Risky Reef Fish List

[gofor100]

So I'm finalizing a fish list for my 187 gallon (60"L X 30"W X 24"T) mixed reef tank (will include LPS, SPS, and Clams... and maybe some zoas).

I searched for suggestions before, and I think that I've narrowed it down to my somewhat final list.

One caveat is I understand that a few of these fish are not generally considered "reef-safe"... but I'm okay with it. Also, since I have a frag tank plumbed into the tank, I can easily move the coral/invert being picked on to the tank to recover and stay permanently if necessary. So my main concerns would be: 1) Space and 2) Temperamental Concerns you may have.

The "DEFINITE" List

These are the fish that either myself or my wife "have" to have in the tank and will be pretty hard to persuade us otherwise...

> Blue Chin Trigger (Xanthichthys auromarginatus): I know triggers are generally known as not being reef safe, but this trigger is of the genus that will not munch on corals, but may clear out your CUC (if it consists of crabs and shrimp). So I'm willing to risk it here.
> Moorish Idol (Zancius cornutus): I know Moorish Idols are both a finicky eater/hard to keep and may sample some LPS on occasion, but I feel that if they are sufficiently fed with a large variety of foods (which I'm prepared to supply) frequently throughout the day, then they should be decent reef citizens. Plus, this is my "dream-fish" so...
> Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus): Another "risky" choice, but another risk that I'm comfortable taking. I'll be getting a juve and fattening it up with a variety of food, so nutrition will not be an issue (which is what I think is the culprit for many naughty reef citizens out there). And if I lose the very few zoas that I have in there, then I'll be fine.
> Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus): Some people feel that butterflyfish can't be placed in reefs, however, I've had this particular type before in both SPS and LPS tanks without one problem. Again, if they are fed sufficiently with no nutritional problems then they shouldn't be a problem.
> Starry Blenny (Salaris ramosus): No real explanation needed... good personality, and good reef citizen (plus I already have him).
> Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus): see above
> Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis): cool active swimming fish with color
> Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus): see above
> Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus): eats snails, but otherwise is a good reef citizen.
> Green Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus): Difficult eater, but I'll have a refugium hooked up that should help supplement/replenish his food source.
> Threadfin Anthias (Nemanthias carberryl): These are the one type of anthias that I really like the colors in AND don't get tremendously large. Probably get a group of 5 to 7.
> Diamond Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea puellaris): Want a bottom-dweller that sifts the sand without spreading it all over the corals and rock. The consensus seems to be that this one is a good choice.
> Black Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris): wife is requiring some "Nemo Fish" and I am caving in on this request.
> Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica): Already have this fish, but may consider re-homing it or permanently putting in my frag tank.

The Possible Alternates or Add-ins List

These would be the fish that I would want to get if you feel that there is: 1) Room, and 2) No temperamental issues.

> Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus): Not a threat to corals, but could make a quick meal of a CUC. No problem since I have other CUC eaters. Also, not a big swimmer (even though it is big in size), but don't want to overcrowd the tank.
> Bellus/Ornate Angel (Genicanthus bellus): Not a big risk to corals, but would this fish be okay with the above list (given that there is already the Regal Angel)?
> Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon): has a temper and likes to swim... not sure this guy would fit given the amount of fish already and the need for some major swimming room.
> Flame and/or Coral Beauty Angel (Centropyge sp.): can pick at corals every now and then, but have had both without major issues.

So if anyone could help me, I mainly just want feedback on SPACE and TEMPERAMENTS (that the fish will mesh) since I already know that some are considered "risks" in a reef tank.

Thanks!

Chad

 

[clowntriggerfis]

I would add the regal before the trigger, morish idol,and butterfly so the chances of it getting picked on or not getting food is lowered. I know you said you already no reef safe risks but LPS most likely will get picked on in the DT. It will be a nice tank good luck. Oh and it is better to get a regal angel from some where that is not the indo pacific so it is hardier and you should read the regal angel and morish idol primer.

 

[gofor100]

I would add the regal before the trigger, morish idol,and butterfly so the chances of it getting picked on or not getting food is lowered. I know you said you already no reef safe risks but LPS most likely will get picked on in the DT. It will be a nice tank good luck. Oh and it is better to get a regal angel from some where that is not the indo pacific so it is hardier and you should read the regal angel and morish idol primer.

Thanks for the tips! I've read both threads a couple of times already and will probably give it one more go and take notes while I'm at it.

Do u think there r fish that can be added from the other list or should it be left alone. This is definitely an area that I'm not familiar with when stocking a tank with these dimensions.

Thanks!
Chad

 

[clowntriggerfis]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+3074&pcatid=3074I would probibly just go with the top list maybe add a dwarf angel but from what I have heard will almost always nip at LPS. I would not get a powder blue because of agression and tank dimensions but if you get one add him last. I would not get a tusk because they will eat all inverts and they tend to be shy at least I have heard they are usauly shy. And I would not get a bellus because you already have 4 pretty big fish planed for your tank actualy thats a reason for all except the dwarf angel. I would get a dusky wrasse instead of the melanurus I think they look much nicer but get what you like the link at the tope of the post is to dusky wrasse at LA.

 

[gofor100]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+3074&pcatid=3074I would probibly just go with the top list maybe add a dwarf angel but from what I have heard will almost always nip at LPS. I would not get a powder blue because of agression and tank dimensions but if you get one add him last. I would not get a tusk because they will eat all inverts and they tend to be shy at least I have heard they are usauly shy. And I would not get a bellus because you already have 4 pretty big fish planed for your tank actualy thats a reason for all except the dwarf angel. I would get a dusky wrasse instead of the melanurus I think they look much nicer but get what you like the link at the tope of the post is to dusky wrasse at LA.

Awesome! The Dusky Wrasse is a real beauty... I really do appreciate your input/feedback!

Anyone else out there?

Thanks,

Chad

 

[gofor100]

Anyone?

Just looking to see what your thoughts are on if the top list is good (as far as the fish getting along and space constraints), and if any of the fish from the bottom list could be added.

Thanks,

Chad

 

[Monkeyfish]

I'd pass on the powder blue. Aggressive ich magnets that really need more room to swim.

 

[gofor100]

I'd pass on the powder blue. Aggressive ich magnets that really need more room to swim.

Thanks for the feedback... yeah, I'll likely be leaving that one off of the list entirely less because of the ich issues (because I'll be quarantining), but more of the active swimming/aggressive behavior when there are already some pretty active swimmers in the tank.

Any comments on the others?

Thanks again,

Chad

 

[djkms]

I have a few fish on your list and will give you my experience.

Moorish Idol - 4 1/2" - I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Maybe 15 years ago (due to collection techniques?) they where hard to care for. My MI is probably the hardiest fish in my system. Granted I did get it from Divers Den and they did the hard work getting it accustomed to aquarium life, nonetheless its been a easy fish for me. He eats everything and I mean everything I put in the tank. I feed it NLS pellets and Nori (very important to keep their streamer long) almost exclusively. He does get Rods, Live brine, live blackworms, and various other goodies on occasion (as a treat), all my fish live on this diet minus the Nori for some. My MI will even eat out of my hand and lets me pet him! He is also the top of the pecking order. Not aggressive but doesn't take no crap from anyone. He has not bothered any corals but has wiped out some of my more desirable macro algae's.

Regal - 4" - Will be at my house in 2 weeks after QT is complete, I will let you know how he does!!

Longnose butterfly - 2 1/2" - Active little guy, great personality. No issue with corals, inverts, nothing. I also have a couple large hawaiian feather dusters and a coco worm, all still alive, for now

Melanurus - I dont have one and I don't recommend one with a Mandarin. Melanurus are constant hunters and can wipe out pod populations pretty fast. If you are getting this fish for pest control I would recommend a yellow coris wrasse instead. The are "slower" hunters and wont compete as much for the mandarins food. They are also less aggressive than Melanurus. I don't mean aggressive towards other fish I mean aggressive in searching for food. They are known to turn everything upside down in your tank looking for food.

Green Mandarin - 2" - Love my mandarin, just make sure your system is established with visible pods for at least 6 months and this is no lie. My mandarin only eats pods, etc around the tank and is fat and healthy.

Diamond goby - 2 1/2" - Another great choice. This fish is constantly working. Be prepared for storms in your tank for a few months and every so often afterwords when it cleans area's it has not in a while.

Bellus Angel - 2 1/2" - Has not bothered anything and is a great fish to have. She was the 3rd fish added to my current system and I have had her almost a year now.

Flame Angel - 2" - Just added my flame a couple weeks ago. Still undecided on this one. My wife has been bugging me forever to get a flame so I finally broke down and got it for her. This fish is all over the place and nips SPS and my macros. It leaves everything else alone. The nipping isn't constant on any one coral and I don't see any damage, YET. I have a feeling I will be using my trap on it soon enough though if I notice my corals starting to decline. So far its just peck and runs...

HTH

Kris

 

[gofor100]

I have a few fish on your list and will give you my experience.

Moorish Idol - 4 1/2" - I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Maybe 15 years ago (due to collection techniques?) they where hard to care for. My MI is probably the hardiest fish in my system. Granted I did get it from Divers Den and they did the hard work getting it accustomed to aquarium life, nonetheless its been a easy fish for me. He eats everything and I mean everything I put in the tank. I feed it NLS pellets and Nori (very important to keep their streamer long) almost exclusively. He does get Rods, Live brine, live blackworms, and various other goodies on occasion (as a treat), all my fish live on this diet minus the Nori for some. My MI will even eat out of my hand and lets me pet him! He is also the top of the pecking order. Not aggressive but doesn't take no crap from anyone. He has not bothered any corals but has wiped out some of my more desirable macro algae's.

Regal - 4" - Will be at my house in 2 weeks after QT is complete, I will let you know how he does!!

Longnose butterfly - 2 1/2" - Active little guy, great personality. No issue with corals, inverts, nothing. I also have a couple large hawaiian feather dusters and a coco worm, all still alive, for now

Melanurus - I dont have one and I don't recommend one with a Mandarin. Melanurus are constant hunters and can wipe out pod populations pretty fast. If you are getting this fish for pest control I would recommend a yellow coris wrasse instead. The are "slower" hunters and wont compete as much for the mandarins food. They are also less aggressive than Melanurus. I don't mean aggressive towards other fish I mean aggressive in searching for food. They are known to turn everything upside down in your tank looking for food.

Green Mandarin - 2" - Love my mandarin, just make sure your system is established with visible pods for at least 6 months and this is no lie. My mandarin only eats pods, etc around the tank and is fat and healthy.

Diamond goby - 2 1/2" - Another great choice. This fish is constantly working. Be prepared for storms in your tank for a few months and every so often afterwords when it cleans area's it has not in a while.

Bellus Angel - 2 1/2" - Has not bothered anything and is a great fish to have. She was the 3rd fish added to my current system and I have had her almost a year now.

Flame Angel - 2" - Just added my flame a couple weeks ago. Still undecided on this one. My wife has been bugging me forever to get a flame so I finally broke down and got it for her. This fish is all over the place and nips SPS and my macros. It leaves everything else alone. The nipping isn't constant on any one coral and I don't see any damage, YET. I have a feeling I will be using my trap on it soon enough though if I notice my corals starting to decline. So far its just peck and runs...

HTH

Kris

Awesome feedback Kris! Thanks!

Love the fact that you limited most of your feedback to fish that you currently have or have had in the past. Sometimes there are myths that people have taken as truths for so long that they become truth to them and they communicate it as such.

My approach is to quarantine all of the fish entering the system for at least 4 weeks (I'll be using my old 60 gallon tank to house the larger fish that I'm getting). This should allow enough time to treat medically as well as get eating prepared foods without competition. Then, by the time they enter my system, they'll be free from most maladies fish bring with them, won't be searching incessantly for food in the tank (since they've been on a steady diet for a good period of time), and not nibbling on the first thing that looks appetizing (i.e., corals/clams). Regardless, I'm willing to take a risk on the "less risky" fish in order to have a reef tank that has a good mix of beautiful fish AND a good mix of different corals.

Thanks again,

Chad