Jawfish and DSB

Rizup · 08/06/2009, 10:55 AM

I picked up a jawfish last weekend and am in the process of setting up my new refugium for him. I was hoping to get some input on things. I was wanting to put a nice sandbed in the tank for him - probably 4-5" or so. I was hoping that at the same time I could have a functioning DSB to enhance filtration. What are everyone's thoughts on this? Will he disturb the sandbed too much? What type of sand should I use? I know it is recommended to use mostly sugar-fine sand for a functioning DSB, but the jawfish would need shells and that to build his burrow, so I planned on topping off with a sand that had bigger pieces. The sand that I have is the Caribsea Seaflor™ Special Grade Reef Sand, which is bigger grains and might not be that great for a DSB.

Any input and thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

macronut · 08/06/2009, 07:43 PM

add some coral rubble and shells so the jawfish can reinforce the borrow. He won't hurt your deep sand bed. I have had one in a deep bed with no problems and in fact they have to have one. I would suggest you build a few burrows yourself then let the fish choose which one he wants...he'll rearrange to his liking, but doing this will help reduce his stress when first introduced.

dstacy · 08/06/2009, 08:41 PM

I've never used sand and currently have a crushed coral substrate and jawfish seem to do very well in that....it's easier for them to burrow and build their holes.....maybe mix 50/50 sand/crushed coral

cloak · 08/07/2009, 04:20 AM

I try to keep my hands out the tank, much or less...

08/06/2009, 10:55 AM	#1
Rizup Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northern IL Posts: 1,067	Jawfish and DSB I picked up a jawfish last weekend and am in the process of setting up my new refugium for him. I was hoping to get some input on things. I was wanting to put a nice sandbed in the tank for him - probably 4-5" or so. I was hoping that at the same time I could have a functioning DSB to enhance filtration. What are everyone's thoughts on this? Will he disturb the sandbed too much? What type of sand should I use? I know it is recommended to use mostly sugar-fine sand for a functioning DSB, but the jawfish would need shells and that to build his burrow, so I planned on topping off with a sand that had bigger pieces. The sand that I have is the Caribsea Seaflor™ Special Grade Reef Sand, which is bigger grains and might not be that great for a DSB. Any input and thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

08/06/2009, 07:43 PM	#2
macronut Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indianapolis IN Posts: 405	add some coral rubble and shells so the jawfish can reinforce the borrow. He won't hurt your deep sand bed. I have had one in a deep bed with no problems and in fact they have to have one. I would suggest you build a few burrows yourself then let the fish choose which one he wants...he'll rearrange to his liking, but doing this will help reduce his stress when first introduced.

08/06/2009, 08:41 PM	#3
dstacy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: College Park, MD Posts: 37	I've never used sand and currently have a crushed coral substrate and jawfish seem to do very well in that....it's easier for them to burrow and build their holes.....maybe mix 50/50 sand/crushed coral

08/07/2009, 04:20 AM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I try to keep my hands out the tank, much or less...