Fish Only: What is the best non-reef safe fish?

i cant think · Jan 18, 2023

It’s hard to choose just one when you have 7 and want more…

If I really could only have 1 it would be the regal. This is my most expensive fish yet (just under £200 - $247) but it was worth every penny. Her personality is everything and her colours are an upside. But as you can see, all of mine are in a reef aswell.

For ones I’d want, then Chaetodon collare and Forcipiger longirostris are tied for top spot. I do love my wrasses too and for them, I’d love a Coris dorsomacula. My dream reef tank is a tank with no Reef Safe Fish at all. I would love a 7’ tank with just butterflies, angels, wrasses ect.

Dave1993 · Jan 18, 2023

japanese dragon eel

Jerry Barnes · Jan 18, 2023

Nothing better than a FOWLR. Simple and easy to keep.

i cant think · Jan 18, 2023

Jerry Barnes said:
Nothing better than a FOWLR. Simple and easy to keep.

But what about RSWC fish in a full on reef?
I’m also curious on how you go about nutrient balancing as even fish can be sensitive to specific nutrients (Nitrate, Ammonia ect). Is it similar to a Softie reef with elevated nutrients but not extremely high?

OrionN · Jan 19, 2023

i cant think said:
It’s hard to choose just one when you have 7 and want more…

If I really could only have 1 it would be the regal. This is my most expensive fish yet (just under £200 - $247) but it was worth every penny. Her personality is everything and her colours are an upside. But as you can see, all of mine are in a reef aswell.

For ones I’d want, then Chaetodon collare and Forcipiger longirostris are tied for top spot. I do love my wrasses too and for them, I’d love a Coris dorsomacula. My dream reef tank is a tank with no Reef Safe Fish at all. I would love a 7’ tank with just butterflies, angels, wrasses ect.

All these fishes are reef safe, more or less. IMO and IME anyway, and depends on what kind of reef

i cant think · Jan 19, 2023

OrionN said:
All these fishes are reef safe, more or less. IMO and IME anyway, and depends on what kind of reef

I honestly have found some of those species that decimate corals and also my Halichoeres wrasses decimate CUC.
My tang joins in on CUC killing and my blenny adores the taste of most Acropora.

Naso180! · Jan 21, 2023

My 12" mappa female puffer

JC1977 · Jan 21, 2023

LPS Bum said:
Standard 240. Big, but not that big.

I’ve found the trick is lots of rock, lots of caves, and lots of food. They’ll chase each other from time to time, but aggression hasn’t been a problem. Most of these Angels have been with me for at least 5 years. I’ve had a few for 10 years.

Just barely saw this response. I was just curious I have a queen and an emperor and a pair of blue lines in my 180 right now and it’s kind of the same behavior you speak about. Occasional chasing but nothing too serious. I’m setting up a 360 and I would like to add a French pods just wasnt sure if I’m pushing my luck. Definitely looking to have extensive rockwork in that tank!

Cichlid Dad · Jan 21, 2023

Willhersh34 said:
My Niger. Pic is a little blurry but gives you an idea. I was trying to get his red teeth. They come in handy for him when he decides I’ve been doing too much maintenance and I need to get my hands out of the tank. Yes, by that I mean when he bites me. That’s usually like once a month or so. You can also see the remnants of a red algae bloom which has since been eradicated. Such is the life of a saltwater tank owner……….

LOL, I'm living life dangerously! I have my Niger trigger in my reef. It has worked out so far. He is besties with my Clarkii clown. These two are always together giving me hours of laughter