Moorish Idol and SPS

[my2rotties]

I came across your blog when I was doing some reading on the MI... very nicely done!!!

Originally Posted by Atomikk

FWIW, I am blogging my experiences with the MI. I find it needs a LOT of space to feel comfortable, and to avoid being harrased. Once it gets established, it will get quite comfortable with all the inhabitants, and even your hands in the water.

From what I noticed is that they need to be fed a lot. I can still see mine having problems gaining weight. These fish are definitely not for newbies or intermediate reefers. Why do I say that? Because to make sure it thrives, you need to do a lot more work than just to drop a couple of flakes for it to eat.

[Atomikk]

Originally Posted by my2rotties

I came across your blog when I was doing some reading on the MI... very nicely done!!!

Well, thank you. We appreciate all who read.

As for the MI, I constantly see it eat my sponge. And for that, I intend on finding more sponges to fit inside my tank. I too am growing them in the benthic zones in the sump, but they have not developed into sizable portions. Therefore, i will have to find some to buy.

[naesco]

Originally Posted by Atomikk

FWIW, I am blogging my experiences with the MI. I find it needs a LOT of space to feel comfortable, and to avoid being harrased. Once it gets established, it will get quite comfortable with all the inhabitants, and even your hands in the water.

From what I noticed is that they need to be fed a lot. I can still see mine having problems gaining weight. These fish are definitely not for newbies or intermediate reefers. Why do I say that? Because to make sure it thrives, you need to do a lot more work than just to drop a couple of flakes for it to eat.

I agree Moorish Idol are definitely not for newbies.
The problem is not just the size of tank required or the attention given to feeding by a devoted reefer.
The problem is that the feeding requirements for this species are unknown with the result that they eventually die in reefers tanks even though they are given the best of care.
If a experienced reefer, devoted to experimenting with various specialty type foods (almost a scientist) wants to keep one, go for it.
Sadly, some hobbyists though well intentioned, hope that they are the one who can successfully keep them and they too fail.
For that reason, IMO they are best left in the ocean until their feeding requirements become know through science and the efforts of experts.

[Haloreef]

Are there any "scientists" studing the feeding requirements of the Moorish Idol?