Stocking Question

[kaelyne3]

Hi again everyone
I have yet another first timer question for all of you experts out there. I was wondering what combination of fish/invertebrates you might recommend putting in my new SW tank once it is done cycling that would be hardy, get along well with each other and be good for a beginner to SW to start out with. Also, what order would you add them in and with how much time in between (assuming test levels were all correct)?
The setup I have is:
- 37 gal tank w hood & fluorescent lighting
- Protein skimmer
- Rio Powerhead 90
- Millennium Filter 3000
- 40 lbs Aragonite sand
- 50 lbs LR
I am hoping for a FOWLR setup with simple invertebrates (janitors) like cleaner shrimps, etc. that don't require the extra specialized knowledge, lighting, etc. that corals and whatnot do.
Here are the fish that I’ve seen so far and particularly liked (although I know many of them like the lions wouldn't work in this set up) but I am definitely open to any and all suggestions as I don’t know many of the fish available:
- clownfish
- puffers (porcupine, Hawaiin spotted, striped dogface)
- gobys (all kinds, especially mandarins)
- blennies
- pajama cardinals
- dwarf lionfish
- shrimps
- blue starfish
Thanks again for all of your help!!!
Stephanie

 

[nereef]

well stephanie, welcome to the hobby and to the boards.
since you have enough liverock, a skimmmer, filtration, and the tank is cycled you can get going. you do need to takes things slow and research any fish or invert before buying. most puffers are probably not going to work because of space. a dwarf lion is also probably not a good beginner fish, and the blue starfish(probably a linkia) shouldn't be introduced in a new tank. mandarins require a mature tank also. however, that does still leave you with many choices for a great FOWLR tank.
good "janitors" like you mentioned makes things much easier. this cleanup crew, as hobbyists call them, can consist of different snails, hermit crabs, and shrimp. clowns, gobies, and blennies, as you mentioned are hardy fish to start with. most people will start will a couple small fish and a cleanup crew.

 

[kaelyne3]

Thanks! So how many "janitors" should I plan on for a 37 gal.? Any particular types? Any particular types/amounts of fish you would recommend? I don't want to overstock but I'd love to have a good variety.

 

[37g joe]

alright I have also a 37 gallon tank I have 8 small and I mean small hermits 1 turbo snal 1 bummble bee snail 1 emeral crab 1 coral branded shrimp and several small snails but the hermits have been kiling them so not sure how many right now also i have a queen conch it is only about an inch long now but they can get alot bigger but takes awhile my crew does an alright job but i could use about two more turbo snails and I used to have a lawnmower bleny he was a real good cleaner. make sure u get extra shells for your hermits so they can move up to larger shells when needed with out killing your snails. also I have been reading about cleaner clams that you can get at local foodmarts thier frozen but when you add them to warm water some whell perk up and be alive they live in your substrate and can do a real good job keeping that clean their are several post on here about them so just do some searching.

 

[kaelyne3]

Thanks!!