Mudskipper paludarium- an alternative solution

[HX67]

Ok, I guess making a mudflat would be closest to what they habit in the nature - at least most of the mudskipper species?

My answer to if I'm going to do it, would have to be no. Digging sand will have to do it for now, in this tank.
I did plan a tidal effect in the beginning, but seeing how the fish behave leads me to think that any significant high tide would leave too little ground for the fish in this tank. Unless I take a couple of the males out, that is...

I've read that mudskippers only breed with tidal arrangement and in burrows dug in mud.
I know of a mudskipper having bred in a tank with no tide and no mud, but a lot of driftwood instead.
Go figure. We have a lot to learn, I think.
Also, somehow I have a feeling there is some variance in breeding behaviour among the 20something species of mudskippers.

[jonny5]

hey hx67, i am getting a new tank and making an archer pauldarium set up. I am going to attempt a DIY background and it seems the two main ways are via cement/grout or drylok. Your structures look fantastic but i have never attempted a DIY background so what do you think would be the best route for a background newbie?

[HX67]

Hey, jonny5
I have never tried working with drylok. I guess the difference in the process between the methods is that with drylok you carve the final form and texture into the GS or polystyrene or whatever it is you use. With cement you get to do shaping a bit more freely as you go, and add more mass by adding layers.

Hard to say which method suits you better. Working with cement might take a bit more practise than just carving foam, but in the end it is not that difficult.

I like working with cement.
Here's some pieces I've made:

[fishtex]

When you coming to Texas and what do charge? Great project!! You have some awesome skills!

[probassfisher010]

That long tank is beautiful, but so are all of your other pieces! you should really start selling these, I would be interested in a heart beat. Keep with the updates my friend!

[HX67]

When you coming to Texas and what do charge? Great project!! You have some awesome skills!

Thanks, fishtex.
Texas is just a couple of planefares, room and board. And something little for the work.
There were plans to go into business in NY, but the partner-to-be backed out. Didn't have the guts to go for it alone...

That long tank is beautiful, but so are all of your other pieces! you should really start selling these, I would be interested in a heart beat. Keep with the updates my friend!

Thanks, pal.
That long tank is my streambank paludarium. I'm not sure if it's allowed to link other fish forums in MFK, but here is an intro to it at APC. (Pls remove, if against the rules).
Updates will follow. Thx again.

[spyderz]

amazing job.....................

[HX67]

Thanks, spyderz.

Got around to taking a shot of a baby Nomorhamphus ebrardti, a halfbeak that is reproducing regularly in this tank.



Momma and pops

[blackghostknife]

nice.

[HX67]

Black mangrove was growing a thin, long stem and I had to cut it. It seems to have survived the abuse, new growth is appearing. I hope it starts to bulk up a bit and branching, too.


I added a pitcher plant in there, too. It's doing very well, growing fast and making nice new pitchers.