46 Gallon Bowfront Predator Tank

[ZJGMoparman]

I have a 46 Gallon Bowfront sitting around that i would like to setup. Rather than setup another reef tank, i was thinking of venturing into the predator tank world. I've never kept a predator tank before. I know a 46 Gallon really limits my possibilities, but what are my options?

My must have is a lionfish. I was looking at the fuzzy dwarf lionfish.

Other fish I'm interested in, but not sure how they would do in a 46 are:

1. Dwarf Puffer
2. Snowflake Eel
3. Dwarf Angel
4. Bristletooth Tang (for algae control)
5. Some type of larger wrasse

I know all of these would be way overstocked for a 46. I would probably limit my stocking to a total of 3 fish.

I should also note that this will be plumbed to a 20 gallon sump.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I’d say one key (for potentially messy-eaters) is as much water turnover as possible. Filtration that is better than average. Can’t wait to see your photos down the road.

 

[ZJGMoparman]

After doing some more research i think i have decided to go with a total of 3 fish in this system.

Valentini Puffer
Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish
Flame Angel

I don't think this will be too much bioload on the system.

 

[JumboShrimp]

It will be beautiful!

 

[DrZoidburg]

I agree with the extra cleaning/filtration comment. When I kept a predator tank there was always one corner that had bare bones vacuumed out. At some point you might want to upgrade though the dwarf will get about 6 - 8inches.