Predatory fish tank bioload- what to choose?

[Bhor217]

Hi all,

I am in process of building a Fish Only SW tank and want to make sure I maximize the space and my fish are compatible.

So far, I have settled on 4 fish, and want to know your thoughts on stocking with 1+ more. I am deciding on either a 48" long 120G or a 48" long 150G. The fish I am definitely using are:

-Volitan Lionfish
-Snowflake Eel
-Porcupine Puffer
-Huma Picasso Trigger

Am considering a Panther grouper, but would love some suggestions for other compatible fish. I am comfortable with the 4 I am starting with, but would love to get some suggestions on other stock. Thanks!

 

[Hemmdog]

I like wrasses. Red coris would be cool for a decent size fowlr. There’s lots of wrasse options. Tangs are good to for algae management.

 

[Bhor217]

The more I research, the more I realize that unfortunately the huma and Lionfish likely will not mix, if anyone has positive experience let me know please!

Any suggestions for a 4th and possibly 5th fish? Considering panther grouper but know my tank size would be stretching it.

 

[Waters]

I agree with @Hemmdog.......any of the large semi-aggressive wrasses would be nice. I have a pair of bird wrasses in my semi-predator reef tank with a lion and Huma Trigger.

 

[Bhor217]

I agree with @Hemmdog.......any of the large semi-aggressive wrasses would be nice. I have a pair of bird wrasses in my semi-predator reef tank with a lion and Huma Trigger.

Have you had any issues with the Huma and Lion? I would like to have both, but if it is only a matter of time until the huma picks on the Lion, then I would rather not get the huma

 

[Waters]

Have you had any issues with the Huma and Lion? I would like to have both, but if it is only a matter of time until the huma picks on the Lion, then I would rather not get the huma

My Huma is on the smallish side and the lion is a dwarf lion but no, no issues. When I first introduced the lion, the trigger harassed the lion for about 15 minutes, forcing the lion to wedge himself in between rocks with his spines pointed towards the trigger. Now the lion swims side by side with the trigger eating frozen mysis.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

I’m pretty sure a tank that size wouldn’t be large enough for a panther grouper long term. You mught want to check out this article, it mentions some species that would probably be more suitable for your tank.
http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/groupers-in-the-home-aquarium-full-article.htm

 

[Bhor217]

That is why I am hesitant getting the panther grouper, I know I would have to give it up after a year, which is obviously not ideal. Thanks for the article!

 

[Nokiaec11]

The Humu will be more of a pest than aggressive, and being a pest comes with stealing food...Make sure you understand how puffers eat, they chew and spit, and grab and chew and spit...The Humu will steal their food when they spit it out, and the puffer could starve over time. A small Harliquen Tusk would be good...the eel, puffer, and lion will grow and eat more and produce heavy bioloads that you should keep in mind.