Fish selection advice needed

My daughter is going to do a school science fair project on the ammonia cycle. In a nut shell, feed the fish and watch nitrates increase. I have two pieces of cured live rock that I've had in QT for 4 weeks, so the fish shouldn't be exposed to much of a cycle, but will see elevated nitrates. It'll be in a tote with 10-15 gallons of water and an internal filter for circulation.

Also, I'm in the process of starting up my first SW tank and plan for it to be a mixed reef (150 gal. Hope to fill it and start the cycle this weekend) . The fish would then become part of my tank when it's ready.

Can anyone recommend a fish that's pretty hardy, could handle being part of an experiment by a sixth grader, and would also be a good selection for early entry into a reef tank?

Thanks.

 

clowns are very hardy no? I think a clownfish would deff draw alot of attention to her project. They are also probably the most common beginner sw fish i believe

 

I was thinking about a clown but wasn't sure if it was a good candidate for early entry into a tank. I know some fish are aggressive and should go in last.

 

my clownfish and blenny were my first additions to my 55. everything went smoothly. still going strong after almost a year

 

x2 i put a pair of clowns into my 55 as my first fish. i say go for it!

 

Damsels are always a good starter, hardy fish. Low priced also. However they can be aggressive and you may find later on you'll want to remove them, which could be a PITA.

Clowns are hardy also with Ocellaris being the less expensive of them. But they can be aggressive to hands in the tank...they are protective of their environments.

Blennys and Gobys are a good choice also. Most are very hardy and active. (My personal favorite being the, Tail spot Blenny)

Whatever fish you choose just be sure to research their needs and personalities

Hope this helps. Have fun shopping!!

 

Sounds like we have a winner. Clownfish it is, and you're right, "Nemo" will be a hit at the science fair.

Thanks for the responses.

 

Thanks for the input.

I'll show her a few of those as well and let her decide.

 

isnt a tailspot blenny a little too small for a 150g? i have one in my 29g zoa garden and it still takes me a minute to find him sometimes.

 

I personally would do a cardinal. Pajama Cardinals are great hardy fish with a gentle disposition. Be careful which type of clown you purchase. Most are quite aggresive when added first. I would stick with an Occelaris or Percula. Also if you plan on them being added to a reef tank be aware that most clowns will look for a host in the aquarium. There is a posibility that your clown will pick a coral as its host which can sometimes kill said coral because of the constant "attention" they will give it.Good luck!!