tiny brackish top feeders?

that's ok. I've pretty much decided to go with glass fish or celebes. I have a book, "the complete aquarium" that lists a few good options including those... it would be great to find the brackish hatchet fish equivalent, or the micro mud skipper... but I need to be realistic. brackish tanks are best on the large scale, and I'm not at that level.
 
I don't care much for this banter. I doubt anyone really thinks "Hmm.. bosemani rainbows!" when planning a brackish.

I think I have that same book. It's quite outdated, but it's got some really nice tanks in it. It had a pretty good crab setup if I remember correctly.

Have you looked into native fish yet?
 
by native do you mean native to around here, or native to south east asia?

when I first started out, I had this strict idea that everything had to be exactly like the crab's native environment... but let go of it after finding how large most of the native fish were, how difficult brackish tanks were, and how few plants from the region were available. If I could, I'd have a 200 gallon paludarium with crabs, skippers, and archers, and it would be a no brainer how to set it up... but I can't, and right now I'm stuck with a 15 gallon.

that's why the glass fish are attractive. they're small, cheap, hardy, and generally from the same region... maybe not a perfect choice, but one I can work with.
 
glassfish: yes, petco at union square had a handful, but I didn't buy them yet. they looked healthy.

I like what that guy in your link started... but it's not even close to how I'd want to see it planted... it feels empty, a bit bland, and unnatural.... but it's an awesome size, and the concept is there. thanks for the link.
 
Does look empty/boring but may be more like what the archers are used to living in--lots of swimming room.
 
I think it's one of the most accurate and natural biotopes I've seen. I probably would've planted it a bit more both in and above the water to give it some more interest though.
 
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