I have been running a 7 gal bowfront for almost a year now, with no casualties. Oh, I lost an emerald crab once. All I have on there is a Bak Pak 2R. I have had 2 neon gobies and 2 rusty gobies for almost the entire time, and a brancing hammer that doubled in size. For some reason, zoos dont like the tank.......my advice? Get a skimmer.