Haddoni in a reef

[ponokareefer]

I am considering adding a haddoni to my reef. I know that the chances of it eating some of my fish are good. I am wondering what are some things you can do to lower the risk? This are some things I have considered thus far:
- don't overstock
- moonlight

 

[fishmanstan]

Moonlight? What will this do? I suggest keeping the haddoni isolated. Although they can move wherever they please, start him in a spot secluded from reef with good light and flow. HOPE HE STAYS!

 

[tjm6116]

I always have a haddoni in my many reef aquariums, and I love them, both the good and the bad. Yes it does suck when they eat the occasional ornamental fish, but that is their nature. I do try to get a smaller one however and never feed them. This slows their growth and they do not become too big, at least for a few years. All imho, and I hope this helps.
T.J.

 

[ponokareefer]

I've heard moonlights allow the fish to see it at night so they don't accidentally swim into it.

Thanks for the info tj. Unfortunately the one I'm looking at is pretty big.

 

[ponokareefer]

Worth the risk?

 

[Mildot]

my haddoni has been in my mixed 120 reef since about 97 or 98 Never had Any problem eating fish, You just Need to keep them fed Very well i think

 

[Blitzburggirl]

The only fish my 20" ish haddonibate was a blind rabbit fish that was acting odd for a few days... I still wouldn't chance mandarins or jawfish...

 

[Tmoriarty]

My 14" ish haddoni ate two puffers and stung my picasso bad enough for it to die over the course of a month.

I keep a magnifica in my larger tank and it has not eaten anything, they can eat fish just the same (although haddonis are far more aggressive about it). If you really want it and are willing to risk the loss of fish/corals I would get it.

As for the moonlights, yes they will help your fish not swim around stupidly in the middle of the night. Then again it also helps lower the stress in the tank when you add new fish.

 

[BeanMachine]

My experience is the same with mine. I feed it maybe once a month. I've had it over two years. I've never lost a fish although I'm not saying that is out of the question.

Here it is.