Which Fish/Invert to add first?

I've set up a new tank (55-gal, 50lbs live rock, 40lbs crushed coral substrate, 76 degrees, protein skimmer, bio-wheel filters) that is (nearly) ready for it's first fish. I'm waiting for the last of the nitrate readings to go away (currently at about 15 ppm).

My question is what fish / inverts would be best to add first, to help get the tank maturing and provide some eye candy (not that the rock arrangement doesn't already kind of set the tank apart from the rest of the room).

I've heard that damsels can be a good first choice, but how many should I consider for a 55-gal. tank (aside from size considerations, I mean how many would be good to introduce to help get the tank started).

Also, are there any other additions that might help? I've read good things about adding some snails at this point to help with any algae build up.


Thanks in advance!

 

I wouldn't add any fish that you didn't want later on down the line.
I put in a couple of damsels a year and a half ago, I don't like them and guess what, they are still in my tank. They have been aggressive to any new inhabitants that I put in. The problem is getting them out of the tank. What a chore.
So, go with something easy, but also something that you can live with for the next couple of years.
Just my 2 cc's of aquarium water


Jim

 

I would add one blue/green chromis. They're hardy and non-aggressive. If you add more than one, however, the strongest will systematically kill the weakest until you only have one chromis left.

 

Tank raised percula clowns seem to be pretty strong also and not too aggressive toward new arrivals. ... For me anyway..And everybody likes Nemo..Oh yeah Snails and some hermits are fairly cheap so a few wouldn't hurt..so if you lose them it wouldn't break the bank..JMO

 

I have a 45 gallon tank. The Creatures I've enjoyed the most are my clownfish, the hermit crabs, and my firefish. My domino and yellow-tail damsel are too agressive and I kind of wish I didn't have them. For a first fish, I'd recommend the firefish.

By the way, the nitrate will never go to zero, as the ammonia and nitrite did. Lower is better, of course, but 15ppm is good enough for a tank without coral.

 

id go with the clowns, firefish, or cardinals. as the blue/green chromises went a single didnt do so well untill i got a group of abbout 3 they came out more and swam all the time that is my experience with them they were pretty peaceful and added nice color to the tank

 

Thanks for all the input.

I added the first inhabitants a few days ago, two perc clowns and about a dozen snails (the particular variety escapes me...they bury themselves in the substrate and have an antannae sticking up, and they come out when they can "smell" food)...everyone is doing fine!