Copperband butterfly + clams?

[Michael-IMARCS]

I have a ~800L system with a huge aiptasia outbreak, and I'm wondering if I may have to resort to a copperband butterly if the latest batch of peppermint shrimp can't eliminate them. However, I have about 18 clams in the system also - will the CBB go after the aiptasia before the clams? I'm fine with re-homing it after they're eliminated (or at least reduced to where the peppermint shrimp can keep them under control). Thanks for any info!

 

[Miami Reef]

Following.

 

[Michael-IMARCS]

I guess clams aren't too popular nowadays so no info :face-with-open-mouth:

 

[LOVEROCK]

Put in a clam after my cb wiped out about 600 aip , so far it hasn’t bothered it

 

[ReefLaw]

I just bought a maxima clam for my 450L reef with a copperband. My copperband found it within a 4 hours and starting picking at the foot. Clam has been relocated. I think it’s going to be a risk but either be ready to move the copperband or the clams. At least with that many clams, you would have a lot of time to make a choice if it goes poorly

 

[Michael-IMARCS]

I just bought a maxima clam for my 450L reef with a copperband. My copperband found it within a 4 hours and starting picking at the foot. Clam has been relocated. I think it’s going to be a risk but either be ready to move the copperband or the clams. At least with that many clams, you would have a lot of time to make a choice if it goes poorly

ok thanks, and most of mine are big (18-24cm) and well established so let's see how it goes!

 

[ReefLaw]

I would go for it and just closely monitor. I forgot to mention my clam was only 3 inches. Copperband will decimate your aptasia so it’s probably worth it

 

[GarrettT]

Copperband has no reaction to my Maxima clam. Going on about a year now.

 

[DaJMasta]

I've got a decent sized derasa clam in my system that my CBB hasn't touched, but it picks at some of the hitchhiker jewelbox clams and has eaten a wing oyster and flame scallop. The CBBs I've kept have tended to be pretty particular about food, so, at the very least, you'll probably know in a couple of weeks whether it will be fine in the long term. My current one also likes acans and feather dusters, though my last one never bothered the LPS.

 

[chipchipbro]

My copperband never touches my maxima.
He once did pick at the clam by accident, but after that never showed interest again.

He wiped out my aiptasia in about 1-2 weeks.
First I thought he doesnt touch aiptasia, but boy I was wrong :)
He just destroyed all the feather dusters first wow.

Go for it! they are easy to catch

 

[LOVEROCK]

Since we are talking about clams and my last addition is my first one , I was curious if it was okay that it is on a flat rock , I got a clam cradle , but it had already began to attach within 2 days , and I didn’t wanna risk stressing it out anymore , just a broken piece of macro rock

 

[k2-]

My 2 cent - don’t do it - how about a file fish ? They eat aptasia like a champ but not sure about clams.

Latest search suggests it might be a good idea with clams - here is reference for more info

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/experience-with-tomentosus-filefish-and-clams.655968/