Pico Tank Livestock

[c0b_]

Currently I have a six gallon cube and I understand that this is an extremely small tank, but would it be possible to add any small fish? If so, what are some entry level fish that would do fine?

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

If you use all live ocean rock and regularly dose phyto you can keep a Greissenger Goby. I personally have one in a Pico and he has plenty of pods to eat due to the dosing. Since these fish are so rarely seen even in nano tanks (unfortunate due to their beauty and how unique they are), I personally feel a Pico that size is a good choice if you want to keep one since you'll see it much more often. You need to ensure there are no crabs or other predators in the tank though because they'd quickly become lunch otherwise.

 

[MDAquatics]

If you use all live ocean rock and regularly dose phyto you can keep a Greissenger Goby. I personally have one in a Pico and he has plenty of pods to eat due to the dosing. Since these fish are so rarely seen even in nano tanks (unfortunate due to their beauty and how unique they are), I personally feel a Pico that size is a good choice if you want to keep one since you'll see it much more often. You need to ensure there are no crabs or other predators in the tank though because they'd quickly become lunch otherwise.

Just lost an expensive pair to some hermit crabs, didn't see that coming

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Just lost an expensive pair to some hermit crabs, didn't see that coming

I'm definitely not a fan of any crabs these days. Since they're scavengers I'll never trust them with any small fish species. I'm very sorry for your unfortunate experience. I can't imagine how it must have felt to lose a pair of jewels like them.

 

[ladders]

i would probably do a tailspot blenny. They stay small and don't swim too much. They also have great personalities and eat everything.

 

[blaxsun]

Pick one (really) small fish, like a goby.

 

[bluemon]

Pick a cute clown goby!

 

[Legendary Corals]

6 gallons isn't too small! I love little tanks, do you have a photo to share?

I'm not sure if this link will work since it goes to another forum. But this is the best guide regarding nano-fish.

lgreen's Ultimate Guide To Nano Fish

Fish Stocking Guide For Nano Reefs By lgreen (copyright 2005-2013) Note: You are welcome to place a link to this guide on another website or forum, however, do not place the actual article itself on your forum or website with out my permission. Your link must direct traffic to it's original form ...

www.nano-reef.com

If the link doesn't work, just look up "lgreen nano fish guide" online and you'll find it.

Here's a snippet up to 6 gallons. Do keep in mind that many of those really small gobies can sometimes be difficult to feed.

 

[Legendary Corals]

Pick a cute clown goby!

Is there such thing as an ugly clown goby? haha

 

[bluemon]

Is there such thing as an ugly clown goby? haha

Very true!

One also sometimes forgets how small these clown gobies are!

I saw one quite recently at a LFS after not seeing one in years.

Man, I would never see that fish in my 125.

 

[Legendary Corals]

Very true!

One also sometimes forgets how small these clown gobies are!

I saw one quite recently at a LFS after not seeing one in years.

Man, I would never see that fish in my 125.

I think that's the beauty of having a pico tank. You'd never get to appreciate these little animals otherwise.

At RAP I ran into a reefer who kept a group of spikefin gobies (one of my dream fish) in a little 10 gallon for many years. But he upgraded to a 50g+ tank and never saw them again. A little sad. But now this thread is tempting me to start up a pico.

 

[c0b_]

Thanks for all the great replies. I will definitely look into picking up a small goby the next time I visit my LFS.

 

[EricR]

I like the idea of some kind of pistol shrimp / goby pair,,, but I've never kept any
...and maybe they need more room,,, don't know

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I'm definitely not a fan of any crabs these days. Since they're scavengers I'll never trust them with any small fish species. I'm very sorry for your unfortunate experience. I can't imagine how it must have felt to lose a pair of jewels like them.

Yep. This is how I feel about crabs and shrimp.

 

[ReeferHD]

you could keep a number of things in there, i have a 6 gallon and decided to make it a sponge decorator crab tank, like others have said you could also add some small gobies, black barred circus gobies and green clown gobies are super easy and entertaining.

 

[Reefolution]

A tailspot blenny would be great for a small tank. Great personality as well!

 

[AstroCoral]

An Eviota nano goby is a good choice for pico tanks, they are somewhat reclusive but are fun to watch when they come out looking for food. Here is my eviota cosmic nano goby just below my blue and pink Indophyllia. Unfortunately, they don’t have extremely long lives (around 2 years in the wild), this guy/gal came from Biota about 9 months ago.