View Full Version : Native sand sifters.... :/
Chad55
05-13-2007, 10:45 PM
I was looking at my pickerel tank and realised that I really need something to stir up my sand. I would like to stick with natives. So anything that will burrow or even just sift through the sand that doesn't get bigger than 6-7" or so?
Chad
Polypterus
05-14-2007, 12:11 PM
Best sand sifter out there is a Northern hog sucker. while they have the potential to reach a size well over 10 inches it is a rare one in captivity that gets this big. They are a bit touchy about water quality and will need to be fed carefully to make sure it is getting a lot of food..Other than this, they are the best choice.
Skipjack
05-14-2007, 1:27 PM
Suckermouth minnow Phenacobias mirabilis might also be a good option
Skipjack
05-14-2007, 2:12 PM
Chad, what about trumpet snails?
Chad55
05-14-2007, 2:40 PM
Chad, what about trumpet snails?
Got em and they aren't doing the job...So do you guys have access to either of these speices?
Chad
Skipjack
05-14-2007, 3:12 PM
I get hogsuckers quite often, and phenacobias occasionally. I have not really kept hogsuckers for any length of time. The larger ones 4 plus inches that I have had seemed very flighty. I would assume thet if you acclimated YOY, that this would not be a problem. I am a big fan of phenacobias, but they are not as sand sifty as hogsuckers, but I think they would do an adequate job.
Edit. I am a short time phenacobias keeper, but am really liking their foraging ability, as well as their activity level.
whazza hogsucker? I know what a hogchoker is... but never heard of a hogsucker
drewish
05-14-2007, 7:15 PM
Northern Hog Sucker
Hypentelium nigricans
http://tinyurl.com/3chdno
Chad55
05-14-2007, 8:21 PM
I get hogsuckers quite often, and phenacobias occasionally. I have not really kept hogsuckers for any length of time. The larger ones 4 plus inches that I have had seemed very flighty. I would assume thet if you acclimated YOY, that this would not be a problem. I am a big fan of phenacobias, but they are not as sand sifty as hogsuckers, but I think they would do an adequate job.
Edit. I am a short time phenacobias keeper, but am really liking their foraging ability, as well as their activity level.
The only problem with getting them small is I want to put them with my pickerel and that just won't work. I need something that is gunna stick to the ground and be big and peaceful....But not that big you know? I like both of them but I am really liken the hogsucker... Anyone think they could hook me up with a couple fairly good sized specimen of either species?
Chad
Polypterus
05-14-2007, 9:31 PM
The only problem with getting them small is I want to put them with my pickerel and that just won't work. I need something that is gunna stick to the ground and be big and peaceful....But not that big you know? I like both of them but I am really liken the hogsucker... Anyone think they could hook me up with a couple fairly good sized specimen of either species?
Chad
How big is your Pickerel again Chad???
I should be able to get some Hogsucker for you. Let me know your pickerel size and I'll find a good one (or two) that will not be a prey issue. I can start it out a bit, after collection, for you if you want so it will be easier to work with..
Chad55
05-14-2007, 11:05 PM
That is awsome thanks alot. I sent you a PM.
Chad
Chad55
05-15-2007, 5:55 AM
You guys think either of these species will reack havoc on my plants?
Chad
Polypterus
05-15-2007, 7:56 AM
You guys think either of these species will reack havoc on my plants?
Chad
What type of plants and how well established are they??
Generally I would say they will not do much but it has been my experience that Hog sucker will uproot plants that are not well anchored.
Chad55
05-15-2007, 2:05 PM
What type of plants and how well established are they??
Generally I would say they will not do much but it has been my experience that Hog sucker will uproot plants that are not well anchored.
:/ They are new plants... Just jungle val i think is what it is.
Chad