Question about Triggers in reefs...

[Apollo1K9]

Hello everyone!

I've been reading around retail sites and have been getting mixed reviews on which trigger is the nearest to "reef safe." I know that no matter what, they'll eventually eat your CUC.

So, we are basically looking for a few criteria here:

• Will eat the least of my CUC (only snails/hermits vs shrimp and larger crabs - if this exists)
• Least aggressive
• Will not nip at corals

I've heard Crosshatch, Blue Jaw/Throat, and Nigers specifically as being the "best." I'd like an above-all, best option if this is possible. Crosshatch is definitely out of my price range, so if that one is the best, give me a number two. I love the way triggers swim, but I want to do reefs, so I want to see what I have to work with if I want to stay with a reef. I'll eventually do an aggressive FOWLR tank with a Humu Humu/Picasso Trigger, but that is much further down the road.

P.S.: My current tank size does not matter here, this is for future reference.

Thanks!

 

[Ziggy953]

My opinion is to not put on in a reef tank. The three you listed I have seen in reef tanks but they have all caused issues in the reef. I suggest sticking with reef safe fish and not putting a trigger in the tank.

Just my opinion.

 

[melosu58]

From what I`ve heard they wont mess with your corals but they will take out your CUC which is very important in a reef tank. That`s the reason I would not put one in a reef.

 

[pat8you]

CUC aside, i would probably be more concerned with the aggression in triggers. Even the least aggressive trigger can still be really nasty. Most of the other fish you would put in a reef are going to be, in general, smaller and more peaceful. I think the real issue would be trying to keep other fish in your reef with that trigger. It would most likely kill a good portion of them.

 

[Apollo1K9]

Alright thanks guys, that just confirms what the little voice in the back of my mind was telling me. Just needed a final nail in the coffin! The triggers shall have to wait, oh well.

 

[ryshark]

I was considering one of these....
http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productdetail.asp?cid=288&pid=910&did=1
Awesome looking Trigger. I know people who have had great success with them in a reef tank. With that said, of course there is always exceptions. Even with Tangs its possible to get one that is not reef safe.
If I end up getting a Trigger some day, this will definitely be the one.