Diamond Goby or Goat fish for sand duty ?

[cracker]

I need a sand sifter. However want something that isn't so common. This for a 180 gl (fish only) for now. Thanks for some OP's !

 

[JasonK84]

my opinion would be diamond goby but are very common.

 

[kswan]

My diamond goby was great. Kept about 2/3 of my 90 gallon nice and clean. No experience with a goat fish.

 

[cracker]

Iv'e never owned one either but always thought they were an unusual looking fish. I I realize a diamond goby would be more efficient at keeping a sand bed . I guess a better question would be.
Is a goat fish very good at keeping a sand bed clean ?

 

[67chevellemalibu2]

Diamond Goby. Mine keeps my sand looking immaculate. Fun to watch.

 

[408Dartfish]

I say a diamond goby, maybe a fancy one like a bella goby. I haven’t owned a goat fish but I think they’re pretty cool looking.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I need a sand goby also yet I have no idea what they are lol

 

[cracker]

I 'think" a sand Goby spends it's time sifting thru sand looking for inverts & bits of other food. It's bottom feeder. Goolge Live aquaria You can see both the goby & goat fish.

 

[madweazl]

Loved my diamond goby for keeping the sand spotless but it jumped to its death a couple weeks ago (sand still looks really good actually). I need to find another before that changes. With that said, another member says his diamond goby became lazy and stopped sifting the sand. Not sure how long after introduction that started? Mine was in the tank 15 months and still going strong.

 

[Jesterrace]

I need a sand sifter. However want something that isn't so common. This for a 180 gl (fish only) for now. Thanks for some OP's !

Diamond Watchman Gobies will do a heck of a job keeping the sand clean but some people struggle keeping them alive and they can create an absolute sand storm in your tank. As an alternative I generally recommend the conch snail. You will need about 10 of them for a tank that size, but they won't create said sand storm in your tank.

 

[cracker]

I was considering a goat fish just for the interesting look & perhaps a cucumber . I'm going to need some sort of sand keeper . However every one has to earn their keep !
Now if the goat fish isn't or at least do a decent, I'll move on. Maybe both & a goat & Goby. Now I don't think a cucumber is a good idea. I plan to vacuum this sand regularly .

 

[leahfiish]

Goatfish are very cool to watch but can get large and inverts are on the menu. They are also jumpers, although not as bad as diamond gobies.

 

[cracker]

Goatfish are very cool to watch but can get large and inverts are on the menu. They are also jumpers, although not as bad as diamond gobies.[/QUOTE

Ya, Your right. I's if gets too big, I'll have a hard time getting rid of it. I don't want it munching on any inverts. I have a good cover so not too worried about that . Folks , just rambling on here. I'm feeling poorly today & bored out of my brain !

 

[jd371]

Rainford Goby is a great sifter and not common, but small for a 180g. Mine does a great job on the sand but my tank is only a 75g.

 

[redpine42]

Diamond gobys are great sifting sand. Only problem is mine is covering all my rocks with sand.

 

[Jesterrace]

Diamond gobys are great sifting sand. Only problem is mine is covering all my rocks with sand.

Yup, I don't miss the sand storms from my Diamond Watchman Gobies. If you have corals near the base of your rockwork it is a real problem. I definitely prefer my conch snails. They sift the sand and eat detritus without making a mess.