Reef Safe Angels and other fish
- Thread starter EvilMel
- Start date
I had a busy day at work and then I was at the gym...
Angela~ I have had great luck with my Flame Angel I guess I've had it close to 6 months or so... I ordered it from SWF.com... Is that where you got yours???
Larry~ Yeah, I had a busy day at work and then hit the gym, so couldn't play earlier... lol
And since we're picking on Mel, I'm sure she's yet to add a skimmer to her tank... lol
And on that note, has anyone heard about ASM??? asm skimmer is no longer carrying them or something... Just wondering if there was more info on this or not???
Mel~ Just let me know where you're ordering from, there's a couple of different fish I'm looking for, so I'm sure I'll be able to find something to get... Perhaps we could get a group order going like Julie did this spring???
Angela~ I have had great luck with my Flame Angel I guess I've had it close to 6 months or so... I ordered it from SWF.com... Is that where you got yours???
Larry~ Yeah, I had a busy day at work and then hit the gym, so couldn't play earlier... lol
And since we're picking on Mel, I'm sure she's yet to add a skimmer to her tank... lol
And on that note, has anyone heard about ASM??? asm skimmer is no longer carrying them or something... Just wondering if there was more info on this or not???
Mel~ Just let me know where you're ordering from, there's a couple of different fish I'm looking for, so I'm sure I'll be able to find something to get... Perhaps we could get a group order going like Julie did this spring???
vol_reefer
New member
Regals mostly safe
Regals mostly safe
Coming in late to the discussion, but I saw Matt mention my Regal Angel, so I thought I'd chime in with my experience...
My Regal has (so far, about 1 year) been totally reef safe in my tank - never nips at anything I have, which includes SPS, LPS, and a couple types of softies (xenia, and a nice Ricordia from Dave A.).
However, a couple relevant disclaimers: For one, I know in the Regal Angel Thread over in the reef fish forum, several people have mentioned that they've been able to get their Regals to start feeding by offering zoas. Apparently some Regals love them I don't have any in my tank, so not an issue for me, but Mel might have a problem with that... I believe they also have a repuation for eating sponges.
The other thing about Regals is that they are supposed to be really touchy. It's one of a handful of species rated on liveaquaria as "Expert Only" in difficulty level. The general problem seems to be that they are tough to get feeding. In the wild they are used to picking their food off rocks, not taking it directly out of the water column the way most of us feed our fish. In my Regal's case, it took a couple weeks to get her to start eating the food I offered regularly, but my tank has a whole lot of Florida live rock with lots of pods and other goodies. I'm pretty sure the LR was what kept my Regal going while I was training her to eat prepared foods - I could see her picking at it. Now she'll vigorously eat just about anything - flake, pellet, frozen, you name it. But if you read the aforementioned thread, you get the strong impression that my experience is unusual - they usually never really start eating and are dead in three weeks. There have also been some posts about Regals suddenly croaking after many months in tanks, and the suspicion is that there's some critical element missing from their captive diets. I try to vary my tank's diet with several different foods to (hopefully) combat this possibility. So far so good, but I'm going to wait at least a couple years with this fish before I feel like I've been truly successful.
I'd be happy to provide more tips based on my experience with my Regal if someone else decides to try one. I'm guessing for Mel the potential danger to zoas will be a show-stopper. There's a real nice-looking Genicanthus caudovittatus (Red Sea Male Zebra Lyretail Angelfish) being offered in the Divers Den section of LiveAquaria right now that might make a nice alternative. I don't have any experience with this species, but I believe the Genicanthus generally have a reputation for being reef safe (but research more before buying!).
Jeff (vol_reefer)
Regals mostly safe
Coming in late to the discussion, but I saw Matt mention my Regal Angel, so I thought I'd chime in with my experience...
My Regal has (so far, about 1 year) been totally reef safe in my tank - never nips at anything I have, which includes SPS, LPS, and a couple types of softies (xenia, and a nice Ricordia from Dave A.).
However, a couple relevant disclaimers: For one, I know in the Regal Angel Thread over in the reef fish forum, several people have mentioned that they've been able to get their Regals to start feeding by offering zoas. Apparently some Regals love them I don't have any in my tank, so not an issue for me, but Mel might have a problem with that... I believe they also have a repuation for eating sponges.
The other thing about Regals is that they are supposed to be really touchy. It's one of a handful of species rated on liveaquaria as "Expert Only" in difficulty level. The general problem seems to be that they are tough to get feeding. In the wild they are used to picking their food off rocks, not taking it directly out of the water column the way most of us feed our fish. In my Regal's case, it took a couple weeks to get her to start eating the food I offered regularly, but my tank has a whole lot of Florida live rock with lots of pods and other goodies. I'm pretty sure the LR was what kept my Regal going while I was training her to eat prepared foods - I could see her picking at it. Now she'll vigorously eat just about anything - flake, pellet, frozen, you name it. But if you read the aforementioned thread, you get the strong impression that my experience is unusual - they usually never really start eating and are dead in three weeks. There have also been some posts about Regals suddenly croaking after many months in tanks, and the suspicion is that there's some critical element missing from their captive diets. I try to vary my tank's diet with several different foods to (hopefully) combat this possibility. So far so good, but I'm going to wait at least a couple years with this fish before I feel like I've been truly successful.
I'd be happy to provide more tips based on my experience with my Regal if someone else decides to try one. I'm guessing for Mel the potential danger to zoas will be a show-stopper. There's a real nice-looking Genicanthus caudovittatus (Red Sea Male Zebra Lyretail Angelfish) being offered in the Divers Den section of LiveAquaria right now that might make a nice alternative. I don't have any experience with this species, but I believe the Genicanthus generally have a reputation for being reef safe (but research more before buying!).
Jeff (vol_reefer)
EvilMel
is a serious goby fanatic
So...yeah I am not wanting to get any of the types of fish that are even remotely prone to eating corals. Getting more fish isn't that big of a deal to me, ya know?
Randy...I saw that ASMskimmer.com had a lot fewer skimmers than previously. Now they are all about the OCtopus skimmers. I wonder if those are good. They are supposed to be water tight, which is a lot better than the ASMs, but I have heard such good things about the ASM. Oh and NO...haven't ordered my skimmer. Brent's getting it for me for my birthday though, so I'm getting one this month. Woo hoo!
Thanks for the info guys...keep the fish ideas coming...not just angels.
Randy...I saw that ASMskimmer.com had a lot fewer skimmers than previously. Now they are all about the OCtopus skimmers. I wonder if those are good. They are supposed to be water tight, which is a lot better than the ASMs, but I have heard such good things about the ASM. Oh and NO...haven't ordered my skimmer. Brent's getting it for me for my birthday though, so I'm getting one this month. Woo hoo!
Thanks for the info guys...keep the fish ideas coming...not just angels.
vol_reefer
New member
Randy - my Regal is an orange-bellied one, so presumably Red Sea. I got her at Aquarium on Papermill. She was eating in the tank there, and she just looked robust to me, so I took a chance. When my wife read up on the statistics with this species, she nearly killed me, but it has worked out so far. I didn't quarrantine her (the Regal, that is), which is a departure from normal procedure for me. I decided the risk to the fish would be too great - better to get her into a natural environment ASAP. Also, the staff at Aquarium told me they run copper in the fish-only display tank she was in, so I figured that helped mitigate the chances of bringing something into my tank.
If I ever lose this Regal, I'm not sure I'd get another. I love the fish - it's been a great specimen. But I sometimes feel a bit like I dodged a bullet and might not be so lucky if I were to try again.
Here's an attempt at posting a pic of my Regal - haven't tried this before, so no idea if it'll work. This was taken back in March.. she's a bit more porked-out now...
Mel - if you're wanting to consider other reef-safe groups, I can recommend a pink-tail trigger (Melichthys vidua). I have one, and really like it. They're reef safe and quite sociable characters - very much the exception to the rule as triggers go.
If I ever lose this Regal, I'm not sure I'd get another. I love the fish - it's been a great specimen. But I sometimes feel a bit like I dodged a bullet and might not be so lucky if I were to try again.
Here's an attempt at posting a pic of my Regal - haven't tried this before, so no idea if it'll work. This was taken back in March.. she's a bit more porked-out now...
Mel - if you're wanting to consider other reef-safe groups, I can recommend a pink-tail trigger (Melichthys vidua). I have one, and really like it. They're reef safe and quite sociable characters - very much the exception to the rule as triggers go.
The Blue Throat trigger is also reef safe... I saw them all over the place in FL... Kinda wish I picked one up now... Oh well, I'll be back down there... They should leave your gobies alone Mel...
Jeff~ Thanks for the info... Gorgeous fish... I'm debating whether or not to give one a whirl... But I have been known to be an impulse buyer... lol
Dave purchased an Octopus skimmer... He says he's had a lot of problems with it overflowing though... I dunno though, I love my ASM's... Might want to PM Dave about it Mel...
Jeff~ Thanks for the info... Gorgeous fish... I'm debating whether or not to give one a whirl... But I have been known to be an impulse buyer... lol
Dave purchased an Octopus skimmer... He says he's had a lot of problems with it overflowing though... I dunno though, I love my ASM's... Might want to PM Dave about it Mel...
EvilMel
is a serious goby fanatic
Oh ok! That's the one Dave got. I think he really likes it though, and I trust his opinion...not that I don't trust you guys too!
I am still just thinking that I might go ahead and get a G4-X. On the ASMskimmer.com website I can still purchase the modified G4-X, so I am hoping that I might be able to be one of the last ones!
I am still just thinking that I might go ahead and get a G4-X. On the ASMskimmer.com website I can still purchase the modified G4-X, so I am hoping that I might be able to be one of the last ones!
RCS
In Memoriam
I love my G3. With the gate valve mod it works like a champ. Recirc mod coming soon...
Anways, on topic:
I had great results with Genicanthus angels in the 155. Keep in mind they do like their swimming room and can get large (7-8"), but I know you've got a large tank too Mel. I've had a female masked swallowtail and a female Lamarck angel. Both were perfect in all regards.
I also had a P. venusta angel that was a perfect reef inhabitant. I believe the Paracentropyge genus is from deeper waters and generally don't eat corals at all in their natural habitat, so the liklihood of nipping is less. As with any fish, it all really depends. These guys also tend to run a little more on the expensive side, generally in the $80-100 range (P. venusta, P. multifasciatus) or more for some of the rarer ones.
You could always get yourself a nice P. boylei.
Anways, on topic:
I had great results with Genicanthus angels in the 155. Keep in mind they do like their swimming room and can get large (7-8"), but I know you've got a large tank too Mel. I've had a female masked swallowtail and a female Lamarck angel. Both were perfect in all regards.
I also had a P. venusta angel that was a perfect reef inhabitant. I believe the Paracentropyge genus is from deeper waters and generally don't eat corals at all in their natural habitat, so the liklihood of nipping is less. As with any fish, it all really depends. These guys also tend to run a little more on the expensive side, generally in the $80-100 range (P. venusta, P. multifasciatus) or more for some of the rarer ones.
You could always get yourself a nice P. boylei.
boofer
New member
Ive had this pair of Multifasciatus for about a month or more with no issues other than the minor investigating of polyps in the beginning. Ive seen my tang nip at more actually.
They did start going to town on the previous owners LPS, but he wasnt sure about his SPS. They sat up at Kermits for about 2 months eating like pigs and no one bought them. I couldnt resist trying them in an SPS only tank. Its definitely a gamble with Angels, but there awful cool
They did start going to town on the previous owners LPS, but he wasnt sure about his SPS. They sat up at Kermits for about 2 months eating like pigs and no one bought them. I couldnt resist trying them in an SPS only tank. Its definitely a gamble with Angels, but there awful cool
Angela Short
New member
CT Got my first flame from SWF.com when I was a bad newb and he never ate. Now I tried a nice one from a LFS back on labor day. I thought he was eating. At least I saw him put food in his mouth. Then he just stopped just like that and will not touch anything but stuff growing on rocks and my tank is very clean so he is wasting away 
. I have so many rock grazers nothing is left to forage on. They are so colorful I wish I could have one!!
. I have so many rock grazers nothing is left to forage on. They are so colorful I wish I could have one!!
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8505551#post8505551 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RCS
You could always get yourself a nice P. boylei.
Freaking gorgeous fish!!!!! Perhaps I'll take out a 2nd mortgage... Or maybe sell my truck...
Or maybe just stick with my desire for a C. Interruptus... lol 
vol_reefer
New member
Re: Pink tail triggers
Re: Pink tail triggers
Mel - to answer your question, I don't have any firsthand experience with pink tail triggers and smaller fish. I got my pink tail in July, which was after my only small fish (a spawning pair of orchid dottybacks) were lost to the mantis shrimp I can't get out of my tank.
However, I think pink tails generally have a reputation for being relatively friendly. Once in a while, my Regal (who is the dominant fish in my tank) and my pink tail have a little confrontation where the pinktail puffs up his cheeks until his scales stand up like fur on an angry cat, and he makes this grunting noises that sound like a pig - a little strange if you're not expecting it. But that doesn't happen very often, and he's never gone after the more docile fish in my tank (two Clarkii clowns, a magnificent foxface, and a hippo tang). I would guess that if your small fish aren't small enough to fit in the pink tail's mouth, you'd probably be ok. They're pretty cool fish.
Jeff
Re: Pink tail triggers
Mel - to answer your question, I don't have any firsthand experience with pink tail triggers and smaller fish. I got my pink tail in July, which was after my only small fish (a spawning pair of orchid dottybacks) were lost to the mantis shrimp I can't get out of my tank.
However, I think pink tails generally have a reputation for being relatively friendly. Once in a while, my Regal (who is the dominant fish in my tank) and my pink tail have a little confrontation where the pinktail puffs up his cheeks until his scales stand up like fur on an angry cat, and he makes this grunting noises that sound like a pig - a little strange if you're not expecting it. But that doesn't happen very often, and he's never gone after the more docile fish in my tank (two Clarkii clowns, a magnificent foxface, and a hippo tang). I would guess that if your small fish aren't small enough to fit in the pink tail's mouth, you'd probably be ok. They're pretty cool fish.
Jeff
Jeff,
What kind of mantis is it? I would take him/her off your hands. Thanks.
What kind of mantis is it? I would take him/her off your hands. Thanks.
vol_reefer
New member
Mike -
Not sure what kind of mantis - it must have come in my liverock from TBS and just grown up in my tank over the last 16 months. It's 2-3" long, living under one of my big pieces of liverock that supports the rest of my rockwork, so I can't really remove it and try the usual soda water trick. I've only seen it a few times, and only briefly, but I'm 100% sure it's a mantis. One time I tried a trap baited with a peppermint shrimp. The bait shrimp got out of the trap, though, and didn't last more than 30 minutes before the mantis stalked it and pounced. It was a gory, but impressive sight.
If you (or anyone else in the club) has mantis-hunting experience and would like to try helping me get it out, you would be welcome to have it as a prize. I'd love to get it out of there so so I could add a lawnmower blennie to help with the cyano I've been getting. Right now, a blennie would just be a mantis snack, I think.
Jeff
Not sure what kind of mantis - it must have come in my liverock from TBS and just grown up in my tank over the last 16 months. It's 2-3" long, living under one of my big pieces of liverock that supports the rest of my rockwork, so I can't really remove it and try the usual soda water trick. I've only seen it a few times, and only briefly, but I'm 100% sure it's a mantis. One time I tried a trap baited with a peppermint shrimp. The bait shrimp got out of the trap, though, and didn't last more than 30 minutes before the mantis stalked it and pounced. It was a gory, but impressive sight.
If you (or anyone else in the club) has mantis-hunting experience and would like to try helping me get it out, you would be welcome to have it as a prize. I'd love to get it out of there so so I could add a lawnmower blennie to help with the cyano I've been getting. Right now, a blennie would just be a mantis snack, I think.
Jeff
Jeff
No problem. I understand about not wanting to destroy everything to get to the guy. I have read about people using a 2L coke bottle with the top cut off and inverted with success. Stick some food in the bottom and when it enters pull it up. You could attach a piece of fishing line to the top and pull up trapping him in there.
Donnie,
What type of mantis have you gotten from them? I have thought about checking with them but I am always needing to get somewhere when I drive by there.
Sorry for the hi-jack too. I guess I will PM if any other questions come up.
No problem. I understand about not wanting to destroy everything to get to the guy. I have read about people using a 2L coke bottle with the top cut off and inverted with success. Stick some food in the bottom and when it enters pull it up. You could attach a piece of fishing line to the top and pull up trapping him in there.
Donnie,
What type of mantis have you gotten from them? I have thought about checking with them but I am always needing to get somewhere when I drive by there.
Sorry for the hi-jack too. I guess I will PM if any other questions come up.
