Looking for my first "Reef Safe" Fish-suggestions wanted!

[bphelps81]

Hey all,

I just got a tank ready to go (I'm still new to this). It is a 72 gallon with live rocks and some random corals. The tank is cycled and ready to add a fish or two. What are everyone's suggestions on some fish that are "reef safe" and fairly easy to maintain.

If anyone has any that they are looking to sell for a decent price, I may be interested!

Thanks everyone

Brian

 

[vivek]

Tangs and clown fish are a good way to start. Wrasses later when your tank matures. I have a 3.5 inch maroon clown that i am willing to part for $25 if you are interested

 

[Matt1351]

you cant go wrong with clown fish

 

[bigdaddyadam]

tangs are finicky, prone to ich, and generally need a good bit of space...thus I would not suggest them as a starter fish.

Better starter fish: clowns, certain gobies, royal gammas, carindals, dartfish

 

[sohal1025]

I like Tangs myself, and there are a variety of them also.

 

[PirateFish52]

Have to agree with Bigdaddy Brian.

Clowns, cardinals, and firefish/dartfish would be a good start.

Tangs a few months down the road since you are only just over a month with your tank. You want to make sure all your water parameters are dialed in, and Tangs can get ich quite easily.

Did you look into an RO machine yet? Sent you a link the other day for someone selling a used one.

Fish don't like tap water

 

[Old Crusty]

(advanced) Wrasses !!

 

[Bedrocker]

I have a 2-3" squirrelfish that you can have for $10. I believe they are ok with corals, and it's a pretty active, interesting fish to watch. not entirely sure what others think of it, but i'm sure you'll hear if there's something to be said.

 

[Jeff Trout]

I dont think clowns are very good starter fish!

 

[StanD]

First, take your time NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS FAST IN A FISHTANK Get some books (Scott Michaels has written a number of good ones) &/or check the internet (Drs. Foster & Smith, That Fish Place, other on-line places) for info and pictures to help you decide what you want.
While I agree with much of the above, I would start with Basslets (royal gramma, chalk bass) and dartfish as they are very non-aggressive and usually eat well but do not decimate the invert populations. I love clowns and tangs, but find them to be more aggressive to new additions.
Select your tang carefuly as most need more sace than your 72 gallon will provide.

Enjoy it, I am in a similar position and am loving adding livestock to my tank.

Stan

 

[CeasarIM]

Hey what about damsels? Cheap ,hardy, good starter fish to get things going.I have one in my tank for many ,many yrs.Now I have to figue out how to catch it.I might do it the same way I did my squirl fish,,,,jig and maggot

 

[puffster]

Books, take a look at a couple of books and see what is out there, there may be somthing you like and you want to know if it is reef safe. Once you figure out what you want, then you can find good deals thru good people hear. Don't want to see you waste your money on somthing that you really want just to have it die in afew days and don't know why. Got new reefer syndrome and lost a beautiful $100.00 lemon peel hybrid half black. Cried. They don't call it the school of hard knocks for nothing.+1 on taking your time. Good lucck.

 

[Ohiomom]

firefish, most gobies are easy and the gramma is a good inexpensive fish. These are all safe with corals and are not really "fighting" fish. If you want to try damsels..I would suggest green or blue chromis..they are hardy, colorful and the most docile if I am not mistaken. Try not to add anything super territorial in the beginning..makes it harder to add fish.