6 gallon reef tank fish

[Ellissp]

So I’m aware that the bio load really depends on the habits/size and waste production of the fish and how well you are able to keep consistent parameters in you tank.
I currently have a small mocha clown ( 1.5 inches), tail spot blenny, emerald crab, and other inverts like hermits and snails but am wondering if It’d be much of a difference on the bio load to add a hector goby, they’re really small and I feel would be the best fit if I were to ever think about adding a third fish. These tanks are definitely experiments to me so if y’all are curious to how the tank would do if I did add a the third fish than I’d be happy to keep this thread updated!

The tank is currently 4 months old and I’ve made sure it has a stable supply of healthy algae and copepods.

Would love any opinions!

 

[blaxsun]

Depends on your filtration, but I think 2 fish is probably pushing it (I had 3 in a 12-gallon).

 

[damsels are not mean]

I wouldn't add anything else to that tank. But if you must, I suggest a randall's pistol shrimp paired with a (small) shrimp goby such as the hi fin or yasha gobies. Stay away from the watchman or other big ones in that tank IMO.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Think ur good.

 

[Ellissp]

Depends on your filtration, but I think 2 fish is probably pushing it (I had 3 in a 12-gallon).

I only have a tidal 35 hob with basic filter floss, media and carbon so it’s definitely pushing more water changes

 

[blaxsun]

I only have a hob so it’s definitely pushing more water changes

As per @damsels are not mean, a pistol shrimp and small goby would really be about it.

 

[Ricox]

As per @damsels are not mean, a pistol shrimp and small goby would really be about it.

+1

 

[vetteguy53081]

I would stop where you are at. You have to factor that you have rock within the tank and in essense with the volume it has used- you have about 4 USEABLE gallons.
With that- you want to have adequate oxygen for them and factoring rate of buildup of waste- you want this tank which looks nice to be an enjoyment and not a constant maintenance project

 

[areefer01]

There really isn't a fish per gallon rule. Most look at the whole system, their maintenance routines, and self discipline and go from there. My only concern is that you do not have a mature display as it relates to rock and coral growth. If there was more mature corals or even another quality piece of rock (also mature) then I would recommend some small gobies:

Biota:
Black Belly Nano Goby
Starry Goby
Hairfin Nano Goby
White Spotted Nano Goby
Upside Down Goby
Queensland Dwarf Goby

Things like that. However they need a bit more rock work but would be amazing animals to have in a nano display. I have a Starry Goby in my 210 gallon display and it is a treat when we see it It is a game of hide and seek with it but wouldn't trade it.

 

[Ricox]

Also another thing to look out for as I used to have a tank of the same size is managing the temperature and salinity of the tank as well as the trace elements in the water especially if you are planning on corals. Also a tank like that I have found looks a lot cooler with more smaller fish like @areefer01 said as bigger fish kind of wreck the scale of the tank. Like the clown which can grow up to 3".

 

[areefer01]

Also another thing to look out for as I used to have a tank of the same size is managing the temperature and salinity of the tank as well as the trace elements in the water especially if you are planning on corals. Also a tank like that I have found looks a lot cooler with more smaller fish like @areefer01 said as bigger fish kind of wreck the scale of the tank. Like the clown which can grow up to 3".

You raised a great point. Scale!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I wouldnt add any more fish in that tank, 8' of swimming space for 2-3 fish to share is not enough. Unhappy fish = stress = disease and jumping fish and death.

 

[Ellissp]

I would stop where you are at. You have to factor that you have rock within the tank and in essense with the volume it has used- you have about 4 USEABLE gallons.
With that- you want to have adequate oxygen for them and factoring rate of buildup of waste- you want this tank which looks nice to be an enjoyment and not a constant maintenance project

Aye I hear you! I actually tried to out in a lot less rock then what other recommended because I didn’t want so much volume to be taken up but I do agree, it is less then what I said.

 

[Ellissp]

There really isn't a fish per gallon rule. Most look at the whole system, their maintenance routines, and self discipline and go from there. My only concern is that you do not have a mature display as it relates to rock and coral growth. If there was more mature corals or even another quality piece of rock (also mature) then I would recommend some small gobies:

Biota:
Black Belly Nano Goby
Starry Goby
Hairfin Nano Goby
White Spotted Nano Goby
Upside Down Goby
Queensland Dwarf Goby

Things like that. However they need a bit more rock work but would be amazing animals to have in a nano display. I have a Starry Goby in my 210 gallon display and it is a treat when we see it It is a game of hide and seek with it but wouldn't trade it.

Thank you for the awesome advice!

 

[Ellissp]

There really isn't a fish per gallon rule. Most look at the whole system, their maintenance routines, and self discipline and go from there. My only concern is that you do not have a mature display as it relates to rock and coral growth. If there was more mature corals or even another quality piece of rock (also mature) then I would recommend some small gobies:

Biota:
Black Belly Nano Goby
Starry Goby
Hairfin Nano Goby
White Spotted Nano Goby
Upside Down Goby
Queensland Dwarf Goby

Things like that. However they need a bit more rock work but would be amazing animals to have in a nano display. I have a Starry Goby in my 210 gallon display and it is a treat when we see it It is a game of hide and seek with it but wouldn't trade it.

Thank you for the awesome advice

Also another thing to look out for as I used to have a tank of the same size is managing the temperature and salinity of the tank as well as the trace elements in the water especially if you are planning on corals. Also a tank like that I have found looks a lot cooler with more smaller fish like @areefer01 said as bigger fish kind of wreck the scale of the tank. Like the clown which can grow up to 3".

I actually do agree with keeping mostly small gobies being better and keeping the scale to par. That’ll be something I have to explore down the road.