Starting Out

reece

reece

New Member
I'm sure that you guys get a lot of posts from beginners, so here's another one.
I've never cared for fish before. I know absolutely nothing, and I'm trying to dive right in. I've been doing a boatload of research about what I'm doing. Here's that I've compiled so far:
I want a 55-75 gallon tank. I want it to be a reef tank. I'm looking at some different beginner fish, I'm thinking snowflake moray eel, flame hawkfish, a few clownfish, and maybe some more semi-agressive fish.
That's all I got. Help?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Definately go with the 75. The depth (front to back) makes the tank a LOT easier to work with.
I would avoid the Snowflake but I don't know a lot about them. I think they have a tendency to leave the aquarium.
No more than two Clownfish in that size tank. Make sure they are the same species and not both female. These are a perfect starter fish. Once your tank is fully cycled and stable get a couple of small Clownfish. Try to hold off getting more fish for a few months. Just get used to caring for your first fish.
Do not overfeed. This is the #2 reason why new hobbiests fail.
Hawkfish are cool but if you ever want ornamental shrimp the Hawk will end up eating them.
Do you have a reference book to get you started? Something like The Consciencious Marine Aquarist.
 
reece

reece

New Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///t/393668/starting-out#post_3502844
Definately go with the 75. The depth (front to back) makes the tank a LOT easier to work with.
I would avoid the Snowflake but I don't know a lot about them. I think they have a tendency to leave the aquarium.
No more than two Clownfish in that size tank. Make sure they are the same species and not both female. These are a perfect starter fish. Once your tank is fully cycled and stable get a couple of small Clownfish. Try to hold off getting more fish for a few months. Just get used to caring for your first fish.
Do not overfeed. This is the #2 reason why new hobbiests fail.
Hawhfish are cool but if you ever want ornamental shrimp the Hawk will end up eating them.
Do you have a reference book to get you started? Something like The Consciencious Marine Aquarist.
I read that snowflakes need a tight fitting lid. I was going to get the clownfish first and then begin phasing in more fish, but it would probably be a good idea for me to keep it simple at first. How often do you need to feed clownfish?
Also, I want to do a reef aquarium, but I have no idea where to start. Any help there?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Do you have a reference book to get you started? Something like The Consciencious Marine Aquarist.
 
reece

reece

New Member
Not yet. I looked up the one you mentioned, I think I'm going to go get it tomorrow.
 
beaslbob

beaslbob

Well-Known Member
Not familiar with all those fish but was kinda thinking those are a little aggressive for a reef tank. But that is pure specualtion on my part.
What I do is start the tank with macro algaes (like chaetomorphia) in a refigum right from the very beginning. Then wait a week and add a single male molly. Wait a week and start feeding a single flake per day.
The idea is to keep the macros in control and to use the molly so slowly build up bioload and get the tank going.
still just my .02
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
I don't think Snowflakes eat fish very often. I could be wrong but I think they prefer slower prey.
 
reefr

reefr

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///t/393668/starting-out#post_3503313
I don't think Snowflakes eat fish very often. I could be wrong but I think they prefer slower prey.
coorect, but depends on species. Zebras, Golden Dwarf ,and usually SFs are OK in reefs if:
1)well-fed
2)kept with somewhat large tankmates (bigger than mouths, may be exceptions)
3) kept in large enough tank
every specimen is different, so you never know.
 
ak_reefer

ak_reefer

Member
I would go with a 75 as well, also Bob Fenners book is a great read and loaded with tons of useful information. I would definitely read it before diving in, it will give you a good idea of what you are about to get into. Patience is key!! As far as your fish go I agree with getting two small young clowns of the same species, the majority if the time the more dominant fish becomes the female. Hawkfish have tons of character I had a Falcos in my 45 reef and never had a issue with him. If you want to go reef are you thinking softies, lps, mixed as far as corals go?
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wickedxb

wickedxb

New Member
Yea the little jerk. I had two six lines and they were mating. Would have been a first that I know of. He left my tank shortly after that. All my predators are gone but my Picasso trigger and my valentini puffer. So far they play nice.
 
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