Help stock new tank, opinions appreciated

bayareakeeper

New Member
Whats going on guys, I have rescently bit the bullet and upgraded from a 25 gallon with a few small SW fish and inverts to a 35 gallon that is currently cycling, and now upgrading again to a 170 gallon that is also being cycled with a few small damsel and 230 pounds of live rock. EXPENSIVE HOBBY
. I have come to the point where i think im ready for a FOWLR set up for my largest tank i have a few fish running through my brain, but i wanna keep the list really short like 4 fish tops. I know i want a puffer , a trigger, possibly a wrasse , and mabe a good tang that can defend himself. So far im looking into trying to obtain a Guineafowl Puffer, i know they are on the rare side but im a patient person. In terms of the triggers im really lost here alot of people tell me to keep them alone in a species only tank, some people tell me i can keep any of them with other fish. I really dont want to impulse buy just a nice looking trigger to come home and find that he has murdered my stock list. As far as the wrasse goes i like the Harlequin Tusk and Lunare the most, and in terms of tangs mabe a Regal? Im not to sure how they may all react living together, but thats why im here asking for opinions from people who have have past experience with agressive SW fish.
Thanks
 

kjr_trig

Active Member
Welcome to SWF.com
...I am also getting ready to start a fairly large "Aggressive" system, but I intend to have a few more fish. As far as the triggers go, I would look at the Pinktail or Male Bluethroat as I am. They have pretty good community reputations by trigger standards, I have also successfully kept a Huma and Niger in a community tank for years. As far as a good tang, I am a huge fan of the Achilles, they have a reputation of being high maint., but I think once they are established they are fantastic and mine was the undisputed King of my tank for over 6 years, in other words you would not have to worry about him getting pushed around by any trigger once he gets established. I like wrasses as well, and had a Lunare that was hardy and beautiful, I like the Green Bird also. I am planning on having another Porky Puffer, I would like to try one of the "Dog-Face" varieties, but I plan on acrylic tank and was told "No Dog-Face" as they often scratch the tank. Good Luck
 

hammerhed7

Active Member
as far as triggers the pinktail and bluejaw are great choices, at adult size the pinktails look very tough, but they are pretty passive, IMO a lunare wrasse is a gamble, they are great looking fish, but I have seen alot of nasty ones, a better choice may be a sunset, red coris, or a paddlefin. I am also a huge fan of of the tusks, it's well worth it to pay the extra $ for an australian, and make sure you see it eat before you buy. I keep a paddlefin wrasse with my tusk with no problems, I also have a bluejaw male. everyone gets along fine.
Good luck
 
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