Harlequin shrimp tankmates

sherita · Apr 17, 2012

I'm thinking about building a species tank for my harlequin shrimp. This tank would only be about 10 gallons, tied into a 10g sump. Tank dimensions would be 18" long x 12" high x 11" deep. Taking into consideration the small size of this tank, what would make a good tankmate/s? I was thinking something small, like a panda goby or firefish. Since my harly is somewhat reclusive, it would be nice to have something else to look at in the tank when he is hiding after a meal.

Also, my harlequin is a male, any opinions on if I should try to find him a mate?

REEFKEEPER10 · Apr 17, 2012

Anything that want eat the shrimp would work. Maybe a tiger watchmen gobie.

sherita · Apr 17, 2012

Yes, not eating the shrimp is a must :)

Don't tiger watchmen get to be of a good size? Never had one, so I don't know much about them.

Kbra · Apr 17, 2012

Nice Clown and Nem

SmokeyCFH · Apr 17, 2012

I have a harlequin in my 20g DT with a scooter blenny, six line wrasse and bicolor pseudo and none of them touch it.

REEFKEEPER10 · Apr 17, 2012

They get about 5 inches. Your shrimp will get a good size too. I think about 3 inches my pink spotted watchmen has never went after anything bigger than a Mysis and he is 6 inches.

sherita · Apr 17, 2012

Lots of good ideas!

I am starting to work on the design of the tank now. It will be acrylic with all plumbing hidden in the overflow. No or very few corals, LED lighting. Going to go very clean, sharp lines, lots of black and clear plexi. Stand will be cabinet grade, probably birch, stained to match the woodwork in the house.

I have a couple of different designs. I just need to lay them out on paper and see how they look. I'll start a build thread once I decide which direction I want to go.