Future Plans For Fowlr (predatory) Tank

[FeroX]

Well, I'm fairly noob at sw and I'm just wondering what would be the IDEAL set-up for a predatory sw tank. I'd like to know everything, as to what tank size is best (I'm obviously thinking at least 112 long not sure of dimensions, but it's loooong, around 6x2x2 ft), what filter I'd need, lights....EVERYTHING lol. And if you could, an estimation on price.

Things you should know:

Not looking to get into corals or anything, obviously
Would LOVE to have a moray eel (or 2! )
Possibly keep a grouper, one that's small enough? If they require something like 200 gallons then they're probably out
Possibly like to keep some sort of lobster if possible. I understand if the predatory fish will destroy it within seconds, it's out.

That's all really, and also which fish you would reccomend. I have done prior research on sw and I work in a LFS with TONS of experts and I'm learning every day about sw from these guys....maintaining the tanks...the individual fish but I havn't really learned what I'd need if I wanted a tank of this nature. Again, looking for predatory fish only.

Couple questions...

- How many morays can you have in 1 tank? I've heard different things about morays about their temperment towards eachother so I don't even know what is right anymore.
- Will predators eat the clean up crew?
- What equipment will I need? (filter lights etc) for a predatory FOWLR tank?
- How many of these guys can I put in successfully so they will thrive w/o them being overstocked and territorial issues etc?

I know, I'm sorry...broad questions but I'd like to get those questions out of the way first before I start asking specific ones. This tank is a project for the future, so don't hold back on items or anything, the price will not matter.


thx guys

 

[Lynden]

6 x 2 x 2 is an excellent size to begin with. As for the fish, you could probably easily have around four or five larger fish.

Cephalopholis boenack is one grouper that should stay small enough; as for morays they tend to leave each other alone. I would suggest a zebra (Gymnomuraena zebra) a snowflake (Echidna sp.; any of this genus is suitable) tile (Gymnothorax tile) and other small Gymnothorax. You could easily keep two together, or even a group of G. tile. They tend to max out at two feet in length and can easily be kept in tanks even much smaller than the one you're proposing.

As for other fish, any of the lionfish species could be accomodated, as could planktonivorous triggers (Odonus, Melichthys, and Xanthichthys). Really there is a great variety of fish that could be considered.

Any lighting will work; in fish only tanks aesthetics is the only matter. Filtration should be accomplished by, preferably, live rock and canister filter(s) (cleaned often).

Cleanup crew can consist of large hermits and snails, simple as. A tang could also be considered as they eat algae. Pred tanks are easy a hell to take care of, though admittedly some maintenance will need to be scaled up somewhat.

 

[FeroX]

Oh really? That's not bad at all then, thx a lot, especially about the grouper reccomendation, I'm so happy one stay small enough that I could keep it! I'm absolutely in LOVE with the panther groupers we have at work and the Miniatus (sp) in our shark tank...

 

[nanocubeking]

If you've got the money try a Polleni Grouper (Cepholopholis polleni) or a miniatus grouper. I'm not anywhere near an expert when it comes to grouper. Heres a website of some groupers. http/www.saltwaterfish.com/