Butterfly tank

[lion king]

I've found myself with a 85g tank; 48" long. I've always been interested in keeping butterfly fish but have never had an appropriate tank. Any butterfly experts out there: if I were to do an all butterfly tank could I get some recommendations.

I like the dot and dash(Chaetodon pelewensis), I like the racoon but think an 85 might be too small. LA recommends most of the butterflys in a 125, if that's the case I really wouldn't have alot of choices. I also like the pearlscale(Chaetodon xanthrusus), but don't know anything about them; do they live at all.

It's just a thought; it would be great to have about 5 or so that would get along and survive. I can get these large zoa combo rocks for cheap I could let them graze on, if that helps, Thanks

 

[eatbreakfast]

The 3 species you mentioned are some of the hardier butterflies and usually take well to food.

An 85g is fine for a raccoon.

5 may be pushing it in a 48" tank. I would say maxing out at 4 butterflies, as that gives each of them a foot of grazing at any moment.

 

[lion king]

Thanks eb, I was hoping you would chime in, I forgot to # you.

I've been doing more serious research and found some recommend they like being in pairs and a busy tank. I also like the Pakastani, but thought they might be too delicate, I'm now finding they may be hardier than the pearlscale.

Just thoughts, what about a pair of dot and dash, a pair of pakastani, and a racoon. That certainly would make a beautiful mix.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

This is an interesting concept for a species tank, I was interested in keeping a foureye butterfly one day since they're native to Florida so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Thanks eb, I was hoping you would chime in, I forgot to # you.

I've been doing more serious research and found some recommend they like being in pairs and a busy tank. I also like the Pakastani, but thought they might be too delicate, I'm now finding they may be hardier than the pearlscale.

Just thoughts, what about a pair of dot and dash, a pair of pakastani, and a racoon. That certainly would make a beautiful mix.

To me 5 is still a little much for that size tank. Maybe one pr and two other specimens, or just 2 prs.