Good saltwater starter fish?

Hey guys,

Currently I'm cycling my 46 g bowfront tank which should be done in a week or two. In the long term I plan to keep seahorses and pipefish, and maybe a mandarin dragonet. Has anyone had experiences with these? Also I was wondering if I should have other fish in there before them because I prob shouldnt put them in right away after cycling right? Anyone know of good starter fish? Anything really except for damsels and chromis- dont want to have to get those out of the aquarium later.

Thanks so much!

 

The fish you listed (mandarins, seahorses, pipefish) are among some of the hardest out there. The dragonet requires a heavily populated micro invert populations. Seahorses usually require a species specific tank to meet the demands of their care, so it seems if that is the long term goal you will likely be pulling fish out in the future regardless.

There are several wrasses that are categorized as easy however, along with many others.

LA has put together a decent list, just see what you like and fits the bill for your set up

Beginner Fish: Tropical Fish for Beginners in Saltwater Aquariums

 

+1 try some gobies, or clowns, or even a small wrasse like stated. Pipes and sea horses are very picky fish, they need a lot of attention, specially mandarins.

 

+1, but be careful with gobies. Some only eat pods to survive. I would stick with clowns, firefish, or some small reef safe wrasses. I would stay away from damsels and dotty backs.

 

I started with a chalk bass last year and he's still doing great.

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Chalk Bass

He was a little shy at first but now he is always out and about. I rarely see them in fish stores though.

 

Oh yeah ik im going to start breeding pods after i cycle and breeding guppy fry in my fw for the seahorses
Has anyone kept firefish before?