Blue spot Jawfish setup

[nicdu]

Hey there,

So I bought a BSJ with the intention putting him in my DT after QT. But after doing more research, reading other's experiences etc, I think I am going to keep him in his own separate setup that I'll keep in our bedroom, where the tank will stay nice and cool.

The DT gets to 80 in the summer, but in the QT he's in right now (which is in the bedroom) it has stayed between 72-76 (hooray for dual zone air conditioning!). I've heard they do better in cooler water, and he's so awesome I don't want to chance it in the DT.

So, I've been searching the web/this forum for build threads for a tank setup for a BSJ or a tank setup that caters to one. I am looking for inspiration, helpful hints, lessons learned etc. But I can't find what I am looking for. Does anyone know of any build threads out there??

And don't worry. My current QT is 100% covered in lighting grid with window screening cut to fit on top of that. It's been jump proof thus far (about 6 weeks), and I hope to make the DT the same. :lolspin:

 

[Neebles]

How much sand do you have in the tank? They need a deep sand bed to burrow in. Also if he is by himself, don't put tons of rock in there if you don't have to, they typically like to have a 360 degree view

 

[nicdu]

in my QT, I have 2 tupperwares with about 4" of sand which he glibly ignores. I also have PVC pieces everywhere, and he has chosen to make his 'burrow' in some PVC.

That's a good thought about a 360 degree view. I hadn't considered that. I was thinking of putting a 'main' rock structure in the middle of the tank, but maybe I won't so it doesn't block his view. He won't be totally by himself. Maybe a few other tank mates (tbd).

I don't have a tank for him yet, I am waiting for inspiration to strike I am thinking I'd like it to be about 40-50 gallons, but I am trying to find the right footprint. But it will definitely have at least 4" of sand.

 

[Ruu]

I've had quite a few jawfish, including a bluespot. Personally, I think a nice deep sandbed, lots of building material and not much else is good. When I have seen them in their natural habitat it was usually flat with good all around visibility, so that was what I would try to emulate.

Also, and this is important, if you have *any* open tank top it isn't a matter of if but when they will jump out. Make sure it is secure.

Dave

 

[snorvich]

I've had quite a few jawfish, including a bluespot. Personally, I think a nice deep sandbed, lots of building material and not much else is good. When I have seen them in their natural habitat it was usually flat with good all around visibility, so that was what I would try to emulate.

Also, and this is important, if you have *any* open tank top it isn't a matter of if but when they will jump out. Make sure it is secure.

Dave

This. Rock rubble is useful for building a home. Some people create PVC "homes" which they cover with sand. They are collected in the sea of cortez so cooler temperatures would be desirable.

 

[nicdu]

Alright, so I found the tank. An IM 38. Now I'd like to pick out the sand, but I am stumped. Do any jawfish experts have links to the type of sand they would select? I am also planning on buy dry rock, and smashing it up into rubble building size pieces.

Additionally, the circular PVC homes: Are they generally pretty successful? I was worried about lack water penetration(not really flow, b/c water doesn't flow through sand at an appreciable rate, but it is still porous and you can have water/nutrient exchange). Do you put holes in the PVC at all?

I am thinking about putting one in the tank for him, so he's not too stressed out about not having a 'burrow' right from the get go. And then he can build other burrows as he sees fit.

 

[alton]

http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/bluespot-club/

I like using Carib Super Reef along with small pieces of rubble. And you are correct they like having there own tank and after being well established can you then add non aggressive fish.

 

[nicdu]

Thank you for that sand rec! It's just what I was looking for.

 

[nicdu]

Thanks for all the tips. Little guy has been in the new tank for a week, and all good so far with the exception of one jumping incident. These little jerks can get through super small openings. The tank is in our bedroom, and luckily I heard the escape at 3AM. I found him, and plunked him back in the tank. He got through an opening no bigger that 1/4". So the lid has been redone, and no visible gaps remain. And now, he is very busy with burrow construction, which is so very cool to watch.