Ok, so I am new to the world of brackish fish and this forum. I am currently running a 37gal, and 45gal freshwater tank. I am looking to set up a 55gal brackish tank. I have found some key inhabitants that I particularly like, but the compatibility is where some information gets a bit fuzzy. I really like Bumblebee gobies, dragon gobies (I hear they can be kepy together, no prob.) But, I also like 'freshwater' lionfish. I didnt know if I could keep these with the bumblebees. Also, I hear the SG to generally keep with these fish is 1.012. Am I correct in saying this? Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.
Compatibility question.
- Thread starter Markw
- Start date
A 55 is too small for a dragon goby.
FW lionfish will probably eat bumblebee gobies, but to my knowledge, a violet (dragon) goby will not. In fact, the lion might kill the violet goby.
1.012 is a bit high for bumblebees. They seem to be low-end brackish. Violet gobies on the other hand do better (I think) above 1.010. I can't say anything for the FW lionfish though.
FW lionfish will probably eat bumblebee gobies, but to my knowledge, a violet (dragon) goby will not. In fact, the lion might kill the violet goby.
1.012 is a bit high for bumblebees. They seem to be low-end brackish. Violet gobies on the other hand do better (I think) above 1.010. I can't say anything for the FW lionfish though.
I take it back. Id rather have the bumblebees with a few flounders in the new tank and later get into the more exotics like the lionfish I think. So, after re-thinking..which Ill probably do again..I am thinking of a tank with alot of bumblebees and a few flounders. Any suggestions as to what else would go well with bumblebees and flounders? The possible stocklist for the lionfish would still be appreciated also, as Im not too sure which one I will be using for my new tank.
Thanks in advance.
Mark
Thanks in advance.
Mark
Honestly I don't know if there are any suitable tankmates for a FW lionfish that are small enough for a 55 gal. Somebody else will have to answer that. I don't even know if 55 is big enough for that fish for certain...That doesn't mean it isn't, I just don't know that much about the species except that they're predatory and venomous.
With bumblebees, just aim either really small (rainbows, ricefish, killies, livebearers) or really peaceful (I can't think of any examples) low-end brackish. Other gobies (besides the violet, but it's too big) seem out of the question.
With bumblebees, just aim either really small (rainbows, ricefish, killies, livebearers) or really peaceful (I can't think of any examples) low-end brackish. Other gobies (besides the violet, but it's too big) seem out of the question.
Well I was asking around and my cousin may be willing to give up his 180gal so I can use that one as he cant keep a tank up and running with his new job. No fish in the tank, he just doesnt know if he can handle it right now. If I am able to get that, would I be able to keep bumblebees, violets, 'freshwater' flounder along with the rainbows, ricefish, killies, livebearers (im guessing you mean swordtails and sailfins) that you stated above in this tank? Without overstocking it, but I mean would all of these fish live together well at one SG? What about halfbeaks? Could they go along with these? Id like to only have one, but I cant find any info on their temperment.
Mark
Mark
Honestly, I'm not sure.
I think halfbeaks are a bit too aggressive for those other small fish, especially the bumblebees. They're predators.
You'd need to research which killies and rainbows can live in low-end brackish (if you want the bumblebees).
Personally, I think a 180 might be too small for a violet, but a wide footprint is more important than gallonage. If a >24" fish can sit across the width (not length) of the tank without curling, then it's definitely big enough. My 210 is 2ft. by 6 ft. If you put its dimensions into a calculator though, it's only like 140 gallons. I don't know why it's referred to as a 210 gallon.
Although I don't think it's a very serious problem, from what I've learned, a higher SG like 1.010 or 1.015 would be better for a violet. A lower (1.005) would be better for bumblebees. You could probably keep them at 1.010 without problems from either species, but I don't know if that would bother the other fish. In general, I think the brackish killies and rainbows would probably prefer a lower SG, but don't quote me on that.
Brackish livebearers could include guppies and mollies. I'm not sure what else. I think there are a lot of brackish-tolerant livebearers.
I think halfbeaks are a bit too aggressive for those other small fish, especially the bumblebees. They're predators.
You'd need to research which killies and rainbows can live in low-end brackish (if you want the bumblebees).
Personally, I think a 180 might be too small for a violet, but a wide footprint is more important than gallonage. If a >24" fish can sit across the width (not length) of the tank without curling, then it's definitely big enough. My 210 is 2ft. by 6 ft. If you put its dimensions into a calculator though, it's only like 140 gallons. I don't know why it's referred to as a 210 gallon.
Although I don't think it's a very serious problem, from what I've learned, a higher SG like 1.010 or 1.015 would be better for a violet. A lower (1.005) would be better for bumblebees. You could probably keep them at 1.010 without problems from either species, but I don't know if that would bother the other fish. In general, I think the brackish killies and rainbows would probably prefer a lower SG, but don't quote me on that.
Brackish livebearers could include guppies and mollies. I'm not sure what else. I think there are a lot of brackish-tolerant livebearers.
I think you might be using a wrong calculator. The equation that has been working for me and I got out of 'The Consciencious Marine Aquarist' is LengthxWidthxHight (get the product of that) divided by 231 and that is your gallonage. All of my tanks have been right with that equation. I have read many places that bumblebees and dragons can live in the same aquarium, so there has to be some kind of middle-ground where they both can thrive. I know halfbeaks are slightly agressive, but Ive also read that they only bother top-dwelling species. Bumblebees, as far as I know, are bottom-dwellers. I keep getting told 'research research research' and I do this with everything. I cant seem to find an relevant and concrete info out there at all basically. Is there any website that I am being shielded from or something? I cant find an one website that gives good info.
Mark
Mark
Ok, so ive made a new thread because this one has gotten a little confusing going back and forth between subjects. Heres the link: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226029
I'm pretty sure having two threads for one topic is against the rules...
No, there isn't any individual website you're being shielded from. This information comes from experience (first hand or information from other fishkeepers), articles, and a lot of other things. There's no one place where all the relevant and trustworthy information has been written down for us (that would be too nice). Research takes time. I've been researching the violet goby since 2006 and I'm still learning things.
Halfbeaks may tend to stay at the surface, but I've seen bumblebee gobies swim right to the surface too. Just because they are bottom-dwellers in general doesn't mean they won't be in the water column or at the surface from time to time.
What are the dimensions of the 180 gal? For a violet goby it should be around 24" wide. They do get that long.
Thanks for the gallonage calculation thing, BTW.
No, there isn't any individual website you're being shielded from. This information comes from experience (first hand or information from other fishkeepers), articles, and a lot of other things. There's no one place where all the relevant and trustworthy information has been written down for us (that would be too nice). Research takes time. I've been researching the violet goby since 2006 and I'm still learning things.
Halfbeaks may tend to stay at the surface, but I've seen bumblebee gobies swim right to the surface too. Just because they are bottom-dwellers in general doesn't mean they won't be in the water column or at the surface from time to time.
What are the dimensions of the 180 gal? For a violet goby it should be around 24" wide. They do get that long.
Thanks for the gallonage calculation thing, BTW.