Stocking

[KTL]

Hello, I just found this board, and like it quite a bit. I've been in saltwater a few years now, but my experience is only in nano reef setups, and I want to start a new Fish Only Live Rock tank. The only fish I've had before is a small Centropyge Angel, other than that, these will be firsts. How does the below list sound? I have a wetdry filter, about 50 lbs of assourted rock, about half is live, a skimmer, and two powerheads for some added circulation. I haven't got any cleanup critters yet because I figured with the fish I want they might be eaten...

55 Gallon
Harlequin Tusk
Antennata Lion
possibly small juvi. Angel
possibly Lunar Wrasse

I mainly want the Tusk and/or Lionfish. I'm not aure about the Angel, or if I can have the Wrasse since it gets a little large. What do you think? I realize a 55 is a little small, but, is it too small? How long would it take the fish to outgrow it, if they did? What is the order t=you'd recommend placing them in the tank? Any other suggestions? Thanks very much.

 

[Anonymous]

the fish you've listed not only get a nice size, they are also very heavy feeders.what kind of angel?(juveniles grow).
just a lion and a tusk is probably pushing it alot, given the amount of food you'll also be pumping in!the wrasse is very active,-needs swimming room,and has a high metabolism.
mho-cut your list in half, and be prepared to get a larger tank, eventually :wink:

luck

 

[Anonymous]

Those look like good candidates for a FOWLR. I agree though that a larger tank (120+) would be in order; better to start big than have to change later.

I would also forego the wet/dry, with enough circulation and live rock its not needed.

Have fun!

 

[KTL]

Thanks, I'll probably just go with a Lion and the smallest Tusk I can find, them eventualy get rid of them when they need more room, or get a bigger tank. Anyone have any other suggestons for a 55 gallon FOWLR tank?

 

[Chucker]

Thanks, I'll probably just go with a Lion and the smallest Tusk I can find, them eventualy get rid of them when they need more room, or get a bigger tank. Anyone have any other suggestons for a 55 gallon FOWLR tank?

Be careful when expecting to upgrade or move the fish out when they get larger. Some stores won't take them back, and the best laid plans for a new tank can often go awry. Best to purchase only those critters that can live a lifetime in the tank you already have.

Some other suggestions for fish that'll look nice in a 55- hawkfish, gobies, blennies, assessors, pseudos (on the aggressive side)....