Copperband or filefish for aptasha

[Wick]

So I have a 125 gallon reef tank and finally had a aptasha pop up. My question is which fish to control this. Filefish or copperband? I like the look of the copperband more so even though the filefish adds character to the tank too imo. Maybe make a pole to see everyone's thoughts?

 

[User1]

So I have a 125 gallon reef tank and finally had a aptasha pop up. My question is which fish to control this. Filefish or copperband? I like the look of the copperband more so even though the filefish adds character to the tank too imo. Maybe make a pole to see everyone's thoughts?

May want to consider what sort of corals you have in your tank to include clams. This makes a bit of a difference to be honest. Both will work (usually) but there is risk.

I recently picked up a ORA captive raised Filefish from Pacific East Aquaculture for my troubles. Unfortunately it was super tiny, a youngster, and it kept going down the overflow. I was worried one of the pumps would get it so quickly set up a 5 gallon to house it in. Pulled a few small rocks with a Kenya tree on it for the filter and all is well. It is growing pretty quick. To test its appetite for Aptasia I've pulled a few rocks from my overflow since they have it and put it in with it. Clears them in about 2 days. So know for sure it eats them along with frozen and pellet.

I personally would have went with the Copperband but I have two clams that I do not want to risk.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Kleini Butterfly !! Pretty colors, very hardy, eats aptasia like candy and friendly - PLUS does not bother coral

 

[Wick]

The filefish correct? Yes that wouldn't be good if he got stuck!

 

[User1]

Kleini Butterfly !! Pretty colors, very hardy, eats aptasia like candy and friendly - PLUS does not bother coral

I do not doubt you but are you sure I was reading the last couple days and most say they are good consumers of it also. The only thing is most I read said not reef safe. They are pretty.

 

[Wick]

Oh man! I gotta check this out!

 

[Wick]

How long have you had em?

 

[eea60123]

I had a copperband that wouldn’t touch aptasia. Both can be somewhat risky in a reef, but my copperband was a model citizen. The problem I ran in to with him was my sailfin tang didn’t care for him. I’ve had trouble with multiple Zebramosa tangs with copperbands and a moorish idol. I think it was because of a similar body type, but that’s just speculation based on how they interacted with other fish. Mine was also very timid which made him more difficult (more feeding so he got some which meant better export removal). I also hate watching a fish get bullied and knowing it’s miserable.

 

[vetteguy53081]

How long have you had em?

Ive had the one in my cube over a year (he wiped out an infestation in 4 days) and the other about 5 months

 

[9secv6]

I have aptasia in my sump that was on some rock I got from a Lfs when I bought an bubble tip. would u guy bother it in the sump or

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have aptasia in my sump that was on some rock I got from a Lfs when I bought an bubble tip. would u guy bother it in the sump or

Eliminate them in sump as they’ll release more via your return pump and back to your display

 

[User1]

Eliminate them in sump as they’ll release more via your return pump and back to your display

This is so very true. It isn't just the display it is the whole system otherwise they just show back up.

 

[jd371]

I have both. The CBB I've had for 3 years now and has never touched any of the aptasia and is a model citizen and doesn't touch anything else also including a clam. Didn't buy him for aptasia control, just loved the fish.
The filefish was a recent addition. At first I thought it was a bust because there was no change in the aptasia numbers. But now I'm noticing that I don't see any aptasia out in the open and only see some deep in the rocks that he can't get to. The only corals that were targets of the filefish was an acan that I moved to another tank and a gorgonian that he picks at occasionally.

 

[Bob Weigant]

Both can be hit or miss

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I wouldn't add a fish if you've only had one pop up. You can make a paste out of kalkwasser and smear it over the anemone. He will be gone the next day. You could also try Aiptasia X or other products to eliminate them before adding a fish.

 

[tehmadreefer]

Copperband, but if you want guaranteed results, then berghia nudi's.

 

[BeejReef]

Filefish was a miss for me, but still cool looking. One of those fish when someone sees it, they know they're looking at a saltwater tank. Plus he changes patterns and colors. Def worth a $30 miss.

 

[tehmadreefer]

Filefish was a miss for me, but still cool looking. One of those fish when someone sees it, they know they're looking at a saltwater tank. Plus he changes patterns and colors. Def worth a $30 miss.

Yep I have one, def a miss lol but cool lol guy. My copper and was also a miss ha

 

[Wick]

I pulled the trigger and bought a file fish as well. 35 bucks about 3 inches?

 

[Wick]

Maybe 2? In qt right now and going to treat em with copper before adding to the tank