Long-nose butterfly in mixed reef?

[reefarchitect]

Does anyone have any firsthand experience with these in a reef tank? I have a true mixed reef, LPS, Leathers, Zoas, Clams and SPS. I am looking for aptasia control and shrimp are a no-go

Thanks.

 

[ReefWreak]

I know a lot of people who keep them in their mixed reefs. You just have to be careful with clams, and they might pick at LPS, but I don't know. Even if you wanted someone's opinion who has had experience keeping one, I've found that people have different experieneces with them, and it seems that like most aquarium animals, almost all of them act differently and can and will eat differently.

 

[Alicate]

Armando for aptasia control there is nothing that compares to copper bands BB, they will eat each one of them.

 

[reefarchitect]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11867956#post11867956 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rrigau
Armando for aptasia control there is nothing that compares to copper bands BB, they will eat each one of them.

I agree, but their long-term success in tanks has a documented history of being poor. I want to be a responsible reefkeeper and try something with better longevity.

I once read a post on RC by a guy who had 15 copperbandeds before one survived long-term. Very very sad.

 

[jessp]

what butterflies, other than a CBB eat aptasia?

 

[Rogger Castells]

the only one that I know is the Cooper band, and although I agree regarding their poor survivor rate I disagree about not been responsible reefkeeper if you use them, think about all the corals that will die if the aptasia overcomes the tank.

 

[ReefWreak]

Also if you can stomach it, I know some people who will drop in littleneck clams cracked open live just for the CBB to eat.

 

[reefarchitect]

My apologies if it sounded self righteous on my part. I have just personally been through three CBB and everytime one dies, I feel guilty about it. I overload the tank with food trying to get them to eat a variety, but always the same fate.

This last one, a few months back, seemed to be doing great except he would only eat mysis and a few at that. I tried everything I could think of to get him to eat, then one day - gone.

I have a friend who has a long-nose he does not want and I considered adding him to the tank. I thought they ate aptasia as well. I guess the search will continue for a larger CBB.

Thanks,

 

[Rogger Castells]

The LNB are super hardy but will not touch aptasia

 

[Bernie21]

Sorry to Thread jck, but... Are'nt butterflies Reef no-no's?? From everything I've read, it says to stay away with like only 1-2 exceptions including the CBB. Again Sorry!!