[michaelparas]

Hi,

I am from Manila and our marine supplies here are limited. I bought a microalgae thing from the fish store and so far the instructions are simple. just attach a small piece to a rock via clippers for aquarium (no clippers in this part of the world) or rubber band (looks like this is the way to go for me). anyhows my questions are, will my butterfly fish eat this and is he supposed to finish this? and for how long? and if he does not finish it, how long before i take it out? any other things i need to know about this one?

Thanks!

[weez1959]

I think what you are refering to is Macroalgae in sheets. If this is what you're talking about, usually you cut a small piece and attach it to the side of the tank with a clip that or you can use a small rock and attach it with a rubberband. At first you can add a 5X8cm piece and give him about 2-3 hours with it. from there you can tell how much he will eat. It could take a few days for him to try it. I never have to take mine out because my fish is a pig!

[weez1959]

Did you buy the tank you mentioned in the previous post?, do you have any pics yet? We are all nosy when it comes to tank pics

[leebca]

Most species of Butterflyfishes are carnivores. They won't eat the macroalgae you have purchased.

A few species do pick at it. In a community aquarium (containing herbivores) the Butterflyfishes will often nibble at the algae, but I think some of this is that they think they are missing out on a meal, so they indulge themselves. But if those same Butterflyfishes were in an aquarium where its tank mates are carnivores, it probably wouldn't touch algae.

If you want specific guidance, you'll need to list the type of Butterflyfish(es) you have. Preferably, list their common AND scientific name so there is no misunderstanding. I own two Butterflyfishes that do eat the macro algae along with my herbivore marine fishes, but the other 10 won't touch it.

IF your Butterflyfish is supposed to/will eat macro algae, then the other answers Louise provided is good advice.

[weez1959]

Originally Posted by leebca

IF your Butterflyfish is supposed to/will eat macro algae, then the other answers Louise provided is good advice.

I've never owned a Butterfly so I'm not familiar with thier feeding habits but I figured since the Ocean Nutrition green marine algae package says "some butterfly fish" in the feeding descrption I was OK

[leebca]

Believing the packaging advice? :slap: That's another thread.

[weez1959]

hehehe, you're right, I forgot,