What dwarf angels do best in a reef?

Let me add that I have had several potters, flame, and coral beauty angels in my reefs over the years. Even a few flameback. In my estimation, 30-40% of my flames were coral nippers, 25% of my coral beauty, 20% of my potters, and 0 of my 3 flamebacks did but they’re known to do so on occasion as well.

This is super arbitrary but I see potters IME as the least risk but also the least hardy of the 4 I’ve kept.

I had one giant potters that killed a giant clam in a couple days picking at it. Then it taught my purple tang to do the same. Had to get rid of both.
 
clean up crews are just that.if ya gotm and a fish dies behind a rock .they make quick work of them.it doesn't take long for a dozen hermits to eat them up.

Most likely. Sucks. $60 Out the door. Which angel is the easiest to take care of ?

I have a mystery Wrasse, pair of designer clowns. Looking up add more fish. Looking for a marine Betta, fathead Antias, plus a nice goby to add.
 
Flame, coral beauty, eiblii, pygmy and any that are classified reef safe.

My favorite is potters and they can be challenging though to both the novice and experienced aquarist based on water conditions, diet and other co-inhabitants.


potter4.jpg
None are actually considered reef safe though
 
Most likely. Sucks. $60 Out the door. Which angel is the easiest to take care of ?

I have a mystery Wrasse, pair of designer clowns. Looking up add more fish. Looking for a marine Betta, fathead Antias, plus a nice goby to add.
I have found that coral beauties then flames then bicolors but some may say differently.i agree potters are not as easy to get acclimated to life in the tank.once you get a good one they seem to last.i've kept them for up to 5 years.
 
I have a pygmy angel that has been great in my sps / lps tank. He swims constantly, all over the tank and hasn't bothered any coral.
I had a pigmy in my 125 and it was the devil! Didn't bother corals but non stop harassed fish 3 times his size. I don't even remember what I did with him but he was banished. And added to my shortlist of never again fish.
 
I had a pigmy in my 125 and it was the devil! Didn't bother corals but non stop harassed fish 3 times his size. I don't even remember what I did with him but he was banished. And added to my shortlist of never again fish.

That's the kind of story I hear half the time -- They're either perfect little angels (no pun intended) or absolute demons. Worse, I've heard of a lot of angels turn demon after years of being perfect little citizens -_-
 
Flame angel worked for me in my 40B till it cracked. He did like to nip at my pulsing xenia. Now that is gone. He nips about 2 times a week at a frogspawn. Feed him well. Otherwise it will go looking for corals. You have to give them some kind of sponge or nori to help them expel salt. Hikari Mega Marine Angel is a great choice for that supplement to their needs. Just know they are the boss. If you lose any fish and you want to add back into your tank. You will have a hard time with bullying.
Take your time when choosing a dwarf angel. Spend a good hour watching them with other tankmates at the store. Even come back if you are second guessing their personality. At my LFS there was 10 tanks to choose 1 from. It took me 3x coming back and an hour each time of watching. The 3rd best looking one was my choice. The best looking one was my last choice because he was a straight up jerk to any fish in the tank. So choose wisely or you truly will regret it.

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IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%

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