Mbu Planning

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:17 pm

Hi

New to the forum, joined because I got my first puffer in about 20 years today.

I rescued a 5" Mbu (I've read the sticky) today from a 68ltr and it is currently in isolation in a 320ltr.

I am adding and cloning a 640ltr just for the Mbu in late Feb but I have another 640ltr with 7 Altum Angels, 1 Toothnose Pleco, 4 Bristlenose Catfish, 6 Small Clown Loaches, 2 Surinam Eartheaters and 3 Clown Plecos in there (around 70" of fish at the moment) - it is filtered by 2 Eheim Thermos (2329 and 2128) rates at 1200ltr/hour in total and automated water changes are running at 10% per day - in your opinion would there be any problems putting the Mbu in there for a while both in terms of stocking/feeding and compatibility? I can move fish around quite easily to help.

The Mbu is around 5" in length currently and I'm starting to plan tank sizes, filtration/water change regime and food stocking for its long term care. Budget is not an issue and I have lots of larger tanks (currently up to around 1500ltrs) as and when required.

I am looking for pitfalls with this species from experienced people. What foods to avoid and tank plans as it grows, especially filtration rates required and tank sizes?

Many thanks for any advice.

Paul

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 1:36 am

Start by reading the mbu story stickied in this forum.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 6:27 am

Paul wrote:(I've read the sticky)

Rocker · Post by **Rocker** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 7:53 am

I would aim to get the biggest tank possible. Have you any thoughts on final size of tank?

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:04 am

I'm thinking of a 10 x 3 x 3 which I have spare but if possible I will go larger.

Post by **Hilly** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:08 am

I think 10x3x3 would do quite nicely. As for filtration, can you do a sump. I think I would try multiple large externals couple of 2080's and FX5's running. Using the FX5's for Mechanical and letting the 2080's do the biological filtration.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:11 am

Sure a sump is not a problem but I prefer large external thermo canisters whenever possible - do you think a daisy chain of four Eheim 2128s would be sufficient?

Post by **Hilly** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:39 am

Those filters are only just about rated for the gallonage of a 10x3x3. I would personally want a bit more filtration than that for an adult size Mbu.

Rocker · Post by **Rocker** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:05 am

Paul wrote:I'm thinking of a 10 x 3 x 3 which I have spare but if possible I will go larger.

I salute you sir!!

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 12:22 pm

Thanks Rocker - I don't believe in small tanks, got to do it right if at all.

Filtration, hmmm, not sure now. I'll do some research on other methods/products that will allow me to keep my filtration/heating essentially in a next door work room to the tank.

boomer · Post by **boomer** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 7:26 am

Can i ask where you are getting your tank from? One of that size has to be custom made, yes?

I have been looking round for a little while and like to compare prices!

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 7:28 am

I get my customs from Wharf Aquatics in Nottingham - not the cheapest but great quality. They do up to 10 x 3 x 3 for larger I know of a guy who will build in for you.

He works through Maidenhead Aquatics in York - give them a call.

manutius · Post by **manutius** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 9:06 am

Excellent stuff and great news for your Mbu, sounds liek it will have a great life with a big ol' tank like that. Just for the record how much? I have a 3 year old Mbu and he needs a bigger tank

With relation to feeding the more variety the better and more healthy the fish will be, mine eats cockles in shell, mussels, prawns, peas, cucumber, bloodworm, hikari algae wafers and catfish pellets.

Any chance we can have some pics?

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:03 am

Thanks for the advice - it was eating prawns yesterday no problem. I'm trying to get some shell on cockles at the moment.

Not sure on tank prices at the moment but I got my last 10 x 3 x 3 for around £400 with glass covers a few years back (12mm). That wasn't the huge cost - the base and equipment was much more.

manutius · Post by **manutius** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:10 am

Yeah filtering that size tank would be a costly exercise. I think a sump may be your best bet. With the Mbu the size he is you may not get much luck with him cracking a cockle yet. I posted a video on here when mine was about twice the size of yours and you can see it took a while to get into it but I would try shell on prawns and do not rely heavily on one food. Keep it as varied as possible. Check the vid here

http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/vie ... php?t=7035

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