Sand/Mbu, what brings out the best color?

Honda12 · Post by **Honda12** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 9:07 pm

I was curious as to what all of you guys think about Mbu puffers and the color sand I should have to bring out the best color in him.

I have not received my new mbu yet but will get him on Wednesday. He will be going into a tank with light sand.

Does light sand or dark sand tend to bring out the best color in them?

Thanks for any help.

Andy

SkeptikaL · Post by **SkeptikaL** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:43 am

I don't think it matters? Maybe I'm wrong but that kinda thing doesn't matter either way... Unless you're talking about what makes him look best to you? What kinda color contrast?

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:54 am

I can tell you that most fish will try to match their surroundings as best they can. Dark substrate & backgrounds make fish darker--light, make fish lighter. I'm wondering why sand at all? A real PITA to clean, especially in a tank the size for a Mbu.

Interesting Mbu Story:
http://www.thepufferforum.info/forum/vi ... 57954a3d9f

Post by **RTR** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 1:14 am

T. mbu is from rocky bottoms, pebbles, and blends in quite well when viewed from above - "mbu" is Swahli for "rock" because the fish blends so well with its substrate. I would use mixed natural gravel to try to hold the darkish general coloration without damping out the wonderfull yellows. And feed plenty of crustaceans to help hold the red border on the massive tail.

Honda12 · Post by **Honda12** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:34 am

I was wondering what color sand would bring out the best color in the mbu. Like does dark or light sand make their colors come out best.

Sand isn't a problem at all for me, I am use to cleaning it for years with my motoro rays.

I'm planning on using large river stones on top of the sand, to kind of give it a mix of sand and rock. Just curious if you guys think I should use a dark sand or a light sand.

With stingrays, some look best on a dark substrate, and some look best one light. Just wondering if it works the same way with mbus.

If it doesn't matter, I will just stick with what I have.

Andy

Post by **RTR** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:38 am

Light sand will pale out the fish, dark will be the opposite effect. Something in between would be my choice. but I do not like sand myself, especialy for very large fish.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:43 am

Light sand will pale out the fish, dark will be the opposite effect.

Isn't that what I said?

Boxermom · Post by **Boxermom** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:22 pm

Pufferpunk wrote:Isn't that what I said?

Yes, but I think things sometimes carry more weight if said by someone with a fifth appendage.

Post by **RTR** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 5:51 pm

Ouch! Gender wars...

OraLacerta · Post by **OraLacerta** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:29 pm

....wow... Time to run away!

I used black sand and a black background in my F8 tank and it makes my smaller & usually pale puff look darker and his yellow markings more vivid.

If you want contrast, a mbu would blend in too much with a natural river-rock type substrate (I just googled 'mbu puffer' and saw a picture of that). If you really want contrast I think the substrate has to be a uniform tone so as not to distract from the fish. Look at these pics to decide for yourself: http://images.google.com/images?q=mbu+puffer&hl=en

I think black sand and a black background would create the most dramatic contrast, but your light sand can work too so long as you don't have a busy background or ultra colorful decorations.
Do post pics of your soon to be puffer friend!

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Sand/Mbu, what brings out the best color?

Sand/Mbu, what brings out the best color?