Difficult and Special Care Species List

[SUPERSTOCKRACER]

I think Radiant Wrasses need to be added to this list

TELL ME ABOUT IT. what a waste of a beautiful species. love em but they hide and never seen again. what a disappointment.

 

[MellowReefer]

"Bristletooth Tangs (Ctenochaetus spp.): Ich prone, some of the hardier tangs once established but can starve when detritus and algae aren't available in decent supply, so overly "clean" aquariums are not a good choice, the Chevron is probably the least hardy of the genus and can be particularly difficult"

This is a little suprising after I have seen so many positive comments and recommendations on forums for the bristletooth tangs. I was considering one for my 6' 125g tank. I like that they don't grow quite as large as some other tangs. I especially like the two spot bristletooth (Ctenochaetus binotatus). But I didn't realize they were so dependant on natural algae in the tank. So even if you give them nori that might not be enough? I also have a foxface so maybe there wouldn't be enough natural algae for both of them? I don't use GAC/GFO anymore so I do have some algae. Any other recommendations for the best tang for a 125 gallon? Besides the yellow tang, as I already have several yellow fish. I follow a strict QT process with all fish and so ich shouldn't be an issue. Thanks.

 

[Peter Eichler]

"Bristletooth Tangs (Ctenochaetus spp.): Ich prone, some of the hardier tangs once established but can starve when detritus and algae aren't available in decent supply, so overly "clean" aquariums are not a good choice, the Chevron is probably the least hardy of the genus and can be particularly difficult"

This is a little suprising after I have seen so many positive comments and recommendations on forums for the bristletooth tangs. I was considering one for my 6' 125g tank. I like that they don't grow quite as large as some other tangs. I especially like the two spot bristletooth (Ctenochaetus binotatus). But I didn't realize they were so dependant on natural algae in the tank. So even if you give them nori that might not be enough? I also have a foxface so maybe there wouldn't be enough natural algae for both of them? I don't use GAC/GFO anymore so I do have some algae. Any other recommendations for the best tang for a 125 gallon? Besides the yellow tang, as I already have several yellow fish. I follow a strict QT process with all fish and so ich shouldn't be an issue. Thanks.

I think a Ctenochaetus would be fine for your system. This is just kind of a heads up for this fish since I've seen so many of them slowly waste away in lightly fed reef systems. The detritus part is of special note, as some gut analysis of these fish has shown them to be rather detritivorous. The algae part is easy enough to make up for if you feed regularly.

Keep in mind that these fish will also consume more film and micro algaes and often won't touch hair type algaes and macro algaes. I've experienced some that won't eat nori as well. However, a good algae flake such as forumla 2 is usually readily accepted, and I like flake foods in general for keeping these fish plump.

Lastly, closely examine the mouth of the specimen you buy. Mouth injuries are quite common with this genus and can often lead to their demise.

 

[MellowReefer]

Thanks Peter, I will keep your advice in mind if I decide to get one. Speaking of formula 2 flakes, I was wondering how people feed flakes if they have an overflow? If I put flakes in my tank they go down the overflow and into the sump before the fish get a chance to eat them. And the formula 2 pellets I have tried sink to the bottom so fast that many of my fish can't get them and they end up on the sand.

 

[SkyJunkie]

Is there a current list of beginner/easier to keep reef fish?

 

[MellowReefer]

Is there a current list of beginner/easier to keep reef fish?

I'm not aware of a list on this forum. But when I first started I found it very useful to browse on LiveAquaria.com and they have Beginners section and you can sort by your tank size, peaceful/aggressive, etc. Just figure out what you like that is within your tank size. And if you want to have a tank with corals sort by "reef safe - yes". Then you can come up with a stocking list and ask for opinions on it. Everyone here loves to give advice on fish stocking

I love my black and white clowns, royal gramma, chromis (only one), bengaii cardinal (tank raised preferred), and firefish. All great beginners fish. After your tank has cycled of course.

 

[Aquarist007]

Thanks Peter, I will keep your advice in mind if I decide to get one. Speaking of formula 2 flakes, I was wondering how people feed flakes if they have an overflow? If I put flakes in my tank they go down the overflow and into the sump before the fish get a chance to eat them. And the formula 2 pellets I have tried sink to the bottom so fast that many of my fish can't get them and they end up on the sand.

Turn your return pump off for about 45 min during feeding. Keep power heads on to circulate the food

 

[Aquarist007]

Pretty cool to see this thread have over 100,000 views!

Jackie, A tennenti is pretty parasite prone like many Acanthurus. Give them plenty of swimming room (at least a 180 or similar) and be sure to quarantime and they're pretty middle of the road hardiness wise compared to other tangs.

As for the butterfly, not in a reef and only if eating and if you're willing to deal with a possibly finicky eater.

Congratulations to you for all your efforts maintaining this thread:beer:

 

[jeffgreg]

triggers

triggers

hi
new to all this 120 reef lots of live rock
i would love anemones, clowns of course, some tangs.
can i have any triggers? any other suggestions for the reef ?
thanks
sorry if i have missed previous posts have been reading
jeff

 

[Aquarist007]

hi
new to all this 120 reef lots of live rock
i would love anemones, clowns of course, some tangs.
can i have any triggers? any other suggestions for the reef ?
thanks
sorry if i have missed previous posts have been reading
jeff

Welcome jeff
Your questions are better answered in this thread

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2068112

 

[Paul B]

Hello there Capn, nice to see you.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Congratulations to you for all your efforts maintaining this thread:beer:

Thanks Capn, good to see you around! You and Paul should chime in on my Reefkeeping History thread to see if you have anything to add.

 

[Paul B]

Capn, I think he is calling us old.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Capn, I think he is calling us old.

Yes, but it's only to make me feel better about myself

 

[SantaMonica]

Is there a current list of beginner/easier to keep reef fish

The other 4 stickies are probably a good start.

 

[corals4life]

Great info! Thank you for taking the time to write this!

 

[DopeCantWin]

Could we separate the Cleaner wrasses into better groups? Labroides dimidiatus should be available for those with large tanks (210 and larger with plenty of large fish to work with), while the Hawaiian Cleaner wrasse should be left to public aquariums with sharks.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Great info! Thank you for taking the time to write this!

You're very welcome, I'm happy you found it useful!

 

[faithenfire]

While i don't necessarily agree with the evaluation of all the fish, I thank you for taking the time to do this and help us newbier sort of people

 

[Peter Eichler]

I think some revisions can be made to the list, hopefully over the summer I'll find a little time to make some of those changes.

One random thing of note, I've had some great success with Goniopora in the longterm (24+ months) as long as it's not G. stokesii. I know others have as well, so it's nice to see some of these great corals being propagated and growing.