damsel tank?

[Captain Jack]

I'm thinking of having 7 blue devil damsels (1 male with a harem) in my 62 gal tank. No other fish tank-mates, except perhaps a scooter dragonet.

Any opinions or suggestions? Anyone have experience with something similar?

This is my reasoning:

I have a 62 gal reef with almost no fish. I've had bad luck at setting up a community tank on several occasions, though the corals and other inverts do fine. It's establish system, the parameters are great, and I've tried QT, but still have high mortality when adding fish. (the details would be a long depressing thread)

Anyway, I'm starting to care less about specific fish specimens and more about the corals. I still want the entertainment of colorful, active fish; but I want to keep it simple, low cost, and low stress as possible (on my part. i.e. not expensive fish that will soon die on me).

I had a successful (no casualties) 10 gal betta tank (2 male, 3 female) a few years ago, and that was fun. I would guess this would be similar, if somewhat less agressive.

[ErikH]

I like blue devils. They are very flashy and can be GREAT looking when there is a large amount of them. Post lots of pics, I bet it will be great.

[dmweise]

Definitely. That'll be awesome.

[devonian]

You should totally do it! I always say that blue damsels are under-loved in this hobby! Be sure and get a male with an orange tail. And another vote for posting pics!

[Kyle46N]

I have thought about doing the same thing. Damsels are an awesome and colorful fish. Putting a bunch together makes for a colorful setup.

[Mr Cob]

Great idea! When I was new to the hobby I set up an all damsel reef and it was great! Cheap and hardy fish! I had about 12 juvenile damsels in a 55gallon and as they grew I upgraded to a 120...and each damsel was a different type so you can imagine all the color. It was great!

I love the idea of an entire school of the blues....that would be so cool! Definitely you'll need to buy them all at the same time though.

[Europhyllia]

I like the idea too!
I've had a single blue damsel for several years in a 30 gallon tank and it was perfect. I didn't miss having any other fish with her. They're great looking little fish.
I think your damsel tank will be beautiful. :)

[RayAllen]

A friend of mine has been running a damsel only tank going on at least 6 years now with no problems. Makes for a exciting display.

[devonian]

what are the dimensions ofthe 62 gal reef? what lighting and corals?

[Rychek]

The dimensions of his tank are 36"x18"x25ish". It's, essentially, a 90 gallon with a foot lopped off the end. He's running a Current Nova Extreem Pro (I think that's the name, but it is a Current fixture) 6x 36" T5 fixture (stock bulbs).

[Captain Jack]

Corals are mixed. softies, zoas, sps, couple lps.

[devonian]

thanks Rychek