Declevis butterfly in a reef? Am I nutz to even consider it?

[cpage3]

Like the title says, I may have the chance to try a Declevis butterfly in a reef tank. Anyone had any experience with this fish? Care requirements, reef experiences any input on this idea would be most appreciated. Heck, I wouldn't even mind if you responded to tell me Im completely insane?

~CAP~

 

[JamesJR]

I have heard of people trying them in reefs before. Too broke myself for a fish like that.

 

[triggerfish1976]

I had a Mitratus which is basically the same fish. He ocassionally picked on acros but never did any real damage. If you have zoa's, zenia, or fleshy LPS like open brains and scoly's and you like them then don't get this fish. Mine wipped out three big Zoa colonies, a 4" scoly, and a large open brain in a matter of a few weeks. I ended up getting rid of him when I moved to a different tank.

 

[cpage3]

anyone else have any input?

 

[NaClH20NMYVEIN]

I knew a local reefer that got one a week later he was trying to sell him because he was nipping to much. I'm not too sure what type of coral he had though.

 

[JonTarutis]

I've got a little Declevis in with SPS, clams, zoas, acans and gorgonians. Model little citizen.... doesn't pick at anything and doesn't bother anyone else. He was eating pelleted foods within hours of being unpacked. I also keep a pair of Tinkeri in another system and they are also perfect citizens. So no you aren't completely nuts! I say go for it!

 

[3.99AfterTaxes]

I suppose the consensus here is that they're like big angels, add at your own risk.

 

[Philwd]

I'm the one evolust mentioned. Yes the little devil was fine for a week. I got a small one hoping it hadn't acquired any taste yet. About a week in he started nipping at everything. They are grazers. He'll go from one end to the other in 2 minutes and peck at EVERY SINGLE SPS!!! :mad2: :mad2: Then start back and do it all over again. He has nipped a little at my maze brain. Doesn't look twice at xenia or zoos. Took him a couple weeks to try montis and poci but now he'll go to town on them too.

All the research I had done said they were probably the safest of the Tinkerii complex. Can't say that from my experience. BTW within 5 min of a heavy feeding he's back grazing.

BTW the other thing he does that really makes us mad is he'll go right up underneath our fav fish, expand his spikes and threaten them. Now my labouti has had enough and chases him all over. Just not enough to keep him from nipping.

AND I CAN"T CATCH HIM!:mad2:

 

[cpage3]

Thanks for the input guys, does anybody have this fish now?
Id definately like to hear what you have to say as well even its just about general care. How often do you have to feed these guys? Active or cryptic?
chris

 

[cpage3]

sorry that last post was from a while ago I just didnt hit send. Thank you guys all for the experiences and info, you have been a great help. If anyone else has more/something to say please feel free, the more opinions/experiences the better.

Thanks
Chris

 

[cpage3]

Philwd that is a shame, ill definately keep that in mind
Chris

 

[Philwd]

I still have mine. Can't catch him. Like I said its all over the tank. Constantly grazing. On the rocks too. I feed once or twice/day and he's grown. Hard to say if its from what I fed or what he's finding. Extrememly hardy fish. Acclimated in literally 5 min. after a 3 week QT. Was out right away and active. I really like their colors. Was aggressive from the start. I would laugh at this 1.5" fish approaching a 4" clarkii with his spikes out.

 

[cpage3]

Does anyone have the link to the discussion on Tinkerii's and reef situations, I think there was a thread somewhere, but the search is not working for me.

thanks
Chris