Stirring the sand

[kpclown]

I would like to employ a fish to help shift and burrow the DSB around in my aquarium. The two fish I was thinking of was the Blue spotted Jawfish or the Yellow Watchman Goby. Which one is the better burrower and do they create multiple burrows? With the Watchman I would also get a Pistol Shrimp for him to pair up with. What is the best/natural shrimp for him to pair up with? The future tankmates of the aquarium will be a Rose Bubbletip Anemone and a pair of Percula Clownfish. . .

 

[wfd1008]

depending on how big your tank is, you could also look at a diamond goby. with any of them, make sure you have a lid on your tank, cause I know from experience the diamond is a jumper, and I think the other two are also, not 100%.

 

[ali19]

I have never herd of a diamond jump but that's just my experience but i do know they are one of the best for keeping your sand clean. I would defiantly recommend one!

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by ali19
http:///forum/post/3212584
I have never herd of a diamond jump but that's just my experience but i do know they are one of the best for keeping your sand clean. I would defiantly recommend one!

I have kept gobies for many years, I have lost two to jumping. I have a canopy which is almost completely covered by lights.
Any long bodied fish are good jumpers. For example: Tile fish, firefish, diamond and sleeper gobies to name a few.

 

[ali19]

I imagine they do, mine never has. He seems only to stick to the bottom half of the tank. My diamond has made two burrows and he has never caused a collapse.

 

[bang guy]

Sand Sifting Gobies + DSB = Bad Idea IMO
DSBs require the small critters to keep the sand flowing and healthy.

 

[wfd1008]

Originally Posted by Bang Guy
http:///forum/post/3212721
Sand Sifting Gobies + DSB = Bad Idea IMO
DSBs require the small critters to keep the sand flowing and healthy.
never thought of that, I guess that's why I don't get paid the big bucks.

 

[seamandrew]

An alternative is to get some sand burrowing snails like bumble bee snails or nerith snails. That's what I rely on mostly. I used to have a canary wrasse that would bury itself in the sand to and that helped turn the sand from time to time.

 

[spanko]

Agree here with Bang. Nassarius, Cerith, Sea Cucumbers, and some Wrasse are great for eating detritus and releaseing small pockets of pent up nitrogen at a time. These critters gently stir the DSB rather than "sifting" the sand.