Existential Crisis Softie Tank, or Predator Tank?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rhitee93
  • Start date Start date
  • Tagged users Tagged users None

rhitee93

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 21, 2023
Messages
1,476
Reaction score
2,622
Location
West Central Indiana, USA
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Hi There!

I’m getting back into the hobby after a 20-year pause to grow some children. I’m currently waiting on a 48”x24”x24” 120 gallon tank from a custom tank builder to arrive, and have been piecing together the rest of the kit for my system.

I thought I was just going to do an invertebrate heavy tank as that is what I did before. However, what I have realized about myself is that I am attracted to weird stuff even if it has a spine, and I have been thinking more about the idea of a predator tank.

I’ve always loved eels, but completely dismissed any notion of keeping even a snowflake in such a small tank. I also think lionfish are cool, but also assumed that I would need a bigger tank. However, I’ve seen a number of apparently successful examples on this forum of both in similar sized tanks.

So, is this reasonable, or just foolish? I’m pretty sure the bigger Volitans are out of the question, but would a dwarf work? I’m not really particular about its tank mates, so I can be flexible on the stock list.

What about an eel? I had crossed that off the list, and was going to go with an engineer goby to scratch that itch. However, an eel would be a lot more fun.

A bit about me: I’m pretty accustomed to taking care of high maintenance flora/fauna. I’ve raised tortoises for years. I’m also into carnivorous plants. I’m more motivated by the higher level of care for predator fish than put off by it.
 
I think there are some eels that would work. The dragon eel is smaller but pricey. The fimbriata (yellow headed morey) is one of my favorites and stays small but still would need larger tank mates as can eat smaller fish. Yes some of the smaller scorpion fish would be cool. @lion king seems to be the resident expert so he would probably know which would be compatible with tank size and eels.
In the title you said softies. I think you might get away with some softies corals. I have a toadstool and devils hand in with my thin lined puffer that he doesn’t bother. He has however done a stellar job of removing my cepistulara.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 15 31.9%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 6 12.8%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 6 12.8%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 11 23.4%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 9 19.1%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 8 17.0%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 2 4.3%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 4 8.5%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 1 2.1%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new