Lavender tang and copperband butterfly

[RJT]

I want to add a copperband to my 220g mixed reef tank. Will the lavender tang kill the copperband? The copperband is large (maybe 1/2 in bigger than tang) and my acclimation box can hold him but I wouldn't want him to live in it for more than a night.

Anyone have any experience or can give me some insight?

 

[MrTuskfish]

The CB needs a QT, not just an acclimation box..There is no reason the CBB and tang won't be fine together, A CBB in a reef is another question.

CBBS are tough to acclimate to captivity and this is just one reason to use a QT; it makes acclimation much easier. CBBs don't do well with aggressive fish and prefer a fairly quiet tank.

 

[RJT]

Thank you for responding. I am QTing the CBB, I was worried about afterwards. Didn't want to fatten him up for the slaughter.

Good point about peaceful tanks. The tank is peaceful just a bunch of anthias, fairy wrasses and the one tang that doesn't bother anyone.

I had a powder blue that was relentless on a cbb that I had years ago. Had to sell the pbt because of it.

 

[aquaph8]

I would expect some aggression with the Lavender, If there's any chance of removing the tang for a bit while the CB settles in that would be best. I know cause I just added mine to the DT last week and it didn't go well with the Lavender. The CB went back to the QT until I can catch the Lavender. Similar sized tank too , this was after three days in the acclimation box.

 

[RJT]

I would expect some aggression with the Lavender, If there's any chance of removing the tang for a bit while the CB settles in that would be best. I know cause I just added mine to the DT last week and it didn't go well with the Lavender. The CB went back to the QT until I can catch the Lavender. Similar sized tank too , this was after three days in the acclimation box.

Noooooooooooo!!!! I am glad I posted this question because that would have been me next month. Was planning on getting the CBB tomorrow morning. I am sure you will be successful with adding your CBB to your DT. Wish you luck, but you don't need it.

It is really difficult catching fish in my tank. I have a lot of fish and hiding places in the rocks with my lavender being VERY skittish, means I have to take out half the tank to catch the lavender-stressing the entire tank.

 

[aquaph8]

Im not sure Ill ever catch mine either but hopefully he'll go in my trap.

 

[RJT]

I just saw your build thread. Amazing tank. You don't have the options of taking apart your tank to catch him your corals are big, healthy and happy. With a lot of hiding places. I hope your trap works.

 

[aquaph8]

Thanks, I really appreciate your comments. Another option might be to add another tang at the same time, I've had that approach go both ways though.

 

[RJT]

Funny you mention that. I just left the lfs and they have a lot of fish that I was trying to decide on. Guess I will go to the store for an hour or so to decide today. They had 3 copperbands and 4 different types of tangs.

 

[Rea17]

What other types of tangs? I've had good luck with adding multiple fish to the DT at once, it helps take attention off individuals and I observe far less aggression. When I add fish I try to do it in batches for this reason.

 

[Milfordguy]

How long has your lavender tang been in the DT?

 

[RJT]

What other types of tangs? I've had good luck with adding multiple fish to the DT at once, it helps take attention off individuals and I observe far less aggression. When I add fish I try to do it in batches for this reason.

If I go the multiple tang route I will probably go with a kole along with the CBB.

 

[RJT]

How long has your lavender tang been in the DT?

Six months