[GobyMaster]

Okay, I have recently set up a 30 gallon aquarium and I want to get a fish that I have wanted ever since I started the hobby: Erpetoichthys calabaricus, or the Reedfish. The only information that I have on keeping these fish is scetchy at best, here's what Wikipedia has to say:

Wikipedia said:

In captivity the reedfish will readily accept bloodworms and most other frozen foods that sink to the bottom of the tank. They tolerate their own species and can often be found nestled together behind or under plants and/or decorations. Maintaining a healthy tank environment is not especially difficult as the reed fish is quite hardy – water temperature should be 72 and 83F (22-28C) with 6.5-7.5 ph levels. Providing hiding places to reduce stress will also be appreciated. Juveniles can be kept in a 20 gallon tank, but adults will need more space due to their size and eating habits.

That implies that Reedfish require an aquarium of over 20 gallons.

And a book that I have, Tropical Freshwater Aquarium Fish from A to Z, says that a full grown Reedfish can be kept in a 30 gallon aquarium.

So, I'm confused. I want to get a reedfish to put in my 30, but I'm not sure if the tank's big enough.

Thanks for the help,
GobyMaster

[connorsbala]

Ive also read that a 30 gallon should be sufficient. Remeber to have a tight fitting glass/hood as these do jump out...our ones at my shop where i work are always on the floor where someone has forgotten to colose the lid...

[GobyMaster]

Yeah, I learned that the hard way with my senegal bichir this morning. I covered the gaps at the surface with a ruler and a few small boxes, would that work to stop them from jumping out??

Thanks,

GobyMaster

[CAC]

I think reedfish are ok in 30gs, but Im sure I read somewhere that 40g is a better minimum tanksize...With the other fish you have, I dont think you should add anything, infact I would get rid of the goby because it will get far too big for the tank.
Is the senegal ok?

[GobyMaster]

The goby is in the 30 because he's so small he'll get eaten by my fish in my 120 gallon. He's only about 4" long now, and when he gets about 8" I'll move him. Oh, and my Senegal is doing alright considering he fell close to 7 feet this morning!!! He's really skittish, but unharmed.

Thanks for the help!

GobyMaster

[CAC]

Have you got pics of the 120g? Whatve you got in there? If the stuff in their is reasonably small then you could give it a go, I fear a smaller, 30g tank may stunt their growth (I read somewhere that it took your goby 3 years to reach 8" which doesnt sound right to me...)
Good luck with the senegal, hopefully he/she will be ok.

[GobyMaster]

No, unfortunetally, I don't have any pictures of my 120, as it's at my dad's work.

It's stocked with a 1' long Silver Arowana, 2 1.5' Ornate Bichirs, and other big fish.

Oh, and this is a different goby. I had to get rid of my other one because he ate all my fish.

GobyMaster

[matt1713]

i wast told i couldn't keep reedfish in my 48 gallon so idk

[RadaR]

If the tank was a 30gallon but 3ft long then yes it should be ok. But that is minimum.
Hope the Bichir remains well.

[GobyMaster]

Yeah, the tank's dimensions are 38x27x18".

See the link in my signature.

Thanks!

GobyMaster

[Straydum]

i always thought they needed something bigger then a 30g due to their really really long length. but guess i was wrong

[The-Wolf]

ok, forget gallonage that is neither here nor there when keeping reedfish,
the most important factor is the tanks foot print..

the min footprint I'd keep a reedfish in is 48 inches long x 15 inches wide
height can be what ever you wish, however increasing the width means you could decrease the length;
so a tank 36 x 24 would also be acceptable.

[Amina]

wow I just went and looked these up. they're really cool and seem like alot of fun. My tank is either a 37 or 40 gallon. It has 2 angelfish, a pleco and one evil little crayfish with an attitude problem. Would I be able to get one of these. It said dont put them with territorial fish. My angels arent aggressive at all. How big do they grow? i just wanna know if i can get one or not. they're so cute!