Sandsifters...

[pitmam01]

For some reason, I can not keep any kind of sandsifter (mostly gobies) in my tank for longer than a month. They either jump out the top or they just disappear. I have tried several different types to no avail. Anybody have any suggestions...............???

 

[apollothesun]

do you hear any clicking in the tank when the lights go out? if you do, you might have a mantis in the tank.

 

[JPG@CFI]

Also a reef crab. Set a trap and give him to a FO pred tank guy or gal for a snack!

 

[NC2WA]

How big is your tank? How many inches is your sandbed and how mature is the tank?

Since they are jumping out of the tank, I assume your tank does not have a canopy?

My tank does not have a canopy, but I do have two window screen over each port hole and have successfully kept an orange diamond goby for over 6 months. If you can get it to eat prepared food (ie, shrimp, krill, etc..), you increase your odds of keeping one. My is lucky. It is the only goby in a 375 gallon tank, and it eats anything I put in the tank.

 

[saltybell]

What other fish do you have in the tank? I had a similar problem and it turned out being a bully fish chasing them out. Got rid of the bully, problem solved. My tank has no canopy or lids or screens on top and I have about 3 different goby's, sand shifter and no jumpers.

 

[dj tryrd]

if you realy want sand shifters that won't jump out of your tank, try sea cucombers.

they might slowly climb out of the tank, but definately wont jump.