NooB Questions

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Lissaspence

Candiru
MFK Member
May 19, 2009
388
2
48
Illinois
Hi Everyone! I'm toying with the idea of making a 55 gal vivarium for some mudskippers. I looked all over the web for info on how to keep them and there isn't too much out there. I wanted to do a sand beach and a small water area. I read in one thread that their needs are a lot like other amphibians (aside from the brackish water that it) as far as temp and humidity and stuff. But I've never kept any reptiles or amphibians so here are my questions -
1. How do you filter the water when it's such a low level? Sponge filter or some special canister?
2. Is there any special way to make the tank humid aside from a tight fitting glass lid?
3. If I'm not having any live plants what type of lighting would you recomend? Does this play into the humidity as well?
4. How do you clean the land part?

Any other tips or suggestions would be welcome! Again this is just in the thinking stages right now and I have NO equipment yet so I'm basically a blank slate.
 
I'm also a noob so just giving you the idea of divide the sand part and water part with some rock/live rock.... because if you are going to do a sand beach, the sand will unify* and it would look ugly IMO.

This is just and idea i had reading your post and i wanted to share it.

*i need a better word for this...
 
Yeah I have to think about how to actually create the beach more beacuse I don't want to be constantly moving the sand as it drifts down into the water. Maybe a rock with only a partial beach or something like that?
 
I have done something recently simular to what your describing. I used a dinner plate and then some rocks to build up the land area for the sand. I turned my fluval 4 plus sideways (horizontal) to filter the water area. I ended up doing something else and only had this set up for a week or two, but my thought was to plant seeds in the sand area to help keep that side of the tank clean. I always wanted to try mudskippers, make sure to post some pics.
 
Thanks for the ideas about the beach but what about the other questions about humidity, lighting, and filtration? Anyone advice will be welcome!
 
filtration was in there, I'm sure there are a ton of other ways besides using a normal submersible, you could use under gravel filters, ect. Either you go with a solid lid or you could mist. I've seen mud skipper enclosers, lids seem to be a requirement because they can climb the glass why not use a glass top the enclosure, it will retain the humidity and the little guys will not be able to skipper out? Not sure about lighting requirements for mud skippers, I go for natural light when possible.
 
You did talk about filtration. Sorry! Thats what I get for writing all my post at work. I try to do things too fast. Thank you for all your help Meghanashley!
 
How far are you from Chicago (I live near Ohare)? I have the absolutely perfect set up for mudskippers! I've been holding onto it for years to keep skippers in but never got enough room, now that I'm keeping reef tanks. It's a 55g river tank. I put it together myself & there is a screen top, lights, & a scrolled raw iron stane, where you can fit other tanks under it.

EmptyRivertank.jpg


I used to fill the right portions with gravel, for more land area for amphibians.
 
I'm in south elgin so not far at all. That tank looks sooooo cool! I don't have much money right now though, which is why everything was still in the thinking stages. How much are you wanting for it?
 
Since the kit cost me $100, I was thinking about $250 for everything. I origionally had it FS for $300.
 
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