single species aquariums

[jomatty]

When setting up a tank for a single inhabitant does it affect the size tank needed? If for instance, you wanted to do a grouper that generally needs a 180 gallon tank, do you still need a tank that large, if it will be the only fish in the tank.

There are a few species that I would be interested in keeping in aquariums by themselves but this is not feasible if I would need a 180 gallon tank for each one of them. In specific I am interested in Clown triggers and groupers.

Thanks
matty

 

[FishLipz]

Generally the recommendations are based on the minimum required size for an adult specimen. An 18 fish restricted to a tank less than 6 feet long would most likely suffer stress from the cramped quarters. I've seen it done in smaller than recommended tanks, but in most cases it ends with the fish suffering for it

 

[jomatty]

What would you think the minimum size or dimension tank for a clown trigger would be? Would 6 feet be a minimuim?

 

[FishLipz]

At a minimum I'd say a 180 gallon standard tank if you plan on keeping it long term. A clown trigger has the potential to be 20", but even at 12" (which is the largest I've ever seen in any aquarium privately owned) they should have some room to stretch their fins and move freely.