1st SW fish (clownfish) *now with pics*!

So, I have the BioCube 29 and have read 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 10 nitrates for a little while. I got around 20 pounds of live rock that was well established from the LFS for initial set up, which I think helped the process.

I also got the inTank media baskets and took out the BioBalls. I put the filter floss, purigen, chemi-pure in the first media basket last night and chaeto will be on the way tomorrow for the fuge basket. Water is very clear, tests are all good. So... I think we're going to pick up a pair of small clownfish tomorrow. Give them about a week or so, testing the water the whole week... if it stays stable, look into some polyps and a fire shrimp for next weekend.

I'm pretty excited to have my first SW fish. Anything I should look out for or be aware of?

 

Congrats Jimmy, ahhh I remember my first SW fish, they were also a pair of tank raised Ocellaris clowns, I was so excited that day driving them home.

It sounds like you're doing all the right things, not rushing into it. How long has your tank been running? Good quality live rock can definitely accelerate your cycle, mine happened almost overnight when I added my rock to my old 55g.

In terms of what to look for on the clowns, I would choose ones that looked healthy, all fins intact, swimming normally, have them feed them for you. I went with tank bred clowns as they are usually a bit cheaper and fairly bulletproof. I have been through a few pairs of clowns, never had an issue with any of them, all were Ocellaris' orange & bw.

Forgot to add, make sure to get a pair in the same tank so they are familiar with each other & get along.

best of luck & take some pics if you get some!

 

+1 make sure they're healthy, and watch them eat.

 

My tank has been with live rock for a week. Tested it before the rock went in, all 0s. Tested it the next day, nitrates at 10 ppm. It's been stable since then. I figure the extra purigen/chemi-pure will really help. I'm picking up tank raised Perculas. And they are all in the same tank, and every time I've looked at them, they've all looked happy and playful.

I'll request it. I don't think he'd mind at all.

 

Congrats to you Jimmy! The first fish is soooo much fun. I recently added a pair of OC clowns, one B&W and the other is OR&W. I named then Mork & Mindy. As Mojoe said, just be sure the look phsyically healthy and are eating before you take them home. I acclimated mine together so they started to form a bond before I put them in the DT. Good luck to you and enjoy your new residents. I would suggest that you give it two weeks after adding the clowns before you add the shrimp but you will prob be okay if levels stay stable within the week.

 

When selecting a clownfish, this is what you want to look for:

Clownfish Disease - Brooklynella Diagnosis and Treatment

It's most obvious indicator is a whitish mucus/film covering the body.

 

My first fish was a clown fish pair! They are plump and very energetic. Clown fish are always fun to watch too!!! They will be a wonderful addition to your aquarium! Gosh mine are getting big already... Where does time go?

 

Thanks everyone! It's taken all of my will power to not run to the store daily to check on them. Tomorrow morning... can't come soon enough

 

Clowns are awsome mine is very cool when he is not trying to eat my hand!

 

so... they are in the tank, swimming around silly happy... eating and playing around. Acclimated very well. I'll post a pic when I get a chance.