Conflicting information

[pdiehm]

When I was picking out my fish list for my 120, I was told, 1 of each species.

recently have been told conflicting information. So I figure I'd ask away.

My tank is 60x18x26:

Purple Firefish: I was told 1 per tank, but have toyed with the idea of adding a 2nd firefish. Given the tank size and rockwork, would that work? Or stick with 1?

Next up, is a group of Blue Gudgeon Gobies. They are shy, much like the firefish, and do real well in groups of 5+. don't think they'll cause any sort of impact on the firefish.

Orange Spotted Diamond Goby ... could I add in a Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby with a Pistol shrimp?

 

[143MPCo]

Depending on the type of fish, some need to be sole inhabitants and other will be fine with roommates.

Maybe @eatbreakfast will give you some pointers.

 

[twilliard]

I wish I was a fish expert!
Anyone know who to tag for this?

Thank you! You beat me to it :-)

 

[melypr1985]

@evolved is another one who could lend some advice as well

 

[eatbreakfast]

When I was picking out my fish list for my 120, I was told, 1 of each species.

recently have been told conflicting information. So I figure I'd ask away.

My tank is 60x18x26:

Purple Firefish: I was told 1 per tank, but have toyed with the idea of adding a 2nd firefish. Given the tank size and rockwork, would that work? Or stick with 1?

Next up, is a group of Blue Gudgeon Gobies. They are shy, much like the firefish, and do real well in groups of 5+. don't think they'll cause any sort of impact on the firefish.

Orange Spotted Diamond Goby ... could I add in a Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby with a Pistol shrimp?

Unless they are a bonded pr I would not add another one. They are intolerant of consexuals and there is no way to sex them. Even in large tanks it doesn't work out.

Blue gudgeons are shy but are more likely to be outgoing in a group, the larger the group, the less shy they are. The firefish and gudgeons will be fine together.

The diamond goby and watchman will be fine together, but get the watchman first so it can settle before adding the diamond goby.

 

[pdiehm]

Thanks.

Plan is to get the fire fish, 6 blue gudgeons. 6 weeks player get the Randall's Goby with Randall's pistol shrimp (the shrimp doesn't need to be QT?). Will the goby find the shrimp 5-6 weeks later?

Once those are in, diamond goby and 2 other fish.

 

[JSeward]

I agree with eatbreakfast. I've seen multiple fire fish get along just fine in one tank while groups slowly shred each other apart in another tank. If you already have a fire fish, I wouldn't get another one. Your best bet for a school would be to observe a tank at your LFS that has something like 10 or more of the same species in it and try to find a pair or trio that seems huddled close together in a corner with good looking fins. I don't agree with that many fire fish together, but I've seen fish stores dump them all in one tank. So, you might be able to take advantage of that.

I almost always see the Blue Gudgeon Goby in schools. I don't think you'll have any problems with those. A school of Bar Gobies or Scissortails are options as well.

The Diamond Goby and Hi-Fin are actually different species. The Diamond Goby is referred to as a "Watchman", but it is actually Sleeper Goby. Otherwise, any of the prawn or watchman goby species are likely to pair up with a pistol regardless of when they are added to the tank.

 

[pdiehm]

thanks everyone.

Purple Firefish
6 or 8 Blue gudgeons
Hi Fin Red Banded Goby, paired with a Pistol Shrimp (or Randalls Goby with randalls pistol shrimp)
Diamond Goby

To go with a yellow tang, kole tang, the clowns, coral beauty angel and a one spot fox...should have a colorful first saltwater tank.

 

[4FordFamily]

I agree do not add new goby or firefish it is likely to fail.

 

[JSeward]

thanks everyone.

Purple Firefish
6 or 8 Blue gudgeons
Hi Fin Red Banded Goby, paired with a Pistol Shrimp (or Randalls Goby with randalls pistol shrimp)
Diamond Goby

To go with a yellow tang, kole tang, the clowns, coral beauty angel and a one spot fox...should have a colorful first saltwater tank.

I wouldn't add a Diamond to an immature tank. They feed primarily from the sand bed and there just won't be enough food for them to eat. I've seen some young ones take to frozen and pellets quickly, but more often then not, they just starve to death over several months. An alternative to consider would be a Pinkspot Watchman. A large, active, and hardier fish that will eat any food you put in there. It would be just as territorial as a Diamond, but if you give enough room, there shouldn't be any issues. I actually have a pink spot and a yasha/pistol combo in a 28g without issue.

 

[pdiehm]

I am looking for something to move sand around and keep it healthy.

 

[JSeward]

A Pinkspot will move so much sand and bury so much coral you'll wish you never got it. They are awesome for that.

 

[pdiehm]

I can get a pink spot and a Randalls Goby (or Hi-Fin Red Banded?

 

[JSeward]

With enough room, they'll likely stake out separate territories and cohabitate without issue.

 

[pdiehm]

I would have to add at same time correct?

 

[JSeward]

I wouldn't. Let the small one and pistol get settled in first.

 

[eatbreakfast]

After a couple of months the 120 will be mature enough for a diamond goby.

If you were to get two watchman gobies, you could add them simultaneously or add the smaller one first and the larger later.