clown trigger in reef?

roilciuc

Member
I want to add my last fish to my reef (75g) that would not bother my corals (SPS, zoas, softies) or clam. I wanted an Achilles tang but I need a way bigger tank, i can't get an eel because it will eat all the crabs, I wanna risk a pair of flame angels (but not sure of reef compatibility, anyone have experience with them in reefs?). Im thinking of getting a clown trigger. I have seen some people that have had them in reefs but they may have just gotten lucky, but I want to know if any of you guys have had similar experiences. thanks!
 
You have a rather small tank,so stick to smaller species.A pair of flamebacks would be nice,there are a few angels that are reef-safe,it's hit-or-miss tho.Clown triggers will chomp on your cuc and any shrimp you may have,plus they reach 1.5+ft so again a bad choice for your small tank.
 
yeah im with gus on this. some angels are said to be reef safe but that isnt always the case. if you want a trigger do a small niger, bluejaw, or sargassum triger. clowns have torn reefs apart. they will turn and randomly charge large corals sometimes and will definitely not like your other fish if they are smaller than it. plus it gets too big for a 75g as gus said.
 
I personally wouldn't do any sort of trigger in that small of a tank. I know someone that got lucky with a niger but he got it small and luck was on his side. Triggers imo need a big tank as they love to swim and need to be I would say in more aggresive tank. Triggers like everyone's been saying are a hit or miss but remember they are also known for their temperaments. I think Dwarfs would probably be your best bet but I think sooner or later they will nip. I've know people that have had them for over two years and all of a sudden they turned. I've been wanting a Dwarf forever but I won't budge for the same reason. I will eventually get one but in a FOWLR. Also the smaller the tank the more chances for them to nip.
 
If you want an eel you can get a golden moray. They stay small. About 16-20 ". They not aggressive and have done in my reef plus they look awesome
Just my opinion
Rich
 
get a fairy wrasse for a show piece in u tank . tons to chose from ive had them all u talking about and they all have issues with reefs angels love to eat acans. some eat softies usually leave sps alone . triggers r all jerks and once settled in will take charge of the tank and eat all u shrimp and cuc . i seen one big eat a rock solid frozen clam so imagine what they can do . eels can cause rock colapse and eat cuc. its a shame all the cool fish cause problems . i have a flame wrasse pair and a labouti for my show pieces only issues is gotta have a top cause they jump.
 
This is an old thread, but since it has been resurrected and I'm bored, here's my $0.02. I've had great luck with Flame and Coral Beauty Angelfish in reefs. Also with Niger Triggerfish. In fact, my Niger gets bullied by my tangs and formerly by a clown (that clown used to kick his ***). He was the last fish I added to my reef, I guess it all depends. I've also seen Blue Throat triggers do very well too.
 
+1 to Niger Triggers and Bluethroats. I have a 4" Niger Trigger in my tank, and he is great with the CUC. He is well fed though, and I'm not sure my cleaner shrimp has ever had a good nights sleep:) I also have a pair of Potter's angels, and they have been reef safe so far. They pick at the rocks and bases of corals, but have not bothered any LPS or clams. Clown Triggers have the reputation of being very aggressive. I've got scars to prove it :)
 
I got a flameback from Mark, it doesn't touch my clam, but constantly picks at my sps, so I've got my fish trap out to try and get him, it's been a long process, but getting there. Like others said, pygmy angels are hit and miss, the key is keeping them well fed and I dont think that matters most the time.
 
I got a flameback from Mark, it doesn't touch my clam, but constantly picks at my sps, so I've got my fish trap out to try and get him, it's been a long process, but getting there. Like others said, pygmy angels are hit and miss, the key is keeping them well fed and I dont think that matters most the time.

btw, caught the little sucker, my sps can breathe easier tonight ;)
 
hit or miss with triggers in the reef... out of the friendly sort, people have had good luck with blue throat and pink tail.
 
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