Catalina Goby options/suggestions...

[ben2001vw]

Hello all. I am not new here, have been a lurker for over a year and half, I just forgot my username, so I had to create a new one. Anyway, on to the the topic at hand. I am looking to create a tank specifically for Catalina Gobies. I have been in love with them after having seen a tank of them in the aquarium in New Orleans over a year ago. My question is, what size of a tank, minimum, would I need to house a pair or up to 4 at the most? Also, at what temperature would I need to maintain the tank at? Also, what chiller would be a great recommendation to keep the recommended size tank at the suitable temperature? If I do this, I want to do it right, so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I currently have a 46 gallon reef tank, which has been going great for over a year now, and I just want to add something a little different, and challenging on a new level. Any other tips/suggestions/do/don'ts, please share. Thanks in advance for all the great info. I know you all will provide.


Ben

 

[Anonymous]

I can't size your chiller or anything else like that for you, but I can assure you that Catalina gobies are definitely a temperate species. That means water kept at 55F-68F (68F's the absolute high end, and truthfully most species won't do well in waters that warm).

The problems you'll encounter will go beyond keeping the water that cool, unless you have no problem with large amounts of condensation. Even with thick acrylic, you'll be hard-pressed to keep the display in a viewable condition.

Depending on what state you're in, there may be other issues should Fish & Game ever get wind of your possesion, though I know that we used to get Catalinas and Garibaldis in from Mexico, they had dismal survival rates for the tropical temperatures.

I'll suggest researching their needs EXTENSIVELY before even trying to sort out your hardware needs.

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
Ms. Orange is right. Catalina goby is easily found around So. Cal, and the water here is so cold that you need a half inch wet suit to feel comfortable in modest depth. They will do "well" in your reef tank for about several months, then die because the temperature of reef tank is too high for their metabolism. You will need a delicated tank for this pretty fishes, and for a 46 gal tank, to keep it at reasonable temp for them, I suggest you get something between 1/3 to half a horse, depends on your location. Obviously, you won't need much flow (pump) and light (bulb) for these, so most of the heat will be from your room temperature. If your climate is dry, there will be less problem with condensation.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, Mr. Goodfellow is correct, the less humid your own environs, the less of a problem condensation will be.

However, I would remind the fine Mr. Goodfellow that fishes from temperate waters will also require very good O2 saturation, therefore, in my own opinion, good water flow (especially surface agitation) would be a must.

I shall forevermore miss Mr. Pea. Smooches!

 

[ben3343]

Thanks all for the info. thus far. I live in the south, so I think condensation would be a problem. However, what temp., if anyone could possibly know, does the water have to be at before condensation will begin to form to any great extent? Or is it relative to the dew point, humidity, outside vs. inside temp. and all that good stuff? I think at this point, as long as the temp remains low, good 02 saturation, then I should be fine relatively, not withstanding the condensation issue that is. It looks like I can handle the first two via a good chiller, and powerheads, but how might I circumvent the condensation problem, if in any way at all? Thanks in advance again.


Ben

 

[Anonymous]

It is completely relevant to the dewpoint. If you're in the south, I'm thinking that your tank would end up looking like some of our temperate q/t's behind the scenes and the aquarium.

Consider (assuming you'll really have enough money to get everything these fish will need) using very thick acrylic, or layers of glass. The aquarium had to actually make some adjustments to the coldwater displays because of this issue. Needless to say, being both on the coast (Long Beach) and filled with water, the aquarium is a very humid place to hang (you should see what it does to my hair!).

 

[danmhippo]

One more thing you need to consider, tank decor. How will you decor the tank? Very few LFS carries temperate SW stuff. Without tropical corals, the tank may look quite drab.

 

[Will C1]

you can put a dehumidifier in the room this will help but it will still look like a cold glass of beer sitting on your table. hmm beer....oh any way you will have to wipe it down with a squeegie to see into it but as long as you dont care and you take some steps to make sure the excess water dosent damage the stand and floor you should be ok. also their are some pretty cool anemonies and stuff that like that cold water so you can find something that would pretty it up a bit.

 

[welshreefer]

if i can establish a stable low temp as i live in england it is cold so i think that is possible would i ba able to keep a pair in a 18x12x10 tank for them.

and howz bout food

 

[Anonymous]

I suggest doing a Google search on them first--the state of California surely has a good bit of information on some of our indigenous species, the goby is named after Catalina Island after all. (On clear days I can see it from our back area.)

 

[dizzy]

I can't size your chiller or anything else like that for you, but I can assure you that Catalina gobies are definitely a temperate species. That means water kept at 55F-68F (68F's the absolute high end, and truthfully most species won't do well in waters that warm).

Hey Seamaiden,
I was just wondering how many species of Catalina gobies there are? :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Hhhmm....lemme see here...well, I CAN tell you this much, I can count 'em on ONE HAND! :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

I meant temperate species you GOOF! :lol: