My Biggest Disappointment in this Hobby...

[LilElroyJetson]

This already sounds petty as I’m typing it but my biggest disappointment in this hobby is fish incompatibility. Specifically, I’m disappointed I can’t keep an Orange Angler with any fish not significantly larger than it because it’ll try to eat it. It’s one of my favorite fish, but my small clowns and possible future juvenile additions will certainly be gonners.

What’s your biggest disappointment in this hobby?

I’ll post a photo of this guy just so we can admire his beauty...

 

[Halal Hotdog]

The prettiest fish seems to be the most aggressive. I know people who got into the hobby because of a clown trigger and quickly learned it is one fish that many cannot keep.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

The prettiest fish seems to be the most aggressive. I know people who got into the hobby because of a clown trigger and quickly learned it is one fish that many cannot keep.

Isn’t that the truth. I like this fish so much I’m tempted to put together a small tank just for him but it wouldn’t be as fun as having him in my main tank.

 

[Sabellafella]

Here's one hanging out at pieces of the ocean. Such a fascinating fish to sit back and watch. About the size of a softball but he's all by himself =/ Think we might keep him if noone buys him soon. let him hangout in a zoanthid only frag tank.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

Isn’t that the truth. I like this fish so much I’m tempted to put together a small tank just for him but it wouldn’t be as fun as having him in my main tank.

One thing I have learned from my clown trigger is having realistic expectations of the fish is the key to success. Like you said big fish will be critical for the angler. Perhaps larger maroon clowns being hosted by an anemone might work with this guy.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Here's one hanging out at pieces of the ocean. Such a fascinating fish to sit back and watch. About the size of a softball but he's all by himself =/ Think we might keep him if noone buys him soon. let him hangout in a zoanthid only frag tank.

Looks super cool! And I agree, love watching these guys. Hmm...a zoanthid only angler tank doesn’t sound too bad...:rolleyes: haha.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

One thing I have learned from my clown trigger is having realistic expectations of the fish is the key to success. Like you said big fish will be critical for the angler. Perhaps larger maroon clowns being hosted by an anemone might work with this guy.

Yeah that’s not a bad idea. We’ll see how big these clownfish get and maybe down the line I’ll consider a tiny angler, otherwise he may just need his own tank or he’ll have to remain the source of my eternal disappointment.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

Isn’t that the truth. I like this fish so much I’m tempted to put together a small tank just for him but it wouldn’t be as fun as having him in my main tank.

Less tempting more doing;)

If I had the time to look after one of these things I would have set up a tank for one. If there was ever a fish to set up a nice species only reef tank this would be one of my top contenders!

I’d have to say my least favorite thing is the availability difference between Canada and the states. I really like bizzare and obscure fish and figured I’d be able to find them with relative ease after seeing so much of the US market when looking for species I figured I could find them in Canada although I new it wouldn’t be as easy but usually you just have to be a little more diligent looking for rare animals up here (which I’m used to with reptiles and freshwater fish) but the saltwater scene up here has been dissapointing thus far.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Less tempting more doing;)

If I had the time to look after one of these things I would have set up a tank for one. If there was ever a fish to set up a nice species only reef tank this would be one of my top contenders!

I’d have to say my least favorite thing is the availability difference between Canada and the states. I really like bizzare and obscure fish and figured I’d be able to find them with relative ease after seeing so much of the US market when looking for species I figured I could find them in Canada although I new it wouldn’t be as easy but usually you just have to be a little more diligent looking for rare animals up here (which I’m used to with reptiles and freshwater fish) but the saltwater scene up here has been dissapointing thus far.

Clearly there are a lot of us with an angler obsession. I’m going to give the species only tank some serious thought.

Not being able to get what I want in terms of livestock would disappoint me significantly more than my mild sadness over not having my orange angler. I’m assuming you already checked with your favorite LFSs regarding whether they could find what you were looking for and order it for you? My LFS will do that for me if they can get the fish and they charge me fairly regardless of it being a custom order which I appreciate.

 

[Waters]

You should check out the latest Coral magazine if you haven't already.....a good portion of it is devoted to Anglers.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

Clearly there are a lot of us with an angler obsession. I’m going to give the species only tank some serious thought.

Not being able to get what I want in terms of livestock would disappoint me significantly more than my mild sadness over not having my orange angler. I’m assuming you already checked with your favorite LFSs regarding whether they could find what you were looking for and order it for you? My LFS will do that for me if they can get the fish and they charge me fairly regardless of it being a custom order which I appreciate.

Let me know if you do because I would love to vicariously live through your build thread:D

I actually live in a fairly small province but we actually have 4 local fish stores (mind you most of them have the same suppliers). I think it was 2 months ago I called them all up and asked them to keep an eye out for the species I wanted. None of them have seen it yet and two largest places I can find in Canada that ship haven't ever seen or heard of one before. In that time I've seen a few go up for sale in the states- I think it mainly bothers me because its so close and yet so far:confused:

I settled on a different species that will hopefully be coming in soon but I never thought it would come to that when I started.

 

[LilElroyJetson]

You should check out the latest Coral magazine if you haven't already.....a good portion of it is devoted to Anglers.

I’m gonna have to do that! Thanks!

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Let me know if you do because I would love to vicariously live through your build thread:D

I actually live in a fairly small province but we actually have 4 local fish stores (mind you most of them have the same suppliers). I think it was 2 months ago I called them all up and asked them to keep an eye out for the species I wanted. None of them have seen it yet and two largest places I can find in Canada that ship haven't ever seen or heard of one before. In that time I've seen a few go up for sale in the states- I think it mainly bothers me because its so close and yet so far:confused:

I settled on a different species that will hopefully be coming in soon but I never thought it would come to that when I started.

Will do! And who would’ve guessed man. Sorry to hear that but I’m sure you will make the most of what you’ve got!

 

[Greybeard]

A decade or so back, I jumped into the Seahorse thing... head first.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a research guy... I spent a year reading, talking to successful horse keepers, designing the 'perfect' system for horses, selecting breed, and breeder... Even back then, I was far from new to marine aquaria, having successfully kept many marine tanks of different sizes and types, starting in the early 80's.

Joined Seahorse.org, met the people running it, even volunteered to do some web design (I would note that they're still using my original scripting and template!) A year in, I finally set up a seahorse tank and bought a group of Kuda horses from Ocean Rider.

Over the next 4 years, try as I might, I managed to kill every horse I owned. I'd do OK for a while, even had some successful breeding... then GBD. Wipeout. Tried several varieties, listened to all the expert advice I could get... No matter what I tried, I couldn't keep them alive for anything nearing a natural lifespan.

I finally decided that these beautiful creatures are better left in the seas.

One of my old herd:

 

[LilElroyJetson]

A decade or so back, I jumped into the Seahorse thing... head first.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a research guy... I spent a year reading, talking to successful horse keepers, designing the 'perfect' system for horses, selecting breed, and breeder... Even back then, I was far from new to marine aquaria, having successfully kept many marine tanks of different sizes and types, starting in the early 80's.

Joined Seahorse.org, met the people running it, even volunteered to do some web design (I would note that they're still using my original scripting and template!) A year in, I finally set up a seahorse tank and bought a group of Kuda horses from Ocean Rider.

Over the next 4 years, try as I might, I managed to kill every horse I owned. I'd do OK for a while, even had some successful breeding... then GBD. Wipeout. Tried several varieties, listened to all the expert advice I could get... No matter what I tried, I couldn't keep them alive for anything nearing a natural lifespan.

I finally decided that these beautiful creatures are better left in the seas.

One of my old herd:

Gorgeous seahorse! And great anecdote. They’re one of my favorite critters. I was obsessed and also wanted to make a seahorse tank work when I entered this hobby but I determined I would not be able to keep them alive long term and hearing a story from someone as experienced and well-read on them and reef keeping as you confirms that for me. Such a bummer. They will probably be the catalyst to me getting scuba certified this summer just so I can observe them in their natural habitat.

 

[knowen87]

I agreed that this is the hardest thing about the hobby. I love tangs but they don't love each other. I would love to have a school of chromis but they'll just fight until there's only one left. I would love to have different pairs of clownfish but we know how that would go. And no matter how much you feed the fish they'll always be territorial. At least I don't keep a fish tank just for fish or i would be disappointed. It doesn't help that saltwater fish are so expensive.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Since I reminded myself of it earlier......

Octopuses have a really short lifespan. That kinda stinks

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I agreed that this is the hardest thing about the hobby. I love tangs but they don't love each other. I would love to have a school of chromis but they'll just fight until there's only one left. I would love to have different pairs of clownfish but we know how that would go. And no matter how much you feed the fish they'll always be territorial. At least I don't keep a fish tank just for fish or i would be disappointed. It doesn't help that saltwater fish are so expensive.

All classic examples. Tangs can really be ruthless.

 

[Rick.45cal]

This already sounds petty as I’m typing it but my biggest disappointment in this hobby is fish incompatibility. Specifically, I’m disappointed I can’t keep an Orange Angler with any fish not significantly larger than it because it’ll try to eat it. It’s one of my favorite fish, but my small clowns and possible future juvenile additions will certainly be gonners.

What’s your biggest disappointment in this hobby?

I’ll post a photo of this guy just so we can admire his beauty...

I actually share the exact same disappointment you do! I really want an angler on my reef, but I feel 100% positive that none of my current inhabitants feel the same! LOL

 

[LilElroyJetson]

I actually share the exact same disappointment you do! I really want an angler on my reef, but I feel 100% positive that none of my current inhabitants feel the same! LOL

They’re really amazing fish! It’s theraputic knowing others on here are sharing in my depression over this issue. I’ve tried to convince myself that it might be ok before...but it won’t, it’s only a matter of time before you come home to a dead angler with your favorite, most expensive fish, hanging half way out of the angler’s mouth also dead. :(