I have a 65 gallon reef aquarium. I currently have 3 fish in the tank (a Sebae Clown, Purple Stripe Pseudochromis, and a Desjardini Sailfin Tang). I also have a variety of zooanthid polyps and mushrooms. I was looking into getting a Copperband Butterfly. I have read that most people have had success with them in a reef tank with out problem. I was looking for any advice, comments, etc on the topic. Thanks for the help in advance!
Copperband Butterfly Question
- Thread starter TimothyJ
- Start date
sunfish11
Premium Member
Also, my copperband does not like other verically striped fish.
Might not get along with the Sailfin. I think the smaller tank size will escalate any aggression. They are all individuals though so yours might love your sailfin...
Also, just make sure you see the CBB eat before you buy it and don't get a skinny one.
Lisa
Might not get along with the Sailfin. I think the smaller tank size will escalate any aggression. They are all individuals though so yours might love your sailfin...
Also, just make sure you see the CBB eat before you buy it and don't get a skinny one.
Lisa
dhoch
New member
Copper Bands are gorgeous fish, but proper care is required for them.
I would also say that your tank is probably on the small side for a copper band...
That being said while seeing them eat in captivity is important. It is NOT natural for these creatures to take food out of the water column.
I fully belive if you see them eat out of a fixed location type feeder (i.e. a mussell/clam) you CAN help them survive long term (and they may eventually become open water feeders in your tank), but it takes time and effort, and success will depend on other fish in the tank.
I developed a special feeding station for mine, but now a year and a half later he's eating out of the water column so the improvised feeding station is no longer necessary.
I would also say that your tank is probably on the small side for a copper band...
That being said while seeing them eat in captivity is important. It is NOT natural for these creatures to take food out of the water column.
I fully belive if you see them eat out of a fixed location type feeder (i.e. a mussell/clam) you CAN help them survive long term (and they may eventually become open water feeders in your tank), but it takes time and effort, and success will depend on other fish in the tank.
I developed a special feeding station for mine, but now a year and a half later he's eating out of the water column so the improvised feeding station is no longer necessary.
jimwat
Premium Member
Do not take this fish home if you do not see it eating at the store. The first one I brought home starved to death.
I have not noticed mine picking at any corals. Watch the Sebae , my Clarkii (queen of the tank) chased it around for a few days, but it is fine now. I bought it to keep a potential aptasia problem in check, and it has done a wonderful job. It has, however, pretty much wiped out all of my tube worms and it killed my sea hare. It does pick at my snails if they get turned over, but I have not noticed it killing any of them.
Mine is very social and stays out in the middle of the tank all of the time, and is completely un-phased by me mucking around in the tank. Pretty cool fish.
I have not noticed mine picking at any corals. Watch the Sebae , my Clarkii (queen of the tank) chased it around for a few days, but it is fine now. I bought it to keep a potential aptasia problem in check, and it has done a wonderful job. It has, however, pretty much wiped out all of my tube worms and it killed my sea hare. It does pick at my snails if they get turned over, but I have not noticed it killing any of them.
Mine is very social and stays out in the middle of the tank all of the time, and is completely un-phased by me mucking around in the tank. Pretty cool fish.
I have had 2 CBB over the past 5+ years in my 90gal and 200gal tanks. Both were excellent additions. I do have to admit that my red sea sailfin tang chased the heck out of the CBB when it was first added and nearly killed it twice. Eventually, I had to put the sailfin in a quarantine tank for about 2 weeks and then re-add it to the tank. Now, they tolerate each other without agression, but they rarely hang out on the same side of the 8' tank. I think you might have some agression problems in a 65 between the sailfin and the CBB.
michaeldaly
New member
I have a CB in my 65g 4 foot tank, It's been 14 months now and he is still doing very well. I suppose I was lucky as I got him to eat out of the water column the very first day.
He has never bothered any of my corals. But, all my featherdusters and tube worms are history.
He has never bothered any of my corals. But, all my featherdusters and tube worms are history.
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