Starting a new tank and don't know what to put in it..

[nw2salt08]

I have a 50 gallon tank just sitting around in my livingroom so I figured I'd set it up as a FOWLR but would like some smaller aggressive fish in it. Any suggestions? I already have a golden dwarf eel on hold so working around that.

 

[outsdr2]

Flame Angel.

 

[nw2salt08]

Thanks for replying...I have one in my 55 reef with my pair of maroons. I love Bella very much. Beautiful fish.

Would like to see something different in there. Any more suggestions?

 

[outsdr2]

Well If it were me I would try something from the butterfly family. I just bought a pair of pyramid butterfly fish and they know how to defend their selves well with their top fin. here is a picture of one. second picture my two.

 

[nw2salt08]

They're beautiful. What do you think about a dwarf lionfish? My husband has been interested in them for quite some time and would love to add one but definitely want to have enough space for everyone.

 

[aquaknight]

Butterflies really either get too large for 50gal, or need more live rock to pick at then a 50gal can hold IMHO.
I would do a more 'shy' predator setup.
A dwarf lionfish
A marine betta (aka Comet)
A hamlet (your choice on type)
and one of the larger dwarf angels. Half-Black, Eibli, Keyhole, etc

 

[nw2salt08]

I was thinking that most butterflies are too large to stay in a 50 gal permanently.
I was thinking of a stocklist of something like this:
Radiata Lionfish
Golden Dwarf Eel
Leopard Toby Puffer
What do you guys think of it?
I plan on putting a nice protein skimmer on the back and a refuge underneath.
What's your feelings on sand bed or BB? I've got some pvc to make tunnels. Would build the LR around the tunnels to hide the pvc.

 

[jp30338]

Originally Posted by Nw2Salt08
http:///forum/post/3065397
I was thinking that most butterflies are too large to stay in a 50 gal permanently.
I was thinking of a stocklist of something like this:
Radiata Lionfish
Golden Dwarf Eel
Leopard Toby Puffer
What do you guys think of it?
I plan on putting a nice protein skimmer on the back and a refuge underneath.
What's your feelings on sand bed or BB? I've got some pvc to make tunnels. Would build the LR around the tunnels to hide the pvc.
IMO, a lion gets too big for a 50 gallon and the lion would make a quick meal of the toby puffer!

 

[nw2salt08]

Even a dwarf lion?

 

[nw2salt08]

A dendrochirus sp stays under 7".

 

[jp30338]

A dwarf lion would be fine, I was actually reffering to the Radiata lion. I had one myself actually. They need a good "cave" to hide in and typically are not nearly as hardy as a volitan, nor are they seen too often for sale.

 

[nw2salt08]

But, from what I've been researching, a dendrochirus brachypterus would be better suited for my needs. They have a smaller mouth and don't usually bother other tankmates their same size.
But that's why I ask.... I want to know everyone's experiences with their tankmates and put together a very compatible stocklist. I do appreciate the feedback.

 

[nw2salt08]

So do you think that puffer and dwarf lion would be ok together or would that potentially be an issue?
I plan on building a good amount of hiding places.

 

[nw2salt08]

So no one has an answer on this?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[small triggers]

puffers still have the option of nipping. If you do a dwarf lion and a toby puffer you may be okay, BUT again ya never know.

 

[nw2salt08]

Well, I guess I lean on the side of trial and error here on this one unless someone can give me a definite answer that this is a horrible idea. I'll setup my 29gal hex and if the puffer becomes too much I'll separate them. Time to start working on the hex then. lol

 

[aquaknight]

Sounds like a plan. Indeed, it's not a sure thing that a toby puffer won't nip a lion, and it's far from a guarantee that he will, so a backup plan is a must (which you have). I would talk to some owners of golden dwarf eels though. They are often very very cryptic (you'll rarely see them).

 

[nw2salt08]

Yes, I do know that they can be very cryptic. My LFS has had this guy for over a year now. I've been watching him this whole time and he comes out of hiding when I walk into the shop now. I guess he recognizes me. The guy at the LFS made an me an offer that I couldn't refuse so I reserved him. I'm definitely not paying what most people do for one. But, I know that he's healthy and eats just fine so that's a bonus. I'll have to take a pic of him when I go in next.