Butterfly Fish Ok?

[JDs4me]

I am looking to add a few surface dwellers in my tank - present stock list in sig...

I would love to have a couple of butterfly fish in here, even though they are from a different continent, but wonder if they would tolerate my alkaline, hard water (pH 7.8, dgH 20). My temp of 24 is low-end acceptable I think?

 

[Gilli]

I am looking to add a few surface dwellers in my tank - present stock list in sig...

I would love to have a couple of butterfly fish in here, even though they are from a different continent, but wonder if they would tolerate my alkaline, hard water (pH 7.8, dgH 20). My temp of 24 is low-end acceptable I think?

Your temp is ok they can live in between 77-82F (or 25-27 C), your alkaline should be ok as they can range between 6- 7.5 ish, but your dgh is a little on the high side as they prefer 8-12.

Be aware that you cant keep fin nippers with them because of their long fins, nor any fish small enough to fit into their mouths as they will eat anything they can! Some say they are fussy eaters but I cant comment as ive never kept them. Also Any water movement should be kept to a minimum, and the aquarium should be dimly-lit with floating plants in order to diffuse the light further and allow them to exhibit its natural behaviour. I think they are more of a species tank which is why ive never tried to keep them.

 

[JDs4me]

Thanks Gilli...I see some parameters good and some not, so not going to go for them..also may not be so compatable with the Ilyodons; the research continues!