Considering a pest tank, suggestions?

T

TheEndIsNeigh

New member
Hey!

I've been rather inspired lately by the idea of a pest tank and would like to start one myself. I like the prospect for many reasons. This is my favorite that I've seen: http://youtu.be/HDen3S53wvo

I actually really like Xenia, and the red/green majano anemones. Caulerpa can be rather pretty, and I just LOVE those crabs he has.

I think I can handle the tank setup just fine, but I'm curious as to how difficult it might be to get ahold of the livestock? I'm in the downtown Columbus OH area. The nearest place is called aquarium adventure, and Last time I asked about bristleworms the guy wasn't so sure he woul even be able to track those down. Could be worth a second shot. They don't just sell pests and pretty nuisance crabs online anywhere I see, so what sorts of things should I do to get ahold of the livestock? I like a lot of the stuff that goes Into these tanks, and I'm open to suggestions and expiriments. Obviously don't want to spend an arm and both legs.

- B
 
I have a LFS that is well stocked with aptasia, bristle worms, brown Zoas and several species of algae. If you're in my area send me a PM & I'll see if the owner can set you up.
 
Had somebody who wanted to order 100+ pieces of aiptasia... just couldn't find enough for him haha
 
nuxx said:
Had somebody who wanted to order 100+ pieces of aiptasia... just couldn't find enough for him haha
Click to expand...




Seems like Maryland is quite the drive from southern OH. :P

Maybe people will ship them? Not sure how many LFS are prepared to ship things
 
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I just called my LFS, and while they have live rock, they only keep like 80 pounds of it at a time in a visible tank. Any time I've been there the only visible things are pods and hair algae. No guarantee on fun hitchhikers, just a rock.
 
I know what store you're referring to, up to a year ago I lived off Sawmill and Hard in the Heathermoor complex. I have my opinions about AqAd.

I would look in to the reef recharge packs like the Bag o Bugs from GARF or, better, IPSF (they have a LOT of cool stuff), live rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater, and the other stores in the Cbus area like Phishy Business.
 
You need a large bobbit worm.

That's what I want in a tank by itself. A 4 foot bobbit worm.
 
Interesting idea.. I currently have a 24 gallon with a stone crab in it.. maybe I should put a couple of rocks in there and grow some xenia, green star polyps, brown zoas..
 
toothybugs said:
I know what store you're referring to, up to a year ago I lived off Sawmill and Hard in the Heathermoor complex. I have my opinions about AqAd.

I would look in to the reef recharge packs like the Bag o Bugs from GARF or, better, IPSF (they have a LOT of cool stuff), live rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater, and the other stores in the Cbus area like Phishy Business.
Click to expand...

I'll look into those!

Also, didn't phishy business go out of business? Not sure where I got that assumption from.
 
One day I will have a tank with a huge bobbit worm to scare the crap out of people. The convo will go something like this:

Friend: I had pirhannas back in the day. Have you seen the teeth on those? Say, why do you have a aquarium with just a bunch of sand in it? why is there a "do not place hands in tank" sign on it!

Me: hehe, grab that side of perch from the fridge, hold my beer and watch this!

Friend: SWEET LORD IN HEAVEN!
 
TheEndIsNeigh said:
I'll look into those!

Also, didn't phishy business go out of business? Not sure where I got that assumption from.
Click to expand...

Maybe, it's been a while since I looked around the Columbus area for fish stuff. As of today it's been a solid 2 years since, so, maybe. But regardless you will be able to find what you are looking for online. Or through reef forums, here or Facebook.
 
I'm sure TampaBaySaltwater.com can help you out in the critter department, at least on the Mantises and gorilla crabs. If you have a local reef club you're bound to find lots of people who will donate the items you're looking for.

I've heard you can collect aiptasia by placing a capped length of pvc pipe with a small hole in the cap over one and it'll climb up the pipe to reach the light from the hole.
 
Shawn O said:
I'm sure TampaBaySaltwater.com can help you out in the critter department, at least on the Mantises and gorilla crabs. If you have a local reef club you're bound to find lots of people who will donate the items you're looking for.

I've heard you can collect aiptasia by placing a capped length of pvc pipe with a small hole in the cap over one and it'll climb up the pipe to reach the light from the hole.
Click to expand...

Both great suggestions! I'll keep those in mind. Especially that link.

I'll look further into a reef club. I figured OSU would have something like that but Google didn't initially dig up something of the sorts.
 
I have a good sized stone crab and about 9 gorillas in my sump.

Haven't seen th gorillas in a while, but I'd did have the unfortunate pleasure of having the Stoney scare the bejesus out of me when I was moving rock around the other day.

All yours if you want them.

I just counted 4 more gorillas in my DT that I need to evict.
 
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