Need advice on stocking.

OK, so I'm almost done getting my equipment all squared away and I'm starting to think about what critters to get. Before I begin talking about this, I want you all to know that I am well aware of cycling the tank and how long to wait before adding fish and/or inverts. With that out of the way, I'll let you guys know what I have so far. I have a 20g long tank with a Solormax HO T5 lighting system, two Koralia power heads (425gph), and a heater. In the very near future I will be buying the water, sand, and live rock. Once the tank is ready (cycled) I would like to have 3 common clownfish. I love how classic and colorful they are and seem like the perfect fish for a first time reef builder. What I would like to know is if this is a good number to have (tank size, community needs, etc.)? In what order should I add them to the tank? Also, what are some good fish that I can get for the bottom of my tank? I've been looking at some smaller ones that like to sift through the sand. I also plan on buying a few small shrimp, crabs, and one small starfish (maybe). What are your opinions on this and do you have any advice for me? Thank you guys so much for all of the help, I'll have pictures up soon of my progress. ;D

 

I would wait a while after the cycle before adding fish, also don't get a trio of clownfish. Most likely 2 will pair and kill the other one.For the bottom I love shrimp/watchmen gobies paired with a pistol shrimp!

 

+1

Clownfish would not be good in 3's as 0reef mentioned. The reason is that as clownfish mature, the most dominant one becomes female and the second most dominant becomes male and pairs up with her.

After they pair up, they would most likely harass the other until it dies, especially in a 20g, as the other will not have space to call his own.

I have a watchman goby/ pistol shrimp combo right now and love the beahvior of them, but they may not be for you. The reason I say that is they spend most of their time in the burrow and only really come out during feeding. It is pretty cool though because the goby watches out for danger while the shrimp digs out a home for the both of them.

Other good "bottom dwellers" are other gobies, blennies, or jawfish. Most of these fish are great for beginners too.

 

well in terms of adding the clowns. as long as they aren't tomato, maroon, or clarkii variety, you are ok adding these first. the species i mentioned are a more aggressive behaving clown and will bully newly added fish. Also stocking options depends on your filtration, you mentioned just bio filtration, what are your plans for skimmer, hob, external, sump, bio pellets? what else are you doing, Water changes how many and %? You can have a heavily stocked tank if you can balance it out with these things.