Tank mates for Lionfish?

[yamanjazz]

Ok, its time again for me to ask the PROs. I was wondering if there are any fish that would be suitable tank mates for my Volitan. Its not something i raly have to do but i do sometime wish i had other things in there. I am aware that it would eat anything small enough to fit in its mouth, but im not sure if any fish would be compatible with it. Oh and are they ok with coral? my starpolyp seem ok:)
Thanks in advance.

[Gealcath]

Any fish that can not fit in its mouth (and they have bug mouths), and nothing that will nip at the long fins will be fine, They are VERY messy so corals may not be a good idea.

[yamanjazz]

Cheers Gealcath :) . To make my question more specific here is a list of fish i like:
1: Flame Angle
2: Coral Beauty Angel
3: Emperor Angel
4: Regal, Purple or Yellow Tang
5: Cooperband Butterfly
6: Triggers

or any recommends?

in addition to my tank mate question:
Ive read that Lionfish are not very reef safe. is this 100% true?

[MonoSebaelover]

The small Pygmy Angels should be fine. The Emperor can be a bully so probably wouldn't do one of those. The Tang should be fine, same with the copperband, and NO to the triggers. They are fin nippers, even the most placid (Blue throats, etc) so wouldn't try it. The reason Lions are not reef safe is their high ammonia output which does not suit well for reefs. They will also eat shrimp and crabs common to a reef. The biggest thought to consider on tankmates is what size tank? That will be the most limiting factor. Remember an adult Volitan will get to 15" so picture a basketball with fins floating around your tank! Anyway hope this helps and good luck!

[sharkguy]

i have a black volitan, people say its not a good idea for percula clowns with them but we went to petco and my fiance had to have "nemo" theyve been together for a while now and no problems im just worried someday well wake up and 20 bucks will be in the lions stomach and either little nemo or marlin (his dad) will be gone

and btw dont yell at me i didnt name them nemo and marlin lol

[redtailhemi]

try this http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/compatibility_chart.cfm

[yamanjazz]

Thanks for the feedback guys :) i hear that lionfish dont do too well under MH lights. The fact that they let out alot of ammonia is making me think twice. i was wondering, with enough caution, wouldnt it be ok to add corals in too? in the chart that redtailhemi posted, it says they are compatible, but i do understand what MonoSebaelover says and i do trust the advice. but deep down i realy want to have just a couple of coral, nothing too hard to keep. and unfortunatly i cant afford another tank :( aand i just cant give up the Lion... Too much hard work and emotions have been put into getting the Lion feel at home and weening it of live food. It become a part of the family. I have got Star polyps which seem to be doing ok with the Lion. I know id be pushing my luck with corals but i do hope that someone can advise me on how to keep the Lionfish and corals(such as pulsing Xenia) together. Are there, if any, hardy corals that will withstand the higher ammonia lvls?

[Crown Royal]

Lions don't have a special ammonia release valve or something similar, they just eat and crap a lot which produces ammonia.

Soft corals like GSP and Xenia are probably do-able with a lion for several reasons. They are very hardy and do well in a high organics environment. As well, they don't require either a lot of light or water movement. As mentioned, lions don't light very bright lighting and their long fins make swimming against currents difficult.

If you practice good SW husbandry (regular water changes, big enough tank, not overfeeding) and have enough live rock and a good skimmer, I don't see why you can't keep a lion with a few SOFT corals. Just don't expect a full reef with inverts and SPS.

[yamanjazz]

Lions don't have a special ammonia release valve or something similar, they just eat and crap a lot which produces ammonia.

I found that very amusing :) i do regular water changes so i dont get high organic environment, i have a good skimmer and im very happy that you shared that info with me :dance2: Thanks to your guidence ill be doing some research on what soft coral i will be able to house. im not too good with the aquarist lingo from abroad and was wondering what GPS stands for.

[Crown Royal]

GSP = green star polyp

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/fkshiu/GSP.jpg