Pecking order

[sinkingbeach]

Due to Rich's inability to get the fish out of his tank I've decided to create a aggressive reeftank. I introduced a Marine Betta yesterday, and for now some of the fish on the list include Crosshatch Trigger, Niger trigger, Miniatus Grouper, Lion fish, Porcupine Puffer, and Purple Tang. What order would you introduce these, I'll be adding the Lion last as I want to place the corals that Rich is holding for me before purchasing one.

 

[Phyl]

You can keep all of those fish together? Will their waste not foul the pristine waters of an SPS reef? The lionfish, at the very least, will need to be "hand" fed. I wouldn't want my lion fish (as sweet as he is) in my reef tank since my hands are in there more than I care for and I SURELY wouldn't want triggers in there. John nearly got nipped just putting his hand on the edge of Carlo's tank (let alone in it). I'm pretty sure that was a trigger.

Are you sure about this?

 

[sinkingbeach]

I've been reading up on it for awhile although didn't consider the waste factor.

Niger trigger Can be housed in reefs, harmless to corals, but may nip at sponges, tunicates, ornamental crustaceans an snails. To keep with cleaner shrimps, add the shrimps first.

CrossHatch Trigger Members if the genus Xanthicthys are planktivores and rarely bother corals or clams in the reef aquarium.

Miniatus Grouper Safe with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any fish it can swallow.

Lion Fish Interesting reef tank resident, but will eat crustaceans and small fishes.

Porcupine Puffer only one questionable, Not well-suited to the reef aquarium as it is likely to eat many types of sessile invertebrates.

 

[Phyl]

FWIW, a tank without snails = hair algae factory. JME, though. Certainly seems like an exciting set of inhabitants though! Sorry I can't help you with your original question, but I can't wait to see the stocking unfold!

 

[sinkingbeach]

I'm aware of the snail factor, but how many can they really pick off between Reeftopia group buys

FWIW, a tank without snails = hair algae factory. JME, though. Certainly seems like an exciting set of inhabitants though! Sorry I can't help you with your original question, but I can't wait to see the stocking unfold!

 

[Phyl]

I'm aware of the snail factor, but how many can they really pick off between Reeftopia group buys

Have you seen tank upstairs? Hopefully you'll have better luck!! Good thing I like the look of the green flowing mass in that tank... I wouldn't be happy with it down here though! Of course higher nutrients also play a part up there. Less rock, less water, agressive feeders, etc.

 

[sinkingbeach]

Last time I saw it was your swim party and I don't recall hair algae, did this just start occurring over the fall/winter?

I'm aware of the snail factor, but how many can they really pick off between Reeftopia group buys

Have you seen tank upstairs? Hopefully you'll have better luck!! Good thing I like the look of the green flowing mass in that tank... I wouldn't be happy with it down here though! Of course higher nutrients also play a part up there. Less rock, less water, agressive feeders, etc.

 

[Phyl]

Ahh. Good thing you didn't go up there for the superbowl. I'm not sure when it started, but it was definitely in full force when the last reeftopia hit. We used that to beef up the supply in there again. Progress is slow recovering it. Makes me want to swap some of that rock with rock from my sump downstairs.

 

[Carlo]

I'll throw in my 2 cents. First I wouldn't ever put a trigger in a reef tank unless it was a Bluejaw, Crosshatch, Pinktail or Whitetail. I especially wouldn't ever consider trying a Queen, Clown, Gold Heart, Bluelined, Bursa, Red Tail, Humu/Rectangle, Undulated or Assasi in there. Others like a Black Hawaiian, Niger, Humu/Picasso may or may not work but generally are considered a bad idea unless is a predatory type reef.

The Miniatus Grouper and lionfish are known to eat the inverts but lots of times won't if you feed the tank decent. These are what I'd consider predatory reef fish or "add with caution".

I've got a Miniatus Grouper, Panther Grouper, Lionfish, Epiloutte and Wobblegong sharks, Leapard Eel, Blueface, Imperator Goldflake & Koran angels as well as a few Lookdowns in a tank with snails, hermit and cleaner shrimp and so far they are OK (month now). I do know at any time the inverts could be a goner so I'm considering myself lucky at the moment. There are also a few soft corals in the tank for kicks. This is a tank that's there for pushing the envelope if you will.

For kicks a Queen Trigger was added to the mix to see if there was any chance at all. The queen trigger lasted 3 days before taking a liking to eating lookdowns. Had to get yanked! Funny thing was that the Queen never messed with the critters but took a liking to the shiny fish.

I don't worry to much about lions or triggers when working in the tanks deliberately. By this I mean with your full arm in the tank. They usually won't mess with you. However, grazing the surface of the water is bad as you look like possible food and they'll go for you at times. I've got 6 triggers, 2 lions and a Rhino in another tank right now and do all the normal choirs without worry. The lion, rhino and 2 of the triggers will eat out of my hand. The goldheart jumped into the overflow and I couldn't net it to get it out so I ended up having to hand grab it to move it back into the tank. I'm thinking of adding an 8" Sapo Puffer to the tank. Talk about a set of choppers you should see this guy!

Anyway back to the main question at hand. I'd add them in the following order:
Purple Tang
Miniatus Grouper
Lion fish
Crosshatch Trigger

I don't see any issue really with mixing up the order of these first four. I'd add the Niger trigger as one of the last since it may be the most territorial of the bully fish.

I wouldn't add the Porcupine Puffer myself but might consider a large angel or two instead.

I've seen triggers use porcupine puffers as chew toys. I've also seen them do the same with lion fish. Sad but actually kind of funny to see a "bald" lion. Lions usually survive while porcupine puffers don't when picked on by triggers. Even "gentle" triggers have a naughty streak at times and cause havoc in ways you wouldn't expect so make sure you don't have heater or powerhead cords in the tank. It's only a matter of time before they get chewed on with a bad outcome as you can imagine.

Carlo