spotted goby & bioload?

[random]

Just have a question about a pink spotted goby. I was told by an experienced reef-keeper that, because they sift the sand "they don't really count" as far as inches-of-fish/bioload etc., and that they're basically part of the clean up crew.

So, exactly how (in-)accurate is that statement?

(searched the fish on TRT, but didn't find anything specific re. this.)

I usually trust this dude's info, but he's got a 220 and we have a 29+ a sump... so I'm not always 100% sure of his perspective . More info would be great, thanks!

[bcrum51]

i was say that yes it counts but when people ask me how many fish they can have in a certain tank I say well it all depends on the fish you keep and how they react with one another the hole inches per gallon thing is a load of BS IMO but some people still reference that

[Loverotties]

And it's better to not have a heavy load!

[schmnr]

It still poops so it counts. You really should take your clean-up crew into account when looking at your bio-load.

[random]

Originally Posted by schmnr

It still poops so it counts. You really should take your clean-up crew into account when looking at your bio-load.

can you be more specific, please? turbos & shrimp and hermits all produce waste, as well, but they count as part of the crew, yes?
do you mean that if you have a better/bigger crew that it can handle more?

Actually, I didn't mean to start another clean-up-crew thread.
I'm just wondering where this type of goby falls on the bioload scale "low - high". My maintenance crew seems to be handling things pretty well, and I want to know if adding this type of (carnivorous) fish could be beneficial at all.

Or would a different, 'vegetarian', sand sifting goby add Less of a bioload?

[Loverotties]

The bigger the poop the more load,it's that easy.

[Dragonist]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

The bigger the poop the more load,it's that easy.

I turlly agree

[schmnr]

ya, bascially look at it as just another fish. It doesnt matter what function it serves in the tank. most inverts produce less waste and require less feeding so many people dont count them as part of the bio load.

[random]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

The bigger the poop the more load,it's that easy.

That means I can get a couple little fish if I get rid of a few big turbos!

Originally Posted by schmnr

ya, bascially look at it as just another fish. It doesnt matter what function it serves in the tank. most inverts produce less waste and require less feeding so many people dont count them as part of the bio load.

Ok, thanks, everyone.

One more newbie question:
So, assuming 2 fish are exactly the same size/shape, etc.,
if it's an algae eater or a carnivore doesn't make much difference, bioload-wise?

[jenglish]

Originally Posted by random

That means I can get a couple little fish if I get rid of a few big turbos!
Ok, thanks, everyone.

One more newbie question:
So, assuming 2 fish are exactly the same size/shape, etc.,
if it's an algae eater or a carnivore doesn't make much difference, bioload-wise?

Well, it does and it doesn't Both are putting out ammonia that needs to be processed by bacteria. Both are taking in O2 and putting out CO2. THe difference is that you are adding food (that will be broken down into nitrate and phosphate among other things) for the carnivore or omnivore and something that was only grazing would only be moving N and P around the system. The problem is every grazer I have ever seen ends up eating added food as well. Every molecule that goes into your tank needs to come out in some way or another or will accumulate.

[random]

Originally Posted by jenglish

Well, it does and it doesn't Both are putting out ammonia that needs to be processed by bacteria. Both are taking in O2 and putting out CO2. THe difference is that you are adding food (that will be broken down into nitrate and phosphate among other things) for the carnivore or omnivore and something that was only grazing would only be moving N and P around the system. The problem is every grazer I have ever seen ends up eating added food as well. Every molecule that goes into your tank needs to come out in some way or another or will accumulate.

*sigh* if only there were ever a "simple question, simple answer" in the reef world! guess I'll keep hitting the books.
But I really appreciate the clear explanation, thanks!

I'm developing some mad siphon skills Hoping they're good enuf & that we'll be ok in the long run.