40 Gallon Predator Reef

[NicksTanks223]

I have a 40 gallon I’m looking to turn into a “predator” reef. I was thinking about getting some type of eel and then maybe a dwarf lion fish until it outgrows the tank. I was looking into possible eels that would fit into a 40 gallon and so far I found a snowflake eel and a ghost ribbon eel. I think the lion fish and eel should get along fine but I wasn’t sure on size because some places are saying they need 30 gallons+ while others say they need 50-60+. Since these will be the only 2 things in the tank would i be able to keep one of these eels in a 40 breeder long term?

 

[Lizbeli]

Take a look at this link

Felicia's 40 Gallon Mixed Reef Predator Tank

Check out Felicia’s reef aquarium filled with predator fish, stony corals, soft corals and more. You can do it too!

blog.marinedepot.com

Absolutely stunning predator tank that sounds similar to what you are looking to do. I was inspired by this tank and almost did the same thing with my most recent build. But the boyfriend doesn’t want me sticking my hands in the tank with lionfish. He is a worry wart.

 

[Noah Hemingway]

I have a 40 gallon I’m looking to turn into a “predator” reef. I was thinking about getting some type of eel and then maybe a dwarf lion fish until it outgrows the tank. I was looking into possible eels that would fit into a 40 gallon and so far I found a snowflake eel and a ghost ribbon eel. I think the lion fish and eel should get along fine but I wasn’t sure on size because some places are saying they need 30 gallons+ while others say they need 50-60+. Since these will be the only 2 things in the tank would i be able to keep one of these eels in a 40 breeder long term?

If you went with a fuzzy Dwarf you should be okay long term! And a snow flake eel should be okay long term given you have enough rock. But if you go with an eel i think your tank will be maxed out. You could maybe get away with some sort of damsel to add some colour as they can hold their own. Just make sure if you’re adding anything else it’s big enough not to become a snack for the lion or eel! Good luck

 

[Chrisfish]

Take a look at this link

Felicia's 40 Gallon Mixed Reef Predator Tank

Check out Felicia’s reef aquarium filled with predator fish, stony corals, soft corals and more. You can do it too!

blog.marinedepot.com

Absolutely stunning predator tank that sounds similar to what you are looking to do. I was inspired by this tank and almost did the same thing with my most recent build. But the boyfriend doesn’t want me sticking my hands in the tank with lionfish. He is a worry wart.

I agree this tank is awesome, I haven’t seen her post in a while but her snowflake eel was such a ham in her videos. Also you might check out @lionfishlair’s threads she did one on nano predictor tanks.

 

[Reef Tanker]

Take a look at this link

Felicia's 40 Gallon Mixed Reef Predator Tank

Check out Felicia’s reef aquarium filled with predator fish, stony corals, soft corals and more. You can do it too!

blog.marinedepot.com

Absolutely stunning predator tank that sounds similar to what you are looking to do. I was inspired by this tank and almost did the same thing with my most recent build. But the boyfriend doesn’t want me sticking my hands in the tank with lionfish. He is a worry wart.

I really like her tank! I have a 40B too but no fish yet, just corals and 3 trochus snails. I might have to go a similar route.

 

[dimitrinivo]

IMO a dwarf lionfish can live in a 40 breeder its whole life, however i think you need a 55 - 65 for a snowflake eel. I'd look into a dwarf golden moray eel instead for a 40.

 

[lion king]

A dwarf hawaiian eel and a fu manchu lion would be your best bet for 40B. A snowflake will get over 2 feet in a year;s time, a 40B is really too small. The ribbon eel will get as long as the tank and can be pretty active. A fuzzy will reach 7" and will be pretty active if given space, the reason people think that is ok, is because no one ever keeps them alive long enough to be full grown or gives them space to swim. That tank you all are highlighting is a photo op tank, I would bet as is, most of what is in that tank died within 6 months, Retailers are always going to under estimate tank size, but liveaquaria actually does a really good job estimating tank size. You do have a little more leeway because you want to keep it to the 2 species. I wouldn't do it but I understand, a fuzzy and a snowflake would be my 2nd choice combo.