Deepwater Hawaiian Reef

[cudamaster13]

Yeah Bicolors can get large.

I would love to keep all Hawaiian endemic species, but that would be very difficult. I am just wanting to keep FISH that are found in HI.

Here is what I have to work with:


~Michael

dragon wrasse,and chevron tang are also found in hawaiian waters

 

[phishsauce]

I love the look of juvi bandits. They don't look too spectacular when they're full grown.
Definitely a very rare occasion to run into a juvi bandit, if they were ever sold.

 

[Big E]

The flames will be a perfect addition. I would add a small burrowing goby pair or something similar that stays near the bottom or in/arouond the rocks.

I'm not sure there are strictly deepwater choices of gobies?

As far as tinkers, I think it would take away from your angels. They have plenty of white also & the size would make the angels less spectacular. I'd want to focus on smaller fish accenting your main pair.

If I had a pair of tinkers I wouldn't want to add the bandits, if that makes my point more clear.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Ed- I understand completely. That is why it has been so difficult for me to decide on another "larger" fish. My bandits are such a stunning centerpiece that I would hate to take away from them.

I am dead set on the Flame Wrasses as I feel they will add that special contrast that I feel the bandits need. I am also leaning towards some sort of cardinalfish. I know that many of these are not necessarily deepwater, but many are found in more "shady" environments than other fish...

Does anyone know of any cardinals that tend to be found in deeper water in HI? Rufus?

~Michael

 

[huskerreef]

No deep water Hawaiin tank would be complete without a couple Bodianus Sanguines....where do I ship them?

 

[michael_cb_125]

I'll PM you my address.

~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

Here are a couple not so great shots of the tank.

~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

They sure do know how to beg.

~Michael

 

[albano]

Here are a couple not so great shots of the tank.

Whats your plan for a top/screening...if you're adding wrasses?

 

[skibum9884]

Yes, you'll certainly need a screen. My idea would be to contact Miracles or someone similar to make a very small "eurobrace" type of rim with clear netting like what BRS sells.

That's what I have Miracles making for me now. It should be ready to ship the end of the week, but it took quite a while as they're pretty busy.

 

[bradleyj]

I think I would add a screen top even if I weren't adding wrasses. Those bandits are way too nice to see them on the carpet. Flames or Hooded wrasses would look real nice in there.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Currently I have a sheet of eggcrate covering the tank at all times.
I am working on adding a very discrete screen with much smaller holes to keep any smaller fish I plan to add from jumping.

Dont worry, the only time the eggcrate comes off is during upkeep and when taking pictures or showing it off.

~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

David do you have any pictures of what this looks like? Also do you mind PM'ing me a the cost?

I am trying to make one myself, but if it does not turn out the way I want, I may go the Miracles route.

~Michael

 

[phishsauce]

I would recommend putting those screens from the local depot store, better than seeing your favorite wrasse carpet surf. I think the one I used is the deer net, it's the size of your standard egg crates.

 

[euod]

grammatonotus-macropthalmus- exactly what you've been looking for. Hope it's deep enough

 

[MCCOOL]

grammatonotus-macropthalmus- exactly what you've been looking for. Hope it's deep enough

What a cool fish!

 

[A_Z]

hi I love your tank and fish but aren't Bandit Angels obligate sponge eaters?

 

[michael_cb_125]

euod- that grammatonotus-macropthalmus is absolutely stunning! Maybe one day .


A Z- Thanks. In the wild they do feed primarily on sponge. That said, I have had mine for quite some time on a diet of mysis, pellet, and homemade reef food. They are fat and have been growing at a steady rate. I will have to double check but I am pretty sure that I have had them for a little over a year and a half. If you are able to obtain a small specimen it can be quite easy to convert them from their diet of sponge and tunicate to a captive diet. Larger adult specimens tend to be more set in their ways and can be difficult to wean onto captive diets.

~Michael

 

[A_Z]

euod- that grammatonotus-macropthalmus is absolutely stunning! Maybe one day .


A Z- Thanks. In the wild they do feed primarily on sponge. That said, I have had mine for quite some time on a diet of mysis, pellet, and homemade reef food. They are fat and have been growing at a steady rate. I will have to double check but I am pretty sure that I have had them for a little over a year and a half. If you are able to obtain a small specimen it can be quite easy to convert them from their diet of sponge and tunicate to a captive diet. Larger adult specimens tend to be more set in their ways and can be difficult to wean onto captive diets.

~Michael

Thanks for the reply, that is very interesting information. Unfortunately if it weren't for price of the specimens it probably would be more widely known.

 

[Daniel62]

Hi Michael,
Do you still have this tank? I have decided to do a Hawaiian biotope for my new 225. I was wondering if you had any pointers you could share on this subject? I am throwing around the idea of it being endemic, but I am not sure how hard that would be.

love the bandits, maybe some day.

Thanks
Daniel