My Mudskipper Setup

[JK47]

I thought I would post my latest build, please let me know what you think. The tank is a species only tank for 2 African mudskippers (Periophthalmus Barbarus). The filtration is not finished but is funcional for the moment. I'll post updated pics when I get it finished. :thm:

Size: 55 gallon acrylic turtle tank.
Divider: DIY pressurized PVC divider.
Substrate: Pool filter sand.
Decor: Live mangrove trees, fake root stumps, turtle platforms, black rocks collected from the Oregon coast by me and my sons.
Filtration: Wet/Dry with pot scrubbies and a Ehiem 2117 classic canister.


Full tank shot:



Left side of the tank:


Right side of the tank:


Spike on his mangove stump:


Rocky on his turtle dock:


Wet/Dry sump with pot scrubbies: The plumbing is temporary to keep my bacteria from dieing off until I finish drilling the tank for the bulkhead fittings (x2 1" output & x2 1/2" return via a Rio 3100 pump)

 

[unvmyplecos]

I like it

 

[JK47]

I like it

Thanks man! Next payday I start getting the fake plants and background. I can't wait.

 

[unvmyplecos]

sounds cool (By the way do you know where you got the skull?)

 

[JK47]

sounds cool (By the way do you know where you got the skull?)

It's a small piggy bank I covered in an aquarium safe sealant. (don't remember the name) I bought it for my 11 year old at a gift store on the Oregon coast. I kick myself for not buying 10 of those. It's the only "realistic" looking skull I have ever seen... I have been trying every since to find the manufacturer so I can make a "graveyard" look for the bottom of an arawana tank.

 

[unvmyplecos]

It's a small piggy bank I covered in an aquarium safe sealant. (don't remember the name) I bought it for my 11 year old at a gift store on the Oregon coast. I kick myself for not buying 10 of those. It's the only "realistic" looking skull I have ever seen... I have been trying every since to find the manufacturer so I can make a "graveyard" look for the bottom of an arawana tank.

yeah thats why i ask. well i will search and if i find one ill tell you were to get it.

 

[Nora]

That is a gorgeus set up, I'm quite impressed with how you are dealing with water quality maintence and I don't miss the fake plants at all ('course I'm a mangrove junkie:werd:I know).
I actually stumbled upon this forum last week while doing research on mudskippers, not al whole lot of info available, just bits and pieces in various places online a few pages in brackish books. I started with looking at the african's like yours and have also been looking at the smaller indian species. Obviously I've never kept skippers, but everything I've read about the natural habitat and their captive care has been pushing that they spend at least 50% up to 90% of their lives out of water - has that been true for you? Clearly you've addressed their repoted aggression with the divider so I'm wondering if your experience says more water is better? Just 'fishing' for info from someone who is actually doing it (I tend to read about it for years before I can get up the guts to take the plunge, if you know what I mean....

 

[GuiltyPleasures]

Nice setup, got to love the mudskippers! I have two african skippers and hope to have more soon. Where did you find the mangrove plants? I live on the Oregon coast and I'll have to keep an eye out for that skull piggy bank

 

[Mokomon]

Very nce!!!

 

[JK47]

That is a gorgeus set up, I'm quite impressed with how you are dealing with water quality maintence and I don't miss the fake plants at all ('course I'm a mangrove junkie:werd:I know).
I actually stumbled upon this forum last week while doing research on mudskippers, not al whole lot of info available, just bits and pieces in various places online a few pages in brackish books. I started with looking at the african's like yours and have also been looking at the smaller indian species. Obviously I've never kept skippers, but everything I've read about the natural habitat and their captive care has been pushing that they spend at least 50% up to 90% of their lives out of water - has that been true for you? Clearly you've addressed their repoted aggression with the divider so I'm wondering if your experience says more water is better? Just 'fishing' for info from someone who is actually doing it (I tend to read about it for years before I can get up the guts to take the plunge, if you know what I mean....

Thanks for the kind words. I have had these two for a long time now. They are very messy eaters so I am serious about filtration. Honestly I like to overdo it and for many of my DIY projects, I use this setup as an excuse to build. :evil_lol: IMO more water is always better, it's easier to keep clean and stable, temperature, nitrates etc... Also reduces stress on the fish during water changes.

From 50% to 90% is a pretty big gap for time spent on land. I would say mine are on the 90% side of things but others have different experiences. They love the turtle dock so I would recomend them to anyone wanting a skip.

Good job doing your research first, not many people do. :thm: If you want my honest opinion, go with the Indian variation first to gegt the hang of what your doing and you don't have to seperate them like you will the Africans. Feel free to ask whatever you want and I will try and help or do the research with you. Good luck!