Copperband BF feeding techniques

[eskymick]

I've had a Copperband butterfly in quarantine for more than two months. I'm ready to move him to the display tank.

The Copperband is a very good eater. I feed him several times a day, and he eats mysis, live black worms, and gut loaded live brine ... all with gusto. However, even though he eats well (and lots) he's a somewhat deliberate feeder. My display has a collection of fairly mild-mannered fish (Blue Jaw trigger pair, Asfur Angel, Bartlett Anthias, pair of Occilaris clowns, and a Bi-color Blenny), but they are all VORACIOUS eaters. The food hardly hits the water and it's gone!!

Can anyone suggest techniques to feeding the Copperband in the display that will insure he gets his fair share?
Perhaps some of you already have this experience.

[glenns]

You can try setting up a feeding station for him. Train him to use it in QT first then move to the main tank. A cone feeder with holes big enough for him to get in but not other fish may work. Place the food in the tank and the cone at the same time.

[eskymick]

Great idea, glenns. What would one use to make such a feeding station?

[glenns]

Many LFS sell cone feeders. I believe Lee's makes one called worm feeders. I had to cut holes big enough for his snout.

[eskymick]

Ok, thanks, Glenn.

[Dakota Reef]

Eskymick,

Here's what I use to feed my Long Nose Butterfly. It has worked well to allow him first crack at the food and has helped me keep him for over four years now. I feed a cube of frozen formula food or frozen mysis with it.





Its actually the intake tube from a Powersweep powerhead that I had laying around. A couple more pics in my gallery.

Good Luck!!