thanks for all the replies everyone, sorry it took me so long to find my way back here. I definately won't be rushing this, and I'm planning everything out before I make my first buy.
I don't mind losing the hawkfish, it was just an idea. I like the idea of having a puffer, but like skene pointed out I would be worried about it decimating the shrimp/snails etc even if it were to leave the other fish alone. Anyways, the plan of attack may have changed. My fiance now wants an eel (thats better
), but from my research even a snowflake or chainlink moray eel will outgrow a 55g. Granted there's a dwarf golden moray (Gymnothorax melatremus) that maxes out a 12" and would probably be okay in a 55g for life, but from what I've seen online they all seem to be $300+.
In the end we'll probably go with a community tank anyways, but I want to look around for a bit and see what the options are. I wish I had the money and space to set up a 240G and just get a coral hind (Cephalopholis miniata)
I don't mind losing the hawkfish, it was just an idea. I like the idea of having a puffer, but like skene pointed out I would be worried about it decimating the shrimp/snails etc even if it were to leave the other fish alone. Anyways, the plan of attack may have changed. My fiance now wants an eel (thats better
), but from my research even a snowflake or chainlink moray eel will outgrow a 55g. Granted there's a dwarf golden moray (Gymnothorax melatremus) that maxes out a 12" and would probably be okay in a 55g for life, but from what I've seen online they all seem to be $300+. In the end we'll probably go with a community tank anyways, but I want to look around for a bit and see what the options are. I wish I had the money and space to set up a 240G and just get a coral hind (Cephalopholis miniata)
If it happens, would I be able to keep a Bursa (Rhinecanthus verrucosus) or a Picasso Trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) for life in the 75g with a snowflake eel? Liveaquaria.com says 70g min for both species of triggers, but I wanted to double check with you guys