Can 1 moray eel, 1 Picasso trigger fish and 1 lion fish live together?What other fish you think i can add?

Question

I wanna buy a reef aquarium 220 gallons and put 1 moray eel, 1 lion fish and a picasso triggerfish. And i wanna know if its big enough, and if i can put more fish(im more of a fan of exotic predatory fish) and what should i feed them besides feeders. thanks for helping :P I'm a 15 year old boy getting into a hobbie that i want to last a lifetime. and how do you take care of a saltwater tank (basics) thanks alot!!!

Answer 1

Got to agree with the prior two answers this is a HUGE investment and buy a good book. Theres a ton of misinformation out there. Dont automaticly trust the fish stores youll get screwed more then you wont. They want to make a sale most of the time and dont think twice about how it affects you. Also when saying your gonna start a reef aquarium remember that the reef needs live rock. Live rock costs about 4-5 bucks a pound when you buy in bulk and on hand sized piece usually weighs 1-2 pounds. To fill my 75 gallon it would cost a ton much less a 220. Also eels are one of my favorite but when it comes to putting them in a reef they are blind and thus clumsy. Chances are theyll accidently displace a lot of your coral. The lionfish has a highly evolved swim bladder(graceful) and shouldnt bother your corals but will eat your smaller fish as well as any shrimp you have in there which are normal residents of a reef aquarium in my experience. As for the trigger... depending on the individual they can be extremely aggressive. I have a younger shark in my tank but some triggers will actually eat their eyes. Triggers never struck me as safe but I also never looked into having one so I dont know what they are good with. The biggest thing i can give you as advice is DONT start with these fish. Even with biospira at least give your tank 2 months to cycle a bit with fish. Not just for the bacteria but just so you get used to all the upkeep your gonna have to do with this tank. But start planning your fish now. From the sounds of it your liking the predators (I love em). For example before adding a predator like a lionfish make sure thats what you like. After adding it you cross a bunch of the smaller reef inhabitants off the list. Any way feel free to email me with any other questions you have. In my experience every answer brings on two more questions :).

Answer 2

Welcome to the wonderful world of salt water! Yes a 220 will be fine size however Picasso Triggers or triggers of any kind are not really "reef safe" fish. Many predatory fish are not. They are hanging around the reef for food.

You are atleast taking the first steps in salt water. Taking time to learn and understand. I will recomend a good book, called the marine Keepers bible (Salt water bible). Everything you need to know is in this book. Be very careful what info you get from the internet since most will leave you more confused than on track. The best advice I will give you, you know three of the types of fish you want, 220 is large enough for a good many more. If you plan on having corals research each and every one. Check requirements like placement, lighting and water conditions. What can go with what. As well as your fish. you will have to pick your fish according to your eel size. I would sugges a smaller eel and larger fish to start.

However I will warn you when you start up your tank, although eels are very hearty they should not be put into an immature tank. Salt water tanks are not like fresh water. A salt tank can take up to a year to fully mature. Having patience during the first 6 months is the key to a successful tank with few problems later. Doing the first few weeks correctly will decide this.

It is impossiable to impart all the information I know about salt water tanks. I've had them for more years than I care to admit.

Your Predatory fish will also eat pellet foods and frozen foods. Your eel will eat frozen squid or just about any frozen sea food.

As far as taking care of your tank, as I mentioned, if you start out on the right food, you will nip problems in the butt before they happen. A master test kit is a must. Salt water isn't just about ammonia and nitrites. Again most of your water will depend on the occupents.

Cleanings are usually every two weeks not weekly, depending on the look you are going for rear glass does not get scrapped. This is usually left for other growth.

Feel free to email me I'll send you photos of my tank.

I have a 250 reef tank. (Wanting to get a 500)

Answer 3

Heavens, you haven't got room for another fish in there. I don't know what type of eel you have, but all the other fish will outgrow a 55 gallon tank. Oscars needs 60 gallons at least per fish, so 125 gallons would be minimum for your 2 oscars. Ghost knife fish need 100 gallons all to themselves, and they are best kept in dedicated (species-only) tanks. Worry first about getting the right tanks for your current fish, then look into getting something else. Exotic fish tend to be "exotic" for a reason - they are not always easy to keep. Be sure to thoroughly do your research before buying any fish.

Answer 4

first a 220 gallon tank is a huge financial investment for a 15 year old. i bought a 75 gallon about a year ago and spent close to 3 grand when all was said and done. those fish can share the same tank and you'd have plenty of room for more. other fish that are compatablewith eels are angles, anthias, batfish, boxfish, foxface/rabbits, groupers, grunts/sweetlips, parrotfish, puffers and squirrel fish.

i'd suggest buyin a few books

Answer 5

Welcome to the hobby! You are right, it's a wonderful hobby that can last a life time. I started when I was a few years younger than you myself and am still going strong over 30 years later. (Yeah, old fart fish geek, lol). The biggest problems you would have with that particular mix of fish would be 1) tank space and 2) the moray getting enough food.

I would like to make a suggestion for you that will really, REALLY help you enjoy this great new hobby. Make the first thing you buy a good aquarium book. For saltwater I would suggest

Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium by Nick Dakin and Julian Sprung

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Encyclopedia-Saltwater-Aquarium-Dakin/dp/1552978176/ref=sr_1_8/102-5034985-0364959?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177896621&sr=1-8

or just go to Amazon and search books for Julian Sprung, anything he put out it good solid info.

You really need to get a good idea of what your doing before you buy the first item for your tank, trust me on this one. It will save you tons of time, massive headaches and mega amounts of money. Best of luck in the hobby!

MM