FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hi all,

I'm just starting to plan a new large FOWLR tank. I will be getting it custom built in to a space under my stairs. I have picked out a few fishes that i would like to keep, it is quite a diverse range as i like variety, please advise of any problems with compatibility/size. I'm hoping the tank will be at least 150 gal with a 100 gal sump, maybe larger.

Anyway, here is the list:

Porcupine Puffer
Picasso Trigger
Volitan Lion
Warty Frogfish
Imperator or Blue Ring Angelfish
Zebra Moray eel

What size tank would i need to house all of these? Would i have problems with the Puffer and Trigger nipping the lion? And maybe the Frogfish being eaten as he's only small?

I will be back with more questions about setting it all up (i have some issues with lighting it, due to the perculiar shape of the tank) but i thought i'd decide on my stock before i go in to nitty gritty details!

Thanks in advance
Rob

I think it would be best to do more then 150 gallons if possible. Your talking about some large fish in there. A couple in the 15"+ range. The Lion probably will not fare well with the Trigger.

becarful with the Trigger, it might go crazy some days and attack your other fish

150gal is ok to house these fish I guess

The trigger will most likly kill your lion, and the puffer will get around 40" in size. The zebra moray will leave everyone alone, and is a good choice. I would suggest dropping the puffer, and the trigger. The other two I can't comment on as I have no experence with those.



Dan

Thanks for the replies

40"!!!?? are you sure?

The book i have says maximum 9-10"??

Is it particularly the picasso trigger that will kill the Lion, or is it the same with all triggers (anyone had experience with mixing a Lion and a Trigger?)

Do you think the Frogfish will be ok then? or is he likely to be consumed?

Oh and i've worked out the tank will be approx 4ft square by 2 ft tall, not sure how to work that out in to gallons though.

Thanks
Rob

Just worked it out, it works out at about 240 US Gals and the sump will be about 100 US Gal.



rob

As all triggers like to pick at things, they will pick at the lions finnage. This in turn can create an area open for infection and thus you can lose your lion. They won't actually kill the lion, just can cause other reasons you might lose them. Now some Angels (exception is the true dwarf angels) have been known to actually kill lions though. The will actually attack them by ramming them in the head and killing them. Many people including myself, recomend against keeping angels with lions. As for the puffer, I really don't care a lot for them, as they are messy eaters, and in the end require you to do more water changes. Many people love them, and I have nothing against them with the mix you have listed. So it is a personal prefference only. And no, I have never heard nor seen one in the wild that was anywhere near 40 inches. I have seen them at about 40 cm in the wild which would only be about 16 inches.

HTH....

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

Thanks for the advice, maybe i should think about ditching the Lion if the Angel is going to be a threat as well (how common is this?)

It is such a hard decision to make, on what to put in your tank. Ok so definite's so far are:

Zebra Moray Eel
Porcupine Puffer
Wartskin Frogfish
Angel (help me decide between Blue Ringed and Imperator!)

How about something like a Harlequin Tusk fish instead of the Trigger??

Thanks
Rob

Harliquin Tusks are great additions to most tanks, and will do well with most all other fish, including all that you have mentioned, even the lion.

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

Here is two sites that have information on the porcupine puffer. Note the size listed

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1869&articleid=1849
http://www.marinedepotlive.com/653674.html



Dan

I tend to believe the scientific web sites, with years of backing in marine biology, as well as backed by the most repitable oceanic marine study organizations, over other pages. This is my main reference;
http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=197



And, yes there are sites that document those sizes, but you have to understand as well, there are sites all over the web that document them smaller;
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/other/diodon_holocanthus.htm
Though they are sometimes wrong, I usually believe what Fishbase lists, until proven wrong;
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=4659&genusname=Diodon&speciesname=holocanthus


_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

Oh forgot to add, if you note those sites I posted, you will see the sizes listed at 50 cm and below. 50 cm is comparison to about 20 inches, and not 40 inches.

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

It is true that different sites will have different information. The owner of a LFS here has seen them in the wild nearly 3 feet. So I guess it will come down to what you choose to belive.

Dan

OK so a bit of confusion about the maximum size of the puffer. I'm sure they have been seen in the wild at 3 foot, but personally i would be surprised to see one grow to more than 15" in any home aquarium.

Anyway, i think i will go for the Trigger and ditch the Lion in the end, so here's my list:

Porcupine Puffer (15"?????)
Zebra Moray (3.5')
Harlequin Tuskfish (11"
Wartskin Frogfish (4"
Picasso Trigger (10"
Blue Ringed Angel (10"

Do you think thats full now for a 240 Tank (withh 100 sump) or could i get away with maybe a Tang.....?

Thanks Rob

I think you would be fine with adding another fish or two with your current selections and tank size.




_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...