new fish only tank

[robbo]

G'day everyone (yes I am from Australia!)

just found this site, first post!

I am starting a second marine tank, (i have had a reef tank for 4 years now) it's about 240L (60gal?)
just wondering if it possible to keep a lionfish, harlequin tuskfish, emperor angel and maybe a butterfly or two in a community situation?
if not all, which of these can go together?
many thanks for your help

 

[TAZ316]

not sure about the emperor, and some butterflies can be tricky. lions and tusks are ok. i've kept both of them.

 

[MBuck]

[welcome]
I do believe unless you are keeping a dwarf lionfish, your tank will be too small in a very short time for those fish....Do some research on their adult size before buying anything....Also, I believe www.saltwaterfish.com has a decent comparison chart for each fish, and their compatibilty with other fish.
Hope this helps!!

 

[FMarini]

Hey Robbo-
Glad to have you onboard here....
Unfortunately you've got a fairly small tank and are asking for very large fish. I suspect you can get away w/ many of those fish tour looking at for 1 yr or less before they seriously outgrow that tank.
AS mentioned the angel will get way too big very quickly, and depending on the lionfish species you'll be looking at either a 15" monster in 1 yr (P volitans) or 12" fish eater (P Russells). Harlequin tusks get very large as well, but from your list they are the slowest growers.
You might want to reconsider your fish list. esp in regards to adult fish size. You might consider a dwarf or mid bodiy lion species (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/
), a smaller wrasses or two, other mid sized fish like soldiers (squirrels), butterflies, or hamlets
If you can grow th e tank up next yr to something in the high 100gals (150-180 gal US) you might be able to do the fish your asking about.