Angel in a reef tank?

Kopczynski

New member
Im in the process of creating a stock list for a 100 gallon reef tank it will include the following fish

Orchid Dottyback
Striped Blenny
Pair of clowns
Court Jester Goby
Yellowtail Damsel
Hi Fin Red Banded Goby
Yellow Tang
Banded Longfin Basslet
Horned Blenny

I was wondering if either the red stripe angel or the rusty angel would be reef safe? If not we will probably go with a coral beauty. Thanks for the help!
 
The angels you mentioned will be a gamble. You could get lucky or you could get a nipper. That being said, I have a few in my SPS tank without any problems so far. Best of luck
 
No Angel is really reef-safe. IMO, the Rusty and/or the Coral Beauty is less likely to nip than the other angels, but it really depends on the individual fish.
 
Thinking of putting a Bandit and Clarion in our mixed reef.

I know I'll probably lose some coral... but would rather have the fish.

People with the best luck with Angels and Coral, seem to be SPS keepers.
 
It all depends on the particular fish. I have over 12 angels in my Reef with just about every kind of coral. I feed regularly but not heavy. There is no noticeable issues with my angels. Occasionally I see them nip at something, but they just take a nip and then move on to nip at something else.

On occassion a patch of Zoas will vanish. I usually blame the Goldflake for that, although I haven't ever seen her do any damage, she's the biggest so she gets the blame.

But over the years I have had some angels that are just trouble makers and need to be removed from a reef tank. You can find somebody that has both a positive or negative experience with every kind of angel. Statistics for which is going to be least problematic just won't apply.

If you want an angel, and don't want any coral issues then go with a Genicanthus - Bellus, swallowtail, spot breast. Pretty fish, open water swimmers and no coral issues.

Dave B
 
Thinking of putting a Bandit and Clarion in our mixed reef.

I know I'll probably lose some coral... but would rather have the fish.

People with the best luck with Angels and Coral, seem to be SPS keepers.

Those are two angels I would love to have. I came really close to getting a clarion a few months back, but I don't think my tank is quite big enough at 190gal with an already high fish population. Please post pics if you end up doing this :beer:
 
Im in the process of creating a stock list for a 100 gallon reef tank it will include the following fish

Orchid Dottyback
Striped Blenny
Pair of clowns
Court Jester Goby
Yellowtail Damsel
Hi Fin Red Banded Goby
Yellow Tang
Banded Longfin Basslet
Horned Blenny

I was wondering if either the red stripe angel or the rusty angel would be reef safe? If not we will probably go with a coral beauty. Thanks for the help!
You may already know this, but based on what I've read from people who have kept them, the longfin basslet is extremely cryptic. You may never see it after you add it to your tank. Also, the jester gobies can be a little tricky. I can't tell if this is a brand new tank but if so, you may want to wait awhile, since it can be hard to get them to eat and they may just want to forage to keep their body weight up.
 
Those are two angels I would love to have. I came really close to getting a clarion a few months back, but I don't think my tank is quite big enough at 190gal with an already high fish population. Please post pics if you end up doing this :beer:

For sure :)

Maybe work the Clarion in if you rehome other fish down the line. Think you'll be fine if you start small.

Wasn't really one my map until my wife took a trip to Cabo with her mom and saw a few while snorkeling/diving. I got all jealous haha
 
Centropyge Angels represent your best bet! Coral Beauty, Flame, Rusty and Pygmy make good options. I currently have a Pygmy in my 14 gallon Biocube reef now. Have had the other, above mentioned, in my reef tanks as well.
 
Well if you really want reef safe angel take a look at the genicanthus angels, they only eat food out of the water column. I've had a swallowtail for years, actually had a pair but lost the female while back. They are little bigger than dwarf angels you mentioned, but has been fine in my 105 gallon reef.
 
If possible, try and buy an angel of your choice from an already established reef tank or as juveniles. They are less likely to eat corals and can be put into a schedule of feeding to help prevent any coral eating. Best of luck!
 
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