success with triggers in a mixed reef

[silverfly]

The old question. I know reefers keep them but from experience, which ones are the most reef friendly? Blue throat, crosshatch, pinktail, blue?
Anyone got a clown trigger in their reef? I know they are VERY aggressive.

 

[silverfly]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYjKYyVRvJU&feature=related
This guy looks pretty cool-dont know what he is though and he doesnt look to safe either!

 

[cakemanPA]

I have a Crosshatch and a Blue Throat in my reef tank and they are great. The only issue that I had was the urchin that I used to have. He became a play item and then a meal. I personally would never try it with a Clown Trigger.

 

[silverfly]

Those are nice fish, thanks for the reply. Is that a picasso in the video? I didnt know they could talk either!
Maybe the clown would be pushing it too far.
Arent crosshatch triggers very pricey?

 

[avp]

I tried a baby Clown Trigger in my reef (105 gallon). When I bought him, he was the size of a half dollar coin. Other than eating a few of the snails and crabs, which I knew he would do, he was easy going. He didn't mess with the corals, polyps or my pistol shrimp/ watchman goby pair.

I traded him him when he hit four inches of so, but that was because I was down sizing my tank. Would I do it again? Sure. In fact, I have been playing the crazy idea of putting a small Undulated in my 90 zoa tank....

-avp

 

[silverfly]

Hmm, very interesting. Clowns triggs i like, and the picasso. Undulated i've heard are the worst so good luck if you go ahead with that one!

 

[crvz]

I've got a sargassum trigger recently, and it's been an awesome addition so far (same genus as the crosshatch/bluethroat). If you don't like a clean-up crew, some of the more aggressive triggers can be attempted, but there not without risk.

 

[avp]

yeah, I know Undulates are real b*st*rds, but I love the colors and personalities. I'm not worried about him going after the corals or polyps, it's the other fish in the tank I worry about. Due to thier aggressive nature, I'll probably be limited to damsels, bigger clowns, and the like.

-avp

 

[silverfly]

i might worry about my boxfish. Would he get picked on?

 

[avp]

I wouldn't do a boxfish in a reef tank, due to the toxicity/ slime issues with them if they get stressed out (like harassment from a triggerfish) or ill. If you do, and it sounds like you already have, make sure to pay attention to his needs and be prepared for the worst.

-avp

 

[silverfly]

I have had one in there for a while and hes been fine so far but i know i have to be careful!

 

[silverfly]

Would anyone here suggest i give away my boxfish? Am i living on the edge?

 

[Zegg]

I have found with my personal experience best chances at reef safe triggers would be a blue throat, , and definently a red tail trigger is safe.... be careful not to get a pink tail trigger even though everywhere I read they are the more "tame" of the trigger family they in the past after getting settled just tore up my tank. But thats just my own personal experience.

The redtail as a juvie will not have the blue throat. it is more or a white/silver body coloring with black spots/markings and will change coloring as it ages... obviously nothign dramitic liek angels or anything.

Pink tail trigger
http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/triggers/pinktailtriggerfishhawaiian/

Red tail trigger
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/marinefish/redtailtriggerfish.php

 

[bph0013]

we've had a few people in dfwmas recently try clown triggers in a reef, any reef, and really regret it. I think they do okay for a little while if they're juveniles but inevitably become a problem when they reach adulthood. Think of it like giving a fat man some swimming trunks and throwing him into Willy Wonka's chocolate river.

I would agree with everyone else's assessment of the other triggers that are fairly reef safe. The first issue of Coral magazine's feature article is on triggers and it goes over reef safe triggers in great detail if you are looking for some literature on them.

 

[DEERE G]

Just like crvz said above... I too recently added a Sargassum Trigger to my reef. So far so good. They are from the same family as the Bluethroat and Crosshatch. They are supposed to be the "safest" option if you want to gamble a little.

 

[silverfly]

They are nice fish. Just not sure with my box fish.
I do really like the bluethroats.

 

[silverfly]

Now i'm wondering if i should find a new home for my boxfish. Any ideas?

 

[DEERE G]

New home for the boxfish... no doubt in my mind. lol

 

[zmattie]

Picasso Triggs are sweet!

 

[DEERE G]

I haven't looked at a trigger yet that I haven't thought was cool in some way or another.