Will a goby be ok in a natural fl sand bed ?

William Norman · Jul 12, 2017

So I live in S Fl and like natural things. I collected my sand a few miles off shore. I want to add a fish that will turn my sand. Will a goby be ok with type of bottom ?

brett_schn · Jul 12, 2017

I don’t think so. I live in Pompano Beach so that’s similar to the sand I have. Imo I think it needs to be more fine for gobies

LobsterOfJustice · Jul 12, 2017

What type of goby?

William Norman · Jul 12, 2017

I don't have a preference, I just want something to sift my sand.

leahfiish · Jul 13, 2017

I have kept sand sifting gobies in tanks that have had mixes of crushed coral ands shells on one side and sand on the other and the gobies didn't care and mixed it all together. I don't think the bigger shells and gravel pieces bothered them at all. I've also kept them temporarily in bare bottom tanks with no problems. So you should be fine.

madweazl · Jul 13, 2017

The sand I use is supposed to be .5-1.5mm in size and the diamond goby has no issues with it at all. There are pebbles up to about 4mm in there and he will pass those through his gills occasionally as well. I don't see anything in your picture that would prevent something like a diamond goby from sifting it. Our Randall's will grab a mouthful occasionally as well.

Maacc · Jul 13, 2017

It shouldn't be an issue. I had gobies with Florida reef sand with no issues

eatbreakfast · Jul 13, 2017

It will be perfectly fine.

Rick cowen · Jul 13, 2017

Look up sand sifting starfish also, I have 2 and they do an AWESOME job

Henryt · Jul 13, 2017

I would rather go with a serpent star instead. Gobies tend to kick up the sand a lot making a mess. The starfish are great. Also a couple of snails too. BTW, I live in ft Lauderdale and I used caribbsea coarse sand (like what you have) and the snails and starfish do an awesome job at keeping the sand white.

William Norman · Jul 13, 2017

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I'll give the diamond a try. Can't do starfish as my LFS sold me a Saddle Puffer said it would be fine in a reef tank. Guess what he loved my snails.

Newbie learning as he goes.

@Henry have you tried either of the dry rock places in Hollywood?

LobsterOfJustice · Jul 13, 2017

Alright, I'll be the one to say I don't think that sand looks ideal for a sand sifting goby. Looks silica (I.e. Land rock) based, not aragonite. Silica sand often has sharper grains due to the difference in molecular structure and mode of formation, which is confirmed by the pic as well IMO.