55 gallon stocking ops

[AquaMan91]

Hey i am going to be upgrading to a 55 gallon tank that i want to do as a LPS and SPS dominated reef.
But for livestock i want like aggressive animals.
What would you guys reccomend? I definetly want an eel(if possible).

Also could you guys tell what i should get as a CUC if i have an aggressive tank?

Thanks!

[Loverotties]

I have an Engineer which is like a eel (14"),but never own a eel.

[AquaMan91]

Ive got a baby engineer in my biocube..i love it but ive had to rearrange my rocks like ten times to accomidate its constant digging. lol.. I was looking at maybe a jeweled moray and maybe two GSM clowns for the tank and thats it.. would that be overdoing it?

[AquaMan91]

any body got any help for me?

[Fat Tony]

I'm not an aggressive species advocate personally, but here's a bump for you...

[AquaMan91]

LOl thanks tony

[Reeftanker3295]

No reef tank for you..

Jeweled Moray Eel (Muraena lentiginosa) QUICK STATS Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive Reef Compatible: No Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 2' Color Form: Black, Tan, White, Yellow Diet: Carnivore Compatibility: View Chart Origin: Central America, Eastern Pacific Family: Muraenidae

[AquaMan91]

well it wouldnt have any ornamental invertebrates(shrimp, crabs, etc) but i could do corals and ive seen a tank with a snowflake eel that has clams....

[Reeftanker3295]

Id be worried about the fish. GSM's at full size are around 6 inches and the eel would be around 24 inches. Eels will eat anything that fits into their mouth and if it doesnt fit theyll rip it until it does.

[Seamore]

Predators tend to be constant messy eaters that produce an abundance of waste. The exact opposite of what a functional SPS system needs to thrive. This may be why you are not getting a lot of feedback. Not saying it can't be done, and I love a challenge as much as the next person, but you have to understand a 55G tank is not an excessively large water volume so between the heavy feeding and the need for SPS quality water, plan on lots of heavy skimming and water changes. You'll have to research the CUC to see what is not on the predators list of preferred foods and possibly find ones that don't fit in it's mouth. In the long run you may be trying to keep kittens with pit-bulls, once again not saying it can't be done, but there is a chance no matter how dedicated you may be there may be a few missing kittens in the morning. It is unlikely all will thrive unless you are very determined. Good luck and let us know more about your plans for stocking and equiptment.

[AquaMan91]

i completely agree with you! ill try to see what i can do and if not ill just not have an eel...lol