1st fish choice

[Coralnotquarrel]

Hi. I'm setting up a 55 gallon soft and LPS coral tank. Currently cycling the tank with a bacteria in a bottle product (Brightwell 7) and a dead cherrystone clam I bought at the supermarket. (Saw the BRS video on bacterial diversity so thinking the dead clam may jumpstart that diversity more than ammonia or a dead shrimp?)

My question is, once the tank is cycled, parameters to goal, ect... the choice of the 1st fish. I read that very hardy fish like clowns or damsels are often the 1st fish but at the same time they can be aggressive and that aggressive fish should be introduced last into a system. Does it matter having a "hardy fish" if the tank is cycled? Can I have as a 1st fish something like a royal gramma or maybe a lawnmower blenny (to help with the algae when I turn on the lights)?

 

[tbrown]

Most people start with Clowns or Green Chromis because they're hardy. Some people start with more people expensive fish because they have the experience and know what to look for to tell if there's a problem.

What fish you start with in a fully cycled tank is really up to you. Starting with the least aggressive fish is the better choice if your bacteria is there and your tank can handle a small ammonia spike.

I started with a clownfish in my 5 gallon, a Tomini Tang in my 75, and a Hector's Goby and Lawnmower Blenny in my 125.

 

[PotatoPig]

Pair of Ocellaris clownfish.

Economical, easy, readily available, no special dietary requirements, goofy and fun fish to watch, probably wont try kill anything else in the tank.

 

[1112-425XL]

Pajama Cardinals were a couple of my 1st fish

 

[BaliReefBox]

get clowns they are fun, even if they do bite the hand that feeds them.. imo I would steer away from the chromis as I put some in and they are horrible. greedy/aggressive feeders and they pick on each other heaps. another to avoid is the dotty back as I keep seeing him chase the wraase in circles however when the net comes out he hides
just my 2 cents

 

[JC1977]

Agree with others clowns are your best all around choice for a first fish.

 

[steveschuerger]

Clowns and Bangaii were my first, with the clowns I have now 1 ½ yrs later being the very first.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

People start with hardy fish like clowns and damsels because they use the fish to cycle the tank for them, hopefully you won't do that, that's the cruel way.

If the tank is properly cycled, then any fish can safely be added to the tank. Research the kind of fish you like, and the fishes tank size requirements, and the feeding requirements. If you check off all boxes and confident you can keep the fish happy and healthy, then go for it. We can't tell you what to get.

 

[Azael]

I started with a blue damsel.
But a pair of clownfish are also a perfect first choice.

 

[Coralnotquarrel]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll get a clownfish 1st, either a skunk or a Nemo as I read those are the least aggressive and add a lawnmower blenny when the algae starts up... but good to know if fully cycled I also have more options.