starting a new marine tank: what comes first?

[wave_dive]

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.

[havenmix]

"Congrats on the new tank. I'd recommend checking the FAQ section, it's got some great info on setting up your marine tank. When it comes to adding the first inhabitants, you'll want to go with a cleanup crew - think crabs, snails, shrimp, that sort of thing. Just a heads up, no fish just yet, especially not clownfish. They'll come later, but for now, focus on getting the crew in to do their thing."

[wave_dive]

"Congrats on the new tank. I'd recommend checking the FAQ section, it's got some great info on setting up your marine tank. When it comes to adding the first inhabitants, you'll want to go with a cleanup crew - think crabs, snails, shrimp, that sort of thing. Just a heads up, no fish just yet, especially not clownfish. They'll come later, but for now, focus on getting the crew in to do their thing."

Thanks for the advice, I'll check out the FAQ section - really helpful. When I do add fish, I'm guessing I should start with some hardy ones, then the clownfish? And just to clarify, by 'coflakes' you mean clownfish?

[zenoxa]

After the cleanup crew, you can introduce hardy coflakes. I reckon some soft corals are more resilient than most fish, to be honest.

[wave_dive]

After the cleanup crew, you can introduce hardy coflakes. I reckon some soft corals are more resilient than most fish, to be honest.

Looking forward to getting everything sorted and I'll definitely post a pic once it's all up and running.

[finleydive]

As for marine additions, I'm thinking of starting with cleaner shrimp this weekend to help things along, then maybe something else like a mushroom.

[dreamon7]

Some folks kick off with yellow tail damsels to get a feel for SW fish. Gobies can be a good starting point too.

[wave_dive]

Some folks kick off with yellow tail damsels to get a feel for SW fish. Gobies can be a good starting point too.

Thanks heaps. I'll def check them out. Hopefully getting some snails or cleaner shrimps on Sat, then we'll see where we go from there.

[dreamon7]

Definitely start with the cleanup crew - it's the way to go after the tank cycles, I've been reading up and it's the recommended approach.

[_fluxer]

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