pyramid butterfly

[roni]

thinking about getting a trio of these for my 180. any experiences in mixed reefs? have some acans, a nice hammer, and clams that i don't really want to have nipped but i've heard these guys are basically water column feeders. the tank also has a fair amount of flow.

basically looking for any experiences from people that have had them. other large water column inhabitants are three tangs, all fairly small).

 

[snorvich]

I have four of them. Well behaved, will eat anything I have put into the water column including frozen, pellets, flakes. No nipping that I am aware of. Very pretty fish. Recommended for larger tanks.

 

[tom obrecht]

Yep, I agree with snorvich. I had 3 in my last tank (400 gallon) and they are beautiful, out in the open great citizens.

 

[roni]

thanks guys. snorvich, how big a tank were yours in?

we're planning on an upgrade (who isn't) to a 300 in a couple years but don't want to crowd them right now.

is a 180 too small for 3?

 

[boilermaker1]

I have 2, a yellow and a Zoster (black pyramid) in my 180, and I'd say it depends how many other fish you have in there, and how big those other fish are. They're well behaved, and always swim, so lots of open room is a must. If they're the biggest fish in the tank, I think you're ok with 3 when small, but remember they're fairly "square" fish... they grow taller and longer as they go.
Also, just as an aside, make sure you treat with prazipro... they're known to have flukes.

 

[snorvich]

thanks guys. snorvich, how big a tank were yours in?

we're planning on an upgrade (who isn't) to a 300 in a couple years but don't want to crowd them right now.

is a 180 too small for 3?

Although mine are in an 8 foot tank, I think 180 is terrific for 3/4 of these. Longer is a better measure than gallonage (IMHO) for fish in general and tangs specifically.

 

[snorvich]

Also, just as an aside, make sure you treat with prazipro... they're known to have flukes.

I think you should treat all fish with prazipro.

 

[roni]

how are you treating with prazipro? i'm not in the habit of pre treating fish but haven't had these guys before. don't have a quarantine system setup big enough for these guys.

 

[Dejavu]

I have a pair and the have never picked at any corals. I agree with Steve, these fish need a lot of swimming room... the longer tank the better.

 

[roni]

thanks everyone. i think i'm sold. will see if my lfs can get some in.