Newbie wanting to start a 75 gallon Lionfish tank

[cj11]

Hi everyone, I am new to this somewhat, I tried a saltwater tank a couple years ago and didn't really do things the right way. Switched to a freshwater cichlid tank the right way and have much better luck. What I would like to do is turn my 75 gallon freshwater tank to a saltwater tank, I have a friend who can house my cichlids and take care of them so it seems like the time to do it. I have a Marineland C-360 canister filter. My substrate is tahiti moon sand. I know I need a protein skimmer and uv sterilizer. My question is how much live rock would you put in my tank? Also what I am thinking of stocking is 1 lionfish, not sure what kind yet(taking suggestions) and maybe 1 or 2 other fish that could survie in a tank with him?

 

[geridoc]

The rule of thumb is 1 lb of lr/gallon, so you would need 65-75 lb of rock. You need to be sure to get the right rock to create overhangs since lionfish appreciate caves or overhangs to lurk in while they await their prey. The tank should also be relatively dimly lit. A 75 gallon tank will be too small for the larger lionfish species, but the dwarf lionfish varieties should be OK. For a FOWLR tank you don't need a protein skimmer, although it wouldn't hurt - lionfish make a mess. Use the money saved by not buying an unnecessary uv unit to get a powerful skimmer or an algae scrubber and you will be ahead of the game.

 

[cj11]

Is it possible to put 2 dwarf lions together or will they fight, I have read articles on saying if you have enough hiding spaces they are fine together and I have read some saying no way. I have a marineland light bar that I only run about 3-4 hours a day, is this to bright for a lion or is it ok with the limited amount I run it?

 

[jay0705]

Saxman is the lion fish expert. But I believe dwarfs are fine w eachother. I had mine w damsels and a puffer, but he was the only lion

 

[cj11]

May I ask what kind of damsels and puffer, and what order did you stock the tank?

 

[jay0705]

Sure np. Damsels first, then lion, then porcupine puffer. The lion wasnt planned, never knew there was a dwarf lion until I saw one lol only issue I had w him was he wouldnt eat frozen. Had to be live. So I fed him ghost shrimp. He would grab a peice of frozen krill or shrimp but would just spit it out.

 

[silverado61]

I don't think a 75 is big enough for two dwarf lions. let alone a puffer too. Even if you have awesome filtration, I just don't think there's enough room.

 

[jay0705]

I agree on the puffer messy eater is an understatement lol

 

[Skinr1]

I would honestly stay away from the dwarfs unless you have some experience with lions in general . having kept them in the past
IMO the dwarf species of the Lion is a touch more sensitive then its larger counterpart .plus they can be picky eaters , as far as the light use , in my experience I run my lights on average 8-10 hrs a day never bothered any lions I ever had .