Harlequin Tusk in a Bare bottom?

[jnc914]

Like the heading states, can I keep a Tusk in my mixed reef with a bare bottom? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[LukFox]

I don't see why not. They don't burrow in the sand to sleep- they do like their caves though. I assume you're already aware how they are with motile inverts, smaller fish, and all that which are usually found in mixed reef set ups. Just exercise caution.

 

[jnc914]

Thanks for the input. I don't have too many motile inverts left since i went bare bottom, ay a few hermits for the Tusk to snack on. No small fish to worry about either. What are you primarily feeding your tusk? I plan on feeding a varied diet of clams, mussels, small silversides, and the usual mix of PE Mysis and so forth. Did i miss anything?

 

[LukFox]

Sounds like you have everything. You should have a very healthy tusk with that diet. Mine primarily eats a mix of fish, prawns, squid, and the occasional clam, though he sure enjoys his nori for whatever reason. He eats as many NLS pellets as he can, but he's kind of clumsy with his big mouth going after the small pellets. The tangs usually get most of the pellets for that reason.

 

[LisaD]

I had mine in a BB tank for over 3 years.

 

[mrwilson]

Harlequin tusks are really striking fish. I read not long ago that if get one on the smaller side (less than 3" or so), you have a chance of being able to keep one with larger hermits and snails, if the inverts are already in the tank and if you keep the tusk well fed. Anybody ever try to keep one in a mixed reef?

 

[thor32766]

yeah shouldnt have any problems, back when i had one he would lodge himself between rocks like a trigger.

 

[jnc914]

For those that have had experience with them, how many feedings was necessary to keep them happy. i feed heavy twice a day and have good filtration to keep up with it. I was told by a fellow hobbyist that they need 3 feedings. Is that about accurate?
I was also told they are the same as any other wrasse when it comes to jumping and carpet surfing, so i am making acrylic lids for my tank openings.

 

[AquaKnight]

Thor, mine would do the same thing, park himself in the rocks. He actually would sit straight up and down between the rocks and glass, wedging his back against the rocks and holding up with his fins against the glass. He was tank boss and kept a watchful eye over the whole tank. Can't wait to try one again.

I feed the tank twice, NLS/Formula Pellets in the morning, and a big dinner, jumbo krill, shrimp, silversides, scallops, and clams.

 

[LisaD]

For those that have had experience with them, how many feedings was necessary to keep them happy. i feed heavy twice a day and have good filtration to keep up with it. I was told by a fellow hobbyist that they need 3 feedings. Is that about accurate?

I fed mine once to twice a day, it was fine, fat and happy. Give as much variety of meaty food as you can. I don't know where the 3X per day idea came from. of course a tusk would be happy to eat as often as you would feed it.

I've never had one jump, and have never heard that HTs are jumpers, but covers are a good idea.

mine wedged in the rocks at night, too. one of my favorite fish.

 

[Titan*69]

My HT jumped in a bad way, thank lord I was there when it happened. For peace of mind I'd make sure your top is covered.

 

[LukFox]

As far as jumping, mine has hit the lids pretty hard on numerous occasions where I've gotten up from what I was doing to see if he was actually OK. Sometimes he's being chased for the food in his mouth, and more rarely he just gets spooked by something. So yes, IME, they're jumpers. Luckily I have lids.