Other Creatures

[smurfyy_2k3]

besides fish what other creatures can i put in my tank ohh by the way its a cummunity tank with a fair ammount of small fish in it ive heard of lobsters with fans instead of claws

 

[karlp]

What fish do you have and what tank is it ?

I've kept red claw crabs happily with community fish of various sizes for several years. I normally have them in pairs, although I don't know that, that makes any difference.

A few tips though:

- When you choose the crab, don't buy the dominant aggressive one in the display tank (e.g, the one that's sat on top of the rock, pushing the others off), pick a crab that is hiding under a rock. Much less likely to go for your fish (learnt this one the hard way - of 5 crabs I kept only 1 went for the fish and he was the toughest crab on the block).

- Provide some way that they can get out of the water, they need to be able to get to the air. A piece of bog wood that breaks the surface is ideal.

- Block up all holes to get out of the tank and into your filter! They are very good climbers and will surprise you how they can get out.

- And the first time they shed their shells, don't be alarmed! The shell looks exactly like a dead crab.

 

[smurfyy_2k3]

WHEN I WAS @ MY LFS (PETER BARRATS) THEY HAD SOME HORRIBLE GREEN LOBSTER THING IN WHICH LOOKED COOL I WAS JUST ABOUT TO BUY ONE AND IT GRAPPED A FAIRLY BIG FISH THAT SWAM PAST IT AND BEGAN TO KILL IT

 

[CFC]

It is generally recomended not to mix any clawed inverts with fish as there is a very good chance the fish will end up on the menu at some point, there are always people who will tell you they have never had a problem keeping lobsters, crabs or giant prawn/shrimp with fish but the cases of favourite fish ending up ripped to pieces and eaten far outweigh these (and i speak from personal experience here).
There are a number of small algea eating and filter feeding shrimp that work well in community tanks with small non aggressive fish, look out for ammano shrimp, cherry shrimp, bamboo/wood shrimp and camaroon armoured shrimps all of which are harmless to fish and fairly common. As well as these there are various snails such as apple and ramshorn snails which grow to a decent size but may eat plants so are not to everyones taste, for the more dedicated fish keeper you could try freshwater clams and mussels but be aware that these are extreemly difficult to keep and should one of the animals die could wipe out your entire tank with it.

 

[jkrekord]

african dwarf frogs

 

[jailawes]

I agree with african dwarf frogs, i've got three in my community tank and i've not had any problems. I'm currently looking at some kind of shrimp, not made a decision yet though.

 

[Wanda hornsey]

So what do frogs need by way of places to live access to air etc
)

 

[ocmsolidsnake]

They swim to the surface for air and as long as 1 or 2 peice of food reach the bottom he will find it.

 

[CBTF]

shrimp. ghost shrimp, amano shrimp.

 

[emma12321]

Hi Smurfy,

This site might help http/www.shrimpcrabsandcrayfish.co.uk/Sh...p.htm~mainFrame as a general guide avoid anything with pincers as they can and will catch and eat your fish eventually.

Emma

 

[Nadine F]

Tropical newts, but again need to block all holes (both of mine manged to find an exit) And something that breaks the surface that they can rest on. Not too near the lights either as they tend to sunbathe, but for too long.

 

[piper]

My amano shrimps are great fun to watch, i only really see my big 1.5" one, but he looks so funny swimming up and down the tank with all those legs moving.