TRUE nano fish suggestions

mdjxn · 09/09/2013, 06:06 PM

I've been a reefer for some time now and feel like I have my "sea legs" in the 100g+ reef world. I also started a nano reef in a converted fluval edge 6g (which looks pretty BA if I do say so myself) and it's been running great for about 2yrs with regular water changes and a little help from 10lbs live rock, good flow etc. Everything is super healthy and running fine but I want to add that "signature fish" and go either FOWLR or nano reef. This nano gets PLENTY of attention as it is in my office, so whatever I go with will get all the love needed to thrive but I want it to be an eye catcher, while staying small enough for it's environment....

Discuss...

terrypercula · 09/10/2013, 06:47 AM

How about a Helfrichi Firefish. Outrageous colors, fun personality, and can live full grown in small tanks.

KirbyBTF · 09/10/2013, 07:17 AM

Try a jester goby, they stay about one inch and are gorgeous.

Nina51 · 09/10/2013, 07:21 AM

are you talking about just one fish in the tank? look at the purple striped dottyback. i have one in my 29g along with 2 snowflake clowns and an orange spotted goby. added him last and he's very well behaved.

i did have a cherub angel in this tank but he went missing a few weeks ago. don't think i can blame the dottyback because the angel seemed perfectly fine. ate one night, gone the next morning. go figure!

spieszak · 09/10/2013, 07:29 AM

There are several "varieties" of clown gobies. They definitely have personality, although not the "flashiest" fish out there. I have a citron clown in my eco pico. Awesome fish, doesn't care he has no room to swim, begs for food, always out. The pandas are a little flashier than the citron (and harder to find), but even the yellow (I have one in my 75) are pretty fish.

Sugar Magnolia · 09/10/2013, 07:59 AM

In a six gallon tank, one of the smaller species of gobies would work. I really like my green and red striped clown goby.

Looks like this:

Keep in mind though, you'll be feeding whatever you put in there which will add to the biological impact on the system. You may need to amp up the water changes and add a few extra CUC to handle the waste.

Sugar Magnolia · 09/10/2013, 08:00 AM

BTW Neeners, that cute little dottyback may have very well killed your angel. They are nasty, territorial buggers. I had one take out a six line wrasse in less that a half hour.

Nina51 · 09/10/2013, 08:56 AM

that would suck, adrienne! so far, he seems to be getting along with everybody else. i never saw him chase the angel, never saw any torn fins or anything but you may be right. lesson learned, never again have i listened to the recommendations of my lfs. i read before i buy now. that was pretty much the only time i ever bought anything w/o looking it up on liveaquaria. i had forgotten my phone at home that day.

fshlover · 09/10/2013, 09:15 AM

How bout a yellow clown goby? Eye catching color! only gets like 1.5-2" i believe. They like to perch, so wouldnt need that much room to swim. And theyre like $10 bucks at petco! haha

mdjxn · 09/10/2013, 09:38 AM

Thanks all. Still looking though.

There has got to be that "reef safe dwarf blacktippicasso flamelion jellyclown fish" out there somewhere... I'm looking for the sasquatch fish of nano setups. That "holy s I've never seen anything like that" fish...

KirbyBTF · 09/10/2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdjxn

Thanks all. Still looking though.

There has got to be that "reef safe dwarf blacktippicasso flamelion jellyclown fish" out there somewhere... I'm looking for the sasquatch fish of nano setups. That "holy s I've never seen anything like that" fish...

Aren't we all

mdjxn · 09/10/2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KirbyBTF

Aren't we all

Right? I know there has to be something I'm not finding. I don't mind moving the coral and going FOWLR if I have to in order to get some crazy puffer. But I have to find the right thing.

rovster · 09/10/2013, 08:56 PM

Candy basslet if your wallet can handle it, LOL!

spieszak · 09/11/2013, 06:53 AM

if your willing to keep you temp way on the low end, catalina gobies are pretty awesome. Note that a MAX temp of 70 is recommended.

mdjxn · 09/11/2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovster

Candy basslet if your wallet can handle it, LOL!

Ahhh the elusive candy bs hahaha. That's a good lookin fish but don't believe the hype.

mdjxn · 09/11/2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spieszak

if your willing to keep you temp way on the low end, catalina gobies are pretty awesome. Note that a MAX temp of 70 is recommended.

Im not afraid to drop the temp if I go FOWLR but I think I'm staying away from goby world. There are a lot of options there, but I think I want something that will be a slow constant mover...

spieszak · 09/11/2013, 01:27 PM

Not sure you're going to find much outside gobies that would be happy in a 6 gallon tank. How about a 'flashy' invert. Fire shrimp arebrilliant in color, and without predators, out more...harlequin shrimp I don't know how big a tank they need) are pretty flashy too IMO. Regardless, good luck with the search!

mdjxn · 09/11/2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spieszak

Not sure you're going to find much outside gobies that would be happy in a 6 gallon tank. How about a 'flashy' invert. Fire shrimp arebrilliant in color, and without predators, out more...harlequin shrimp I don't know how big a tank they need) are pretty flashy too IMO. Regardless, good luck with the search!

Maybe, yeah. Imma keep looking, it's kind of my current obsession....

Again, thanks for the advice. Keep it coming if you can think of anything that hasn't been listed.

mdjxn · 09/11/2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spieszak

Not sure you're going to find much outside gobies that would be happy in a 6 gallon tank. How about a 'flashy' invert. Fire shrimp arebrilliant in color, and without predators, out more...harlequin shrimp I don't know how big a tank they need) are pretty flashy too IMO. Regardless, good luck with the search!

Maybe, yeah. Imma keep looking, it's kind of my current obsession....

Again, thanks for the advice. Keep it coming if you can think of anything that hasn't been listed.

rovster · 09/11/2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdjxn

Ahhh the elusive candy bs hahaha. That's a good lookin fish but don't believe the hype.

What hype? Its a beautiful fish, period. Not one you see very often. Fits your criteria as far as I know. You're welcome for the suggestion

Alavaster · 09/11/2013, 06:25 PM

What about a Catalina Goby? Thats about as colorful as you can get with nano fish! I also believe they are parable with most pistol shrimp, So thats a cool communal relationship to watch on your desk!

KirbyBTF · 09/11/2013, 09:47 PM

I recently learned the MAX temp for a Catalina goby is 70 degrees, which severely limits stocking capabilities. I would love one though.

Raptor72 · 09/12/2013, 02:02 AM

Don't believe everything you read. I have a Catalina Goby in my 30 and the temp during the summer has been at 79. Its the most active fish in there and eats like a pig. It will eat things that my clown can't fit in its mouth. The colors are beautiful and I love to watch it dart in and out of the rocks.

terrypercula · 09/12/2013, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor72

Don't believe everything you read. I have a Catalina Goby in my 30 and the temp during the summer has been at 79. Its the most active fish in there and eats like a pig. It will eat things that my clown can't fit in its mouth. The colors are beautiful and I love to watch it dart in and out of the rocks.

How long have you had him for? No one says they can't live in warmer water just that it shortens their lifespan. I don't know from experience so I'm curious.

mdjxn · 09/12/2013, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovster

What hype? Its a beautiful fish, period. Not one you see very often. Fits your criteria as far as I know. You're welcome for the suggestion

I did not intend to offend... I agree with you, it is a good looking fish. The hype I speak of is related to the price point, of which looks like it is almost always set by the seller with a 'throw a dart and see what you get' approach. I understand supply and demand, and capitalism at work, etc... However, a $600 swing depending on who you talk to is garbage. I'll "invest" a grand on something I love/want as long as it is worth a grand everywhere, or at least most places I look.

Again, if I didn't thank you specifically, thank you for your suggestion. Please don't sic your angry emoticons on me

.

09/09/2013, 06:06 PM	#1
mdjxn Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 10	TRUE nano fish suggestions I've been a reefer for some time now and feel like I have my "sea legs" in the 100g+ reef world. I also started a nano reef in a converted fluval edge 6g (which looks pretty BA if I do say so myself) and it's been running great for about 2yrs with regular water changes and a little help from 10lbs live rock, good flow etc. Everything is super healthy and running fine but I want to add that "signature fish" and go either FOWLR or nano reef. This nano gets PLENTY of attention as it is in my office, so whatever I go with will get all the love needed to thrive but I want it to be an eye catcher, while staying small enough for it's environment.... Discuss...

09/10/2013, 06:47 AM	#2
terrypercula Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 4,354	How about a Helfrichi Firefish. Outrageous colors, fun personality, and can live full grown in small tanks. __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: IM Nuvo Fusion 10, Kessil A160, Tunze Osmolator 3155, Ecotech Vortech MP10

09/10/2013, 07:21 AM	#4
Nina51 biggliest cofveve champ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: 5th floor, Illinois, gewgaw expert Posts: 3,506	are you talking about just one fish in the tank? look at the purple striped dottyback. i have one in my 29g along with 2 snowflake clowns and an orange spotted goby. added him last and he's very well behaved. i did have a cherub angel in this tank but he went missing a few weeks ago. don't think i can blame the dottyback because the angel seemed perfectly fine. ate one night, gone the next morning. go figure! __________________ of all the things i've lost, i miss my gary the most. Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine into your brain, and that is where crappy ideas come from. Current Tank Info: i gave my reef away and i feel like a bird out of a cage!!

09/10/2013, 07:29 AM	#5
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	There are several "varieties" of clown gobies. They definitely have personality, although not the "flashiest" fish out there. I have a citron clown in my eco pico. Awesome fish, doesn't care he has no room to swim, begs for food, always out. The pandas are a little flashier than the citron (and harder to find), but even the yellow (I have one in my 75) are pretty fish. __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/10/2013, 07:59 AM	#6
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	In a six gallon tank, one of the smaller species of gobies would work. I really like my green and red striped clown goby. Looks like this: Keep in mind though, you'll be feeding whatever you put in there which will add to the biological impact on the system. You may need to amp up the water changes and add a few extra CUC to handle the waste. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

09/10/2013, 07:17 AM	#3
KirbyBTF Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 659	Try a jester goby, they stay about one inch and are gorgeous.

09/10/2013, 08:00 AM	#7
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	BTW Neeners, that cute little dottyback may have very well killed your angel. They are nasty, territorial buggers. I had one take out a six line wrasse in less that a half hour. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

09/10/2013, 08:56 AM	#8
Nina51 biggliest cofveve champ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: 5th floor, Illinois, gewgaw expert Posts: 3,506	that would suck, adrienne! so far, he seems to be getting along with everybody else. i never saw him chase the angel, never saw any torn fins or anything but you may be right. lesson learned, never again have i listened to the recommendations of my lfs. i read before i buy now. that was pretty much the only time i ever bought anything w/o looking it up on liveaquaria. i had forgotten my phone at home that day. __________________ of all the things i've lost, i miss my gary the most. Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine into your brain, and that is where crappy ideas come from. Current Tank Info: i gave my reef away and i feel like a bird out of a cage!!

09/10/2013, 09:15 AM	#9
fshlover Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 67	How bout a yellow clown goby? Eye catching color! only gets like 1.5-2" i believe. They like to perch, so wouldnt need that much room to swim. And theyre like $10 bucks at petco! haha

09/10/2013, 09:38 AM	#10
mdjxn Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 10	Thanks all. Still looking though. There has got to be that "reef safe dwarf blacktippicasso flamelion jellyclown fish" out there somewhere... I'm looking for the sasquatch fish of nano setups. That "holy s I've never seen anything like that" fish...

09/10/2013, 08:56 PM	#13
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	Candy basslet if your wallet can handle it, LOL!

09/11/2013, 06:53 AM	#14
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	if your willing to keep you temp way on the low end, catalina gobies are pretty awesome. Note that a MAX temp of 70 is recommended. __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/11/2013, 01:27 PM	#17
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	Not sure you're going to find much outside gobies that would be happy in a 6 gallon tank. How about a 'flashy' invert. Fire shrimp arebrilliant in color, and without predators, out more...harlequin shrimp I don't know how big a tank they need) are pretty flashy too IMO. Regardless, good luck with the search! __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/11/2013, 06:25 PM	#21
Alavaster Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Fort Walton Beach, Florida Posts: 99	What about a Catalina Goby? Thats about as colorful as you can get with nano fish! I also believe they are parable with most pistol shrimp, So thats a cool communal relationship to watch on your desk!

09/11/2013, 09:47 PM	#22
KirbyBTF Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 659	I recently learned the MAX temp for a Catalina goby is 70 degrees, which severely limits stocking capabilities. I would love one though.

09/12/2013, 02:02 AM	#23
Raptor72 Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Wildomar, CA Posts: 1,112	Don't believe everything you read. I have a Catalina Goby in my 30 and the temp during the summer has been at 79. Its the most active fish in there and eats like a pig. It will eat things that my clown can't fit in its mouth. The colors are beautiful and I love to watch it dart in and out of the rocks. __________________ Ok,.... Now it's turning into an obsession Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL, Red Sea 170