Question about Goby

PaigeB

PaigeB

New Member
I have a Biocube 14 and I'm just starting to look at fish that could be a good fit for it.
I like Gobies but I'm not sure which ones would be good for my tank and which ones I should try to avoid because of size or other reasons.
I thought the engineer goby was really cool but I don't know if that would be too big when it got older.
Anyone have any recommendations?
 
Jesterrace

Jesterrace

Active Member
PaigeB said:
I have a Biocube 14 and I'm just starting to look at fish that could be a good fit for it.
I like Gobies but I'm not sure which ones would be good for my tank and which ones I should try to avoid because of size or other reasons.
I thought the engineer goby was really cool but I don't know if that would be too big when it got older.
Anyone have any recommendations?
Click to expand...
A lot of it depends on what you want out of your goby. If you want to have someone aerate your sand bed for you (so you don't have to periodically do it yourself) then this guy would probably be your best bet for your size of tank:

http://www.***********.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+195&pcatid=195

If you want a more active and well colored fish to swim around then I would go with the clown gobies mentioned above or something like this:

http://www.***********.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+164&pcatid=164

http://www.***********.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+176&pcatid=176

Personally, for your tank, I would get one of the Goby Fish mentioned, a Firefish of some form and a Possum Wrasse (if you can find one) and call it good. That config will probably give you the most bang for buck.

http://aquarium-fish.***********.com/search?w=Possum Wrasse
 
PaigeB

PaigeB

New Member
Jesterrace said:
A lot of it depends on what you want out of your goby. If you want to have someone aerate your sand bed for you (so you don't have to periodically do it yourself) then this guy would probably be your best bet for your size of tank:

http://www.***********.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+195&pcatid=195

If you want a more active and well colored fish to swim around then I would go with the clown gobies mentioned above or something like this:

http://www.***********.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+164&pcatid=164

http://www.***********.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+176&pcatid=176

Personally, for your tank, I would get one of the Goby Fish mentioned, a Firefish of some form and a Possum Wrasse (if you can find one) and call it good. That config will probably give you the most bang for buck.

http://aquarium-fish.***********.com/search?w=Possum Wrasse
Click to expand...
Okay awesome!
These are all great ideas. I'll definitely look and see what combo I want to do
 
Jesterrace

Jesterrace

Active Member
PaigeB said:
Okay awesome!
These are all great ideas. I'll definitely look and see what combo I want to do
Click to expand...
One of the reasons why I bring up the Possum Wrasses is because many of the Gobies and Firefish can go through periods where they hide a lot and IMHO a vacant tank is a worthless tank. Still worth having but you will definitely want an active and bold fish and the Possum Wrasse will fit that bill like no other fish can for your size of tank. They initially start out timid but then will be very active and bold. I wish I had known some of these things before I set up my 36 gallon bowfront. Next time around I will go in a different direction with my fish.
 
PaigeB

PaigeB

New Member
Jesterrace said:
One of the reasons why I bring up the Possum Wrasses is because many of the Gobies and Firefish can go through periods where they hide a lot and IMHO a vacant tank is a worthless tank. Still worth having but you will definitely want an active and bold fish and the Possum Wrasse will fit that bill like no other fish can for your size of tank. They initially start out timid but then will be very active and bold. I wish I had known some of these things before I set up my 36 gallon bowfront. Next time around I will go in a different direction with my fish.
Click to expand...
Yea the point about them hiding is my exact dilemma.
I don't want to take care of fish that I'm never going to see! Haha! So I might end up doing a Wrasse.
 
Jesterrace

Jesterrace

Active Member
PaigeB said:
Yea the point about them hiding is my exact dilemma.
I don't want to take care of fish that I'm never going to see! Haha! So I might end up doing a Wrasse.
Click to expand...
Believe me I get it. I have Purple Firefish that is beautiful but is the first one to duck and cover the moment it gets scared of it's own shadow and it might disappear for a few hours or hardly come out of it's cave for several days. The sad part is that he is by far the most standout color fish that I have in my tank. I would still recommend getting one as a peripheral (secondary) fish since they do look great when they are out, just make sure you have at least one stalwart that is visible. My scissortail is fairly active and hangs out in the top of my water column but can be easily spooked and hide for a while. This leaves a Mandarin (that often disappears in the rocks) and my Diamond Watchman Goby to be my stalwarts in terms of visibility. FYI the Clown Gobys are prone to hide a fair bit as well as they are easily startled. Hence the reason why I prefer the Sand Sifting Gobys as they tend to be more active, less timid (and serve a very useful function to boot). For your size tank the Possum Wrasse would be the perfect centerpiece fish. Too bad some of the other wrasses wouldn't fit in your tank, but they require a lot of space, so you really are limited to those 4 that I posted in that link.
 
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jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
Sw fish in general are masters of hiding. I swore my red scooter was dead after yrs of no issues. A week later poof!! Hes all over the place again. A royal gramma is another colorful option. Not reccomended as a starter fish tho.
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
Maybe an orchid dotty back. Spectacular color and easy. You can get them captive bred which in my opinion is a plus.
 
Jesterrace

Jesterrace

Active Member
For a 14 gallon tank both of those guys would be a real stretch as her tank is just under half the recommended minimum size for both and would be more likely to become aggressive in such a small space.
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
Imforbis has bad luck with grammas and likes dottys . I have no issues with grammas but have had two nasty dottys lol . So its honesty personal preference and luck.
In reality yes a 14 is really small by sw standards. Either fish could work but tank mates are really limited due space
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
Oh forgot it was only 14 gal. A regular fire fish would be a good choice. Easy, cheap, and don't swim around but hang out in the water column.
 
PaigeB

PaigeB

New Member
Thanks for all the input!
I know the tank is small so good thing I'm fine with just having a fish or two. Haha!
Next time I go to my LFS I'll see which fish they have so I can get to know their personalities a little better in person. :)
 
iidylii

iidylii

Active Member
Like jay said everyone has different experiences...my exquisite firefish is out in the water column as soon as my lights come on and until they go out...I can clean the glass vigorously and he doesn't even flinch to hide at all...my royal gramma I have never had a problem with as well...my sharknose goby is a sweet tiny little cleaner fish who doesn't hide either...I also have a chalk bass which is a nice beginner fish and actually very pretty...
 
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