starting a new marine tank: what comes first?

[wave_dive]

Hi Laura, welcome to the SW world. Doing the same as you, got my tank cycling too. Added 6 hermits, 6 turbo snails so far, they're doing their job. Interesting thread, about to add my first fish, couple of clowns this weekend.

Looking forward to hearing about your hardy coflakes, what you end up going with. Good luck with your new tank, Jetbox

Thanks, I'm getting my clean-up crew hopefully tomorrow - hermits and snails to sort out the brown gunk that's starting to form in my tank.

I'm also getting clowns, but they'll have to wait a bit. How long has your tank been cycling? I'm really interested to know.

Keep me posted on what you add next - you're one step ahead of me, so I'm eager to see how it all goes.

[_fluxer]

Just got my new marine tank up and running, courtesy of a lovely Christmas gift. Currently in the cycling phase with just live rock, sand, and saltwater.

Planning a trip this weekend to get a water test done, and fingers crossed, I'll be able to introduce some new inhabitants. Thinking of starting with cleaner shrimp and possibly a mushroom or something similar. Not entirely sure if cleaner shrimp require other fish to, you know, clean up after, so any advice is welcome.

I've had experience with tropical fish and have even bred bristlenose plecs, but this is my first marine adventure. Oh, and I'm getting two clown fish with the tank, which is a lovely bonus.

Thanks, I'm getting my hermits and snails 2moro hopefully - my tank is starting to go a brown so need a clean-up crew!!

I'm also getting clowns, but will have to wait a while yet. How long has your tank been cycling?

Keep me informed as to what you add . . . you're 1-step ahead of me!!

Laura

[rusticore]

Before adding your clean-up crew, double-check that the tank parameters are spot on. For starter fish, I've found clownfish to be a great choice - they're hardy and relatively low maintenance. Some wrasses and gobies are also good options, but be aware that some species can be quite territorial. Damsels are another popular choice, but be warned, they can grow up to be very aggressive - in fact, some of them are born that way. If you're looking for something a bit more exotic, like triggers or scorpion fish, I'd recommend chatting with lynden or andy - they've got a wealth of knowledge on hardy, unusual fish.

[_frostbite]

Acclimate the shrimp properly, I had a loss with my first one, be careful.