Fish that are "Reef Safe"

I've noticed at least 20 different videos on youtube where people have these amazing reef tanks. whether they be mixed or just SPS or whatever, and there will be 1 or more fish in their tank, that isn't "reef safe". Even the comments below barely say much about the corals, everyones concern is, "I can't believe that parrot fish isnt wreaking havoc in your tank!" or something to that effect. the funny thing is, more times than not the person who posted the video never responds. And then I have seen when they do, they say, "I've never had any problems with it."

I know there have been vids posted where they put the fish in, record the vid, post it, and then remove the fish. But most of the ones I'm referring to, there is no way they could catch these fish again. Or at least without a major effort.

So I guess my point is, everyone's experience here and in the hobby in general is different in so many ways sometimes. More times than not you can count on peoples advice for equipment, lighting, etc...But when it comes down to it, everyone's tank has it's own personality if you will, and what has worked for someone might not work at all for someone else. Especially when it comes to livestock. Corals, inverts, and fish all can be an exception to the rule. So i'm not saying I'm gonna go out and get that clown trigger and emperator angel for my reef tank, but it seems there can and will always be exceptions to the so called rules.

 

I think it comes down to feeding. Some of those awesome tanks have killer filtrations systems which allow the owner to "overfed". Doing so keeps wandering eyes off clams and corals.

 

Sometimes if you have your CUC in first and established helps. I had mine set up and placed a blue throat trigger and he never touched them. I have also seen where they trigger was in first and when they put shrimp in to use as a CUC the trigger had a very nice expensive meal. Depends on what you are keeping. Some fish can be reef but you cant have inverts. Some fish eat corals, like I seen a dogface puffer do. I have a ribbon eel in my tank and he hasn't (lately) gone after any of my fish.

 

I agree with both of you guys. I think it all depends on the particular circumstances as well. Like filtration, diet, being well fed, and the order of what goes into the tank probably is a key factor.