Custom nano tank dimensions for shrimp/goby combo...

[Dan9]

Hi guys! I am looking at getting back into the hobby after a few years out due to school and college kid money problems. So I'm back, a little older, a little wiser, and still not much richer. Anyway. I'm going to keep my new setup small. 5-10 gallons. I'm not letting myself get carried away this time...

Here's the deal. I want different dimensions than what is common so I'm building this tank from scratch around a pistol shrimp, goby pair. Probably a hi fin red banded goby but I might splurge for a yasha. Also, various corals and if at all possible I might try a true perc but I don't wanna push my luck. I think if I choose the right dimensions though, I might be ok.

That's why I'm posting. Dimensions. I want to keep it shallow with kind of a look down feel to it. I also want a decent sized footprint so that the shrimp and goby have some tunneling room even though the gallon amount is small. I'm thinking 15x15x9 which would put me at 8.8 gallons. Could smaller be a possibility? Which way length/width, or height would be the safest to reduce? I've never had personal experience with the shrimp/goby combo or nano tanks. Thoughts on my thoughts?

Thanks! Really glad to be back.

 

[jhentr]

I think volume of water is most important here. You can definitely go smaller since both dont need much room. They will dig tunnels under the footprint of live rock you provide. I would think your 8 gallons to 10 gallons will provide a better safty net in water quality/stability but you can also shoot for a five gallon as long as you are on top of things. I have two yasha hase goby with a randall and a tiger pistol without issues in a 10 gallon (they didnt pair so i had to get another shrimp). You definitely enjoy the symbiosis. I dont have any other fishes in my 10, only some softies.

 

[Dan9]

Awesome! Thanks a lot. I wasn't sure. I figured since most of their time is spent burrowing a large footprint would be more important than bigger tank that was all height.