FOWLR wrasse setup Qs

[Backfromthedead]

Since I've been focusing on my marine setup lately, my 72x31x21 200g has been sitting derelict after I moved what remained of my freshwater fish out. After I finish the stand and clean the tank thoroughly, I intend to set it up as a single specimen FOWLR tank, specifically geared towards a larger wrasse variety.

My initial setup will be a somewhat deep sand bed, at least 2", and I intend to use Ohko stone in lieu of reef rock, since I have around 50-60 lbs. On hand already and only intend to keep the solo wrasse in this tank.

The fish that interest me most are the dragon wrasse, formosa wrasse, harlequin tusk, and yellowtail coris. I'm aware these all reach a potential 12"+ and require the aforementioned deep layer of sand.

What type of sand is best for the best? I want to go with black aragonite, but ive read that coarse sand can be unhealthy for burrowing wrasse over their lifetimes. Should I mix it with a finer sand like black diamond blasting sand or the like to facilitate easier burrowing?

I'm aware these fish like a varied diet of shelled mollusks and crustaceans, but do they readily take to pellets?

Is my tank adequate for the larger formosa, or should I stick to the smaller variety like dragon or harlequin?

Any particular flow requirements suggested for these fish? This tank is set up for strong laminar flow, but I can manipulate it with some DIY spraybars and nozzles to generate a random flow if required.

Other than that I'd like to hear about any experiences or helpful info regarding these fish.

Thanks for reading!

 

[BIG-G]

I had a dragon and a harlequin tusk. Not at the same time.
As far as I know Harlequins do not burrow in the sand at night like a lot of wrasses do.
They tend to find a nice tight crevice In the reef to sleep. So you could pretty much get whatever sand you like.
Flow isn’t that important although you would want some to keep any dead spots and detritus from collecting.
They are reef fish so they can handle stronger turbulent flows, I wouldn’t keep it that way continually.

I never got either one to take pellets.
Mine got shrimp and fish cuts and the occasional crab/crayfish.

I know crayfish isn’t on their normal diet, I only feed occasionally but they sure did love them. Lol

 

[tlindsey]

Since I've been focusing on my marine setup lately, my 72x31x21 200g has been sitting derelict after I moved what remained of my freshwater fish out. After I finish the stand and clean the tank thoroughly, I intend to set it up as a single specimen FOWLR tank, specifically geared towards a larger wrasse variety.

My initial setup will be a somewhat deep sand bed, at least 2", and I intend to use Ohko stone in lieu of reef rock, since I have around 50-60 lbs. On hand already and only intend to keep the solo wrasse in this tank.

The fish that interest me most are the dragon wrasse, formosa wrasse, harlequin tusk, and yellowtail coris. I'm aware these all reach a potential 12"+ and require the aforementioned deep layer of sand.

What type of sand is best for the best? I want to go with black aragonite, but ive read that coarse sand can be unhealthy for burrowing wrasse over their lifetimes. Should I mix it with a finer sand like black diamond blasting sand or the like to facilitate easier burrowing?

I'm aware these fish like a varied diet of shelled mollusks and crustaceans, but do they readily take to pellets?

Is my tank adequate for the larger formosa, or should I stick to the smaller variety like dragon or harlequin?

Any particular flow requirements suggested for these fish? This tank is set up for strong laminar flow, but I can manipulate it with some DIY spraybars and nozzles to generate a random flow if required.

Other than that I'd like to hear about any experiences or helpful info regarding these fish.

Thanks for reading!

Many years ago had a Cortez Wrasse and the substrate was crushed coral. The Cortez Wrasse still buried into the substrate with no problem. I definitely would use sand If I ever did Saltwater again.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I had a dragon and a harlequin tusk. Not at the same time.
As far as I know Harlequins do not burrow in the sand at night like a lot of wrasses do.
They tend to find a nice tight crevice In the reef to sleep. So you could pretty much get whatever sand you like.
Flow isn’t that important although you would want some to keep any dead spots and detritus from collecting.
They are reef fish so they can handle stronger turbulent flows, I wouldn’t keep it that way continually.

I never got either one to take pellets.
Mine got shrimp and fish cuts and the occasional crab/crayfish.

I know crayfish isn’t on their normal diet, I only feed occasionally but they sure did love them. Lol

Thank you for the advice. The dietary needs are my largest concern, I've never kept a fish that wouldn't eventually eat pellets. Did you enjoy the personality of the dragon? Was it gregarious or more shy? Dragon wrasse is the frontrunner for this tank in my mind. I've heard they love crustaceans and plan to add copious numbers of live sand fleas and crabs to this tank.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Many years ago had a Cortez Wrasse and the substrate was crushed coral. The Cortez Wrasse still buried into the substrate with no problem. I definitely would use sand If I ever did Saltwater again.

Wound the carib-sea arag-alive be considered crush coral or sand? It's pretty fine grit stuff, and I've liked it in my other marine tank thus far.

 

[tlindsey]

Wound the carib-sea arag-alive be considered crush coral or sand? It's pretty fine grit stuff, and I've liked it in my other marine tank thus far.

Tbh don't know hopefully someone will chime in soon.
twentyleagues
Gourami Swami
BIG-G

 

[Backfromthedead]

Tbh don't know hopefully someone will chime in soon.
twentyleagues
Gourami Swami
BIG-G

I actually just had the thought to use good old Delaware beach sand and save some money. That stuff is made pricey. As always thanks for your advice tlindsey .

Apologies to all for my spelling snafus recently. This new phone of mine has a small screen and oddly calibrated autocorrect function. Bad combo for the fat-fingered of us.

 

[fishguy1978]

The arag is more of a course grain sand in size. It's not crushed coral. We used it in all our saltwater setups when I was in the business.

 

[fishguy1978]

I actually just had the thought to use good old Delaware beach sand and save some money. That stuff is made pricey. As always thanks for your advice tlindsey .

Apologies to all for my spelling snafus recently. This new phone of mine has a small screen and oddly calibrated autocorrect function. Bad combo for the fat-fingered of us.

Don't get caught. It's stupid but most states with coastline are not willing to allow the capture or collection of free ranging sands.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Don't get caught. It's stupid but most states with coastline are not willing to allow the capture or collection of free ranging sands.

Gotcha, I am privy to private property with plenty of beach sand. It is illegal to take it off public beaches.