Would you risk an adult (7") imperator angel in your SPS tank?

[sonofgaladriel]

There's a beautiful, 6"-7", adult coloration, specimen at one of my LFS's at a very good price. Spectacular fish, and I know at best its a 50/50 chance that he'll nibble.
Would you risk it in a 240 SPS reef?

 

[raddogz]

If I had one of a kind sps then ...nope wouldn't do it.

I imagine trying to catch it would make instant frags too.

 

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6579936#post6579936 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sonofgaladriel
Would you risk it in a 240 SPS reef?

Not in a million years.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

How about a 4" juvenile then? Most everything I read says they're safe with SPS?
Anyone out there got one in their SPS reef?

 

[kalare]

I'd start with a 2 inch fish....larger ones may be more prone to nip. Smaller ones that grow in the tank are less likely.

 

[nbd13]

Why not try and get the LFS to put a cheapo frag or bring a frag or mini-colony from home and see what each fish does with the coral.....

that way you have a better chance of knowing if that fish will eat the coral or not....

if you have a frag tank throw him in there and see what he does with the corals before he goes into the main reef....

i say test him out with 2-3 frags say 1 monti, 1 acro, 1 anything else you got in the tank. then see what he does.....

i love angels, so i always risk it, haha.

Nick

 

[nbd13]

forgot to add, around 3-5" is ideal, the larger ones dont adjust well to captivity and the smaller ones are "ok", but right around 3-5" is best. probably a 3-4" one. that way you can watch it change colors and it will adjust well.

Oh and the larger ones are more "prone" to nip, but still its a chance as i am sure you know.

There are also the exceptions to the rule, so maybe a larger one will adjust and not eat your SPS.... but then again it might.

thats why i like to try my angels out first with SPS, then throw them into the display.

shoot me a PM if you want to know where to get great angel fish that have been quaratined and can be put in with SPS or might already be in with SPS.....

Nick

 

[Hef]

I have a large Blue Angel in my SPS Reef. If I was not emotionally attached to her, she would be gone. No she doesn't nip a lot, but often enough, I cant put zoos in my tank, those are too tasty. Clam doesnt like her much either.

Prettiest fish in my tank, I got her as a Juvy, and got to watch her grow for 2 -1/2 years now. Very hard to give her up.

 

[Creetin]

Yep heres mine. He just likes the occaisional zoa, But sps he could care less for.

 

[Creetin]

BTW i have read you want adult colorations because sometimes they dont make the switch or are less colorfull whan a fully mature wildcaught one.
They are a pita to get eating, so i suggest you make sure its eating with a passion. Not just a little he should bull rush food and gulp it down. Live gracilaria, and sponges should give him something to nibble on in the tank when he wants to graze.
Get him eating that stuff first in your sump or fuge it will be alot easier to do so there. Too many good things in the reef to taste.
Mine has left my plate coral and acans alone just nips at zoa's.
He doesent even notice my clam.

Try the butterfly/angelfish book by scott w michael. Good reading on angels!

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks for all the info and pic Creetin!!! Your emperor is beautiful! I may risk it after all.

 

[Creetin]

They are really cool fish not shy at all. Most after awhile will let you hand feed them.
I plan on a majestic and a regal if the emp permits it.

 

[KevinFJB]

I would...not sure how much LPS/zoos you have - expect those to get pciked on, but worth a try.

 

[cvye]

I tried 2 2 inchers without success, but once I got a 3-4 incher he was fine and started eating. He's now turned and is the bully of the tank at about 6-7 inches. And yes, and it's an SPS dominated tank. The only thing I've seen him nip are some sea whips (gorgonians).