How many starter fish for a 210?

[RLG2182]

I've been so used to smaller 75 gal tanks having to start a new build with one or two small fish to not overload too fast... Now with my new 210g I'm unsure of how many fish is ok to start with.

--I do the fishless cycle and that won't be changing... so no starter damsels, etc--

I am doing a predator tank and will eventually have:
Volitan Lionfish
Niger Trigger
Blue Throat trigger
Blonde Naso Tang
Dogface Puffer (last in)
Snowflake Eel
Zebra Moray Eel

Maybe one or two other "swimmer" fish like a Flame Angel or something that is active.

Would I be safe to start off with the Tang Angel and Lionfish, or should I stick with one fish at a time?

 

[Mr. Fish]

Since you want bigger fish, I would add them one at a time for the beginning.

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[reeferstace]

Nasos should be in an 8' tank.

 

[RLG2182]

Let me say that I will be getting the fish all "small"

An 8' tank? Seriously? The 210 I have is 6' and although there is a ton of rock, there is plenty of room for large swimmers. Didn't really think I needed a 500g tank to properly house a tang.

 

[jwoyshnar]

Well they do get 10". I don't think I would put one in there either

 

[RLG2182]

Most triggerfish will get to 10"+ too. Lionfish the size of a basketball. Anyone with a 300g 8' tank could easily cram it with corals and LR and end up with less swimming room than someone with a 210g with less rock (albeit proper filtration). I don't need ALL those fish, but at the same time don't feel that I am being an irresponsible hobbiest for putting a Naso Tang in a 210 gallon tank. Didn't really want to turn this into a "can this be kept with this" thread, just opinions on the thread title. But like always, thanks for any help! =)

 

[randomfishguy85]

no starter fish, just pick the fish you want in the tank and pick the best first one. With your list in mind i would add either the lion or the blue throat trigger first. The naso will get too large for the tank but it is your tank and if you feel it is ok, who am i to tell you any different. no disrespect intended.

 

[RLG2182]

No disrespect whatsoever! =) Thinking I may start with a Flame Angel and a Damsel and let the Lionfish eat it when it gets bored. lol (just kidding)

 

[RLG2182]

I would love to start with the blue throat... Just wasn't sure if it would be the best idea to start a new, untested tank with a $90 fish.

 

[jcmjoe]

Just curious why you want to add the dogface last? I have one and love it. he is a big baby and never bothers any new fish I add to the tank. He was actually my first fish in my 125 and it cycled nicely. Maybe I just got lucky.. sounds like a nice selection. Goodluck!

 

[RLG2182]

I was just thinking that the puffer *may* nip at the Lionfish and wanted to give little Mr Lion a chance to establish himself before any potential competition came in. From everything I've read, the Niger and Bluethroat should be docile enough to leave things alone, unless of course they encounter dinner.

 

[planedoc]

To maintain a healthy tank you need to have enough bacteria in your live rock to eat the fish poo. If you add lots of good live rock you can add lots of fish. If you start with mostly base rock you need to add fish slowly and let the bacteria build. If you add lots of live rock and no fish the good bacteria will die off. The slow approach is always the safest. If you add a lot of fish with lots of good cured rock you should be ok, but be prepared for some big water changes if necessary.

 

[jcmjoe]

I was just thinking that the puffer *may* nip at the Lionfish and wanted to give little Mr Lion a chance to establish himself before any potential competition came in. From everything I've read, the Niger and Bluethroat should be docile enough to leave things alone, unless of course they encounter dinner.

Cool, makes sense, I hope it all works out for you. Good luck

 

[Timber77]

get the lion, add the trigger last, he will think whole tank is his if you put him in first.