Howdy Folks

F

fresnohall

New member
Somebody just told me about this site and figured I would give it a shot, seems like a whole lot of good info so far. Anyways, my tank is just finishing up its cycle and I am ready to go. My set up is in my sig, never had corals or inverts before and looking for ideas what to do next. Think it is probably best to start cheap and move up as I get more comfortable.

If anyone has opinions on where to go from here (CuC / inverts / corals / etc.), they would be much appreciated.

Looking forward to becoming part of the community.
 
Welcome! I would suggest you be careful about what you buy. Stay away from kenya trees and similar corals. Look at the thread on "wish I knew now." that was in reef discussion a few weeks back to get some ideas of things you don't want to put in your tank. Some things will spread and are virtually impossible to get rid of when you realize you don't want them anymore in 3 months. I would also suggest you visit with the people at the local stores and ask them questions. I know Southwest on Oracle has a couple tanks of "cheap" stuff that may go for as low as $5.

For fish, stocking order and knowing what is likely to eat what will make a big difference. Make sure you research as much as you can stand before buying. Don't hesitate to post your specific question (ie what about adding a lionfish in with my neon gobies?) It will save you money and headaches.
 
That thread is a bit depressing..... But in all seriousness good stuff and pretty much echoing what I have heard to this point. As far as the local reef club, do we have one and how does one join the secret society?

As far as goals, the following are the fish that I am looking to anchor the tank with, let me know if there is a recommended stocking order:

1. Tangs:
- Been told I only get to keep one in a tank my size, the three I am looking at are Powder Blue, Hippo, or Purple

2. Clown
- I have a black and a perc, they are both small and the LFS tells me they will become a mated pair over time. Would love to get an anenome for them and would appreciate advice when that is realistic

3. Goby's
- Not sure if there is a limit on these guys, but the following are the ones I like: Catalina, Manadarin (heard horror stories), Warpaint

4. Angel's
- Have been told they may not work in a reef, but would like one of the following: Flame, Imperator, Majestic

If anyone has advice on stocking order or alternatives let me know.

As far as Corals / Shrooms, I really have no idea. I think the different carpets look cool and some of the blue mushrooms. I think I am about hardy here, rather than exotic. I just think they are cool in general

For inverts:

- Sounds like I need a CuC, but not sure when to start. Don't want to starve it and not sure what to put in, other than to avoid hermits if possibile

- Daughter would think a long funky star would be cool

- At least one urchin

- Anenome

Again, for all of this I do not know stocking order or pace and would love opinions. I get different suggestions from the LFS, so figured this would be one more place and I could go with consensus.

Thanks for the welcome, hope I don't end up broke.....
 
Imperator to big for your tank. Angels will likely pick at your fleshy corals such as Anenome and possibly carpet. If you are set on an angel I would wait 6 months down the road until you have some experience with coral. That way you will know the reason your coral is dieing is because your angel is picking at it (you won't necessarily see the angel pick).
Add the purple tang last if you decide to go that route.
 
thanks JJK, will keep in mind on the purple. Anyone have thoughts on what should be introduced next when looking at what I have listed above?

Have to admit this seems like an incredible resource. Will be sweet when I can give the rookies some feedback.
 
welcome fresno =)
as far as the gobies, i know catalinas are cooler water species and mandarins eat pods, so youd need an established tank and anice supply of pods to keep them, and i just love flame angels! although i hear they love to nip at corals..just depends on the individual fish i guess. I have a coral beauty and i havent seen him nip at any of my stuff...he doesnt even like the dried seaweed i put in there for him! but he's strange, he loves anything meaty.

I dont have too many fish in my tank, but my angel is definitely the bully of the group! and he loved to fight with my clowns and smack into their anemone when i had my pair of black occ.
 
If you want add a tang they will need to be added in odd numbers. I added a tomini (flamefin) without conflict, successfully
 
Tangs - I would look at the hippo or a yellow tang as they are ok in your size tank and are the hardiest.

Clowns - are best keep in a pair of the same breed.

Both goby's you are looking at take special care and are more difficult to keep...look into a sand sifting goby.

I keep a Majestic angel but I would not keep him with softy's..... Majority of angel's are going to nip at your coral polyps. The Flame, lemon or bi color is your best bet.

Stay away from CuC's or apples as if they die they release a toxin that will wipe out everything.

Mushrooms, zoa and leather's are good beginner corals.... Stay away from anenomes for now. In a few months look at the RBTA as they are the best looking and there bark is louder than there bite.

A surpant star should be fine but I would shy away from the blue linkia's for now.

Again if you want a more in depth explaination give me a call.
 
Thanks guys, good stuff. A bit frustrated tonight, had my light fixture scheduled for delivery so took the day off to recieve and set up, and UPS "forgot it on the belt", and can't deliver till Monday, when of course I will be at work, which means I will have to pick up on Tuesday.....:uzi:

Just venting... sorry to go on the tangent.

Beers, I will probably give you a call tomorrow to talk through some of it.

If anyone has opinions on what to do next, CuC, decorator inverts, corals, or fish, let me know.

Is the powder blue not realistic for my tank? I have read enough on the site to not ask "what is the minimum?", just want to set my own expectations, I have seen that I am close to the range for them and wondering if there is anything that I should take into account from a stocking or reef config to make it more conduceive for a powder, won't be heart broken if I can't get it, but it probably is my favorite out of all of them and would be willing to build around it if necessary.

Just one more (am I wearing out my welcome..) Is there an official reef club in the area that noobs can join, or do I have to prove myself first:jester:

Thanks again
 
fresnohall said:
Thanks guys, good stuff. A bit frustrated tonight, had my light fixture scheduled for delivery so took the day off to recieve and set up, and UPS "forgot it on the belt", and can't deliver till Monday, when of course I will be at work, which means I will have to pick up on Tuesday.....:uzi:

Just venting... sorry to go on the tangent.

Beers, I will probably give you a call tomorrow to talk through some of it.

If anyone has opinions on what to do next, CuC, decorator inverts, corals, or fish, let me know.

Is the powder blue not realistic for my tank? I have read enough on the site to not ask "what is the minimum?", just want to set my own expectations, I have seen that I am close to the range for them and wondering if there is anything that I should take into account from a stocking or reef config to make it more conduceive for a powder, won't be heart broken if I can't get it, but it probably is my favorite out of all of them and would be willing to build around it if necessary.

Just one more (am I wearing out my welcome..) Is there an official reef club in the area that noobs can join, or do I have to prove myself first:jester:

Thanks again
Click to expand...

Sorry to say but the powder blue is not realistic for your set-up.... and is a difficult fish to keep for a beginner.
 
Not when you spend all your money on corals and end up having to subsist off of ramen and mac and cheese for every meal. :(
 
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