Puffer for Me???

[captbunzo]

I don't have the funds right now......

But when I DO in about a month, I would REALLY like to put a Valentini Puffer into my 55g reef tank at home. It is a garden variety reef with piles of all kinds of corals in it. Mobile critters include some peppermint and cleaner shrimp, a scopas tang, a pair of occellaris clowns, 3 pj cardinals, a yellowtail damselfish, and a rainford goby. Of course I also have a standard set of snails, hermit crabs, etc.

Here is the liveaquaria page for this fish:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=250

Anyone think this would work with my tank, or am I just being silly and courting disaster?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

It would work if it wasn't for the shrimp and cleanup crew. They'll take out the shrimp without batting an eye. And they have a knack for disposing of hermit crabs and occassionally snails. Just ask Jonathan how quick Cleaver the Valentini Puffer went through his cleanup crew

 

[captbunzo]

Darn - and of course the same is true for a hawkfish, fu manchu lion, or snowflake eel, right?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Pretty much. You MIGHT be able to get away with a Fu Manchu Lionfish if it's small enough and if the shrimp are really large. The Snowflake Eel is iffy. There is a chance that he won't touch the shrimp. But, I wouldn't be surprised if he made a cocktail out of them. Neither of those two would likely mess with the Hermits and Snails though. Various Hawkfish will definitely take out the shrimp, and some will even take out your snails and hermits

 

[captbunzo]

That's what I figured.

So, here's a new challenge for you, Mister Stevens: What would be another good fish to add to my tank. I would love something that'll be a little larger - say 6 inches max size. And of course it has to get along with current inhabitants and not eat my corals.

I have thought about a CBB - Copper Banded Butterfly. But I am a little concerned that with me being away from the house during the week, that would be a really bad thing to try. Also, I know they can be tricky and hate to disturb the success I have going now with a 50/50 success sort of fish.

So, your thoughts? Other people are welcome to give their input as well...

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Lined Wrasses, Coris Wrasses, Fairy Wrasses, Flasher Wrasses, (iffy) Deepwater Anthias (IE Sunburst), various Chromis, Whale Shark , (Risky to Coral) Dwarf Angelfish, (Watch your Shrimp) Royal Gramma, various Blennies, various Gobies, FireFish, or (iffy) Pseudochromis.

Out of those, if you are looking for a larger fish, I would risk it and get something like a Coral Beauty, Potter's Angelfish, Flamehawk, or Cherub Angelfish. Or possibly a Royal Gramma or Lawnmower Blenny.

 

[Youngsilver]

just being silly and courting disaster

how about another tank for a predator reef setup? That was my antidote

 

[djc1026]

I think the flamehawk would have the same areas of concern as the lion and eel. If I were to go with a hawkfish, I would try a long nose if you could find one.

Another choice, but a little risky as far as the required husbandry is concerned would be a leopard wrasse.

Dave

 

[captbunzo]

Thanks for the tips - I'll think about it and let you know in about 3-4 weeks.

And I am thinking about setting up about a 40G breeder as a predator tank. Much to consider.