Hello

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this game and would like a little advise from the experts if thats ok.
Have a 35 gallon tank with 55 pounds of live rock and 2 inches of sand. Have been cycling for 2 weeks and will be ready for fish in a few weeks.

General plan is to have 1 sixline wrasse, 1 blue damsel fish, 1 percula and 1 manderin fish along with some dwarf hermit crabs, a small shrimp some soft corals and maybe a small star fish.

Question is what to get first. Some people i've spoken to say that the damsel fish would be best first because it is so hardy, whilst others recommend leaving that one till the end because they are very territorial.

Who is right?

Edgar

 

damsel will speed up cycling but its going to be rough keeping a mandarin in a 35, some stars are not reef safe so be careful! Welcome!!!!

 

Welcome to 3Reef>>>>>> My first fish was a yellow tailed damsel.....

 

Thanks for info on mandarin. Had read that they would be ok in 30g or larger but clearly need to do more research.

 

I think the key for keeping the mandarin will be making sure there's enough copepods for it to forage on. Are you planning on setting up a refugium as a pod source?

 

To 3Reef!!! ​

Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

Sounds like a great setup you have going so far.

Planning first fish is fun.

Start slow. Pick favorites first...get juveniles if you can.

Mandarins need well established tank so has enough food to survive...Not just a tank size issue. Wait at least year or so before adding one. Neat fish. Worth waiting for.

Good Luck.

Scott

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00
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Welcome to 3reef. Wait until the tank has matured for about a year before you think of a Mandarin.

 

Welcome aboard and I concur with omard and otty about the Mandarin. As far as the damsel Q, why dont you just get a clown. They're keepers, same family as the damsel and just as tolerate. Good luck whatever you choose. Luna

 

Also V. hard - So many great fish, so little space.