Melanurus Substitute

[Trey]

Slowly building my fish inhabitants in the WB 180.5. Current residents are a (tiny) pair of occelaris and a Midas blenny. I have my next group on order to arrive Nov. 11 after quarantine. The plan is
Royal Gramma
Mccoskers flasher wrasse
Pink streak wrasse
Melanurus wrasse
Azure damsel x3
So here is the problem. This tank is a barebottom. I had fully intended to incorporate a small sandbox for the melanurus, but am having trouble finding a suitable area..
Are there any non sand dwelling wrasse that rival the Beaty of the melanurus that will also help control potential pests such as flatworms?
Thanks!

 

[nereefpat]

Are there any non sand dwelling wrasse that rival the Beaty of the melanurus that will also help control potential pests such as flatworms?
Thanks!

Yes, sixline and its relatives. Unfortunately, they are really aggressive towards other wrasses.

Halichoers, Coris, leopards are good pest eaters, but need sand. Fairies and flashers don't need sand, but they feed in the water column and won't eat pests.

 

[living_tribunal]

Of the halichoeres Labridae variety, I love my h.chrysus. They have so much utility too that I'd consider them a must for a tank. They'll smoke any flatworms, red bugs, nuissance amphipods, etc. Probably the best of the pack in that regard.

 

[nereefpat]

Of the halichoeres Labridae variety, I love my h.chrysus. They have so much utility too that I'd consider them a must for a tank. They'll smoke any flatworms, red bugs, nuissance amphipods, etc. Probably the best of the pack in that regard.

OP doesn't have sand.

So here is the problem. This tank is a barebottom. I had fully intended to incorporate a small sandbox for the melanurus, but am having trouble finding a suitable area..

 

[living_tribunal]

OP doesn't have sand.

Ah, well then goodluck!

 

[Backreefing]

Have you thought of useing a lizard water bowl for the sand ? They can look like rock.

 

[Trey]

Have you thought of useing a lizard water bowl for the sand ? They can look like rock.

i was going to build my own actually. I just don’t have anywhere to put it

 

[fishlover1478]

can you get a picture of the tank?

 

[Trey]

can you get a picture of the tank?

Just click my build thread

 

[OrionN]

You just going to have to incorporate the rock structure including the sand container (Redo the aquascape to include the sand bow) rather than add the sand container to the current aquascape.
minor distinction but this will really help incorporating the sand to the tank.

 

[aslmx]

Yes, sixline and its relatives. Unfortunately, they are really aggressive towards other wrasses.

Halichoers, Coris, leopards are good pest eaters, but need sand. Fairies and flashers don't need sand, but they feed in the water column and won't eat pests.

6 lines are the spawn of satan

 

[fishlover1478]

maybe add sand around the base in a Tupperware container surrounded by rock

or where ever you like more