New tank - finally ready for the fish! - MyFishTank.Net Freshwater Saltwater Aquarium Fish Forum

dld65 · 05-07-2008, 08:52 PM

I'm a convert from a freshwater tank and I've been researching the changeover for months to saltwater. I've been setting up my new tank over the last 2 months and I think I am finally ready to go fish shopping. I have a 40 gallon tank with 20-25 lbs of live rock that has been cured. I've got my protein skimmer working away, my water testing is all good now as the tank has cycled and my levels are where they should be.
I would love some advice or suggestions on which fish you would recommend for my tank to start out. One question I have before I start is do I need to quarantine the fish I purchase since it is a totally new tank with no fish in it? Am I okay to just purchase a few fish and basically quarantine them in the new tank? I realize any other fish I purchase down the road I will need to definitely quarantine. I've seen mixed reviews on this and now I'm not sure what to do. If you think I can put the fish in the tank directly (although I will acclimate them before adding them to the tank of course) how many can I start with? I was thinking a pair of clownfish and maybe one or two others? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Cichlid-Man · 05-07-2008, 09:07 PM

I'll say it straight out, i don't QT....i rather trust the source. However if you have room QT is always good so it won't infect your whole system.

I think a pair of clowns would be a good way to start.

Welcome to MFT!

Lotus · 05-07-2008, 09:08 PM

Welcome to the site

I've moved this into the saltwater section.

Yes, you need to quarantine your first fish. If you get ich into your display tank, you won't be able to get it out without removing all fish for 6 or 8 weeks.

If you go for clowns and a few others, the clowns will probably be the last thing you should add, as they're fairly territorial for small fish. Are there any fish that appeal to you particularly?

charls · 05-07-2008, 10:07 PM

WELCOME!

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SW TANK!!!!!

Personaly i am fond of yellow corris wrasses and yellow tangs. They are very pretty and fun to watch. Sorry i also don't do quarintine tanks, but it is always a good idea. Sorry i'm not much help. Good luck with your new tank! May your new fish swim in peace.

Jim_Leyland · 05-08-2008, 12:02 AM

Im in the no qt boat as well, never have probably never will.. If i were you i would add some more rock to your tank. You want to have at least a pound of rock per gallon

Fishmonger70 · 05-08-2008, 07:56 AM

I also have never done the QT thing. I just acclimate for 20-30 min and they go straight into the tank. Never have had any issues. I get my stuff from an LFS I trust for having clean tanks.

sphenta · 05-08-2008, 06:27 PM

Hi all. Since I started this hobby in January, I have been dealing with one person at my LFS. She tells me when the fish came in that I want to buy and if they are treating it for ick or not. She tells me if a fish is safe not to QT or I should because they just came in and she is not sure herself. It is important to have a relationship with someone at your LFS for this reason. I find it very helpful. For sure when spending a lot of money on SW fish. I could not be doing this hobby without MFT, for they have been most helpful. Thank you all.

sphenta · 05-08-2008, 06:32 PM

By the way, welcome to the tank. Tina

dld65 · 05-08-2008, 08:14 PM

Thanks to everyone for the comments and advice. I've been enjoying reading through these posts, what a great site!

I agree on the live rock, I was thinking I should have purchased more of it and now I wish I would have so I could have cured it all in the tank at the same time!

I've read that the clownfish can be territorial so thanks for that advice to add them last. I have been trying to research other good "beginner" fish that seem to be compatible and I was considering these. Would they work together or would I have some problems with this group?
a Royal Gramma Basslet
a Canary Wrasse
Maybe a Damselfish - but I read that they should be added last as well?
And then the pair of clownfish.

And how many would you suggest I max at. My tank isn't very large at only 40 gallons so I was thinking 5 total since hopefully they will grow.
Thanks all! I'm off to read more posts!

Lotus · 05-08-2008, 08:36 PM

There's a nice list here of beginner fish for smaller tanks. I think five small fish would be about the limit: Beginner Fish: Tropical Fish for Beginners in Saltwater Aquariums

I've always heard that damsels are the worst thing to put in your tank, as they'll terrorize everything. I think you either need to go for an all-damsel tank, or not get any. I've also heard that a lot get ugly as they mature.

Wrasses are jumpers, so you'll need to make sure your tank is fully covered if you decide to get one.