Originally Posted by feixjai
i wouldnt start planing on the fish yet. i say that because when you see something else you like you have to change your list. i had the same problem. first i wanted a blue regal tang and some clowns and just damsels. then i wanted a dogface puffer but then i cant have the clowns and the tang. then i wanted a small lionfish. but then i couldnt get any damsels or the clowns. hope you get me point and one more thing PATIENCE IS THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL TANK!!!!! good luck and enjoy your adventure
Dexter, I sorta agree with feixjai, because as a beginner SWF starter, you sorta get really excited on the types of fishes you can possibly collect. The main challenge is getting your tank cycled, then adding a clean up crew, and then being ready to fill your tank with the types of fishes you want and the type of fishes you can have.
1. I would recommend learning about the water perimeters, changing water, filling water, salinity control, what to do if your readings are high, what is going on with Cloudy water (like your original post states) good observation!!!!
It seems as if you already got a test kit! But you will learn some test kits are not accurate, check this site for info about the different test kits!!
Also, Please don't use Damsels to cycle with -- please as many have said, use a piece of raw uncooked shrimp!! Inhumane - to Damsels - the damage they can undergo with the changing water conditions and the fact that they may be difficult to get out, and their possible aggression to the fishes you want to collect (clown). I got lucky, my damsels don't really pick on my clowns!!
2. your next step is to think about a good cleaning crew - yes, good idea with checking out SWF.com -- packages to give you idea's. Again, I've ordered from here and have been very satisfied with my clean up crew.
3. in the mean time, if you have self control -- check online and at fish stores about the types of fishes you want and can have, check the compatibility if the fishes you want are compatible with each other.
I personally would check out the types of fishes you would want so you can do the research on it before changing your list. This way you can prioritize which fish you want and what types of fishes that are out there. One thing you have to consider is if the fish you want will be okay in your 30 gallon in the fish in it's adult size. As I've read, Tangs will need a bigger tank as it will get large when it grows up!!! If you have a 30 gallon and LR, that cuts down the space in your tank.
Another example, if you were looking into Tangs, they are not compatible with CLowns!!
Also I know you are looking into getting clown fishes right? would you want to get a tank with anemone's and other neat things? you will have to consider the light factor, you will need to get a good light so the expensive anemone's can survive!!!!!!!!!!!
IMO, you have to plan on what you want to get, if you can maintain self control and wait until your tank is cycled!!!!!!
here's another opinion,
I agree with feijax on the following ----
I personally like the lion fish, puffers but I can't keep aggressive fishes in my reef tank. (meaning you can't keep clowns, gobie's) with the neat Lion fishes - because puffy or lion might munch on your $$$ other neat fishes. I meet a woman who said she has a dwarf lion in her tank and if you keep them well fed they wont munch on the little guys -- but youre taking a chance.
Your starter list minus the damsels looks good, but think about adding hermits, snails, etc they will clean the tank and remaining fish foods around!!!
again, i am not an expert, but I learned what I wrote from starting my tank too.. !!! :joy:
