210 Aggressive FOWLR Setup

I just moved so I am in the process of starting up a new tank. Actually picking up a 225g tomorrow. I have a 40breeder set aside for a sump, but there are a few 55 & 75's in the area so I might spend a few bucks for a bigger sump. Only brought my reef with me (a 110g tall), and a 40breeder with a little baby dog face puffer & juvie dragon wrasse in it. So might be a build thread popping up in the future as the 225 takes shape.

Not to derail but stocking I was thinking of on it:
Dog Face Puffer
Dragon Wrasse
Majestic Angel
Picasso Trig (or Niger)
Banana Wrasse

I'm a bigger fan or biological filters so you'll hear me pitch them more than anything. Bio filters dont raise the electric bill, lol. I've always ran as much rock rubble as I could in the sump and algae scrubbers on about every tank I have. If you have room to add the rock to your sump without crowding your equipment I definitely say do it. Its mroe filtration while still leaving swim room in the DT. Especially with your rockscape which I must really say is nice, and I apologize for not saying it in my first post.

I was using seperate reactors on my reef but changed to biopellets and have been very pleased with the results, my algae is whittling away and now almost gone. I went the seperate reactor route just because it gives you individual control. I am a firm beleiver in BRS products though, and my carbon reactor runs as one. You mentioned biopellets they kinda take the place of GFO and I wouldnt see an advantage of running both, infact some pellets makers recommend you dont use other phospahte reducing materials at the same time.

As far as how long it takes predator fish to grow, thats alot of variables. Biggest variable is the owner. I say the owner cause alot of agressive fish develop personalities that will sucker the owners into way over feeding. My dogface puffer for example will beg and beg for food. Before I caught myself I was feeding a little 3" puffer 1 krill 4 times a day, and he grew like it too. Alot of preds will also eat until they over eat and can make themselves sick and it basically get gut rot from excess food sitting uneaten in their bellies.

I wouldnt say I have alot of experience, I just get kinda OCD on my fish. lol. I spent an hour at the LFS burning up my data plan before I bought the dragon wrasse. I guess an on the spot educated impulse buy. Plus I used to be gone alot with my former job so having things that are stable and friendly were really important. My wife doesnt share my addiction of the hobby so it had narrowed to the basics (open lid, give food, fill ATO container, leave alone till I get home) while I was gone.

 

solid stock list mine friend!

have always absolutely loved majestic angels. i would also go for a niger over a picasso. ive had both, really just appreciated the calm-er nature of the niger over the picasso. its up to you though man.

 

Is that the Marineland / Perfecto 6' tank?

 

It's a used drilled tenecor acrylic 72 x 24 x 30. yes people question acrylic tanks for predator tanks, but I'll just say I am getting this $50 more than I sold a non drilled 75 for.

 

The Majestic Angel looks sweet. To bad the Dragon Wrasse didn't remain a juvenile forever.

 

Great list, IMO stick to the picasso trig. I think they're prettier and have more personality.

 

I had both over a period of time. (Picasso/ Niger) I found the Picasso had more personality and was just more interesting to watch.
The Niger was still cool just IMPE not as interesting as the Picasso.
I also understand that each fish is an individual and has its own personality. You can say that my Niger was a dud.
Until he found out he likes snails and crabs. Then he was interesting.
Also I know this is a fowlr but just because I want to say it, the Niger is not reef safe. From my personal experience.

 

Mappa Puffer at full capacity

 

hilarious!

 

List of the Fish I purchased.

Mappa Puffer
Porcupine Fish
Clown Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Sohal Tang
Desjardini Sailfin Tang
Volitan Lionfish
Dragon Wrasse
Yellow Stripe Maroon Clownfish Pair
Snowflake Eel