Copperband Butterfly Feeding Device Success

[fishbox]

I have seen similar devices used to feed Copperband Butterflies both here on R2R and on YouTube. So I decided to give it a shot and so far it's been a success. The device is just a piece of 3/4" PVC about 4" long with a bunch of holes in it.
Here's a video of her taking interest on day two. Today she is fully picking out of this device like every 15min. I just can't seem to get video of it lol.

 

[fishbox]

Ohh, and how long would it be ok to leave the device in the tank with uneaten food in it? I want to make sure she eats but don't wanna fowl my tank

 

[fishbox]

 

[mtraylor]

I see no one chimed in so I will. I didn't watch the video and have no idea why you would need what you made for feeding. But I have had my copper banded butterfly for years. They are picky eaters in the beginning. If you have some aptasia they will be happy. A mature reef where they can get nice morsels is a must IMO. Mine loves Mysis shrimp. I turn off my pumps during feeding so everyone gets there feel.

Get rid of the device and turn off the circulation pumps when feeding would be my advice. Good luck.

 

[fishbox]

LOL thanks for your participation. The device is mainly so that he can get food before competition gets it. He's the only guy in my tank that can get his snout into the little holes to get the food.

 

[ndrwater]

Those feeding tubes are a very good idea in a tank full of voracious eaters. Getting copperbands eating isnthe hard part. Once they do, you may not need the pipe. That said, if you wanted to offer a special treat to your CBB, then the pipe trick is a great way to do so.
I might also suggest live black worms if you have a LFS near you that offers them for sale. I feel black worms almost daily, and my CBB is front of the line in a tank with very hungry happy fish.
Keeping CBB's fat and happy is the key to long term success whatever you decide to feed them.
Best of luck!!

 

[fishbox]

I've been filling the tube with LRS Reef Frenzy (the one with black worms) and I rubber band a small frozen clam to it. She has been nibbling at both. She shows no interest in food floating in the tank or anything that's settled on the rocks or sand (at least not yet). So far the device is the only reason she's eating. So I'm cool with it. My concern is how long should I leave the food in there? She doesn't seem to sit and eat all in one setting. She'll take a few nibbles, go do a few laps and socializes for a bit, then comes back for more. It's more like nibbling every 15-30 min lol

 

[fishbox]

Ohh and no black worms locally at all

 

[tsav87]

Give Masstick by easy reef a try! You can get in on Amazon.

 

[fishbox]

Got some in route.

 

[tsav87]

My lemon peel loves it.

 

[ndrwater]

I've been filling the tube with LRS Reef Frenzy (the one with black worms) and I rubber band a small frozen clam to it. She has been nibbling at both. She shows no interest in food floating in the tank or anything that's settled on the rocks or sand (at least not yet). So far the device is the only reason she's eating. So I'm cool with it. My concern is how long should I leave the food in there? She doesn't seem to sit and eat all in one setting. She'll take a few nibbles, go do a few laps and socializes for a bit, then comes back for more. It's more like nibbling every 15-30 min lol

As long as you are emptying it every day, you should be fine. Now that said, some old food could add to Ammonia in the tank, but removal of yesterday's food today for freeshie shouldn't be that much of a problem.

 

[fishbox]

As long as you are emptying it every day, you should be fine. Now that said, some old food could add to Ammonia in the tank, but removal of yesterday's food today for freeshie shouldn't be that much of a problem.

Yes I been emptying it every night and replacing the food the next day.

 

[fishbox]

My lemon peel loves it.

That's awesome

 

[fishbox]

Give Masstick by easy reef a try! You can get in on Amazon.

Mine just came in today. Did it take a day or two. Put some on the glass about 2hrs ago and not one fish has taken interest at all.

 

[tsav87]

My clowns took to it instantly but the angel took a few hours. But it did trigger a feeding response from everything right off the bat. Just took some fish longer to find it.

Try putting it where the pump's flow bounces off the glass. That way the smell gets circulated around the tank.

 

[seastar]

Really great idea! I want a copperband so badly and might just give this a try. As other's said, I might pull it after a bit or at min daily before things start breaking down.

 

[fishbox]

Really great idea! I want a copperband so badly and might just give this a try. As other's said, I might pull it after a bit or at min daily before things start breaking down.

I can't take credit as others have done it but I hope it works for you. Just do a search on Copperband Butterfly feeding devices and you'll find more info

 

[fishbox]

Finally was able to get a quick vid of her actually eating out of it today. I originally had the device in the back of the tank where she's been hanging out being shy. Today I put it in the front and she didn't even wait for me to set it down before getting all up in the mix. So now she's hanging out in front with the crew. Notice how no-one else is bothering her while she eats. They just sit back and wait for the left overs to float by.

 

[drtrash]

Hit and miss have the holey tube cbb not eating with it, mastik nope, using black worms to train on mysis but not working yet