I need advice on proper setup for Lionfish and Snowflake eel

[Anonymous]

Right now I have a 50 gallon with a maroon clown, Antennata Lionfish, Snowflake eel, and a coral beauty. They are all juveniles, so right now they're fine. I've been told that I will eventually have problems from the Lion and the Eel once they have grown.

I am currently using a AquaC Remora Pro, which will not be sufficient for the current stocking. I live in an older apartment on the 4th floor (no elevator). I was planning on getting a 100 gallon tank to solve this problem, but it seems like that is too much weight for my apartment floor.

I have been told that eventually the Antennata will consume the maroon clown, and coral beauty. From readings it says that if they can't fit the fish in their mouth they won't be bothered, so I just wanted to verify that. Apparently once Lion has grown it will consume them.

The options I was considering were these.

#1: Exchange the Antennata Lionfish for a Dwarf Lion. That way the Lion will last in my 50 gallon for a lot longer, since the Antennata will require a much larger tank within a year. The snowflake will require a larger tank within 2-3 years (at least 75 gallon required for eel). Several months from now I'll install a sump and get a strong skimmer to handle the heavy bioload. How good is this plan, or what adjustments can I make?

#2 Get a second tank for the lion and eel. I heard 65 gallon is a safe size for an apartment, so what if I get a second tank around that size to house the Lion and the Eel? Will these 2 have a problem if they were housed in a a tank of that size in the future?

I prefer the first option since it's cheaper. My main tank is a reef tank. I'm open to other suggestions as well.

thanks everyone

 

[Bojangles]

IMO even with great filtration you have too much in a 50g. Depending on the current sizes, it'd take a pretty decent size lion to eat the others. If you keep him very well fed you might not have too much of a problem. However, you're going to have to get rid of the lion eventually or trade him in for a smaller one unless you plan on upgrading to the 100g.

 

[Demonic]

Im going to have to disagree with the overstocking opinion. I think what you have is fine for a 50 gallon. I agree with the part about getting rid of that lion in less than a year though. I say replace the lion with a dwarf and you will be fine for a while. Thats snowflake might want a bigger home in due time, but as for a small one Im sure he likes it. Just provide plenty of hiding spaces and he will be fine.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for the response. Fortunately I found a good skimmer for a great deal. One of my problem is solved. I guess once the lion becomes too large I can trade him in for a dwarf. Unless I upgrade tank size. Thanks again for the reply. I know where my main problem is

 

[snapper1]

Lions will eat what can fit in theirs Mouth however a Coral Beauty would be safe and your clown if he is Fairly large.