Wanted Copperband butterfly fish

reefwars · #1 03-21-2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermadness

I know it can be done....but I think people under estimate the chances and how hard it can be. Not to be even attempted by the unexperienced IMO.

Just a question but has anyone on canreef been able to keep one for longer than a year?...or longer than 2 years?

i know of people who have had them for quite a few years , the chances are better on keeping one if you can get one thats lived in a aquarium for over a year.

still though i agree not to be attempted unless you have had experience with finiky fish or butterflys in particular.

ScubaSteve · #2 03-21-2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefwars

not to be attempted unless you have had experience with finiky fish or butterflys in particular.

I'll agree with that. The saying "Delicate as a butterfly" applies here.

mike31154 · #3 03-21-2011, 11:50 PM

LFS need to get with the program and stop bringing these in. I tried one as a newb and watched the poor guy starve to death. I know there are success stories, but too few to warrant the number that end up dieing.

whatcaneyedo · #4 03-22-2011, 12:43 AM

I got mine in July 2008 so I've had it for over two years. Even in my 5 year old 120gal I have to feed it at least twice a day to keep it from eating my coral.

reefermadness · #5 03-23-2011, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatcaneyedo

I got mine in July 2008 so I've had it for over two years. Even in my 5 year old 120gal I have to feed it at least twice a day to keep it from eating my coral.

Wow..that is good news....and he looks healthy, congrats.

I still wouldnt recommend them to anyone but the most dedicated and experienced.

Reef Pilot · #6 03-24-2011, 01:20 AM

I have 2 Copperbands, both eating well, including dry food. Here is how I got mine to eat.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=73021

I have now moved the larger one on the right to my big display tank. He now has to deal with other more aggressive tank mates at feeding time. So to make sure he gets enough, I use a turkey baster to get it right in front of him, so he can grab it before it gets gobbled up by other fish.

Treebeard · #7 03-24-2011, 01:39 AM

Great idea and thanks for posting this. I have had a copperband for about 4 weeks and he eats mysis and brine shimp like there is no tomorrow. He was getting hassled a bit by my yellow tang who has since found a new home but it was not affecting his food intake.
My concern is with the amount of frozen food I have been feeding. Prior to the copperband I only fed frozen twice a week, but now I am feeding everyday and I think my water quality is suffering. I will definitely give your method I try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I have 2 Copperbands, both eating well, including dry food. Here is how I got mine to eat.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=73021

I have now moved the larger one on the right to my big display tank. He now has to deal with other more aggressive tank mates at feeding time. So to make sure he gets enough, I use a turkey baster to get it right in front of him, so he can grab it before it gets gobbled up by other fish.