Suggestions for a Reef Safe "SHOW" fish

[Matt Dean]

OK, sooooo.....I would LOVE an Emperor Angel or Regal Angel for my 5 foot by 2 foot reef tank, but, for obvious reasons, that's a no go. I am trying to think of a reasonably reef safe show fish. Something striking and colorful like the angels. I don't like the boring reef safe angels like the Wannabees (I spelled it like that on purpose) or Lamarcks or swallowtails. I want COLOR and I want a decent sized fish!

Now, I know about all the tangs and will have on or two, like a Desjardini Sailfin. i have the wrasses covered, clowns and Heniochus. My wife doesn't like Anthias, BTW. They are too 'girly' for her:nuts:

So, any ideas?

 

[jaa1456]

There are a few butterflys considered "reef safe" Most of them are expensive though. In the 200-300 dollar range.

 

[Matt Dean]

I have the Heniochus Butterfly already. I was tempted to get a Copperband but decided not to risk it.

thanks

 

[rssjsb]

Pyramids are nice.

 

[locust]

OK, sooooo.....I would LOVE an Emperor Angel or Regal Angel for my 5 foot by 2 foot reef tank, but, for obvious reasons, that's a no go. I am trying to think of a reasonably reef safe show fish. Something striking and colorful like the angels. I don't like the boring reef safe angels like the Wannabees (I spelled it like that on purpose) or Lamarcks or swallowtails. I want COLOR and I want a decent sized fish!

Now, I know about all the tangs and will have on or two, like a Desjardini Sailfin. i have the wrasses covered, clowns and Heniochus. My wife doesn't like Anthias, BTW. They are too 'girly' for her:nuts:

So, any ideas?

Blue face angel

 

[Matt Dean]

Blue Face? Really? That doesn't seem to be a very 'safe' bet. Have you had good experience with it in a reef?

 

[wegotcrabs]

I have a potters angel in my 90 reef and hes a model citizen.

 

[scubarob]

Maybe a large pair of crosshatch triggerfish, blueline triggerfish (goldenback), or even a pair of saddleback butterflyfish!

 

[Matt Dean]

There's a Potter's at my LFS. They are nice, but don't get very big. I'll have to show that one to the better half and see what she thinks. that was one I had considered. It would, at least, be different from my other fish.

 

[Matt Dean]

Now, I REALLY like the Saddleback Butterfly. Again, though, they seem to be not very reef safe, but I will consider it with more research.

The blueline triggerfish (goldenback) is a little out of my budget:sad2: but I was looking at on of the triggers, such as the crosshatch, but it gets so big, I am looking the bluethroat or sargassum ones, though.

thanks

 

[MCCOOL]

Bluethroat triggers are very cool.

What about a goldspotted rabbitfish, or magnificent foxface.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Blue face angel

Blue Face? Really? That doesn't seem to be a very 'safe' bet. Have you had good experience with it in a reef?

IMO, a blue face will end up getting too big for your tank. And they are hit/miss as being reef safe. I had one for a bit (( started off as a 2" juvi )), and it loved eating zoas, and even would go after an S. Haddoni anemone.

 

[SlateXIV]

I would say go with a Blue Throat Trigger. Male if you are only going to get one as they have the more color over a female. If you can swing it a pair would be sweet. I actually have one coming Wednesday for my tank.

 

[Matt Dean]

Toddrtrex, I agree, I wasn't considering that fish. Too risky.

SlateXIV, I am leaning in that direction. I would, of course, get a male Blue Throat Trigger, but don't think I want a pair. So far, seems like the best bet and would add variety.

cheers

 

[SDguy]

Have you looked at genicanthus angels?

 

[Matt Dean]

Hey SDguy,

Yes, I looked at the genicanthus angels. I found them kind of bland and boring - compared to the larger angels, of course. there is one male that I would consider, but finding one has proved to be more than a challenge.

I amy still pursue that, though.

thanks for the input!

 

[bradleyj]

My scribbled rabbitfish has always been a model citizen in my reef.
He is going on 8 years old now and has always been main attraction to visitors.

 

[VegasMike]

Call me lucky, or maybe having a 450 gallon tank helped me out, but I have kept numerous angels in my reef. When I took it down, I had a large Imperator and a large Blueface that I had from juvi. The Imp even ate bubble algae, go figure. The Blue face was just awesome. I also had a Conspic, but he ended up jumping out of the tank after a rock redesign, really sad about that one as he was an awesome fish that I had had for over three years.

That being said, I did not keep any LPS. Tried, but they became fish food very quickly. I kept SPS, softies and clams without any issues.

What type of corals do want to keep? That is what may drive you towards or away from certain fish.

 

[Springmo]

Hey SDguy,

Yes, I looked at the genicanthus angels. I found them kind of bland and boring - compared to the larger angels, of course. there is one male that I would consider, but finding one has proved to be more than a challenge.

I amy still pursue that, though.

thanks for the input!

Just MO but Bellus angels are beautiful.

 

[Matt Dean]

BradleyJ, ok, noe that IS a nice fish! I have never seen one before. I will ask around to see if anyone can get one in.

SpringMo, I have never seen Bellus Angels in Toronto. They look nice, but aren't really doing it for me. however, if I could get a nice mated pair, that would be nicer.

VegasMike, You are lucky, my friend. I think it is the sheer size of your tank that helped. I have a mixed reef. SPS, LPS and Zoas. I could get rid of my brain, but I have some acans and two nice favias also.