Compatibility - GBTA vs. Copperband Butterfly

Here's the problem....

My tank has been established with my GBTA as the centerpiece, and has a pair of Maroon Clowns hosting.

I have noticed what I believe to be Aiptasia (wish I could post pics, but they're/it is very small and my camera is crap).

My understanding is Copperband Butterfly is basically a hunter/killer for Aiptasia, but the reading I've done also says they're a threat to Anemone's in general.

I've always wanted a Copperband, but I was scared that it might end up being a coral picker, or mess with my GBTA. I'm wondering if I should get one or not, if not for the general desire for one, but now for Aiptasia control as well.

My mind tells me that the GBTA should be relatively safe with the Clowns being protective of it.

Thoughts or opinions?

 

Throw in a handful of peppermint shrimp instead. The copperband is touch and go as to whether or not it will eat your aiptasia or your bubble tip so why take a chance. Also, they can be difficult to get to feed and may eat all of the beneficial worms in your system as well.

 

If it does eat the aiptasia it is very likely that it will also eat the bta once they are gone. Pepermint shrimp are also hit and miss.

I have heard very good things about a newish product called Aiptasia-X. Its cheap and prevents clones. Might give that a shot.

Good Luck!

 

i agree with ama on this one, toss in some peppermint shrimp, i usually buy them in batches of 3-6 depending on the tank size, i have only 1 in my nano and im trying to catch him and get him out now but that's another story

copperbands are 50/50 on wether or not they'll ever touch aitpasia, I've had 2 and been really lucky both times that they would, but their notorius as coral eaters too, they love to nip at anything that moves pretty much

they are gorgeous fish though

can also use some white vinager and a syringe to inject it straight into them, it'll kill'm good

 

If you ever add a copper band to a reef system you have to know its from Australia and not a simple Pacific Copper band with the common one its a chance and iffy that it will not peck corals and clams the Australians I have kept for yrs and never had any issues with them . And a bit easier to acclimate . they cost 4 to 5 times more on the wholesale level then the common Pacific's do so you have to trust the dealer..and or LFS as its very tempting forhtm to make the extra loot I have seen it done myself in a now out of business LFS .

 

Ok, I have heard the most popular answers in no particular order:

1. Peppermint shrimp (with possible risk)
2. Epoxy, Superglue, or Kalk (low risk, high pain in the ass)
3. Copperband (with possible risk).
4. Aiptasia-X (new product with limited feedback)

To be honest, the answer I LIKE the most is an Australian Copperband, however, sensibility tells me to continue research when there are that many diverse solutions.

If anyone has heard of GARF.org, they do a lot of coral propogation, and they said they use Copperbands to control Aiptasia, but did not specify whether or not they have other types of Anemones, or whether they actually use them in their coral tanks, or whether they were using "Australian" specifically. Maybe that was just FOWLR tanks GARF was referring to?

 

We use the copper bands at Aquatic Arts Technologies also. Have about at least 1 in every system and several in the larger ones.. All of the above methoeds will work to some extent the gules and all that crap is a PITA for sure and you mess up trying to inject them with hot water lemon juice Joes Juice they drop their tenticials then you just created that many more . Pepper mints will work on eating the smaller one's the aptiasia Juice is hit an miss and the Aussie. C/B can be a ***** to get accilmated but easier then others . I sent a C/B to a guy least Oct and he said all of his where gone in a month last I heard they where not back.. and the fish is doing great.

 

I'm chalking that up as two recommendations from reputable sources. I'm leaning in favor of the CCB so far, and coupled with the fact that is one of the first fish I wanted to get in the first place.

Regardless of the direction I go, thank you to everyone for the valuable input.