Fish Stocking Question

[Reef Pilot]

I had mine for just over 1.5 years, until this summer when I lost my Copperband and a Royal Gramma. I had some issues in my tank as a result of inadequate QT of some new fish and my being away a lot at that time. Fortunately all my other fish survived, and my tank is fully recovered now.

Yes, the Copperband is a harder fish to keep, but can be done very successfully. Mine was feeding well and was happy until he got sick. The trick is to get them to feed well on a variety of foods, and have the right tank mates. I think your original question of what fish to stock is a good one.

The Copperband does not compete well for food with other more aggressive fish. With mine, I had to feed frequently so he could get enough before the others gobbled it up. And with frozen food, I had to use a turkey baster to target feed, so he would get his share.

I originally got my Copperband to solve my aiptasia infestation. However, my Pearlescales did a much better job of that, and are a much easier butterfly fish to keep. And they also don't bother eat my corals.