Butterfly Tank

[Big E]

I'm in the planning stages of creating a mixed Butterfly(BF) tank. There's little about care & compatability, so I realize I'll be treading in some unfamiliar waters. I've had experience with semilavartus & muellers which are pretty easy.

System--

Initially, standard 72" 180g----may move to a 96x24x20 to further reduce aggression.

Filtration---skimmer, UV, macro refugium, carbon

Here's a list of some of the BF that I'm considering. For the most part based on availability I'll be trying for juveniles & sub adults. I'm considering 8-12 BF for this system. I have no idea aabout compatability but I'm going by shape & color differences as a guideline. I've kept multiple angels together & doubt this will be any different.

Some will be pairs & some single individuals based on what little knowlege that is out there about species compatability.

Chaetodon--

1-decussatus--Vagabond
2-collare--Pakastan
2-declivis, burgess, tinkeri,mitratus
1-mertensii or xanthurus--pearlscale
2-punctatoasciatus--dot/dash
2-fremblii
1-sendentarius
1-wiebeli
1-melannotus
1-rafflesi
2-semilartus
1-guenther
2-miliaris

Obviously there is a lot more on the list than what I plan to put in the tank. This is just a list of species considerations. As far as I know there has been success at some level in keeping these.

All new fish will be qt & eating before being put in the main system. They will then be housed in an acrylic enclosure for a week or two inside the main system to acclimate.

Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated. Feel free to suggest other specimens. I'm not interested in racoons, saddlebacks, auriga, kein, copperbands or needlenose.

Thanks, Ed

[leebca]

Hi Ed.

A butterfly tank can be a breathtaking display!

Your list isn't clear to me -- why some are on the same line. For instance, the Declivis and Tinkers won't get along. They are close cousins. Likewise the Burgess and Mitratus will be at odds.

Ultimately, though you can pick them right, there is no guarantee that their personalities will get along. I've seen many times butterflies that should get along, don't. What are you planning on feeding the tank?

You mention the Mueller's being 'easy.' It isn't. How much experience have you had with butterflies in general?

[Big E]

Hi Lee,

Your list isn't clear to me -- why some are on the same line. For instance, the Declivis and Tinkers won't get along. They are close cousins. Likewise the Burgess and Mitratus will be at odds

They are listed in the same line because I meant only one pair from that species group. For example, I would just get a pair of tinkers & exclude the others. I assumed as you they are too closely related & will be at odds.

Ultimately, though you can pick them right, there is no guarantee that their personalities will get along. I've seen many times butterflies that should get along, don't.

Yes, that's a hurdle I'll have to meet when it happens. I've had problems with Semis in the past. From my experience, within a group they pair up & one pair becomes the dominant pair. I had two pairs & lost one Semi. Within a few weeks the existing pair bullied the lone semi. I separated them & a few months later added another smaller pair, so I then had 5. One of the new small ones paired up with the former loner, & he attacked the other new semi. I had to remove the "new" loner.
Also tank size had a lot to do with agression..............the larger the tank the less agression was shown by the dominant pair.

What are you planning on feeding the tank?

Scallops, clam, shrimp, mysis, krill ,formula one, formula two is what I have used in the past. I'll probably add to this list & offer as much variety as possible.

You mention the Mueller's being 'easy.' It isn't. How much experience have you had with butterflies in general?

Maybe I got lucky with the Muellers. I've had him for about 2 1/2 years. He ate mysis a few hours after I had him in qt. I also made sure he got his share....... I hand fed & spot fed the first year as he wasn't as fast as his tankmates. Today he as agressive as any eater I've ever had.

I've kept semis for about 8-9 years & tried collare about 7 years ago & lost them. They were sick from day one & only lasted a few weeks. I'm more prepared to treat & diagnose & there's alot more info available now.

From my research & experience , the collare are the toughest to keep from that list I have above, so I'm not trying to be a pioneer other than keeping multiple species together. I believe mixing the butterflies with be the toughest hurdle.

[leebca]

More than just markings, butterflies will often attack each other because they eat the same foods. I've had a lot of success mixing Atlantic and Pacific Butterflyfishes, since they don't seem to know/recognize each other.

Once a Burgess becomes acclimated, it will often rule the tank, even if added at the end. I've had a Burgess bully a Tinker twice its size.

Good luck with your project!

[Big E]

Thanks Lee,

Good info..........I think I'll steer clear of the Burgess in that case. Good idea on the Atlantic/Pacific mix.

Feel free to add any advice or experiences you like. I'd like to go into this with as much info as possible.