vermetid snails and Copperband Butterflies

[EricBa]

Anybody else have a problem with vermetid snails. I have a ton of them and my fish and corals are starting to object. Actually they don't care a bit, but I just don't like the way they look. My fish are swimming around with mucus on their faces and it wasn't that bad until I got a Purple tang. He is so dark and the mucus is white, so it really stands out.

In any case, I had read an article by Ron Shimek suggesting that Copperband butterflies eat them. I was hesitant however to get one because of all the corals that i have and that he may start munching on some.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Maybe we should start a NJ Reefers Fish rental. Rent out Copperbands for people with Aptaisia and vermetid snails. THen they can move on to the next home when they are done.

I guess I'm just kidding about this, but in hindsight would anybody be interested in a Copperband if I get one, go through the process of quarantine, etc and then he starts eating my corals polyps?


Eric

 

[Hawkeye]

vermetids are a pain in my tank too...I've convinced myself that in my next set of LR that I make sure no hitchers (good or bad) make it. Anyways - tagging along to see what others say.

I wonder if maybe a coral banded shrimp might help?

 

[calaxa]

I would be interested in a CBB if you needed to part with him after. However, I don't think the CBB is a reliable predator of vermetid snails. None of the biological controls are reliable (wrasses, CBB, etc.) Is manual removal and/or killing the infested LR an option?

 

[EricBa]

Thanks for the reply guys. Yes, I'm not sure that CBB's will be reliable in helping to rid my tank of the vermetid snails either. That is why I am thinking about alternatives. The problem is that I have so many in my tank that manual removal is not a good option and will only be temporary. If I decide about the Copperband and it doesn't work out, I'll keep you in mind.

Anyone know of a CBB that someone wants to sell?

Eric