Trigger tank size question

[mrwilson]

I'm thinking of adding one last fish to my display. It's only a 115 gallon (tank dimensions are roughly 4 1/2' long by 24" deep by 24" high, flat-back hex). And, it's a reef, so if I do get a trigger, I'd like it to be one of the semi/halfway/maybe reef-safe-ish triggers (e.g., bluethroat, niger, pinktail, sargassum, black hawaiian). Will any of these species (or any other one I haven't mentioned that has a chance at being "reef safe") work in a tank this size? I'm willing to push my luck a bit with the reef-safeness part of the equation.

[jmccown]

If you're willing to push it a bit you could try a niger or pinktail. However, both get big. Probably the smallest trigger is the picasso. Bluethroat would probably be your best bet as far as being reef safe.

[karaim]

By reef safe, do you mean corals or mobile inverts (shrimps crabs)? Not sure about corals, might try them, but will probably consume the mobile inverts eventually.

[mrwilson]

Forgetting about reef-safeness (or lack thereof) for the moment, which triggers would work purely based on fish size/activity level in a tank this size? If there are any that would work for quite some time, and would only outgrow the tank after several years, I might consider that, but it appears to me that most triggers are pretty fast growers anyhow.

[LisaD]

picasso or one of the other Rhinecanthus. also, look into the less common Sufflamen triggers. they are supposed to be a bit mellower, and get to be the same size (10-12").

[karaim]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14117520#post14117520 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mrwilson
Forgetting about reef-safeness (or lack thereof) for the moment, which triggers would work purely based on fish size/activity level in a tank this size? If there are any that would work for quite some time, and would only outgrow the tank after several years, I might consider that, but it appears to me that most triggers are pretty fast growers anyhow.

Actually, the Huma Huma and related triggers (Rectangular and others) are very SLOW growers.

[saltyguy51]

I agree, I have a Huma and it eats good but is a very slow grower or there is something wrong with him that is not visible

[TriggersAmuck]

I had a Picasso in my reef since it was about 1" (tiny...smaller than my Chromis) up to about 3.5". It only got fiesty when I attempted to add other Triggers, but in both instances (Niger and Clown.....after being moved to FOWLR) they worked it out pretty quickly.

Funny enough, none of these ever went for my shrimp. The Niger went for smaller fish, was a messy digger (would blast sand all over the corals), and grew faster than lightening.

The Picasso was a very slow grower, as somebody previuosly mentioned, and it never bothered any non-triggers.

Funny enough (though you didn't ask about it), I never had any problems with the Clown even though he grew to be the largest in the tank. Had an Ich infestation which led to loosing many of these while in quarantine. :(

[mrwilson]

I'm intrigued by the Sufflamen genus suggestion. Some really unusual-looking fish. I really like the looks of Sufflamen albicaudatus. Anybody have experience with that genus?

[gnorts]

I have the (Rhinecanthus verrucosus) Bursa Trigger. I love him he is one of the coolest fish I have seen or have had. At first he was shy and only really came out at efeeding time then hid behind rocks. About a month later he is so entertaining. Not to mention his face mask is awsome when hes happy. Mine has a really dominant blue line on his head that gets bright when he happy and eating. As far as aggression he in a tank with two clowns a puffer and a snowflake eel and lion and have had no problems with him. He does this thing in my tank all fday long where he goes through a cave comes up to the top of the tank and back down through the cave like he is racing something or someone. Really cool fish and I would suggest him. Divers den also say max sixe 9 Inches http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+44+240&pcatid=240&N=0