would take down fish that much larger than them. That just amazes me. I think I am going to go with the pajama cardinals, but the green chromis is a nice suggestion too. It is hard with a college student budget and a ten gallon tank to decide on what fish to use. Thanks for all the help.

[pyromaniac398]

be sure to post pics when you do decide