I had a big group of pajama cardinals, they dont hate each other its a matter of having enough individuals just like tiger barbs. The only SW tank I ever kept was a 90g w/40gallon sump but yes, I imagine you're right on tank size or tons of rock work. i am definitely more into fish that should be kept in a FOWLR setup than a reef setup so i could stock a little bit more than you can reef wise.I’d imagine a large tank is still necessary along with large groups though, I can’t see a group of 6 lines in less than a 75, unless you were going for a species only. Do they form pairs?
I know it’s interesting with firefish, cardinals, and chromis. They hate each other in some tanks and school perfectly in others.
my favorites that I've kept are a bluethroat trigger pair, maroon clowns, i had a group of leopard wrasse, kole tang, flame angel and picasso triggers is my absolute fav. SW fish I've kept.