Fish only tanks

[polarbear]

So I have been thinking about getting out of the hobby recently but have also thought about doing fish only. Keeping corals on a budget has become stressful at times. The wife always wanted a puffer so I was thinking of going that route with non reef safe fish. Can you put fish like this as well as other non reef safe fish in with other reef safe fish like clown fish, wrasses, etc? I wouldnt want to get rid of my current fish unless I really had to.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

What kind of puffer? Some have a bigger bite. lol

[Bill S]

For the most part, you can. We went from reef to planted discus tank. My wife asked one day, "can we go back to saltwater, with just fish?". So we did. We have anemones some green stars and a dang gorgonian, but otherwise it's fish only. We have some non-reefsafe fish, including angels, butterfly, along with clowns, anthias, blennies, sw betta, powder blue, kole, etc. Other non reefsafe are planned.

But, recognize that puffers can get HUGE. Choose a small one?

[polarbear]

Ya. Not sure what kind of puffer or if I will even get one. I have to look into it a little more to find out what works. I would also like an eel. I will by as small as I possibly can of course.

[slm222]

I like the valentine puffer. and it stays relatively small. saw one for $20 dollars the other day at a fish store. I think 70 gallons is the recommended minimum tank size. so under the triple digits.

[polarbear]

Do you have to worry about cal. and alk with a fish only tank? I dont think you have to but just want to ask to double check.

[slm222]

no you don't, the salt is cheaper because of that as well. you can use instant ocean instead of reef crystal for example.

[polarbear]

Thanks for the input so far

[Mike]

We have a FOWLR, with some softies, including Xenia, mushrooms, toadstool etc. We have a porcupine puffer, Picasso trigger, emperor angel, maroon clowns and carpet nem, along with other stuff. Big fun and different tank experience than the other reef tank.

[polarbear]

Any pics?

[Mike]

This is not a very good photo, but it will give you the idea...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff316/mekdean/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps542c38c3.jpg (http://s243.photobucket.com/user/mekdean/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps542c38c3.jpg.html)

[polarbear]

Looks nice

[Mike]

I think the puffer eats mushrooms. Someone, probably the two angels ate all the star polyps and Kenya. So far no one eats Xenia or anthelia. I just like the movement from the soft corals. I also have 2 carpets and a mini maxi, along with a couple of rock flower nems and a bunch of little strawberry nems too. So you don't just gave to have fish, but obviously the nems and corals need better lighting and the fish don't care. Fun to have different fish though and they have great personalities. The puffer is a pig and spits water out of the tank when he wants to be fed. The emperor angel grunts all the time. My favorite though is Pablo, the Picasso trigger.

[Mike]

Thanks :)

[polarbear]

Emepror angel is really nice

[Bill S]

Emperor is very cool. Had one in my reef tank. This time we went with a Majestic instead. Juvi, just starting to change.

Do be aware that triggers can also be rough on other fish...