Diamond Gobies and the Sand Bed

[Michael R]

I have a 90 gallon FOWLR with the following stocklist:

1 Cleaner Shrimp
2 Firefish
1 Solar Fairy Wrasse
1 Royal Gramma
1 Auriga Butterflyfish

I have a shallow sand bed, around 1.5 inches. I don't believe it provides much in the denitrificiation, but my nitrates have always been around 10, which is pretty good for the shrimp.

I was thinking of buying a Diamond Goby to add some activity to the bottom level of my tank, and to help clean the sand.

Considering that this is a FOWLR, and that I have a shallow sand bed, would adding the Diamond Goby be in any way detrimental? I will NOT be switching over to a Reef.

Will the Goby get along fine with my other fish? None of them stay close to the bottom so I can't imagine them invading his territory or anything.

I also don't have a refugium, is that fine if he eats prepared foods?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Itz Irish]

i was also considering using diamond gobies, until i read they dont have a really long lifespan in aquariums because they are too efficient at their jobs. i know sand-sifting stars would help you out..im still very tempted to try the goby, because im not one to believe in theories over experience.IMO..and no i don't think he would be aggressive towards any of your fish...sorry i couldn't be of more help =/

 

[crazedpuffer]

I agree with irish. I think if you are willing take the risk, it could be worth it.

 

[Guage32]

I currently have a firefish, and I used to have a coris wrasse in my tank with a diamond goby. They all got along fine, I cant speak for the rest of the fish that you are thinking about getting.

As far as the goby itself, i really like mine. It is in my 75 gallon right now. I do have some corals in the tank and the sand it spits up doesnt seem to bother anything. I would say go for it, they are really fun to watch!

 

[balto777]

My diamond goby eats with the rest of the fish - mysis shrimp and omnivore pellets. So if you get lucky, you do not need to worry about it doing too good of a job on the sandbed. Just my 2 cents.