You rather buy a smaller or larger fish?

[TangX3]

i like to buy smaller fish and then raise them. sometimes it's harder to find a smaller specimen. just bought a 2" firefish and 2" flame angel. never seen this small size so i bought it :wink1:

 

[tosiek]

I also am a big fan in watching the growth process =0)

 

[Shad]

I like to buy smaller and watch them grow.

 

[tosiek]

If you buy a show size fish or coral, what are you going to be proud of once a year or two passes by? The fish dies or gets geriatrically old (insert fish using a walker) and the coral overtakes your tank and is more of an eyesore for balance? just my IMO...

 

[PalmTree]

I like buying small fish too. I thought it was just me. I have a 180 and I love having a bunch of little guys swimming around in there. It makes the reef look more alive!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Medium sized

 

[deelucky]

i always try to buy small fish and let them grow out,you have'em longer

 

[ellebelle]

I buy healthy fish. On a practical note, I can see why buying a younger fish is better because they may be less shocked by the capture process.

 

[Awibrandy]

Add me to this category. I derive a great sense of satisfaction watching them grow. Same with the corals. And the added benefit of a smaller price tag doesn't hurt.:wink1:

 

[ellebelle]

When I first start a tank, I like to purchase larger colonies so I'm not looking at a bare tank for months on end. Once things start to fill in, the old colonies can be fragged down and sold (or kept, as the case may be! )

 

[marrone]

If you buy a show size fish or coral, what are you going to be proud of once a year or two passes by? The fish dies or gets geriatrically old (insert fish using a walker) and the coral overtakes your tank and is more of an eyesore for balance? just my IMO...

Depending on the fish it could live for 10 - 20+years, so the chance of it getting geriatrically old is slim. A lot also depends on the size of your tank. If you have a very large tank buying small fish make the tank look empty.

 

[Wes]

I like them small. Although I have been seeing a lot of hippo tangs no bigger than a quarter lately. That just seems too tiny.

 

[Awibrandy]

So true Mike, but when they grow nice and healthy you know you had something to do with it. And may sound nutty, but they get to know you too. The blonde naso's I had use to cares my hand when ever I stuck it in the tank. I miss them.
Lissa, the tank won't look empty for long. And you will still have to frag some. I'm amazed at the growth that has happened in my tank in just one month.

 

[marrone]

Fish usually grow the most, and the fastest, in the first couple of years. So if you buy a small fish, like a Tang or Trigger, and you feed it correctly it will grow quite large those first couple of years. If it doesn't it's not getting the right food requirements.

 

[deelucky]

So true Mike, but when they grow nice and healthy you know you had something to do with it. And may sound nutty, but they get to know you too.

couldnt agree with you more

 

[Davidl919]

I agree with small. I think fish like all pets and even humans get acclimated / adjusted to their environment and the older, the worst it can be. Though I enjoy seeing bigger specimens because they get the WHOA effect, but I wouldn't buy big they hardly even move a majority of the time. I like the little one they even have a little more pep.

 

[jawwad2004]

I agree with small. I think fish like all pets and even humans get acclimated / adjusted to their environment and the older, the worst it can be. Though I enjoy seeing bigger specimens because they get the WHOA effect, but I wouldn't buy big they hardly even move a majority of the time. I like the little one they even have a little more pep.

well said