Plan needs critique....

[jennln]

So I'm trying to figure out the best way to fix the situation that I have gotten myself into. I have researched each fish I have individually, and the information that I have gathered on them is as follows:
Cortez Rainbow Wrasse
Max Size: 6 inches
Min. Tank: 55 gallon
Snowflake Eel
Max Size: 28-36 inches
Min. Tank: 30 gallon
Red V-Tail Grouper
Max Size: 11 inches
Min. Tank: 100 gallon
Picasso Trigger
Max Size: 10 inches
Min. Tank: 70 gallon
Clown Trigger
Max Size: 1 foot 8 inches
Min. Tank: 125 gallon
Gold Stripe Maroon
Max Size: 7 inches
Min. Tank: 30 gallon
** I've already re-homed my Fuzzy Dwarf Lion to a more appropriate tank with a more experienced owner **
Please correct my figures if any of that information is inaccurate.
Now originally I was under the impression that I would need a 150 as basically a species tank for just the Clown Trigger because of their tendencies to go homicidal as adults. I've already got that tank, but since we are moving at the end of June I was hoping to hold off until the new place to set it up. I already have three tanks to move and a 150 is not a quick or easy one to add to that mix. Besides, with the exception of the wrasse, everyone is still very much a baby. (Wrasse is my full grown).
Now my question is, considering the behavior of the grouper, and from what I've been reading, the tendency for his behavior to very much mimic my expectations of the clown trigger, would these two make good tankmates? And if so...if I put those two together in the 150 could everyone else remain in a 75 with no worries?
Thanks!!

 

[crypt keeper]

how big is your clown trigger at the moment?
Picasso Trigger in a 75 for life no way. For a while it would work. From what I have seen on my own they grow very very slow. But a 10 inch fish in a 48 inch tank. That is barley enough room.

 

[jennln]

Clown Trigger is about 3.5 inches right now....picasso is about 2/3 his size. Could both triggers and the grouper get along in the 150? The only reason I hesitated on this was because if I understand correctly, the picasso's aren't as agressive as the clown trigger, and apparently the grouper.

 

[crypt keeper]

The humu humu will need at least a 125 and probably more. In all honesty the Clown trigger will need more than a 150. I have seen these fish on you tube in 500 gallon tanks full grown make the tank look small. This is a fish that is 20 inches. That is huge. Im almost certain that a fully grown clown will take out your smaller grouper.
I say set up the 150 and rethink your list. The Humu humu will do great in that tank for many many years.

 

[crypt keeper]

You could get away with all fish posted inside your 150 for a few years. You will just have to figure it out then.

 

[jennln]

Wow...everytime I think I'm close to getting it figured out I get different information lol. Alright, time to go back to the drawing board. My ultimate goal here is to have them placed in tanks that I could consider a permanent home for them. If I have to sell the 150 and get something larger Im open to that option to. I just want to be sure to set it right from the start this time.

 

[crypt keeper]

any fish that gets that big obviously takes time. But if you are looking too house it for life and not move it around and cause possible stress later on down the road Id say 180 to 250 gallon range would be good enough size. More wide and long than tall. I have seen a bunch of people recommend that size for a Panther grouper which gets 2 feet in length. My main question then becomes why have such a large tank for one fish or two fish? You arent supposed to keep sharks or rays with triggers. Triggers arent like other fish. Panther groupers will just chillax and sit in a spot. Lions do that as well. They arent very active swimmer. Triggers on the hand well my humu humu was 2.5 inches. He used my entire 90 like he owned it. So you can only imagine what a 20 inch fish will do.
I would get the 150. Enjoy your clown. Allow it to grow and house other fish. Just always keep it in the back of your mind it will snap and start the process to find a bigger home sooner rather than later.