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

[i cant think]

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]

japanese dragon eel

 

[Jerry Barnes]

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

 

[i cant think]

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]

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]

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!]

My 12" mappa female puffer

 

[JC1977]

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]

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

 

[The Ginga Ninja]

porcupine puffer by far my favorite non reef safe fish one day I will have a tank spicialy for this babe

Both our Porcupine puffers were reef safe! You might not need to wait till you have a FOWLR tank:

 

[EugeneVan]

Totally agree. Mine are very peacefully and never touch any of my SPS, LPS.

 

[Celestion]

Agree , Tusk big lap swimmers hunters recommend 300 gallons or more , it's like a giant 6 line

 

[jsmort99]

Blue spot pufferfish, Picasso trigger fish, dwarf golden moray, dwarf lionfish

I was looking to set up a new predator tank and was looking at a couple of these
Your Picasso Trigger doesn't nip at your Lionfish?

 

[edsbeaker]

For me it is a heniochus butterfly. When Hawaii was allowing collecting, I had a trio of diphreutis which were largely reef safe. They have always been my favorite. Now, it’s difficult to tell them from their cousin, the Acumunatis, good bye reef! But if I had a FOWLR, a trio of Heniochus would be featured for sure.