New to Salt Water and setting up a 20 gal

[lyndsey86]

Hi, I've kept Cichlids for 3 years and finally decided to do a salt water. We have a 20 gal set up with Instant Ocean and live rock. Was thinking of getting a pair of clowns to start off with but wanted opinions on what everyone thought was good starter fish. Still got plenty of time till we add fish though. Just getting prepared.

 

[jay0705]

Captive raised clowns are a good start, giving your tank size you wont be able to add many more fish tho. How much live rock do u have?

 

[lyndsey86]

We have 5-10 lbs in it right now. And I was thinking clowns too. Wanted to get two and maybe a chromis

 

[jay0705]

I have occ clowns, black occ, and a maroon clown. Chromis like groups, maybe try clown goby or fire fish

 

[beaslbob]

I would add macro algaes right from the start.
To test the tank I use a male molly.
my .02

 

[jay0705]

Macro isnt a bad idea. The fish u have in mind wouldnt eat it either.

 

[lyndsey86]

We are now setting up our 55 gal. Using our 20gal as a quarantine tank. I was thinking damsels to go with clowns but I've been hearing bad things about them. Think I might stick with clowns and cromis to start out with

 

[jay0705]

In a 55 yes clowns and chromis are good.

 

[tur4k]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lyndsey86 http:///t/397826/new-to-salt-water-and-setting-up-a-20-gal#post_3547578
We are now setting up our 55 gal. Using our 20gal as a quarantine tank. I was thinking damsels to go with clowns but I've been hearing bad things about them. Think I might stick with clowns and cromis to start out with


I would stay away from damselfish with the exception of clowns and chromis. Even some species of clowns can be pretty mean. There are plenty of small fish to choose from that aren't A-holes. Firefish, dwarf angels, blennys, basslets, cardinals, dottybacks, gobies, wrasses...

I wouldn't throw a damsel in my tank just because every ***** employee claims that they are good "starter fish". Just stay away from fish that have special dietary needs. Like mandarins and two spot gobys. You also want to find out if a new animal is compatible with your existing live stock before adding it. It's good to know that a flame hawk will probably eat your ornamental shrimp before tossing one in your tank.