New Baby on the way, need some advice

[Reefer333]

Hello Again,
I have read a lot of the posts on this BS club and learned a lot, but what advice do you all have for me. I want to give this new one everything he needs to survive.

My water perameters are:
Salinity - 1.019
Ammonia - 0
P.H. -8.0
Nitrate - 0
Phosphate - 0
Temp- 77-78

[lcstorc]

Qt QT QT.
That way you can watch closely and treat if needed, I know Lorraine had to treat hers for parasites and I believe something else. Fortunately he was in qt so it was possible for her to treat him.
He will need sand and pieces of rock and shells to make his burrow.

[goldenmean]

Your salinity seem really low.
Is this a FO or FOWLR or a reef tank?
MY reef SG is at 1.026
I know fish only can be lower but still around 1.022-1.024. I think.

Where are you getting him from?
Diver's Den from Live Aquaria treats for parasites, worms and a species' common diseases before they sell the fish.

[lcstorc]

I have also heard that they prefer cooler temps but that has not been confirmed.

[goldenmean]

They do come from the Sea of Cortez between Baja and the mainland of Mexico.
Water temps of 70-80s depending on time of year
but below 30 feet temps can be in the 50-60s during the winter and spring.

[Dentoid]

I would never intentionally give anyone the wrong information and I'm am all for the benefits of using a QT. However, this is the one instance that I would recommend, not to QT. Live Aquaria has a QT system that is second to none. The fish they sell are certifiably healthy. Since they offer such an increadible Guarantee, they are sure to keep their systems disease free! If you were to get the fish from your LFS, then QT would be in order. I think you are safe using LA. Use your own judgement though for your specific level of understanding in this hobby and for the amount of risk you are able to accept.
I recommend that you acclimate your BS right into your display as you would any other fish and dim (not black) the lights for half a day.

[goldenmean]

I agree with Dr. Scott.
If your BS is from Diver's Den I would not QT.
Otherwise QT is the way to go.

[Dentoid]

Originally Posted by goldenmean

They do come from the Sea of Cortez between Baja and the mainland of Mexico.
Water temps of 70-80s depending on time of year
but below 30 feet temps can be in the 50-60s during the winter and spring.

Jeff, it looks like you have a good understanding of this species. Have you been researching? Do you have something to tell us?

[goldenmean]

Oh I am - or was - on the BSJF wanna be club list when I was setting up my 55g. Its just that the success record of the species being kept in a tank is so poor. Plus I do not have a whole lot of experience with fish. Im more of a coral guy. Now after I get some more fishies in the 55 I may be ready to try to care for a BS. That and about 2 more inches of sand.
Oh and i need to see how my mantis get along with fish. I dont want to spend 130 bucks on a one weeks worth of shrimp food.

[lcstorc]

I wouldn't put one in with a mantis. Mine runs away from the peppermint shrimp.
One thing to remember that I did not is that they need large and small building material. It is amazing the size of shell they can and will move.

[bluespotjawfish]

Personally, I would keep the salinity a bit on the low side like your's is. at least for a month or so. It is easier on the fish. Many fish stores keep the salinity and temp low on purpose. Stability is the most important aspect of either though (IMO).

Like others have said, I would not QT it IF you get it from Diver's Den.

Your biggest problem right now is to determine the cause of the injury to the last one. If that threat is not removed, you may experience the same problem. I personally would think that the BSJF could hold his own against the firefish, but I don't know your tank. You might need to destroy the firefish hangout spot (rearrange rocks...).

Good vibes and karma coming your way

[Varga]

I want one of those guys so bad.

would he get along with other bottom dwellers? I have a diamond watchman, bi color blenny, and dragonettes.

[Reefer333]

Thank you for all the good advice! I Put some nice rubble rock on the bottom, did a water change, and put some buffer in there and my ph is now at 8.2, so the BSJF has a nice clean tank to live in with all the tools to build his new home. Good Idea with the fire fish hole, concider it GONE..lol

Stefan
Pics coming soon...

[lcstorc]

As I have just learned, give him some nice big pieces to work with. It is amazing how large of a rock or shell they can move.

[bluespotjawfish]

Varga - Mine is currently in the same tank as my mandarin and they do fine together. I've also had them with a bicolor blenny. It would depend on the size of tank though.