fish for 55gal

[Hammer1126]

Hi i am going to start up a 55gal fowlr tank. I was wondering how many fish i could keep in this tank? I was thinking of medium to larger fish such as puffers or triggers or lions....in that category..
Thanks...PS what about an eel??

[john_lfc_uk]

Hi THere Hammer, just asked similar question myself in newbie forum and I have been searching after some advice from experts and I came up with this list that seems to be ok:

1 Marroon Clown
1 Royal Gramma Basslet
1 Purple Queen Anthias
1 Yellow Clown Goby
1 Flame Angel

I would asume because you are talking about much bigger fish than I that you may only be able to have 2 fish in there maybe 3 but you will prob want better info than I can give as I too am new to Saltwater.

[OrionGirl]

With the larger fish, you have to consider the adult size. Most triggers and lions (excluding the dwarves) will not be happy in a 55 as an adult. The 12" front-to-back depth is really restrictive. Most advise this measurement be at least 1.5 times the length of the fish--dealing with a picaso trigger, that means at least 15 inches. (fish gets to be about 10 inches, so 10 + 5)

Also, the bio-load of the tank will limit you. All of the fish you've mentioned will be heavy bioloads--carnivores can produce more waste than an omnivore of herbivore.

If you really want a big predatory fish, I'd recommend getting at least a 65 or 75. The increased front-to-back depth will increase your options a bit.

[MonoSebaelover]

I would not do a puffer (Arthron sp.) in anything less than a 125. Same with larger lions (ie Volitans and Russels are the two most common). A 55g is just to small to house predatory fish for life. If you wish to buy baby versions and plan on upgrading in a year or so that is okay. That is what I did/am still doing now. I currently have a 2" baby Clown Trigger and a 3" Arthron immaculata puffer in a 55 and when they get big enough they will go in the 209G or by then I hope to someday get another 200+ gallon tank. I have kept Triggers, Lions, Puffers and Eels together but generally triggers are a bit to aggressive for fish that are not active (ie Lions and Eels). Some caution must be used in these cases. If you really want an eel you can do a Snowflake in a 55 just make sure your tank is 100% covered because they will slither out if given the oppertunity. If you do want to get a baby trigger and grow it up I would stick with the smaller ones (Huma, Rectangular Huma, Sickle-True Bursa-, Black Belly Bursa, or Undulated but they need a system all to themselves). Hope this helps and sorry about the discouraging news but a 55 is not big enough for most of the marine predators.