[cichlidfort]

In my 55 gallon fish only tank, can I have these species without problems:

1 Yellow tang
1 Niger Triggerfish
1 Flame angelfish
1 flame hawkfish
1 blue hippo tang
3 Green chromis

I am new at this hobby and i want the best for my fish. So was my selection of fish ok or rediculous meaning that it would fail.

[CSeaSee]

Looks pretty good to me... it may get a little crowded in there, with two tangs. The hippo tang, especially, may want more room some day.

[cichlidfort]

Yes the hippo tang will get a little to big but I got plans for him/her for my aunt's 150 gallon tank which will do fine in there once it gets to that size. I will let it get about 9 inches in my tank and then put it in a bigger place.

[Reefland]

No, that is way too much. In the 55, I would not go for the tangs at all. The Niger Trigger is tight too. You should stick with the smaller fish and if you must have one of the larger fish, only keep 1.

[cichlidfort]

How about this list:
1 flame angel
1 coral beauty
1 flame hawkfish
1 yellow tang
1 Niger Triggerfish
3 Green Reef Chromis

Also with the triggerfish, i was going to give him away onc he got to big and put him in my friend's 140 gallon aggressive fish only saltwater and just start over with a baby again.

[BubbaWPB]

Hmmm.... maybe I'm just old and rigid, but fish are not furniture - you don't change them after a year or two. When you adopt an animal, it's usually a life-time committment (for the animal, anyway).

I can see removing a fish that you sincerely thought would work out, but didn't. However, putting big fish as juveniles in a tank you know they will outgrow just isn't right, IMHO. And if you think I'm being tough, you should hear what I think of people who adopt puppies and kittens and take them to the pound when they aren't little anymore....

Sincerely,
The old and rigid Bubba

[Reefland]

I think that is still too aggressive. If you absolutely must, keep only the tang or the trigger but not both. Also be prepared to move them to your aunts tank pretty quick as they grow fairly rapidly. Also be mindful that the Flame Angel is a pretty delicate fish.

As another option, you could loose both of these big fish and add a couple of other smaller fish. Maybe increase your Chromis count to 5 and add a Royal Gramma.

[cichlidfort]

Originally Posted by BubbaWPB

Hmmm.... maybe I'm just old and rigid, but fish are not furniture - you don't change them after a year or two. When you adopt an animal, it's usually a life-time committment (for the animal, anyway).

I can see removing a fish that you sincerely thought would work out, but didn't. However, putting big fish as juveniles in a tank you know they will outgrow just isn't right, IMHO. And if you think I'm being tough, you should hear what I think of people who adopt puppies and kittens and take them to the pound when they aren't little anymore....

Sincerely,
The old and rigid Bubba

Well first of all, a puppy and a kittin is much different from saltwater fish. I don't think they are very comparable. And don't forget that about 90% of the saltwaterfish we buy are wild caught so I don't think they would mind a new home especially if it's going to be a bigger home. I don't think there's anything wrong with imho to transport a fish to a bigger tank once he or she gets to big. Like I said earlier, fish are very different from cats and dogs and I do agree with you about how wrong it is for people to buy a cat or dog and then get rid of it. But fish are different and no I do not think they are furniture. The tank and the stand are furniture.

Also Reefland, your right about the flame angel but I think everything else is fine. Niger triggerfish for the most part are docile triggerfish and can live in a community setting. And from what I know, and what I have read and what I have also asked other experienced aquarists, a yellow tang is fine for a 55 gallon tank.

[Reefland]

The behavior of the Niger isn't my concern, it's the size of the fish and the total bioload and available room in the 55 gallon aquarium you are planning. Additionally, I wouldn't dispute that a tang can live in a 55 gallon tank, although it is not the best situation for the fish or other fish in the tank, but it can be done. That isn't to say that it should be done. Again, if you must go with one of the fish, between the Niger and Tang, go with only one of them and not both.

[cichlidfort]

Assuming that I want a triggerfish or a tang, can you make a sticking suggestion suitable for my 55 gallon tank? Thanks

[CSeaSee]

Go with a tang. It'll be easier to remove and get along better with the other fish. I've got a small sailfin tang in my 55-gallon, and he hasn't grown at all in three years. And yes, he is fed a very large and diverse diet.

[cichlidfort]

I am not planning on removing the tang. And I know triggerfish are virtually impossible to remove, hence their triggers. That's not the issue. I wish there was some type of trigger that was dwarf like.

Say if I were to get the Niger triggerfish, how big would it get in a 55 anyways?

[Reefland]

The size of the tank wouldn't necessarily restrict their maximum size. Look up this fish in Fish Base to determine maximum potential size.

[cichlidfort]

I know how big they get. A Niger Triggerfish gets approx. 1'. But aren't that very territorial as other triggers. A yellow tang only get's 8 inches in captivity so I think a tang would work out.

[showfish]

I would be a little concerned with the bio-load in that 55. You have got some messy eaters on your hands. I would agree with reefland, one or the other. Do you have a good protein skimmer? By the way, the Odonus Niger can reach lengths of 6 inches in captivity.

[cichlidfort]

For my 55 gallon tank I have a Red Sea Prizm Deluxe. is that good enough? I decided I don't want the flame angel anymore so how about this:

1 Yellow Tang
1 Coral Beauty
1 Cleaner Wrasse
1 Flame Hawkfish
1 Saddle Valentini Puffer
3 Green Reef Chromis

[showfish]

That sounds like a good mix for that size tank, and your animals will be happy. The skimmer is fine, as long as it’s pulling out about a cup or so of smelly stuff per day. Make sure you clean it every so often, to keep it performing efficiently. Best of luck with your stocking plan, and send us some pics.

[cichlidfort]

Will do. i am already excited about it and will send some pics.

[Something Fishy]

Let's just say your green chromis are going to be aqua yum yums for your trigger, that would not be a good idea.. I would watch out for the hawk also..... All the other stuff would be alright as long as you have a big tank, just get it all small.. Been there done that!!!!!!!!!!

[cichlidfort]

I am not getting a trigger. Have you read the previous posts somethigfishy?