Thoughts on stocking list

asing

New Member
Currently have a 75g fowlr, and will be upgrading to a 240g cube soon. My current stock is a volitan and a blueline grouper. I did have a trigger, but unfortunately the grouper didn't like him and killed him one night. Anyways, I would like to get some thoughts on a possible stock list for my new tank. Volitan Lion*, Blueline Grouper*, Blue Girdled Angelfish, H. Tusk (Aust), possibly try another trigger, and maybe either a purple tang, or a few butterflies. I am not sure if I can do the butterflies with them being peaceful, but I would like something with some movement. The lion hardly moves, and the grouper mostly chills in the rocks.
 

btldreef

Moderator
Welcome to the forums!
Angels and Triggers do not mix well with Lions and are not recommended as they have a tendency to nip at the lions fins.
My other concern would be your grouper. If he was able to kill a trigger, you're going to have a hard time with anything that is more peaceful that a trigger, such as the butterflies you're thinking about. Tangs should be fine.
Are you able to keep this tank running while you're setting up the 240? If so, if you allow the new fish and possibly even the lion to adjust to the new tank and set up territories before adding the grouper back in, you might have better luck with aggression of the grouper not being as bad.
 

asing

New Member
Thanks for the welcome...I was planning on keeping the 75 running for a little bit to keep the grouper in until he can go in the new tank. I am looking for some movement and color in the tank mainly, as my current take only really sees movement of the fish at feeding, or occasionally when the lion overstays his welcome near the grouper's cave. Hes alot meaner than I thought he was going to be, as I think i read some where that bluelines are one of the less aggressive groupers. I thought the trigger would be able to hold his own, but I think the tank was a little too small for both of them. Any suggestions as to what else would be a good fit for what im looking for and the current tank mates?
 

btldreef

Moderator
I'm not sure where you got info that the Blue Line Grouper was one of the more peaceful. Everything I have ever read or been told is that they are one of the most aggressive fish, and anything less than 250G will just make it worse. One site even goes as far as to write: "It is an extremely aggressive fish and may eat its tank mates as well as crustaceans." You might want to consider trading this bad boy in.
Tangs should be okay and would add some movement to the tank. Other fish to consider would be some of the larger, non reef safe wrasses such as a bird wrasse (or pair) or a coris wrasse, although there are many others. A foxface would work. Squirrelfish as well. And one of my personal favorites for a FOWLR: Tassle Filefish.
 

asing

New Member
hmmm not sure either, I had thought I had read it somewhere, and was thinking wow I can only imagine how the more aggressive groupers are, but obviously I either misread or had that in mind for a different fish. I really dont want to trade him in because he was the first fish I bought for my 75 and Ive had him for over a year now. Maybe he will mellow out a little bit with a little more real estate in the new tank, or atleast tolerate others. Ive still got atleast two months, including cycle before the new tank is up so I def have some time I am just planning ahead as of now, seeing what my options could be. Thanks for the reply
 
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