New 20 gallon tank

[taketz]

Well, as of right now i have a 55 gal fish only tank in it with a Voltains Lionfish, two percula clowns, flame hawkfish, snowflake eel, and assorted damsels. Since the lionfish is getting kind of big (Dumb roomate fed him too much) we have pretty much decided to turn that tank into a predator tank. Now, we have had the clownfish and the hawkfish for @8 months and i'm not about to let them die so the obvious move is to put them in a new tank.
Now to the question: What size tank should i be looking for to keep two clownfish, a flame hawkfish, and maybe a damsel or two in? Furthermore, what would be an ideal set-up for possibly making this tank into a reef tank. I'm a pretty sure those fish are reef safe, but if not i need to know now. Any type of advice would be welcome as i am still pretty new at this saltwater aquarium stuff.
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[thomas712]

WELCOME TO THE BOARD Taketz

I would suggest a 29 gallon tank as minimum for the fish you have listed, this will allow you to stock some live rock and still have good viewing room, add live sand, and you have a good start to a reef.
A couple of powerheads small ones like Maxi Jet 600's and or a saddle or HOB filter with duel cartidges and or bio wheels can also help out.
The only thing I might worry about is the hawkfish and some of your cleanup crew.

 

[taketz]

So thats all the filtration i'll need?
Also, i barely know anything about lights and any suggestions would help alot.
Lastly, i have heard i need to watch my Hawkfish around shrimp, but if i get large shrimp, like almost his size, do you think he will go after them?
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[ivanfj]

It's hard to find a hawkfish that doesn't eat shrimps. They will even eat shrimps that are much larger than them.

 

[taketz]

Damn, i was hopin to have some shrimp in that tank. Well i guess i can try and get one big one to see how it turns out. So far my hawkfish seems pretty docile and not agressive at all.
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