Cycle done. First fish.

[Ryand63]

Any suggestions out of this list for my first fish or pair? I want to have 2 Clowns (not sure which type yet), 2 pajama cardinals, some sort of wrasse, dwarf angel and a clean up crew. I know to wait on the clean up crew and angel! Ideas?!?

[Rskillz]

I always thought clean up crew came first. Do you not have any algae or mess for them to feed on?

Out of that list I'd say the wrasse perhaps?

[Sugar Magnolia]

What size tank do you have?

[Inklinkerman]

Clean up crew first. Then i'd go captive bred clown pair, dependent on tank size oc

[Dont Ask Me]

CUC then clowns IMO

[Ryand63]

sorry, i forgot the most important part, I have a 46 gallon bowfront. and I do have some algae in there but not enough i would think for a clean up crew.

[Iamaxxer]

Clowns than a CUC

[chubby hugs]

Add the CUC first, you can always throw in some pellets if the algae runs out. From your list, I would add the cardinals first, then the clowns. You should check in the "Check out your fish purchases here" thread for the experts though.

[lcs]

Would it be better to maybe get the wrasse or the cardinals before the clowns? Would that help with any aggression the clowns might have toward new additions? I'm at the stage where I'll be adding a pair of clowns next after my Carpenter's wrasse so I don't have any direct experience at this point.

[Reefer_Bill]

From what I have read it sounds like you want to keep algae under control, especially during the first few months. I would vote for the cleanup crew, and you can always supplement with pellets like chubby hugs said. Hope everything works out!

Bill

[sedor]

The reason most people opt to put the clowns in first is because they are among the hardiest of fish. If there are any left over ammonia or nitrite the clowns will be able to handle it far better than any other.

[Ryand63]

alright thanks everyone. I'm glad I asked, I think I am going to add maybe 5 assorted hermits from the LFS and maybe 2 mexican turbos, but I have almost no algae on the sides of my tank!