Stocking my 55 Gal

Hello all, this is my first post. I recently converted my 55 gal cichlid set up to a marine aquarium. I am in the process of cycling (i understand this) but am needing help on the fish recommendation. I know nothing about the fish themselves as all my research has been on water quality. what fish do you recommend for a 55 gal? My wife is really interested in a clown fish, but what are the differences in types of clowns? I don;t want anything to aggressive, just beautiful to look at. Thank you in advance for the help!

 

i say get some occelaris clowns they are very hardy and well do good in a beginners tank

 

Yep! I would also recommend some gobys and blennys. Maybe a purple fire fish, they are beautiful.

 

I used to have a 55g long reef so I'll post some of the stock I kept:

- Ocellaris Clowns (get tank bred, very hardy & peaceful, get a pair)
- Royal Gramma (gorgeous, hardy fish)
- Banggai Cardinal (another beautiful SW fish, peaceful)
- Flame Angel (may pick at corals but otherwise great fish, color pops)

those are just a few that I highly recommend. The Angel as i mentioned may be a coral nipper but it's 50/50.

Are you doing a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) tank or a Reef? I would suggest starting with a FOWLR if it's your first time with SW. Corals are demanding of light and water params so it's better to work up to them as you gain more knowledge of the hobby.

Dependant on what type of tank you're setting up, your stock can vary. The first 3 fish I mentioned will not bother coral. Also you'll need to stock much lighter in SW than FW, so keep that in mind.

Dr. Foster & Smith is a great resource to check out. They have pictures and descriptions of the most available SW fish and what their needs are (minimum tank size, temperment, reef safe, etc): http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=15

Welcome to 3reef btw!

 

Thank you for your replies. I have been browsing for a few days before joining. I have a few years of experience with cichlids but this is the first time i am trying marine tanks. I don't yet understand the difference between coral or live rocks so i am thinking live rock (I do know it sounds easier). I was thinking about the mix mojoe mentioned, what about a wrasse? What about a dragonet (they are beautiful)? I am also curious as to what I should do for the "clean up crew". Thank you all, one day soon I hope to be answering these questions!

 

Hit live aquaria.com and check thier fish our. They have some nice fish & some of the basic info on the fish, like a general care level, & special if any requirements. Might wanna browse around there & then drop more questions.

 

I bought 20 lbs of live rock and put in a clean up crew of 7 hermit crabs. I found some live rock with purple on it =-)

I will take pictures and show my progression

 

You can see what my stock is in my signature.

 

Live Rock is just ocean rock with beneficial bacteria or small creatures living in it. If it dries out and all things die in it then it is just rock or dead rock.
Coral is completely different. I don't think any Clownfish is peaceful. haha ;D

 

I made the mistake of looking into lighting options..... HOLY CRAP! Not the place to go for a noob.

The mag cleaner is a godsend. I can;t believe how well that thing works.

With cichlid tanks, background often brought out more color in the fish. Is this the same for Marine tanks?