Lion fish in general??

[playtime]

Ok. I have done some reading and all that I read tells me that lion fish are good for beginners, very hardy, and have been known to live long lives in aquariums. I was told yesterday when questioning my lfs that they are not, and that they are hard to treat should they get ich. I know there are risks when keeping these fish and I have thought it through and precausions to be taken. So, you tell me, I have had my tank cycled for 9 months now and I know that technicly (sp) I am a beginner but are LIONFISH as hardy as they say or NOT a BEGINNER fish as the lfs says??? Tell me please because I am thinking seriously of getting one.
playtime

 

[pootietang#1]

As a matter of fact, I have heard some peopl saying that lions were used to cycle the tank before damsels arrived on the scene, along with triggers.

 

[skirk]

Volitan Lion = Hardy Fish......The End
P.S. I'm not sure if a fu-man chu is so hardy. I would think so though. Other than that, they all pretty much are. If you're going to get a first one though, I'd go for the Volitan Lion. Yes, the tried and true.

 

[lionfish]

LionFish says......
Well, as far as I'm concerned it is completely proposterous to say that any saltwater fish is hardy. But if you consider the amount of care and health problems with some species of marine fish, the lionfish is probably just as hardy as some damsels. Thwy just have a bigger diet and thats about the only big difference from them and damsels besides the poisonous barbs. Basically they are very hardy. Never had one die from a disease and never had one get a disease. I have had over 10 of them in the last 7 years and they are great fish. All but the Fu Manchu. Those buggers are trouble. Maybe its because one stung me or because I think they are hideous little critters but they are not as hardy as the rest.