my friend just started a marine tank and he really want to get a boxfish. but he heard that htey are very toxic and if they die they'll kill ALL the corals in the tank..
is it true?
is it true?
question about having boxfish w/ corals..
- Thread starter PufferNewbie
- Start date
Yes that is a possibility. Runnig activated carbon and changeing it weekly can help. fresh activated carbon is known to remove the toxin. But even with that and quick water changes; you may still lose some or all of them and any other fish or animals in the tank.
I've heard some types are worse than others but can not give you names of which ones.
Ray
I've heard some types are worse than others but can not give you names of which ones.
Ray
There was an article on boxfish in TFH recently (this year). See if you can find it as it talks about the different types of boxfish, what causes them to release the toxin and how to avoid/deal with it.
Boogiechillin
It's ok, I confuse my students too.
Boxfish can definitely be nibblers; I wouldn't personally put one in a reef. The toxin issue really only comes into play if the boxfish is killed, so it's pretty important to keep them with only passive tankmates regardless of whether you attempt them with corals.
Also, what size is your friends tank? They may look cute in the store, but some of them grow very large - like up to 18 inches in length.
Personally, I wouldn't chance putting one in a reef tank.
Personally, I wouldn't chance putting one in a reef tank.
Thanks for all the advice, he decided against boxfish after all..
he has a pretty small tank.. 20 gallons to be exact.
he has a pretty small tank.. 20 gallons to be exact.