Suggestions for small sand sifter!

[pookstreet]

I am looking to add a small sand sifter or two to my 300 gallon tank. Definitely wanted to avoid the larger burrowing goby types such as the diamond or sleepers. I've had those before and they throw sand all over the place, which won't work for me because I have several LPS corals directly on the sandbed. I was interested in the Hector's goby but it's hard to find. Are there any other alternatives out there that are readily available. TIA.

 

[Tballa]

I'm a huge fan of twinspot gobies. They are beautiful little fish, do a great job cleaning up the sand, and don't get too crazy. If you get two that are paired up they will perform special little dances both when eating, and when mating.

 

[pookstreet]

Are they burrowing gobies? I would like to avoid that if possible. Thanks.

 

[small alien]

I'm a huge fan of twinspot gobies. They are beautiful little fish, do a great job cleaning up the sand, and don't get too crazy. If you get two that are paired up they will perform special little dances both when eating, and when mating.

Twinspots are very beautiful but notoriously difficult to keep alive. How long have you been able to keep one alive?

 

[small alien]

In general, I think a fish of any type is a poor solution to a "dirty sand bed" if that's wht you're looking for. Maybe lighten your feeding and/or try some nasarius and cerith snails. Perhaps a tiger-tail cucumber. Good luck.

 

[small alien]

I've had good luck with both Rainford's and Hector's gobies. And they do sift sand which is neat to watch. But they don't come close to sifting enough to keep a sandbed tidy.

 

[pookstreet]

In general, I think a fish of any type is a poor solution to a "dirty sand bed" if that's wht you're looking for. Maybe lighten your feeding and/or try some nasarius and cerith snails. Perhaps a tiger-tail cucumber. Good luck.

Cleaning the sandbed is not the objective. I simply wanted something to stir up the sand a little but don't want sand storms all over the place. I have a lot of flow. Have tried nassarius and others but some of my fish are eating them and I am not getting rid of my fish Also have cukes but they don't move around much.

I've had good luck with both Rainford's and Hector's gobies. And they do sift sand which is neat to watch. But they don't come close to sifting enough to keep a sandbed tidy.

It's hard finding Hector's right now so I am looking for alternatives. I've had Rainfordi's before but don't remember them ever sifting sand.

 

[small alien]

Both sift but not a ton. You're limitted. That is a difficult set of criteria bordering on mutually exclusive. You want a sand sifter that doesn't get sand everywhere. I think rainfords and hectors are your only choices.

 

[snorvich]

Both sift but not a ton. You're limitted. That is a difficult set of criteria bordering on mutually exclusive. You want a sand sifter that doesn't get sand everywhere. I think rainfords and hectors are your only choices.

With the exception of cucumbers, I would agree.

 

[D5HP]

Does it have to be a fish?

What about a few conchs?

 

[pookstreet]

With the exception of cucumbers, I would agree.

I already have a couple of tiger tails but they haven't done much in the past couple of years I've had them. They just stay in and near the same cave and have not ventured far. Perhaps it is time to try a different variety.

Does it have to be a fish?

What about a few conchs?

It does not have to be fish. I've also put in half a dozen fighting conches but only 1 is still alive. The others disappeared early on and I suspect they met the same fate as most of my nassarius.

 

[Dizzle63]

What about a dragon goby?

 

[snorvich]

What about a dragon goby?

Why would you suggest this?

 

[block head]

queen conch, doesn't burrow. eats cyano and fairly easy to buy a fairly lg one that should be able to hold it's own with most tankmates

 

[wdt2000]

My Hector's gobies have a nice borrow and do little in the way of sand sifting?

My cucumber and sand sifting star keep my sand bed nice and clean in my reef tank.

 

[Dizzle63]

The reason I suggest a dragon is that, in my experience, they don't make a mess like a diamond or yellow headed sleeper. If it were me personally, I like a cerith, scarlet hermit, tigertail cucumber, true Tongan nassarius, and fighting conch combo for keeping sand clean, along with good husbandry of course.

 

[pookstreet]

Thanks for chiming in everyone. I was in luck and found 1 Hectori while looking for the Rainfordi, which I got a few of. I will look into the larger conches later on when available.

 

[JuliusJames]

Thanks for chiming in everyone. I was in luck and found 1 Hectori while looking for the Rainfordi, which I got a few of. I will look into the larger conches later on when available.

How's the hectori? I have the same issue and also looking for an answer.

 

[pookstreet]

It's still too early to tell. I was only able to find 1 hectori but also got a few rainfordi. Maybe in a few weeks I'll know how they are doing.

 

[reefknight]

I've kept a Sulfer goby before with lots of LPS on the sandbed. Never really had them create a sand storm or burrow in my substrate. Just a thought, good luck!