Trigger compatibility

RockyMtnReef · 02/09/2007, 08:51 AM

I have a lightly stocked 250ish gal SPS tank (70"x30"(H)x28") with the following fish:

6" Sailfin Tang
(2) Lyre tail Anthias
(2) True Perc Clowns
(1) 5" Male Blue Jaw Trigger

I have an oppotunity to get a male Crosshatch Tigger of about the same size as the Blue Jaw for a steal. I am curious if anyone has experience keeping two male triggers of a different species with success? The Blue Jaw can hold his own but is not agressive. When he was first added the Sailfin got very territorial. The Blue Jaw found a cave he liked and went nose to nose. After a day or so things settled down and now all fish swim through the full water column in the whole tank without any challenges.

What do you think? I would hate to have to break down my whole tank to catch one of the tiggers if things dont go well. I have over 30 Acro species alone. The thought of moving everything makes me cringe.

RockyMtnReef · 02/09/2007, 02:03 PM

Anyone?

ebe · 02/28/2007, 07:39 AM

Did you try the crosshatch with the blue throat? Just curious. I have a pair of blue throats.

RockyMtnReef · 02/28/2007, 08:46 AM

Yep I sure did. They have been in the tank for about two weeks now. I was suprised when I saw the Crosshatch. It was twice as big as i was expecting. At least 8" tip to tail and FAT. It bullied the smaller Bluethroat (about 4") for a day or so which had me nervous. The Bluethroat found a cave and stayed out of harms way but would get chased when I fed. They must have established a pecking order however because all of sudden the agrression was over. They both swim all over the full water column with not even the slighest hint of an issue. It is really cool actually. I will try to post a photo tonight

ebe · 02/28/2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RockyMtnReef
Yep I sure did. They have been in the tank for about two weeks now. I was suprised when I saw the Crosshatch. It was twice as big as i was expecting. At least 8" tip to tail and FAT. It bullied the smaller Bluethroat (about 4") for a day or so which had me nervous. The Bluethroat found a cave and stayed out of harms way but would get chased when I fed. They must have established a pecking order however because all of sudden the agrression was over. They both swim all over the full water column with not even the slighest hint of an issue. It is really cool actually. I will try to post a photo tonight

I would like to get a crosshatch for my tank to go with my bluethroats if I could get one without breaking the bank. (Would also give me a reason to get a bigger tank.

)

My bluethroats are interesting to watch. The male is very tame until feeding time and then he is a like a bull in a china shop. The female is like a ninja and sneaks around the big guy to grab food.

illal · 02/28/2007, 10:31 AM

u say u have 2 triggers in yur sps tank??? hows that working out??

RockyMtnReef · 02/28/2007, 05:33 PM

It is working out great. They totally ignore the coral and have not bothered my shrimp or crabs (emerald and hermit). The only issue I have had was one of them broke a big piece off of a Monti digitata while feeding. Those guys really go great guns when the food hits the water. My SPS are actually showing better color since they have been added. My fish load was pretty low before. Only a Sailfin Tang, (2) Lyretail Anthias and (2) Perc clowns. I think the corals are benefiting from the higher nutrient levels. Triggers are messy and fish poop is the best SPS food there is :-) I have a fair amount of flow and a decent skimmer so most of the waste gets removed before it starts to break down but while it is suspended in the water column the corals can feed.

02/09/2007, 08:51 AM	#1
RockyMtnReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: GA Posts: 635	Trigger compatibility I have a lightly stocked 250ish gal SPS tank (70"x30"(H)x28") with the following fish: 6" Sailfin Tang (2) Lyre tail Anthias (2) True Perc Clowns (1) 5" Male Blue Jaw Trigger I have an oppotunity to get a male Crosshatch Tigger of about the same size as the Blue Jaw for a steal. I am curious if anyone has experience keeping two male triggers of a different species with success? The Blue Jaw can hold his own but is not agressive. When he was first added the Sailfin got very territorial. The Blue Jaw found a cave he liked and went nose to nose. After a day or so things settled down and now all fish swim through the full water column in the whole tank without any challenges. What do you think? I would hate to have to break down my whole tank to catch one of the tiggers if things dont go well. I have over 30 Acro species alone. The thought of moving everything makes me cringe.

02/28/2007, 10:31 AM	#6
illal Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tamarac, Fl Posts: 5,700	u say u have 2 triggers in yur sps tank??? hows that working out?? __________________ -AL

02/09/2007, 02:03 PM	#2
RockyMtnReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: GA Posts: 635	Anyone?

02/28/2007, 07:39 AM	#3
ebe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Granite City Posts: 805	Did you try the crosshatch with the blue throat? Just curious. I have a pair of blue throats.

02/28/2007, 08:46 AM	#4
RockyMtnReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: GA Posts: 635	Yep I sure did. They have been in the tank for about two weeks now. I was suprised when I saw the Crosshatch. It was twice as big as i was expecting. At least 8" tip to tail and FAT. It bullied the smaller Bluethroat (about 4") for a day or so which had me nervous. The Bluethroat found a cave and stayed out of harms way but would get chased when I fed. They must have established a pecking order however because all of sudden the agrression was over. They both swim all over the full water column with not even the slighest hint of an issue. It is really cool actually. I will try to post a photo tonight

02/28/2007, 05:33 PM	#7
RockyMtnReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: GA Posts: 635	It is working out great. They totally ignore the coral and have not bothered my shrimp or crabs (emerald and hermit). The only issue I have had was one of them broke a big piece off of a Monti digitata while feeding. Those guys really go great guns when the food hits the water. My SPS are actually showing better color since they have been added. My fish load was pretty low before. Only a Sailfin Tang, (2) Lyretail Anthias and (2) Perc clowns. I think the corals are benefiting from the higher nutrient levels. Triggers are messy and fish poop is the best SPS food there is :-) I have a fair amount of flow and a decent skimmer so most of the waste gets removed before it starts to break down but while it is suspended in the water column the corals can feed.