FOWLR Question

[SirToadie]

I'm going to embark on my 150 build and I wanted some fish that you can't keep in a regular reef tank such as a puffer. If you go FOWLR are all corals out of the question? What about anemones? Just trying to figure out my options here.

I did a search on FOWLR but I didn't come up with much other than basic descriptions, and other people's tanks.

 

[GimpyFin]

There's not really a silver bullet answer. Some fish are deemed unsafe for a reef because they pick at corals (Some may go after soft corals, while others may go after sps.) Others may be deemed unsafe because they go after shrimp or other inverts, should you want those as well. IMO, I'd first figure out/research what fish you want to keep and that will work ok for your tank size. That will help determine what you can keep with them should you decide to add corals (Or even an anemone) down the road. Some puffers such as porcupine, dogface, starrs/stripes generally need a bigger tank than 150 if those are the ones you are thinking of. Smaller ones like a Valentini would be fine, though.

 

[scooter31707]

Using your example, a puffer, they will not eat/nip corals, but they can be a danger to inverts, i.e. snails, shrimp, and crabs. Then you have some fish that will not mess with inverts, but will nip at corals. There are only like 3 species of Butterflies are reef-safe, so if you get one of the other ones, than it would be best in a true FOWLR.

 

[monkeysee1]

Please keep in mind that Puffers can release a dangerous toxin if stressed, spooked or sick - and this toxin WILL KILL all other fish in the tank very quickly if you don't take prompt action to remove it!

 

[OldReefGuy]

Lions!!!!