First tank advice

[fishhooked]

I am setting up my first tank, a 24 gal. Based on advice from this board I have decided to go with a pair of clowns and a six line wrasse or a fire fish. I also want to get a peppermint and a cleaner shrimp, some snails and some hermit crabs. I was also thinking about a chocolate chip star.
Currently I have a crushed coral substrate and a few pounds of live rock used to cycle (will add more as budget permits).
My questions are: 1)Should the clowns be added at the same time to avoid a conflict?
2)Can I keep the CC or do I need live sand?
3)Does this setup need a skimmer?
Thanks for the help.

 

[carrie1429]

Its better if the clowns are added at the same time, if not one may get territorial with the other. LS is better than CC. (in my opinion) Ls has more live bacteria that is benificial to your tank. Your setup would not have to have a skimmer, but it is probably better for the tank.

 

[adivedog]

I agree with Carrie, so you would probably be better of to go ahead and change over to ls now since you don't have any livestock in the tank and only a small amount of rock. That will make it a lot easier on you, and the sand will help to cycle the tank.
Good luck

 

[kris]

yep-add the clowns simultaniously
you already have the cc--so while everyone recognizes the benefits of ls--I wouldn't bother changing unless you want this to end up a serious reef tank.
Skimmers are always a good idea
Good Luck

 

[jwalters77]

I agree with Kris, since you already have the CC down...Stick with it for a while..I have a 55gal that I switched from CC to a 6in LS bed..Let me tell you it was no easy task...So see if you like the hobby then you could switch over...Good luck to you...If you like be prepared to work like a dog to feed you habit
Jake