Reef safe
Indicates that a product, a fish or an invertebrate is compatible with a reef aquarium without damaging corals, anemones and other invertebrates.
Detailed explanation
The term reef safe is used in two main contexts: for fish (and other organisms) and for chemicals.
A reef safe fish is one that does not eat corals, does not disturb invertebrates and does not dig into the substrate destroying the aquascaping. Clownfish, gobies, cardinalfish, Blenniidae, most small Wrasse are reef safe.
Non-reef safe fish include: pufferfish (eat corals and invertebrates), large angelfish (Pomacanthus, many eat coral), butterflyfish (almost all eat polyps), triggerfish (destroy you). Some species are borderline: dwarf angelfish (Centropyge) are "reef safe with caution" because some individuals pinch corals and others do not.
For chemicals, reef safe means that it does not contain copper or other substances toxic to invertebrates. Copper-based drugs are NOT reef safe: they kill shrimp, snails, crabs, urchins and can damage corals. Copper treatments should always be done in a separate hospital aquarium.
Some commercial drugs are labeled "reef safe" but caution is required. Always check the ingredients and seek experiences from other aquarists before using any chemicals in your display reef.
LED lighting is inherently reef safe. The old incandescent and halogen lamps were not because they overheated the water.
In general, the rule applies in the reef: if you are not sure whether it is reef safe, do not put it in the aquarium.
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