55g stocking ideas, got a few lists for input

[hotrodolds]

Just looking for some thoughts on a stock list. Ive got a few in my head open to any and all suggestions. The game plan is to try and avoid coral eaters as well as having either two invert eaters OR two fish eaters. That way i can add in either some cool shrimps or some cheap small damsels to avoid an overly baron tank. If there are any neat and uncommon fish i could get away with definitely let me know.

1.
Fimbi eel, hear these guys are super aggressive but stay smallish.

2.
Niger trigger (rehome or upgrade in a year or two)
snowflake eel

3.
Pair of smaller lions like Antennata/radiata/zebra
SFE

4.
Undulated trig
SFE

Also thinking about a spiny box puffer, guess these guys stay a lot smaller than the porcs.

[marillion]

The undulated will destroy everything else in that tank.

Undulated triggerfish are some of the nastiest fish out there.

Peace,

Chip

[hotrodolds]

yeah the und would be ONLY an und with possibly the SFE but if it gets aggressive towards it id yank the sfe and give it away.

[LisaD]

if you want a pair of lions, get fuzzy dwarf lions, the others get way too big, too fast, for a 55

single undulated would be okay, no tankmates, but not reef safe

any full sized puffer would be too big, even spiny box (which don't seem to do well long-term) - go with a toby or two if you want a puffer

I think fimbis get too big for your tank

tiny niger would be okay for a little while, but definitely would need a bigger tank

[hotrodolds]

Originally Posted by LisaD

if you want a pair of lions, get fuzzy dwarf lions, the others get way too big, too fast, for a 55

single undulated would be okay, no tankmates, but not reef safe

any full sized puffer would be too big, even spiny box (which don't seem to do well long-term) - go with a toby or two if you want a puffer

I think fimbis get too big for your tank

tiny niger would be okay for a little while, but definitely would need a bigger tank

thanks lisa i appreciate the input. Do you think a pair of zebras would be okay instead of fuzzies? I just dont care for the look of the fuzzies much.

I was afraid that the the box puffs get big to quick. Ill put them on the "some day list.." Very cool looking fish.

[LisaD]

I think a pair of zebras would be a great idea, though if they reach adult size, they might be a little cramped eventually (as would a pair of fuzzy dwarfs). The tobies are really nice, lots of colors, and mine is not at all aggressive.

In my 55, I am overstocked, but have:
green wolf eel blenny
marine betta
spotted toby
reticulated boxfish

I also have to admit I have a dogfaced puffer in there who SHOULD NOT be there - I have a 90 gallon tank that I have no excuse for not having set up.

[hotrodolds]

Well im pretty sure then ill go a pair of zebras and a SFE, afterall thats originally what was going in the 29. What else could i get away with in there? Im assuming thats probably already a pretty big bioload especially if im wanting a chance of trying to keep any LPS.

Would like to keep a few quick small colorful fish like yellow tail damsels. Do have one question though, perhaps stupid but maybe not. Could in a few months get away with a mandarin? Would the lions leave it alone?

Tank should be up week after thanksgiving.

[anbosu]

I wouldn't get a mandarin, you are more likely to be able to get away with a few yellow tailed damsels I think, although eventually they could be eaten also.

[LisaD]

+1 on no mandarin, trying yt damsels.

[Wolverine]

I completely agree with everything Lisa has said.

[hotrodolds]

thanks i figured the mandarin would be a no go. If the damsels get snacked on occasionally its no biggie at all, they would just be something to add a bit of color and movement to the tank.