Fish stocking advice

[jriechel]

I ran this by our friends on the New To Hobby forum and received some good advice, but not too much on the actual fish selection. I was encouraged to try posting here.

I'm in the planning stage of my first SW tank. I'm not planning on a true reef setup, it's about the fish as far as I'm concerned. Here's my plan so far. I would be most appreciative for any feedback or criticism.

Fish: Volitans, Picasso trigger, Snowflake or Golden Morey, Miniata Grouper, Harlequin Tuskfish.

Tank: 180g with two 96W compact fluorescent 10000K+actinic bulbs, a big skimmer (suggestions?), a fuge with tumbling cheato, and about 180# of LR.

About the fish; I think that mix would be really impressive and fascinating. However, I have my doubts about the bioload on a 180g. Too much? Could I compensate with a really big skimmer and fuge? If I had to back off, the grouper would go, but I would be very disappointed as I think they are too cool.

Thanks for thinking this over and for any suggestions.

 

[B.Pereira]

I would lose the grouper unless you can compensate for the bio load. How about adding a foxface very beautiful and active. Might have a problem with the volitans and picasso, but picasso's tend to be non agressive but it all depends on the fish

 

[ejrabekoff]

Why not add a zebra moray, instead if the snowflake?

 

[jriechel]

The zebra is spectacular, no doubt, but my references list it as topping out at 5 feet. I think I'm pushing things as is with a 2 1/2 foot snowflake. You think a swap is feasible?

A vegetarian like the foxface would be a welcome addition, but again, wouldn't I need to ditch something to accommodate the ff?

 

[B.Pereira]

Ditch the Miniata Grouper for the Foxface, thats what I would do, both are colorful but the grouper is going to push your bioload

 

[ejrabekoff]

Why not replace the grouper with a sohal tang?

 

[jriechel]

A sohal tang? With large, venomous caudal spines? Now that's down-right scary. Between the Volitan's spines and a trigger's teeth, I think a grouper may be more my speed.

 

[Ranzan]

Sohal gets are verrry agressive and large so thats a no no. trigger with lion is generaly frowned upon as the trigggers are notorius for ripping fins apart and killing lions picassos are one of the worst it would also bother your tusk. I do not know muhc about groupers but i dont see a problem with one in that tank your bioload would be fine. Take out the trigger and your stock list looks good. As for a skimmer something rated 300 gallons or more would be good aqua C 400 is a very good skimmer. Im assuming you know about sumps?

 

[jriechel]

Thanks for the info Ranzan. I have read about the aggressiveness of the Picasso, but I was hoping to cheat a little and put it in last and as the smallest fish in the tank. By the time it grows up, I am imagining the social hierarchy would be established and everybody gets along. I was initially thinking of a Niger trigger due to its reported docility, but its mature size made me change to the Picasso. Besides, the Picasso looks really cool in my opinion.

I'm still in the formulation stage regarding the sump. I will have one, and a fuge too. Just trying to finalize the design. Wow, there is a lot of conflicting advice to sort through.

 

[jriechel]

Thanks for the info Ranzan. I have read about the aggressiveness of the Picasso, but I was hoping to cheat a little and put it in last and as the smallest fish in the tank. By the time it grows up, I am imagining the social hierarchy would be established and everybody gets along. I was initially thinking of a Niger trigger due to its reported docility, but its mature size made me change to the Picasso. Besides, the Picasso looks really cool in my opinion.

I'm still in the formulation stage regarding the sump. I will have one, and a fuge too. Just trying to finalize the design. Wow, there is a lot of conflicting advice to sort through.

 

[tb27272]

I have had a huma huma and niger in with my volitan for two years without a bit of a problem. All the huma wants to do is look at himself in the reflection on one end of the tank.