Hypothetical combo

[sleeper]

Hey all, this really is hypothetical, since I don't have the resources now...
But down the road, I've been thinking about trying to set something up with some corals, a dwarf octopus, and a lionfish (likely black volitan) in a 55.
Is this possible? Advisable? WIll the ock kill the lion?
What are some of the more experienced marine keepers' opinions?

 

[ludachris821]

are a seasoned marine keeper? if not i would not even attempt a 'pus. if you do they will eat anything that moves

 

[sleeper]

Well, I'm a seasoned discus keeper, just now foraying into my first marine. But I wouldn't go ock for at least a couple years... but I meant in terms of the combo of a an octopus and a lion... again, hypothetically. Would they work?

 

[moraymike]

Originally Posted by sleeper
Hey all, this really is hypothetical, since I don't have the resources now...
But down the road, I've been thinking about trying to set something up with some corals, a dwarf octopus, and a lionfish (likely black volitan) in a 55.
Is this possible? Advisable? WIll the ock kill the lion?
What are some of the more experienced marine keepers' opinions?
Interesting proposed combo... I'd say that everything but the octopus would work... that would probably need a dedicated tank. Good luck.

 

[kdfrosty]

Octopus need to be kept in a species only tank. Keeping a Lion with corals is a bit tricky. Most corals are setup in a reef type environment, which is usually not conducive to keep Lions.

 

[sleeper]

Can you tell me why that is? I mean that lions don't work in reef tanks?

 

[ophiura]

Definitely no on the octopus which has very particular needs.
A lionfish is a possibility though it would probably need to be the only fish. The general issue is that they are predators and predators as a general rule are messy eaters with big appetites. Reef tanks usually need "pristine" water conditions and this is often met with having a very very low bioload relative to the capacity of the tank. So while you could do it, it is, IMO, trying to have your cake and eat it too. It won't be a great predator tank, IMO, nor would it likely be a good coral tank. Just trying to walk a path between the two.

 

[sleeper]

Gotcha, good explanation.

 

[kdfrosty]

Not to mention that a Lionfish will eat almost anything it can fit in its mouth. Most reef fish arent large to begin with, so I'd worry about feeding the Lionfish expensive meals.