Adding fish.

dennism · Apr 27, 2019

I am currently cycling my aquarium. What are some good hardy fish to introduce after the cycle is complete .definitely want a pair of small clowns with a bubble or carpet anemone.
Also when is a good time to introduce some coral frags? Also what are some good hardy corals that are good for someone just starting a reef?

SPR1968 · Apr 27, 2019

Hi and welcome to R2R!

Anemones really require mature systems (12 months+)with excellent water quality and stable water parameters, so I would stay clear of them for a while yet, and carpet anemones require special care, and will eat your fish given half a chance

Damsels are hardy fish, but very territorial

There are many types, gobies royal gramma.....

On the corals I like green star polyp but it spreads, but I like this as it provides movement to the reef. There are many types so take a look at the tank build threads and get some ideas and ask questions when you find something you like

dennism · Apr 27, 2019

SPR1968 said:
Hi and welcome to R2R!

Anemones really require mature systems (12 months+)with excellent water quality and stable water parameters, so I would stay clear of them for a while yet, and carpet anemones require special care, and will eat your fish given half a chance

Damsels are hardy fish, but very territorial

There are many types, gobies royal gramma.....

On the corals I like green star polyp but it spreads, but I like this as it provides movement to the reef. There are many types so take a look at the tank build threads and get some ideas and ask questions when you find something you like

The daughter and I are heading to a reef show in Houston next weekend. Not buying but to look at what is out there. There isnt any good quality retailers of fish and corals. Petco has too many fish dying or stressed for me to purchase from them. Hopefully I can talk to people face to face there.

SPR1968 · Apr 27, 2019

dennism said:
The daughter and I are heading to a reef show in Houston next weekend. Not buying but to look at what is out there. There isnt any good quality retailers of fish and corals. Petco has too many fish dying or stressed for me to purchase from them. Hopefully I can talk to people face to face there.

That should be helpful for you yes.

Just be weary of advice until you are sure of the source, and when your ready to buy something, just check it’s suitable for your tank before doing so.

If I’m unsure I do a quick search on my phone just to check compatibility etc.

Just also be careful and make an informed decision on the need to quarantine any fish etc. I don’t, but I’m in the UK and confident on my suppliers, but from what I read the US seems to be different market place and I get the impression most, but not all, people run quarantine which you can read up on and again make an informed decision.

Captain Quint · Apr 27, 2019

Welcome to R2R

You're doing the right thing going slowly for less grief later. :)

Jekyl · Apr 27, 2019

Clowns would be a good first addition. Which are you thinking? Different variations have different temperament. Good starter corals are GSP, leathers, mushrooms, xenia. If I'm not mistaken there are some reputable online mariculture facilities located in Texas. Maybe unique corals? Others will be able to help more with that subject. Petco shouldn't be allowed to keep actual animals IMO.

dennism · Apr 27, 2019

Jekyl said:
Clowns would be a good first addition. Which are you thinking? Different variations have different temperament. Good starter corals are GSP, leathers, mushrooms, xenia. If I'm not mistaken there are some reputable online mariculture facilities located in Texas. Maybe unique corals? Others will be able to help more with that subject. Petco shouldn't be allowed to keep actual animals IMO.

I had a maroon clown in my last tank that didnt pick on the other fish he/she lived happy about 5 years. I gave it away with all other fish when I deployed to Iraq. Want to try another perhaps a misbar or lightning maroon perhaps a gladiator i like the patterning of the gladiators. Never kept corals just live rock and fish. Had a grouper that ate everything smaller than him. Wont get one of those. Royal grama, blue tang, and when the tank becomes realy stable a mandarin goby. I want to try to stay with captive bred if at all possible.

Jekyl · Apr 27, 2019

I originally wanted maroons for my first fish and was talked out of it. Hard to pair and very territorial. I believe the word most used was terrors.

Jekyl · Apr 27, 2019

What size tank are you working with? That makes a big difference as far as stocking

dennism · Apr 29, 2019

Jekyl said:
What size tank are you working with? That makes a big difference as far as stocking

55 gal. 36×20×18

BestMomEver · Apr 29, 2019

I wouldn’t do a maroon in that size tank. Think about them as full grown adults.... 6” long, 1.5” thick and VERY territorial. I had a maroon in a 500 gallon tank and she took every opportunity to bite the poop out of me. She also controlled 1/3 of the tank. Currently, I have a pair of Clarkii. They bite me too but won’t get quite as big. I would recommend Ocellaris, Skunk, Tomato, or true Perc. Add in a Royal Gramma, Watchman Goby and shrimp, a Firefish, and maybe a Tomini tang. But..... these fish should be added one at a time only every month or so. There can be issues getting clowns first because of their tendency towards territoriality but they are likely the hardiest. Maybe get a Royal Gramma first.