[Coolibabes]

Hi Guys

I am looking at setting up an aggressive FOWLR tank. The size of the tank is 10ft X 1.5ft X 2.5ft (approx 280gal).

I am looking at getting the following inhabitants: Marine Betta(Calloplesiops altivelis), Radiata Lionfish(Pterois radiata), Hawaiian Dragon Eel(Muraena pardalis), Pinnatus Batfish(Platax pinnatus), Emperor Angel(Pomacanthus imperator), Yellow Tang(Zebrasoma flavescens), Chevron Tang(Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis), Niger Trigger(Odonus Niger), Red Coris Wrasse(Coris gaimard).

The above are my ideal inhabitants depending on availability.

Could you please inform me how compatible these fish are and if so which order should I put them in the tank i.e which one goes in first etc...?

Will the Pinnatus Batfish survive with the other villains?

[boombadan]

Wow I like your choice in inhabitants, I wish i could afford a Hawaiian Dragon Eel im jealous...lol

[Coolibabes]

Maybe I should just can the whole aggressive tank idea and fill the whole tank with tangs......any suggestions out there?

[bri74]

an aggressive tank is really cool I have one myself though not as large as yours but there is alot of interesting things to put in there you just gotta research what you want and what is compatable. Do a ton of research on what will be ok with what.

[Gamboge]

Here's the compatibility list:
Marine Betta:
Semi aggressive. Watch it closely with the pinnatus.
Radiata Lionfish:
Aggressive. Be extra careful.
Hawaiian Dragon Eel:
With all the other fish, I might not add it.
Pinnatus Batfish:
Either remove this fish or everything but the betta, angel, and tangs.
Emperor Angel:
These guys are okay, they won't normally get too mean. Be sure to keep an eye on the adults.
Yellow Tang:
These are okay tankmates for peaceful fish, provided the aquarium is big enough. Which it is.
Chevron Tang:
These guys are pretty. And expensive. And not too mean.
Niger Trigger:
I wouldn't trust it.
Red Coris Wrasse:
They're mean. Be careful.
...But, of course, aggressive is what you're aiming for.

Here's the list of how they should go in. Ignore any fish you aren't adding:
1st gen: Add Pinnatus and tangs. Cycle.
2nd gen: Add the angel, maybe the betta. Cycle.
3rd gen. If you haven't added the betta yet, do it now. Also add the Coris. Make sure it's small. Cycle.
4th gen. Add the lion and maybe the trigger. Cycle. Wait another month.
Last gen: Add the trigger if you haven't yet. Wait extra time before adding the eel. Be safe with it.
...And please, for your and your fishes' sake, leave out a few of these! I would not recommend adding:
-The Pinnatus. They grow to 20 inches. Mighty expensive. Don't always eat. Pretty and pretty delicate. Watch out for other fish.
-The eel. This isn't necessarily a bad choice. Just... predatory.
-The Trigger. It's pretty, but reeeally aggressive.
You don't have to take my word for it, but try to be extra strategic if you're not following this or any other strategy that others may post here. Good luck.
-Gamboge

[plecosword]

WOa! I like your choise of fish too! Nuts! If you ever get a japannese dragon eel, takes pics of it please!!

[JackedupSOB]

some expensive fish listed but that tank would be awesome

[Coolibabes]

Hi guys.

My list has been altered tremedously manily based on your opinions (much appreciated) and availability. I have to exclude the dragon eel, Nigger Trigger, Lionfish and Batfish. So much for AGGRESSION!

Because of the length of the tank and the lack of width, I was leaning towards filling up the tank with TANGS and maybe a large angel or two.

Any suggestions?

[Tangs Rule]

Be wary of adding 2 large angels. If you want to add 2 large angels, look into an Asfur angel or Maculusos as they are less agressive than most large angels. If you add an imperator and a blue face or either of these and most other large angels, they will eventually fight to the death.

As for tangs, the more the merrier. Try to keep 3 or more of each body shape to reduce fighting.

[Coolibabes]

Originally Posted by Tangs Rule

As for tangs, the more the merrier. Try to keep 3 or more of each body shape to reduce fighting.

Can I keep more than one or two powder blues?

[Tangs Rule]

In a 280, I would think you can get away with 2 powder blue tangs. Having 3 fish of the same body shape is ok with tangs but having the same color fish (except the yellow tangs, purple tangs, black longnose tangs) usually does't bold well. More than 1 achilles or chevron or powder blue usually isn't a good idea, but your tank is long enough to get away with 2.

Originally Posted by Coolibabes

Can I keep more than one or two powder blues?

[Coolibabes]

My ideal tank mates would be (based on availability):

TANGS:
3 x Yellow tang(Zebrasoma flavescens), Sailfin Tang(Zebrasoma veliferum), Achilles tang(Acanthurus achilles), 2 x Power Blue(Acanthurus leucosternon), Hippo Tang(Paracanthurus hepatus), Blue Tang(Zebrasoma xanthurum), Lipstick Tang(Naso lituratus). Unicorn Tang (Naso unicornis), Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus Stigosus)

Others:
Emperor Angel (Pomacanthus imperator) , Blue ring angel (Pomacanthus annularis), Flame Angel (Centropyge Loricula), Marine Betta (Calloplesiops altivelis).

This would be a FOWLR system.

Are these tooo many?

Are there any compatibility issues?

What is the best order to introduce the above list into the tank?

[Tangs Rule]

You could run into a problem with 2 powder blue tangs and an achilles tang. If you are going that route, I would try 1 big and 2 smaller sized fish. Also, an Emperor Angel and Blue Ring angel are a recipe for disaster unless you get one as an adult and one as a juvenile. But when the juvenile grows into an adult, there could be a problem. 16 fish in a 280 gallon is a lot, but it can be done. Be sure you have a good protein skimmer, a good uv sterilizer and are willing to change at least 40 gallons every week to two weeks.