McCosker's flasher wrasse

[twiggyb]

I have read now that males are happy with 3 or more females. If I add the females later rather than together do you think that will be a problem with the male? It says they're a peaceful fish so I don't know if that still counts against adding the females later. Also, I don't have a cover for my tank and I don't usually see them for sale where I go, how would I go about making a cover or getting one

 

[IFbettas]

Since you would be adding 3 females you shouldn't have any problems. If you were only adding one, the male might be aggressive, but it depends on the fish. In some fairy and flasher wrasses the females are actually more aggressive than the males, especially if added first.

You definately need a cover. I made one last week out of a window screen framing kit from Lowes, and some 1/3 inch pond netting. It cost maybe $30 and about an hour and a half of working on it. Here's a picture.

 

[bradleyj]

This thread will show you what you need.
http://www.rareclownfish.com/forums/f32/diy-screen-covering-top-381/#post4552

 

[twiggyb]

thanks for the link, it'll come in handy, so you think that the opening isn't too big? It just seems like it could still get out, but I guess it would still be more hard than a full open tank top, and it still gives it good oxygen flow and releases the heat also

 

[snorvich]

You need 1/4 inch holes.

 

[twiggyb]

sprite on, how do you make accessable to feed, water changes, etc.

 

[bradleyj]

I totally agree with Steve. Try to find a netting that has 1/4 " holes. I used to have the 1/2 inch netting doubled up and flasher wrasses would still manage to get thru.
I have now changed mine to 1/4 inch clear netting and now all of my fish are safe.

Feeding and waterchages are very easy, just lift it up or remove.

 

[snorvich]

Yeah, Bradleyj is the one I refer all of these questions to; he is probably sick of me by now.

 

[IFbettas]

So far, none of mine have gotten through 1/3 inch netting. I've seen my filamented flasher wrasse hit it a couple times, but he hasn't made it through. Do you still think I should make another top?

 

[cas]

I totally agree with Steve. Try to find a netting that has 1/4 " holes. I used to have the 1/2 inch netting doubled up and flasher wrasses would still manage to get thru.
I have now changed mine to 1/4 inch clear netting and now all of my fish are safe.

Feeding and waterchages are very easy, just lift it up or remove.

I can not tell for sure, but it looks like you are holding your screen in place with Velcro in the corners?

 

[twiggyb]

Does it put any interesting shadows on the water

 

[bradleyj]

Steve, You can always refer me, At least I'm good for something. LOL
Cas, Those pads are just some little cushions I put on the frame so it didn't sit directly on the tank frame and keep the water from evaporating underneath. Those pesky fish are always splashing.
Twiggyb, There is virtually no difference in the light using this mesh.

 

[twiggyb]

Hopefully getting some females this weekend for my male, gotta get busy on making that top. Should I cut around the part thats going to be by the overflow, I'd go check right now, but I'm being lazy, I don't know if its flush or not with the top. I think it's under the lip but I'm not positive

 

[bradleyj]

Don't leave any gaps or holes. They will find them , trust me. If there is any way for them to get out, they will in time.

 

[twiggyb]

sounds good, thanks for the advice, I'm anxious for my reef to mature into something amazing. I love this hobby