Planning a 75g FOWLR.

[WaterSplasher]

After much reading and researching, I've decided to take the advice of experienced aquarists and go with a large tank and FOWLR. For filtration, I'm planning on a DSB, 80 lbs or more of live rock, and a quality protein skimmer. I do 20% water changes either every week or once every two weeks (this changes depending on how delicate the livestock), and I believe special research on your pet(s) is key to being successful in this hobby.

What I'm having trouble finding is a good description a "wet pet" that's right for me. In my experience of freshwater tanks, I've grown to love the American cichlids. I'm looking for a wet pet or two to keep in the 75 that has a personality similar to the cichlids. If you don't know what they are like, they tend to be on the aggressive side, very smart and active, not at all shy, and just tons of personality.

My electric blue jack dempsey (notorious for having a high fatality rate) grew up into a beautiful adult female before I adopted her out when I had to move. She would come to the glass when I sat in front, she followed me and watched me anytime I passed in front of the tank, and she would come grab food out of my hand (I wore gloves, of course).

I'm hoping some of you can help me find a SW fish or two that would comfortably live longterm in a 75 gallon that fits the description I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Tips or advice?

[WaterSplasher]

What about these:...?

Huma Huma Trigger
Radiata Lion
Foxface

not all together, of course. I've never seen any of these in person, so I don't know their behavior.


Or maybe if someone could just point me to a book or site that describes general personalities?

[WaterSplasher]

No one knows any entertaining/personable fish?

[ReefGirlSara]

I am planning a 55 gallon FOWLR, it is in its beginning stages right now. I would also like to know the answer to your question. I had a regular jack dempsey, and I loved him. He grew to be qite large and he had such a cool personality, even though he was extremely aggressive, he was really cool. He died though- I went on vacation and I had house sitters that I thought I could trust, but they overfed him terribly, and the whole tank crashed...

So then I went to SW! I always wanted to, and it is even better than I thought it would be. My 54 gallon reef tank is awesome, but I want some fish for my FOWLR tank that have strong personalities. Not really agressive per se, but just social and outgoing. I like foxfaces, they are beautiful, but that's about all I know about them...

I hope someone that knows something about fish with personalities finds this thread!

[WaterSplasher]

Hi ReefGirlSarah! I've always wanted a SW tank, but lots of people told me that I should start with freshwater to get some experience first. It was good advice, but now I just can't wait any longer! :) Did you have any other cichlids? I kept a salvini for a little while (4 inch fish decided the entire 45 gallon tank was HIS), but he was beating up my very expensive electric blue, so I gave him to a guy that wanted to breed the salvini. (Somehow, he was cool with the tiger barbs and cory cats, though)

I just don't see the point of putting fish in a tank that just hide all the time or just swim back and forth and ignore you, you know?

The Foxface is absolutely gorgeous, but I can't seem to find any solid info on it. Some places say 75g is too small, some say it's just fine. Some say they are peaceful, some say they are bullies. I'm guessing it's because they are individuals with different personalities, just like one green terror cichlid will live peacefully with others while the next one will be king of the tank.

You gotta love em, huh? :)

[ReefGirlSara]

I know what you mean about the green terror- I had one of the 'kings of the tank' type, but he was about a third the size of my dempsey so they got along ok. The cichlids were actually my younger sisters but she didn't know anything about taking care of cichlids, so I adopted them and put them in my 55 gallon. I didn't know alot about them when I got them, she also had a big fat hot pink fish with a big bump on it's nose, and a messed up jaw. The green terror ended up killing it though. I only had those cichlids for about 7-8 months, and then they were fed to death :(

I love big friendly fish. I used to have koi, and once I had 2 oscars. I had some tin foil barbs once too, and I loved those, but they got too big and I gave them away.

My yellow tang is pretty sociable, and he eats tenera from my hand. I'd like my new fish to be at least that friendly...

[sheepdog43]

While not aggresive, the Yellow Eye Kole Tang I picked up the other day has a ton of personality. Very active and even helps keep the tank clean. Even though he is still shy, his curiosity gets the better of him as he has to see what I am doing anytime I am around.

[ReefGirlSara]

those are really cool, thanks for the suggestion!!

[nataz]

Did you look at the niger triggers? I hade one in my 120 with a lion and they both ate out of my hands with out gloves on.
The lions are beautiful fish but I would tell you to put one in a 75 gal. To me going with a 75 you are very limited with what you can put in it. I am in no means a pro in this hobby but I have a little experience in it. I have a 220 african cichlid tank and a 75 gal reef currently.

[WaterSplasher]

So I'm limited with a 75gallon? I would have thought I would have more options with that size. Lots of people keep smaller tanks than a 75, so what is in those?

It doesn't necessarily have to be a big fish. I know they generally require more room than a freshwater fish the same size. Small ones are ok, too. The blennies and gobies look comical, but I wonder if they are just as funny to watch, too.

I did get to see a flame hawkfish at my LFS once. He was pretty cool just perched on his rock and staring at me. He kind of hopped back and forth on his rock when I got close to him.

I appreciate the replies, guys. The planning stage of any new tank is always the most frustrating part, in my opinion.




ReefGirlSara--that big fat hot pink fish with a bump on his nose was probably either a male Midas Cichlid or a Flowerhorn. Both are supposed to be on the top 20 list of most aggressive cichlids in the world (depending on who you ask, of course). Your green terror truly lived up to his name if he beat up one of those tank busters.

[carlosngloria]

The Niger Trigger is nice. I just picked one up last night. I had the LFS feed him before I bought him and they put in a live minnow and he went after it like he was a shark. After that I watched him swim around chomping down on that minnow and when he was done I said Ill take him. He is swimming around my tank now and looks pretty neat.

[dkol02]

i have a yellow watchman goby and after he got his little cave established he just sits out side the hole and watchs everything thats goes on in the tank he is one cool fish

[WaterSplasher]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10580005#post10580005 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dkol02
i have a yellow watchman goby and after he got his little cave established he just sits out side the hole and watchs everything thats goes on in the tank he is one cool fish

Those little guys are very funny looking. They kind of look like that grumpy old man that hates having kids on his lawn. :)

Is he one of those that walks along the sand or does he swim more? I think those would be a trip to watch just scooting along the sand.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm thinking it might be my best bet to go with a few smaller fish instead of just one or two good sized ones.

And that yellow eye kole tang and niger trigger are awesome little guys! The niger trigger has such an interesting look to it, and that yellow eye kole tang has this look of surprise on its face. haha.

[kmax74]

water splasher thier is a forum for just aggressive tanks you should check it out

[kmax74]

water splasher thier is a forum for just aggressive tanks you should check it out

[WaterSplasher]

Thanks, kmax74. :)

[kmax74]

no prob