Planted Tank Guru
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Contra Costa CA
Posts: 11,721
Do you have access to the fish? A contact in the Philippines? A contact with an import license? A store that can get the fish?
Next: Do you want to accurately make the biotope, even down to using the correct plant species?
Do you have access to the plants (same questions as for the fish).
Do you know what plant species are found in this lake?
If 'similar' is OK, then it should be easy to select plants that are more commonly available to use.
Sounds like the Tawilis will need a large tank, perhaps a very large tank. They are apparently found in the open areas of the lake. I think I would start thinking along the lines of a 6' long tank, 125 gallons, with a big sump to add volume. Perhaps move up from there- a 6" long fish that thrives in large schools and is highly active would need every bit of that space. Almost a professional aquarium sort of fish, not a hobby level fish.
I cannot find so much about the Blennies or Gobies. In general most Gobies are bottom oriented fish, and can be territorial. If you are already committed to setting up a large enough tank for the Tawilis, then the bottom would have plenty of territory for these fish. Unless you find out differently, I would set up rocks from about 8" on down to sand and gravel, with other things that could have fallen into the water like branches. These would provide territory markers and hiding places for these fish.
For the plants, I would place them across the back, an irregular band perhaps 25% to 30% of the depth (front to back) would be good substrate for the plants, and bring a few patches into some areas between the Goby territories. Leave areas without plants for the Gobies. Plants should not be so tall as to interfere with the movements of the Tawilis, but could be taller against the back glass and sides.