Custom sandbeds for wrasses

[CenlaReefer]

I noticed that I do much better at maintaining a reef tank going bare-bottom, yet I really like wrasses. What do you all think about using tupperware with sand in it for the wrasses to sleep in?

 

[Typlus5]

I have a small bowl with sand and rubble to contain mushrooms and my yellow corris wrasse prefers to sleep behind it...in theory it works if your wrasses comply.

 

[CenlaReefer]

Thanks! Anyone else have experience with this? I plan to use something rather large yet not too deep. I will put rock around it to hide the sleeping place.

 

[smileyjoe]

I don't see why it wouldn't work since tubberware with sand is used in qt for wrasses. I guess it just depends on how many wrasses you want and how big of a tubberware you want in your tank. My melanarus wrasse take refuge under a barnacle cluster in the sand. My cleaner wrasse takes refuge inside the same barnacle for nighttime.

 

[CenlaReefer]

I don't see why it wouldn't work since tubberware with sand is used in qt for wrasses. I guess it just depends on how many wrasses you want and how big of a tubberware you want in your tank.

Perhaps QT tanks are primarily where I have seen it done prior. I wonder if there is any downsides to the practice for years of the life of the fish.

 

[Mike F]

I personally don’t think it would be a problem, but if you are going BB, how much of a PITA is it going to be cleaning up the sand that comes out of the container. I look at it like a cat litter box. You will always be cleaning up substrate IMO.

 

[CenlaReefer]

I personally don’t think it would be a problem, but if you are going BB, how much of a PITA is it going to be cleaning up the sand that comes out of the container. I look at it like a cat litter box. You will always be cleaning up substrate IMO.

I know what you mean! I may do something large and deep that will have less spillage. I was surprised how much mess my Melanurus wrasse was after I brought it home. I regularly have to blow off my corals because they get covered in sand. Perhaps I will shoot for a quasi-bare bottom... just an ultra thin spread of sand on the bottom. I plan to change things up today and give it a try.

 

[sfg]

I’ve actually seen where someone was making wrasse “houses” out of rock. Basically a bowl made out of reef rock that you put sand in for wrasses.

 

[BluewaterLa]

I’ve actually seen where someone was making wrasse “houses” out of rock. Basically a bowl made out of reef rock that you put sand in for wrasses.

actually a pretty good way to disguise the sand hold using small rocks and rubble.
If you could get a hold of a ceramic bowl of the right type (non toxic) like a reptile water bowl and epoxy rock around it that would make it look natural

 

[BryanJr]

I noticed that I do much better at maintaining a reef tank going bare-bottom, yet I really like wrasses. What do you all think about using tupperware with sand in it for the wrasses to sleep in?

Some wrasses don’t require sand at all. Below is a good write up I’ve referenced in the past.
“Only these genera require sand; other genera sleep in a mucus cocoon in the rockwork or crevices: Anampses, Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, and Pseudojuloides.”

All About Reef Safe Wrasses in Aquaria

Introduction My name is Hunter and I am a wrasse addict. Admitting such is the first step to buying another wrasse, I think. Wrasses are not only my passion, but my niche in this hobby since 2010. My tank is full of them, and unfortunately...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Jkennedy]

custom made for my wrasse by AquaRocks fb page

 

[Humblefish]

I prefer to use Pyrex bowls because glass is inert and won't absorb anything like plastic.

 

[skydirt]

I’ve actually seen where someone was making wrasse “houses” out of rock. Basically a bowl made out of reef rock that you put sand in for wrasses.

I just did the same thing with rock towards the back of my tank. I made a island with two mangroves and a 6in deep sand bed. Its hard to see but the rest is bare bottm. I will get better pic tomorrow. Tank is new with some carry over from old frag tank

 

[CenlaReefer]

View attachment 20517custom made for my wrasse by AquaRocks fb page

That is so fine! I will plan to make something like that.

 

[CenlaReefer]

My next wrasse will be a fairy type (hopefully a Scott's wrasse if I can find one and get it QT'd professionally). I have to get the 90 gallon DT setup and cycled 1st. That Scott's wrasse makes a cocoon to sleep in.

I do LOVE the personality of my Melanurus wrasse and would like to keep it. It will need the sand bed. I just picked-up this deep glass bowl today. I plan to put it at the back wall of the 90 gallon tank. I am thinking of making a crescent-shaped rock structure in front of it. I will plan to build a 2nd piece (1/2 "cap") somewhat in imitation of that fine work of art shown by @Jkennedy. Pictures to follow!

 

[CenlaReefer]

I tried the glass bowl and filled it 3/4 full of sand. The wrasse did not like it. I made a more natural looking shallow bed using a piece of scrap glass for a bottom. The corners and sides are concrete that are reinforced with eggcate. I will use rock with coral around it to help it blend into the tank to look more natural. I decided to go against the 1/2 dome top since the Melanurus like to dive-in from above.

 

[CenlaReefer]

Here is the finished product. I am not crazy about this aquascape, yet I may leave it mostly like this until I can transition to the 90 gallon tank.

 

[Grabloids]

Looks like it turned out great bro!

 

[smileyjoe]

Blends right in Kevin. Awesome work man

 

[Humblefish]

Blends right in Kevin. Awesome work man

+1 I like how you incorporated that into the tank. Good job.