are clownfish good for a beginner?

dirtyclownfish · 08/09/2006, 06:45 PM

i intend to convert my 55g fw tand to a sw and was wondering if i should start the cycling with a couple of clowns

Gary Majchrzak · 08/09/2006, 06:50 PM

Never cycle with any living fish. Introduce fish after the cycle is complete.

dirtyclownfish · 08/09/2006, 06:53 PM

i read about cycling a tank with fish food by just feeding an empty tank. would that work?

Gary Majchrzak · 08/09/2006, 06:57 PM

Yes. A small piece of raw shrimp is often suggested.
Not all Clownfish species make great beginner's fish (certain species are more sensitive than others) but a good majority are an excellent choice. Make sure to read the FAQ's at the top of the RC Anemone and Clownfish Forum.
Here's a link:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...?s=&forumid=36

Welcome to Reef Central!

Salty Brother · 08/09/2006, 06:57 PM

Ya, feed a pinch of food everyday and it will cycle. The cycle also goes faster if you get someones water from a water change.
My 2 first fish were 2 false percs, they are still alive and doing great, trust me theyve been throgh a lot too.

dirtyclownfish · 08/09/2006, 06:59 PM

ok, thanks

gfk · 08/09/2006, 07:06 PM

my perculas seem indestructible

dirtyclownfish · 08/09/2006, 07:21 PM

i am looking at other species of fish that are compatible with clowns and i wondered if anyone had some suggestions. i like the yellow sailfin tang, but i hear that they are succeptable to marine ich

Salty Brother · 08/09/2006, 07:25 PM

Oh ya, you are not going to want to start a tank with a tang, espically in a 55gal. Look at gobies, blennys, grammas, chromis etc. I also wouldnt suggest damnsels, they are mean little buggers. If its not a reef you could also look at angels. Lots of possibilties, you just have to see what you want.
Good Luck and welcome to not having anymore money

08/09/2006, 06:45 PM	#1
dirtyclownfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lebanon, IN Posts: 257	are clownfish good for a beginner? i intend to convert my 55g fw tand to a sw and was wondering if i should start the cycling with a couple of clowns __________________ L.P.Patmore Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display Tank, Euroreef RS-100 Skimmer, 30 Gallon Sump, Current USA Gamma UV Sterilizer, Current USA T5 Lights

08/09/2006, 06:50 PM	#2
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	Never cycle with any living fish. Introduce fish after the cycle is complete. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

08/09/2006, 06:53 PM	#3
dirtyclownfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lebanon, IN Posts: 257	i read about cycling a tank with fish food by just feeding an empty tank. would that work? __________________ L.P.Patmore Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display Tank, Euroreef RS-100 Skimmer, 30 Gallon Sump, Current USA Gamma UV Sterilizer, Current USA T5 Lights

08/09/2006, 06:57 PM	#4
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	Yes. A small piece of raw shrimp is often suggested. Not all Clownfish species make great beginner's fish (certain species are more sensitive than others) but a good majority are an excellent choice. Make sure to read the FAQ's at the top of the RC Anemone and Clownfish Forum. Here's a link: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...?s=&forumid=36 Welcome to Reef Central! __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

08/09/2006, 06:59 PM	#6
dirtyclownfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lebanon, IN Posts: 257	ok, thanks __________________ L.P.Patmore Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display Tank, Euroreef RS-100 Skimmer, 30 Gallon Sump, Current USA Gamma UV Sterilizer, Current USA T5 Lights

08/09/2006, 06:57 PM	#5
Salty Brother Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,119	Ya, feed a pinch of food everyday and it will cycle. The cycle also goes faster if you get someones water from a water change. My 2 first fish were 2 false percs, they are still alive and doing great, trust me theyve been throgh a lot too.

08/09/2006, 07:06 PM	#7
gfk Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Benicia, CA Posts: 1,601	my perculas seem indestructible

08/09/2006, 07:21 PM	#8
dirtyclownfish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Lebanon, IN Posts: 257	i am looking at other species of fish that are compatible with clowns and i wondered if anyone had some suggestions. i like the yellow sailfin tang, but i hear that they are succeptable to marine ich __________________ L.P.Patmore Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display Tank, Euroreef RS-100 Skimmer, 30 Gallon Sump, Current USA Gamma UV Sterilizer, Current USA T5 Lights

08/09/2006, 07:25 PM	#9
Salty Brother Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,119	Oh ya, you are not going to want to start a tank with a tang, espically in a 55gal. Look at gobies, blennys, grammas, chromis etc. I also wouldnt suggest damnsels, they are mean little buggers. If its not a reef you could also look at angels. Lots of possibilties, you just have to see what you want. Good Luck and welcome to not having anymore money