Butterflies in a Reef ???

[Peppie]

Is there a butterfly fish that is some what safe to place in a soft coral reef tank?
From the limited research I have done in the past few days it seems most all will eat corals.
I have come across a couple that say they may be a better bet in a reef tank.

Anybody out there with real experience keeping a butterfly fish in their reef tank?
If so what type?
I have a 80gal DT. Is that large enough?
Is it best to get them as young as possible?
Will our favorite Fish store (BR) special order fish?

 

[Krish]

Peppie, I looked up butterfly fish on my ipad using that aquarium handbook app I have and came across 1 of about 30 species of butterflies that are reef safe. It is called a Pyramid Butterfly fish (Hemitaurichthys Polylepis) who's care level is easy/moderate and has a semi peaceful temperment. All other butterfly fish come up not reef safe. HTH

 

[TJL]

Hey Dave, yes the Pyramids seem to be about the only totally reef safe B-fly but several others like the Lemon, Auriga, Longnose are also primarily Planktivores with a little algae and detritus on thier menu. Especially if you get them young enough to train on prepared foods. I am risking it a little bit now and will be introducing five B-fly's into my new Hawaiian Fish 125g an Auriga, Lemon, Longnose, Kleinii and Raccoon. Hopefully the Raccoon and Kleinii will not develope a taste for my Acans and Favias fingers crossed

Cheers, Todd

 

[Peppie]

Thanks Guys.
I did some research on the pyramid butterfly, It seems to need some swimming space. Suggested 100gal min. My tank is only 32'' long.
I wouldnt feel right putting it in a space not large enough for it to be healthy and happy. Bummer the butterfly fish are some of the best looking fish IMO.
Maybe I should build a large FO tank. lol

I think I need to reconsider my next fish.

 

[NC2WA]

Peppie,

Pyramids are great....I have 3 yellow pyramids, 2 of which are from WPH; but the tinkeri and declevis are plankton eaters, and should be reef safe....however they are expensive and are from deep waters...just make sure you get a LFS or vendor you trust as these fish need to be decompressed properly.

If you want to see them swim in action, check out the WebCam link under my signature...lights to the tank are on around 11am PST

 

[Peppie]

Thanks NC2WA
I am still up in the air about the Pyramid, Tank size is a concern for me.
As for the other two. I have a real hard time spending more than $60 to $80 on a fish that just might not make it if I do something stupid. Let alone a $100+++++

 

[TJL]

Hey Dave, if you can find a Tinker B-fly for only a $100 or a little more buy two! (one for me) Seriously though, several of the Butterfly's are not a real problem with most of the Softy & SPS corals. So... you should go for it man, I'll let you know first hand in the next few months which of mine behave the best...or not. This time around I figure to go with fish first, then place corals to match/fit. Its been about twenty years or so since I had B-fly's in my tank and seriously considering going strictly Hawaiian fish in this system as well.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Peppie]

Thanks Todd,
You are responsible for this BF fish hunt. I stopped by Eric and Beccas place to help with a temp. light mount and seen his new fishes. I ask Eric if they were reef safe? He said " I dont know we well see" That got me thinking.
Have you already bought your BF fish? Were are you housing them? Is your new tank running without your leds?

Have you came up with a salmon fishing date yet. I have long weekends Fri, Sat, Sun.

 

[TJL]

My new B-fly's are all in my 50g QT at the moment along with 4 Bicolor Anthias, 2 sm Tangs, Fishers Angel, Fourline Wrasse, Blenny and a Goby I caught/brought back from Hawaii. Lots of water changes! New tank not quite yet but purchased the tile, have all the carpet out, fireplace brick torn down AND the last four 2nd story windows replaced by end of today! DJ (just4fun) has my LED light rails up North to do the TIG welding so hopefully soon I can start the canopy build and wrap this year long project up. I think only Alex has ever taken this long on a reetank project. I'll pm or call you about fishing plans (Snohomish is full of Silvers now)

Cheers, Todd

 

[NC2WA]

peppie,

The 2 yellow pyramids I got from Les were less than $100 shipped to my door (minus FB and return customer discounts)...these butterflies are colorful and dont bother any corals...something I would talk to Les about for sure...

 

[Peppie]

NC2WA,
I'm sorry I dont know who Les is.
Were you able to get them delivered on a Fri, or Sat?
I would like to contact Les about this . Can you hook me up?

 

[eww]

Les at Wet Pets Hawaii. Thats where our fish came from and who Todd was over there with.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[NC2WA]

peppie,

Eric is correct. Les is from WPH who is one of our sponsor...the yellow pyramid butterflies come from hawaii..

the best way to get in touch with Les is either texting him or send a message to his FB page.

Both contact are on his home page;

https://www.wetpetshawaii.com/store//

If I can help further, let me know.
Kirk

 

[Peppie]

Thanks Eric.
Did you not go to the game today?