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Looking for input on new fish

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Bill Liebbe, Jan 13, 2017.

  1. Jan 13, 2017 #1
    Bill Liebbe LeClaire

    Bill Liebbe

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    My wife has taken over the 60 gal I had my lion in before his untimely demise. L
    She wants to do a reef tank with zoas, shrooms, etc… The thing is we already have a 110 reef that I am transferring over to my new 180 with all the usual “reef safe” fish that are common to start out with. This being the case she does not want the same fish as we already have. The more I read about the idea of “Reef Safe” the more I find that it seems to mainly be that the fish will eat all your inverts or knock rock over. Ok no problem here I already buy lots of small snails and hermits and toss in for my puffer to enjoy on a regular basis. The aquascaping will be done using Marco 400 to keep it solid. So what I am wondering is if I could get some feedback on fish to avoid specifically because they eat soft and polyp corals. Triggers are already out, too mean will save that for the 110 which will be a FOWLR after the move.

    Input Appreciated

    Bill
     
  2. Jan 13, 2017 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    I think angels are the biggest group that have the potential to eat coral. The triggers, puffers, some wrasse will mostly go after your cuc I think. Groupers, lionfish, eel will eat whatever they can get in their mouths. This compatibility chart lists corals, as well as invertebrates to give you an idea of potential compatibility issues. Compatibility Charts for Marine & Freshwater Aquatic Life
     
  3. Jan 13, 2017 #3
    Bill Liebbe LeClaire

    Bill Liebbe

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    Thanks
     
  4. Jan 13, 2017 #4
    Bill Liebbe LeClaire

    Bill Liebbe

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    What is strange though is the chart says the only fish not compatible with live coral is the parrotfish
     
  5. Jan 13, 2017 #5
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    there are a lot of with cautions though, and it's pretty general chart. Take something like angelfish. Some species are more likely to nip and certain corals, but it can also come down to the individual fish. Lots of people, including myself keep dwarf angels like coral beauty and flames in their reef tanks without any hint at a nipping problem. Other's aren't so lucky with the same species. Also a fish might have a taste for only meaty corals, and others maybe hit only zoas. A lot of the with cautions you really don't know what is going to happen until you give it a try.
    Best bet is to do research, and try to get first hand experience from others and know potential risks before making the purchase.
     
  6. Jan 14, 2017 #6
    Bill Liebbe LeClaire

    Bill Liebbe

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    I have noticed that it also can relate to how hungry the fish are. If I'm tossing in tasty mysis they seem to be less inclined to pursue other food.
     
  7. Jan 14, 2017 #7
    Dave Des Moines Area

    Dave Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Our mantra is "fat fish don't fight" and keep ours well fed which does helo keep down aggression and provsbly helps with less coral nipping too.

    My experience with "reef safe with caution" fish based primarily on Angels and Moorish Idold is that SPS and noxious softies like leathers tend to be ok while zoas and meaty lps tend to get eaten. There are no absolutes though so you need to prioritize and either build the coral selection around the fish or vice versa.
     
  8. Jan 14, 2017 #8
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Was there any specific fish your wife was looking for?
     
  9. Jan 14, 2017 #9
    Fence13 Des Moines

    Fence13 Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Try a butterfly fish. From me closely watching the one I bought, it has ignored my softies completely.
     
  10. Jan 15, 2017 #10
    Crosshatch Logan iowa

    Crosshatch

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    Crosshatch Triggers, and Blue Jaw Triggers never bothered any of my clean up crew or anything else.
     
  11. Jan 17, 2017 #11
    Bill Liebbe LeClaire

    Bill Liebbe

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    Thanks for all the input
     

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