Species Only Tank or Macro Algae Tank

[downonthereef]

Hello,

I am going to repurpose my Fluval EVO 13.5, I was going to either have a species only tank i.e frogfish or a macro algae tank. I’m undecisive at the mo, anybody who has done either of these I would like to know your thoughts, also, let me know cool species that can be kept on their own, I like the idea of seahorses or frogfish

 

[Spare time]

Why not both a macro algae and species only tank?

I had a peacock mantis shrimp with macro algae in that tank. That was fun

 

[downonthereef]

Why not both a macro algae and species only tank?

I had a peacock mantis shrimp with macro algae in that tank. That was fun

You see, I LOOOOOOOOVE the mantis shrimp, but i'm scared he'll break the 6mm glass, then I'd have to fight off a mantis shrimp whilst trying to clean up 50 litres of water. it's deffo on the list tho!

 

[Spare time]

You see, I LOOOOOOOOVE the mantis shrimp, but i'm scared he'll break the 6mm glass, then I'd have to fight off a mantis shrimp whilst trying to clean up 50 litres of water. it's deffo on the list tho!

Honestly I really don't think they will do that unless you put food on the otherside and tease them lol

There are also the spearing ones but those seem less common

 

[downonthereef]

Honestly I really don't think they will do that unless you put food on the otherside and tease them lol

There are also the spearing ones but those seem less common

So really, just don't look at it aha. I have seen there are spearing ones, will the punching ones, not punch as often if they are feed softer foods, i.e void crabs etc or does it not make a difference, have you got any experience with seahorses or cuttlefish?

 

[Spare time]

So really, just don't look at it aha. I have seen there are spearing ones, will the punching ones, not punch as often if they are feed softer foods, i.e void crabs etc or does it not make a difference, have you got any experience with seahorses or cuttlefish?

The punching ones can be fed half shelled clams still frozen. I would use tongs and let it punch it so its muscle didn't waste. Mussels from the store might be fun. Again I have never heard of one breaking glass.

Erectus seahorses are fun. I know someone who likes cuttlefish. The only advice I have for cuttlefish is to dose strontium (randy mentioned it). I can get back to you on cuddlefish if you remind me saturday when I ask my friend what all he did for his cuttlefish.

 

[downonthereef]

Perfect, much appreciated. I mean the tank is still dry at the moment so you don't need to go too much out of your way! If you remember to ask him then I'll be open ears! How come strontium gets dosed? Or is that what you need to ask him?

 

[Tired]

Punching mantises can only break glass if they're very large, far larger than you would want to put in a 13gal. Most tank breakages occur because a very large mantis was trying to burrow, met the tank bottom, and repeatedly smashed it trying to clear away. Your tank might be acrylic anyway, which can't be punched and shattered by any shrimp. A 13gal should only have a small mantis- they're dirty eaters that need very clean water, and need plenty of space to move. 13gal is probably too small for frogfish, unless you can find one that tops out at 3" or so.

 

[downonthereef]

Punching mantises can only break glass if they're very large, far larger than you would want to put in a 13gal. Most tank breakages occur because a very large mantis was trying to burrow, met the tank bottom, and repeatedly smashed it trying to clear away. Your tank might be acrylic anyway, which can't be punched and shattered by any shrimp. A 13gal should only have a small mantis- they're dirty eaters that need very clean water, and need plenty of space to move. 13gal is probably too small for frogfish, unless you can find one that tops out at 3" or so.

The Mantis Shrimp is probably bottom of the list anyway, I have seen this certain species of Frogfish gets to about 6 inches, but I have also seen that they don't really move much, so I thought the EVO 13.5 should be okay for one, I have been looking at Mangrove tanks as well and imo the EVO 13.5 would be perfect.

 

[Spare time]

Perfect, much appreciated. I mean the tank is still dry at the moment so you don't need to go too much out of your way! If you remember to ask him then I'll be open ears! How come strontium gets dosed? Or is that what you need to ask him?

They use strontium in their bones I think. Check out Randy Holmes Farley Strontium.

 

[Spare time]

The Mantis Shrimp is probably bottom of the list anyway, I have seen this certain species of Frogfish gets to about 6 inches, but I have also seen that they don't really move much, so I thought the EVO 13.5 should be okay for one, I have been looking at Mangrove tanks as well and imo the EVO 13.5 would be perfect.

The Mantis Shrimp is probably bottom of the list anyway, I have seen this certain species of Frogfish gets to about 6 inches, but I have also seen that they don't really move much, so I thought the EVO 13.5 should be okay for one, I have been looking at Mangrove tanks as well and imo the EVO 13.5 would be perfect.

Mangrove would be cool (Though obviously you would need to take the lid off). You could also do a sponge tank. I really want a sponge tank for some strange reason haha.

I've also seen someone do a sexy shrimp and mini maxi or rockflower anemone tank.

 

[Tired]

Frogfish are messy fish. A 6" frogfish is way too much bioload for a tank that size. It might have a little trouble turning around depending on the rockwork, too. That's a pretty narrow tank.

You could try a rooster waspfish, maybe. A small scorpionfish relative, mildly venomous. Or one or two coral crouchers- also scorpionfish relatives.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Frogfish are messy fish. A 6" frogfish is way too much bioload for a tank that size. It might have a little trouble turning around depending on the rockwork, too. That's a pretty narrow tank.

You could try a rooster waspfish, maybe. A small scorpionfish relative, mildly venomous. Or one or two coral crouchers- also scorpionfish relatives.

A fully grown wartskin angler would have absolutely no issues in that size tank.

My vote is wartskin angler with macro algae and red mangroves!