Stocking questions

[SWaquariast]

I am wanting to get a large predator FLOWR tank with maybe some softies. I want to know what size of tank I need, I'm planning on a 150g or 200g. With T-5s and a Octopus 250/ or bigger. with a 55g or 65g fuge/sump.

What Size tank would I need for this set up.

I'm wanting a scorpion fish tank as option 1.
2 Volitan Lionfish
1 Fu Manchu Lionfish
1 Dwarf(Fuzzy) Lionfish
2 Leaf Fish
(I would like to put a goblin fish in but I'm affraid it will eat my dwarfs)

Option 2
1 Volitan Lionfish
2 Leaf fish
1 Niger Trigger
1 Snowflake or Zebra Eel

 

[wanabebell]

i would go with choice 2 two volitans would be alot
i would switch the niger fot a hawaiian black trigger as they are USUALLY better with lions

 

[SWaquariast]

On option one would it be ok if I got rid of the fu manchu and fuzzy and keep the 2 Volitan and getting the goblin fish.

 

[wanabebell]

I personally would say no...You are talking about having 2 basketballs in the same tank I dont think there would be agression....but rather would be overwhelming

 

[LisaD]

the leaf fish will not be able to compete for food. they do best in smaller species tanks with very passive tankmates. same story with the fu manchu. both these species can be hard to train to frozen, and may need live food indefinitely.

you'd be much better off keeping the volitans lions and getting a goblinfish (or several), as you just posted. full grown volitans are 15" and very thick. also, IMO, fairly active for a lionfish. I'd go with a 180 at least, and have a few more tankmates, maybe including an eel?

In your option 2, the only trigger I'd trust with a lionfish would be something like a blue throat. Niger triggers can get quite aggressive once they get some size, even though they are usually mellow when small.

 

[wanabebell]

I would agree with Lisa (as woul the majority of the people on reefcentral) I have had great success with pinktails with volitans as well....Zebra morays are fantastic but can get to be pretty big sizes

 

[SWaquariast]

K thanks. My plan will be a 200g aqurium with 45g sump/fuge. Getting 2 volitans and 1 or 2 goblinfish. Checked da price on da zebra eel its costs at my LFS is $210. They said that a snow flake could go with my solection in my previous sentences.

 

[SWaquariast]

What size tank does a panther(spotted) gruoper need for size or a sweetlips. I would eliminate some other livestock for this fish.

 

[wanabebell]

I think youd be alright but quite honestly Panther groupers get ugly when they get big they dont maintain nearly the brilliance as when they are juvi's but thats just my opinion

 

[LisaD]

those are both going to get too big. there are better/smaller grouper type fish - miniatus, v-tail, black tip...

 

[SWaquariast]

K. I'm just wanting to keep the lionfish/scorpionfish idea on top of my list after looking around.

 

[wanabebell]

Honeycomb grouper would also be a super cool grouper as well

 

[SWaquariast]

I'm goin to add a harlequin tush (australian)

 

[wanabebell]

Super cool fish....big giant babies as well....or at least mine was a complete pushover...but ive been told it was overly passive

 

[SWaquariast]

What do you mean. Do you have a Indo or Australian.

 

[AquaScapes1]

the 150 is a pain to clean because they are so deep. Keep that in mind. A 240 is a nice size.

 

[SWaquariast]

I'm guessing the 240g is a little shallower and more long.

This is my final stocking list please coment:
2 Volitan Lionfish
1 Harlequin Tusk Fish (Australian)
1 Zebra Eel
1 Panther Grouper or Miniatus Grouper

I want to know what I should feed these fish if they do not take to frozen meaty foods right away. Should I feed them Goldfish(short term) or any other suggestions.

 

[wanabebell]

I had a Aussy.....he was just a gentle giant...I had to get rid of 5 fishes to find a fish that wouldnt beat him up....other than that fabulous fish

 

[wanabebell]

I had a Aussy.....he was just a gentle giant...I had to get rid of 5 fishes to find a fish that wouldnt beat him up....other than that fabulous fish

 

[SWaquariast]

Does this final stock list sound good.