Pure Curiousity

[Sorrell]

Hi everyone, I have a question, and I'm not trying to cause trouble (I don't even have a salt tank) I'm just curious about something.
I just recieved a video I ordered called Jewels of the Carribean by National Geographic. In it, while discussing reef fish, it said that most do not travel more than a few inches in their entire lives. This being said, why are large set-ups reccomended? Is it purely because it's easier to regulate water parameters? And if so, then why do more seasoned SW keepers not have nano tanks with some of these reef fish? Once again I'm not trying to counter anyone's expertise, I just was wondering.

 

[RamJet]

Ah, fish only move a few inches? I would have to disagree with that. Even the smallest of fish will venture out to find food. You do have some that will return to the same spot night after night, or have a hidding spot, but to say they dont move more than 2 inches in there life span is kind of far fetched. Unless they are born and get eaten 2 sec.s later.
Nano's take a lot of time, and cost as much as a larger tank. There are alot of them out there, but many choose not to keep them just because of the hastle. Larger tanks are much more stable and you can fit more in them.
More to look at, less work, same money.

 

[fishdudein]

Hi Sorrell. I don't like contradicting NG, but I think it really depends on the type of fish you are talking about. "Reef fish" covers a huge variety of different types of fish. What they are describing perfectly describes smaller fish such as the clownfish who spend their entire lives not more than a few inches from their anemones, the jawfishes, who build and maintain their tunnel that they only leave to grab a piece of food and then dart right back to their tunnel, and many other types of reef inhabitants. There are also, then, the other fish - tangs, angels, wrasses, etc.- that roam all over the reef, grazing on algae, hunting for prey, whatever their lot in life may be. Most keepers of nano-reefs utilize fish from the first type, it is no coincidence that they are usually the "reef-safe" types. Good question, hope this helps ya!

 

[Sorrell]

Thanks for your replies, I'll have to watch it again and see if it specifically said a type of fish, but if I recall correctly it just said "many". It really is a great video. I love salt set-ups, but I simply don't have the time to do the research in order to start and keep one, although I have been tempted. We're getting a new tank next month, so it's definately crossed my mind!

 

[Sorrell]

Alright, I watched it again last night and it said "many creatures" and the statement came right after discussing the various types of cleaner fish and shrimp. I don't know why I wrote "most reef fish" even I knew that couldn't be right!
Anyway, thanks for all your help.