Compatability

[curtis_rachel]

Hello --

My husband and are upgrading from a 25 gallon FOWLR to a 55 gallon. We're not planning on having a reef tank -- my husband and I would rather have an aggressive tank. We know some of the different fish we would like: lionfish, a star puffer, clown trigger, a niger trigger, etc. Where would you suggest we look (best websites) to double check the compatability/requirements of these different types? Our LFS is good and they talked with us about everything, but I'm a visual person and need to be able read everything!!!!

Thanks!

[Reefland]

Hi curtis_rachel, Welcome to Reefland!

About the best resource for fish is fishbase.org however they don't have anything about combatibility. Sites that sell these fish will probably have some type of compatibility chart but it may not be very reliable depending on the site. Putting a list together and asking questions (like here at Reefland) is probably your best bet.

Before we get into compatibility, I thing we should look at size limitations. The 4 fish you mention are all pretty messy, aggressive fish that would not do well together in a small tank like a 55 gallon; they would probably do ok in a 120 or larger together. Trying to keep a couple of agressive, messy fish in a 55 is going to be difficult enough so perhaps pick 2 of the fish you mention and go from there. A couple of smaller compatible fish like in the Gramma family would probably be ok with any of these 4, as long as the Lionfish wasn't so big as to eat it.

[curtis_rachel]

Scott -- thanks for the info. We weren't aware of the size limitations with these fish. Guess we'll need to rethink a few things!!

[WHOSYOURDADDY]

Scott -- thanks for the info. We weren't aware of the size limitations with these fish. Guess we'll need to rethink a few things!!

Welcome aboard Reefland.com

use the link below it is a very good compatibility chart.

Marine Compatibility Chart

Rule of thumb for live eaters (Lion Fish Groupers eels) if they can stick it in their mouth they will eat it. So keep them about the same size as the most aggressive fish in there.

I learned my lesson the hard way. I had bought a baby Panther Grouper. I knew he was a live eater but did not release how fast he would grow. 1 afternoon my aquarium looked sparse and I noticed a tailfin sticking our of his mouth. That son of a gun eat $80.00 worth of fish

[saltjunkie]

one thing i will add to the mix.. is .. check the price difference in a 75 gallon tank.. just like the 25.. you will soon hate the 55 as it is very skinny front to back..
a 75 shouldnt be that much different in overall prices,, filtration wont be much different.. its almost a wash if you do it right... but trust me.. a 75 will make you alot happier than a 55..
and to that point.. if you lookinto your budget.. a 90 would be even better... but for over all cost.. look into a 75 set up..