just starting a 55g

[ryaneisenhart]

i just converted from freshwater to salt. im still in the long, long process of the cycle, so i dont actually have any fish in the tank yet. Im having a FOWLR.

what are some of the best fish to start in a tank. ive been told to stay away from damsels because they are too aggressive and try to control the whole tank and you cant catch them to get them out. i want a "pretty" tank and definately want some unique looking creatures as well. Any suggestions on what to start with when i actually do add a fish?

 

[bryan007]

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to this most incredable world. I began in this hobby more than 25yrs ago and it is increadable the number of new animals I have seen come into the hobby since I first started. The fish I am going to recommend I have kept and always had great luck with. My favorite groups are the tangs, small and large angels, the wrasses and the butterfly fish. Since your new to this I would recommend staying away from the butterflys for now as they can be somewhat demanding. The tangs comprise a number of different genus of fish and some you should stay away from do to their demanding requirements or aggressiveness but the Red Sea Purple tang is just beautiful. I have a Vlamingi tang but that fish requires a large tank. The Hippo tang(Dori) is another well known and usually easy fish to keep. It is well known for developing ich in less than perfect living conditions so if you choose this docile fish be sure you know what your doing in maintaining your tank. The Naso tang-Naso lituratus is another great and beautiful fish but can get large in time. The Atlantic blue tang-Acanthurus coeruleus is another great fish in this family. Many people all over the world love the clown fish, (Nemo)-Amphiprion ocellaris is also very easy. There are many others in this group as well all easy to care for and colorful. Be careful not to get the Maroon Anemonefish/clownfish as it can become very agressive and gets large. The angels, my personal favorite is a large family with many dwarf species that have lots of color and are easy to care for. The coral beauty and the flame angel are my favorites. The wrasses are a great group of fish with many having intense colors and ease of care. Many will agree that the "Fairy Wrasses" in the genus Cirrhilabrus have some of the most intense colors and are relativly easy to care for though some can be quite pricey. The Yellowtail Coris wrasse-Coris gaimard and Halichoeres chrysus-the Golden Wrasse are easy to care for with great colors. Another group of fish are the Hawk fish. Very easy to care for as well. Two of my favorites are the Falco's Hawkfish-Cirrhitichthys falco and the Flame Hawkfish-Neocirrhites armatus. These are small fish with lots of color but can be fiesty. I've never had either in my tank harm any other fish. Gotta run but hope I've given you some suggestions you may like.

Scott

 

[BigH55]

Triggers are easy to keep and are very intersting. Most people here either have them or have had them in the past. Most info here will probably be for people with aggressive fish.

 

[LisaD]

With a 55 gallon tank, you will be limited in the fish you can keep. Large angels, tangs, triggers will be out. I agree, most damsels can be quite aggressive, some clowns can be as well.

If you want a "pretty" tank, with several colorful and interesting fish, you will need to select fish that will get along well in a community tank setting and stay small.

Consider getting this book, if I had it when I was starting out in salt water it would have saved me a lot of money. The list of hardy fish is worth the price alone:

http://www.amazon.com/New-Marine-Aquarium-Step-Step/dp/1890087521

If I were stocking your tank, I'd consider:

coral beauty dwarf angelfish
flame hawkfish
royal gramma or orchid dottyback
pair of ocellarus clownfish (tank bred only)
bicolor blenny or black sailfin blenny
six line wrasse

I have had good luck with all of these species, as long as the individual was healthy and not diseased when I got it.

If you have this many fish (even though they stay small) realize you will need decent filtration, including a good protein skimmer, and at least 1 lb/gallon live rock. You will also need to have a regular maintenance schedule, including partial water changes every 1-3 weeks and careful attention to water quality.

You can look at some beginner fish on this link. Some fish will be too large for your tank:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=1926