Questions on changing to Fish Only

[LisaD]

I kept a doface puffer with a Hawaiian spotted toby and a leopard toby and they never had a problem. There was a lion and a marine betta in the tank. I never had a problem with any aggression of fin nipping. This was my experience, only. I don't know if it holds up as a generalization.

If you can wait on the puffer (will they hold it for you?) I'd add the lion first. It may not make a difference either way. If the puffer is peaceful, I expect he'd leave it alone, if he is naughty by nature, he'd probably harass it anyway.

FWIW I have kept many puffer species including several dogface puffers over many decades of fishkeeping. They have always been the most peaceful.

If you are going to get a toby, I'd recommend the aiptasia eating filefish, since a saddle puffer mimic may look too much like a toby for your taste.

 

[usefulidiot213]

Is the Marine Betta a common fish kept in the FO hobby? I have never seen one in person, but the fish looks gorgeous on Liveaquria.
It's funny. I have been in the Reef hobby for almost 10 years, but switching over to these different more aggressive fish, I feel like a nooby all over again.
I assume you run a UV filter for parasites. Do you guys run Carbon or Phosban? Is it common dose Vitamin C or anything else for healthy immune systems?

 

[LisaD]

I don't run UV, carbon or phosban. I have tended to rely on skimming, lots of LR and LS, nutrient export via macroalgae (in DT, fuge or both, depending on set-up). I prefer to keep it simple.

You have mastery of the most important variable, water quality.

Your challenge will be to find a compatible mix, to not overstock, and to embrace the concept of a QT (if you haven't already). You can do this and it will be fun. Although I kept reefs, I found myself looking for fish-safe corals, not reef-safe fish. When I used my reef tank as QT for fish I really cared about (rare dogface puffer and imperator angel) and lost all zoanthids and mushrooms (hundreds) I realized I'm a fish geek, not a reef geek. My fish became pets, which is why I like the odd balls with personality.

 

[usefulidiot213]

Hey LisaD,
Thanks again for the info. This is the reason these sites are so important for this hobby. between asking you guys questions and reading other random articles and threads I have learned in 3 days that would have taken me months if not years of expensive mistakes. I have a pretty good plan now for this new tank setup, and hopefully can go threw this transition with out killing anything.

 

[whipsaw]

QT>UV seconded.

I have UV for floating bacteria and algae control, but it's not useful against the parasites that matter.

 

[LisaD]

I forgot to answer your question about marine betta. You don't see them a lot, but they aren't rare.

I have one, have had it several years. It is a gorgeous fish, but a bit shy. I wouldn't keep it in a tank with a lot of boisterous inhabitants. They tend hide. Mine is with lionfish and used to be with a dog face puffer. With these fish it was/is out quite a bit.

IME marine bettas are long lived and very hardy fish. It eats really well, meaty foods. Definitely worth considering. Also a good size, staying about 5-6 inches, max. The finnage and spots are unreal looking.

I don't remember if I mentioned it, but wetwebmedia.com is a good site for species research (plus a lot of other good info).