To Flame, or not to Flame

[gill7784]

I am in love with a Flame Angel at my LFS. Resisting the temptation to impusle buy, I decided to come home and research. I have found that they are generally "reef-safe", but results may vary. I am wondering what all of your thoughts and experiences with Flame Angels are.

I do have several clams that are my "pride and joy".

Thanks!
Josh

 

[gill7784]

Bumpin it back to first page.

 

[Flameangel]

I have had a flame for 8 years. I love the fish it is beautiful! It nips at my clams and it has to taste my sps from time to time. I am sure my clams would have better expansion without the fish, but it is a trade off.

If your clams are most important to you, then I might skip this fish.

Of interest, the fish that does the greatest damage to my clams is not the flame it is my 9 year old regal blue tang - go figure!

Good luck,
Connie

 

[johnvu713]

it's a 50/50 chance. I had one for awhile and it hasnt touch any of my coral. But my friend's FA has a taste for corals/clams from day one.

 

[davocean]

I love flames too, but I'm not willing to risk nibbling. I agree, 50/50

 

[aural]

i have to agree. if your clams and SPS are your pride and joy, i'd stear clear of the flame angel. I love them too, but with what i've spent on inverts and corals, its just not a wise decision.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

I really want one too, but i'm not sure if i'm willing to risk it.

 

[dominick33]

Have a Flame for the past 4 mos and he has not bothered any coral.

 

[LivingTropicals]

Love my flame. Perfect citizen, just like my sixline he cruises in/out of the rockwork. I have many SPS, a few clams and softies...never been a problem.

 

[smleee]

Had a perfect citizen flame here. When he was nipping the rocks he would do it real slow and calculated when he was close to corals! I think the ratio is a little above 50/50 IMO.

eee

 

[tankslave]

I thought this was a poll if we should flame discussions or not. I vote for flame...

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

do you guys think if you keep them really well fed they are less likly to pick on corals, clams ect?

 

[Tahoe Ocean]

My flame angel was very well behaved for nearly 2 years, then she tasted some xenia and before I knew it, every coral was nibbled on at least once. I wouldn't risk it if the clams are your "pride and joy." It wouldn't be worth the risk or the hassle of trying to catch the fish again and return it to the LFS.

 

[gibbswagon]

my experience with flames is mixed. he has been behaving for a while now, but at first he sampled everything. when i got a new fish ( neon dottyback) he settled down. imo if there is more distraction in terms of active fish that can stand there own then he will occupy himself with the other tankmates. Now i am not saying overcrowd your tank, but plannig out your other tankmates so that he wont be the undisputed TOP DOG! maybe then he wont think everything is his to sample. but i also dont have clams and in your case i might advise against the flame angel simply because i have heard stories about how they have a taste for clams. just my two cents.

 

[DMK]

sps are my shiznit, but want a flame bad. i think it's worth the chance. no clams for me. my next fish i think is going to be a flame.