First Fish Suggestions?

[IcantTHINKofONE]

I'm in the process of setting up my 230 + 80 sump reef. All that's missing is a Ca Reactor (working on it) and some more live rock (also working on it) I only have ~100 pounds as of now. What fish do you think I can add? I don't want fish that will hide. I was hoping to eventually keep a mandarin, some other goby, naso tang, yellow tang, dwarf angel, and if i like something else down the road. What active and interesting fish can I add? What would be your first fish in my situation?

 

[dvb]

I like the wrasses. I have a six line wrasse and an ornate wrasse. They are very colorful and smim in and out of the reef all the time. They are constantly moving about.

 

[IcantTHINKofONE]

How about banggai cardinal or longnose hawkfish? are they reef safe?

 

[Keith A]

Cardinals are reef safe.

In that size tank, you can put a bunch and odds are they will breed..

I only have a 75G and added a pair about 6 months ago. One died, I think from being stressed by the other. The remaining one is doing great, but still won't eat dry food. (Just brine and chunks of shrimp.)

I'm sure someone knows the rules about the cardinals and how to breed them. From what I've heard, they're as easy as guppies..

Hawkfish will eat crustaceans, so if you plan on shrimp or crabs, stay away from them..

 

[reefsRcool]

i just love lunar wrasses. never actually had one myself as my 75 is too small but what an impressive fish. if i remember right wasn't this going to be a fish only tank with carnivors hunting and such? sounds like you decided to go reef, good for you. what did you end up using for lights? did i miss a thread?

 

[Anonymous]

A pair of cardinals would be good, it is hard to get pick on a male female pair though. If you could get an already established pair you would be better of. Long Nose Hawk are one of my favorites, all hawks have lots of personality. Never had a problem with the two I have had attacking crabs or shrimp, but they will go after bristle worms and they are jumpers (lost my first one that way and rescued my second as well). For your very first fish though, maybe think about a pair of perc (true or flase) clowns. They are inexpensive, readily available, tank bread specimens are available and are pretty hardy.

 

[reefsRcool]

anyone but me ever notice that cardinals are incredibly boring fish? they just hang out in one spot and do nothing all day

 

[beerbaron]

my cardinals have been my favorites. the pj's can be kept in large schools too. this adds some repitition to your tank.