Question about quarantine

[KristaJ7267]

Hello all. I am a newbie and do not even have my first fish yet. I have a 30 gallon tank that I am hoping to stock with some coral, a couple of clown fish, a couple pj cardinals and a goby. Right now I have it running, cycling the tank. When it comes to quarantine, do I need to quarantine my first fish before putting into main tank? Also, I plan on getting the clowns first. Can I purchase together, or should I just get one? Or, should I start with a different fish? Any and all comments, replies, questions readily accepted. As I said, I am a newbie and I don't want to learn my lesson by winding up with dead fish due to bad husbandry. The shop where I am getting my supplies and fish are reputable and specializes in saltwater fish, however I figured the more information I gather (even other than the store), the better.

Thanks!

 

[MrTuskfish]

Yes, quarantine all fish. If your 1st fish have parasites/disease, its a PITA to get them out and you're new DT will have to stay fishless 12 weeks.

If the clowns are in the same tank at the LFS, yes, get them together, They will almost always form a bonded pair. Don't add any clowns (ever) to the tank; a mated pair of clowns is very territorial and are nasty toward new fish and will kill other clowns. The smaller the better for your 1st clowns, it gives you more time to stock your tank as the clowns take a while to sexually mature. Adding them last may be best, but many newcomers want clowns and it usually works when the clowns are young.

 

[KristaJ7267]

I did get the clowns first. They are small, and you are right. They formed a pair already (I think....they are always together). Fun to watch them, and they are very sociable...with me lol. Will swim right up to my fingers when feeding.