Planning a FOWLR

[docscorals]

So I am upgrading my 75 gallon reef to a UNS180. When I do,
I will be moving this tank to a new spot and would like to put a FOWLR/Predator tank where my 75 gallon currently sits. There are a number of fish I would love to get, but can’t because of my corals.

I would love some feedback on size or tank recommendations (NO Red Sea please). The spot I have is 60 inches long and no more than about 30 inches wide.

Some of the potential fish I would love to stock it with include (this is a list of different ones I’m looking at, obviously not all will go in the tank):
Snowflake eel
Jeweled eel
Picasso trigger
Niger trigger
Clown trigger
Coral beauty
Emperor angel
Queen angel
Girdled angel
Narrow line puffer
Blue porcupine puffer

Thoughts on size, equipment, lighting are all appreciated.

 

[PhishEDELIC]

For that area a traditional 120g tank (48x24x24) would fit nice. Some of those fish you mentioned will out grow the 120 but it’s a nice start.

If it was me starting a new FOWLR I’d start with real live rock from a place like Tampa Bay Live Rock. You’ll cycle the tank so quick and it will give you a tremendous head start. I read here once a great insight on using live reef rock. All the risk of pest from live rock we worry about in a reef tank doesn’t matter in a FOWLR because most of fish you want to put in it like triggers and puffer will happily make those pests a snack, lol!

Also a big sump with a big skimmer. That’s always a must with messy eaters.

Some things I feel people forget sometimes is water flow and lighting. These fish still come from the same environment your corals come from. They may not need water movement and bright light to survive like corals but I feel they benefit from it tremendously. Not saying go spend 3k on a light but a buy a good strong LED strip and some powerhead, it will go a long way.

 

[docscorals]

Thanks @PhishEDELIC . Are there any on the list you would not recommend for a 120?

 

[PhishEDELIC]

Thanks @PhishEDELIC . Are there any on the list you would not recommend for a 120?

You’re always going to start a headed debate when it comes to fish and tank size but I’d say these I’ve checked would live as adult size in a 120g. Bigger is obviously always better.

Snowflake eel
Jeweled eel
Picasso trigger
Niger trigger
Clown trigger
Coral beauty
Emperor angel
Queen angel
Girdled angel
Narrow line puffer
Blue porcupine puffer

Now could you start out with a juvenile Emperor or Queen Angel and keep them in a tank for 2-3 years before they get too big? Sure.

But what’s your exit strategy? Do you have a local fish store that would even be willing to take those fish for free when larger?

Are you realistically ever going to upgrade to say a 220g that could house those fish as adults? Do you even have the space to do that?

All question you need to be honest with yourself before buying those fish. If you honestly do I’m not going shame you for buying a tiny clown trigger and letting it grow out for 3-4 years in a 120g.

 

[docscorals]

Thanks @PhishEDELIC . Are there any on the list you would not recommend for a 120?

You’re always going to start a headed debate when it comes to fish and tank size but I’d say these I’ve checked would live as adult size in a 120g. Bigger is obviously always better.

Snowflake eel
Jeweled eel
Picasso trigger
Niger trigger
Clown trigger
Coral beauty
Emperor angel
Queen angel
Girdled angel
Narrow line puffer
Blue porcupine puffer

Now could you start out with a juvenile Emperor or Queen Angel and keep them in a tank for 2-3 years before they get too big? Sure.

But what’s your exit strategy? Do you have a local fish store that would even be willing to take those fish for free when larger?

Are you realistically ever going to upgrade to say a 220g that could house those fish as adults? Do you even have the space to do that?

All question you need to be honest with yourself before buying those fish. If you honestly do I’m not going shame you for buying a tiny clown trigger and letting it grow out for 3-4 years in a 120g.

Thanks! I appreciate the information. I am not planning on getting a tank that size at the moment, so I’ll stick with ones that should fit in a 180.