Predator Tank

[thomas_neil]

Hello,

Ive never done a predator tank before. I currently have a 75 gallon mixed reef. I picked up a used 125 with a brand new wet dry sump with the skimmer and a brand new light with all the dry rock to stock the tank for $300 over the weekend.

My wife has always talked about wanting a porcupine puffer. Would a 125 be big enough for one when he grows out and what other fish could I put in the tank with him?

I was thinking a snow flake eel, a couple triggers and tangs, and maybe some angles.

Any thoughts on what I should do?

 

[\m/reefsnmetal\m/]

I have a 125 with a porcupine puffer in it. I bought him small about a year and a half ago but he's growing fast. No matter what size tank you mention someone is going to tell you it's fine and someone will tell you it's too small. If you don't plan on moving him once he gets big then just be careful not to over stock the tank. As all the inhabitants start to grow then the space becomes even more crowded and then the fish will stress and have issues. Beside the puffer I only have 3 other tank inhabitants: a sailfin tang, a small koran angelfish (he'll more than likely need to be moved to a bigger tank), and a small california ray. They all get along great and I have no aggression issues.

 

[Bucs20fan]

I have a dogface in a 125, they have a similar profile. I agree, people will tell you all kinds of things. Just be smart about it and remember you arent one of those guys throwing one in a 55.

 

[Bucs20fan]

If you do triggers be careful of the species with a porcupine, I recommend a picasso (humu) or a niger. I have both with my dogface and they all get along just fine, along with a 18in snowflake eel. Very good stocking and I can personally say in that exact tank size with those exact fish that it has gone off without a hitch, heavy filtration and lots of food and youll have a wonderful time.

 

[thomas_neil]

If you do triggers be careful of the species with a porcupine, I recommend a picasso (humu) or a niger. I have both with my dogface and they all get along just fine, along with a 18in snowflake eel. Very good stocking and I can personally say in that exact tank size with those exact fish that it has gone off without a hitch, heavy filtration and lots of food and youll have a wonderful time.

I think I’ve got a stocking list after some research. Changed out the porcupine for a valentini and a blue spot puffer. Think I’ll got with either a clown trigger or a Picasso. A sail fin tang and flame angle, snow flake eel, some sort of larger wrasse and maybe a dwarf lion fish. Might also change the trigger for a harlequin tusk.

I think the worst part about a new tank is wanting so many fish but not being able to keep them all.

 

[Bucs20fan]

Be careful about the clown. They are one of the more aggressive triggers. They can snap and do an incredible amount of damage very quickly, and a 125 is gonna be cramped for a fully grown clown. I cannot recommend enough a picasso or niger, they are beautiful fish, very very hardy and they eat anything. I have a valentini in the tank as well with them, but im not sure how long I will keep him in there, those are both sharpnose puffers and stay pretty small, and can be bullied very easily by tangs and angels. If you want a puffer I would go with a striped puffer or dog face personally.

 

[Bucs20fan]

A tusk would be awesome, except for the ridiculous price tag for them right now. But I dont think personally I would trade one of my triggers for the tusk. Triggers have such a personality that makes them awesome.