Sandbeds

Depends upon who you ask WC. Some go barebottom, some go deep 4+ and some go in between. I have 2-3 inches depending on which area of the tank the goby has been "redecorating".

EDIT: some species require a deep sand bed as well. Some of them are for advanced reefkeepers such as sea pens, some are beginner level fish.
 
Subliminal said:
From what I understand, 'gobies' are the family of fish that comprises of zillions...so, there are sand sifters, swimmers, diggers, leapers, whatever...very plentiful. You can't say they wouldn't be good in a 29g because there are so many of them that don't get very big at all.

I believe blennies are acually closely related, too.

And, of course, you have blennies that eat algae and blennies that are really dragonettes and eat pods. So, dragonettes are practically gobies, too. And some dragonettes stay small, while others grow too large for a 29g

Having a small sand burrowing goby in a 29g would probably be fine, whereas a 29g tank with a shallow sandbed and a large goby would probably lead to issues.

Sand sifting starfish, from everything I've read, are not just a risk to their personal health, but they also eat all the stuff that makes a sandbed worth having, so in effect could also be VERY detrimental to the health of the entire reef tank.
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Gobiids are the largest family of marine fish. I never said that I don't recommend "gobies" (overall) for a 29. Please carefully read my reply and note that I said the sandsifting gobies in Valenciennea and most Amblygobius species. If you look in an ichthyological database, you will see that the former get quite large (~5" + on average) and of the latter, the more common species also get large. The possible exceptions in Amblygobius would include A. rainfordi and A. hectori. However, in that small a tank, there still is no guarantee that they will get enough food (especially considering that most Amblygobius REQUIRE filamentous algae in their diet). Valenciennea also require very large surface area of open sand space to get enough food (far more than what is provided in a 29).
 
IMO,the deeper the better,but in a small tank you need to consider the loss of tank space your other fish need to swim around in,I have a deep sand bed(4")or more in my refug,and a 8" sand bed in a special built chamber in my sump.You will get mixed opinions on this so do your research.
 
In regards to deeper sandbeds, I think Dr. Shimek's advice/research is some of the best out there. I would look into his articles, etc. for the best info on the matter. Just remember that sandbeds have a finite lifespan (even he will tell you that), so keep that in mind. I personally prefer them for a number of reasons, but you should come to your own conclusion.
 
Amphiprion said:
In regards to deeper sandbeds, I think Dr. Shimek's advice/research is some of the best out there. I would look into his articles, etc. for the best info on the matter. Just remember that sandbeds have a finite lifespan (even he will tell you that), so keep that in mind. I personally prefer them for a number of reasons, but you should come to your own conclusion.
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finite lifespan? with regular replenishing and appropriate maintenance, your dsb should last you the lifespan of the tank.

also, don't take anyone's word as gospel in the dsb debate. read all sides, then draw what you think is the most appropriate conclusion

cheers!
 
blackwolfXKAV said:
finite lifespan? with regular replenishing and appropriate maintenance, your dsb should last you the lifespan of the tank.

also, don't take anyone's word as gospel in the dsb debate. read all sides, then draw what you think is the most appropriate conclusion

cheers!
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Even with regular replenishing, the bed will decline (this is a fact). The usual lifespan of a DSB is around 10-15 years, sometimes longer--yes, finite.
 
Amphiprion said:
Even with regular replenishing, the bed will decline (this is a fact). The usual lifespan of a DSB is around 10-15 years, sometimes longer--yes, finite.
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I was told they would crash after a few years. If the sandbed would last for at least 10 to 15 years, I'll just empty the tank and start over.
 
wcolwell88 said:
I was told they would crash after a few years. If the sandbed would last for at least 10 to 15 years, I'll just empty the tank and start over.
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Exactly. The only point I was trying to get across was that they have a definite effective "lifespan." Keep in mind, though, the figures I gave are for a very well cared for sandbed. I think there are many other factors that people blame on their sandbeds (either that or improper maintenance, water flow, etc., which would explain why some experience a "crash" after just a few years) that is unwarranted.
 
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