On Jun 25, 6:58 pm, "Pszemol" wrote:
"Aroon" wrote in oglegroups.com...
thanks for the comments. i only plan on having 4 or 5 fish in my 58g
as i would like to get anemones and coral when the time is right.
Sounds like I shoould start with the clownfish i want, or go with a
damsel? i have been considering a talbot damsel.

The cycle in your tank is over, so you do not need to worry about
elevated ammonia levels and pick a "hardy fish" because of ammonia...

Start stocking your tank with the overal picture in mind.

Think of the idea that the fish you buy will stay with you for long years.
Unless fish dies, it is very hard to catch it and remove from the reef tank
without demolishing the rock-work and probably ruin your corals first.

I got all four fish to my tank in 2002 and they are with me today...
They are kind of part of the family now :-)

Go with a pair of clownfish. The kind you plan on having.
After a month or two, get the other two-three fish you've planned for.

Damsel is not a very good choice... Very Mean *******s!
Especially when they are getting older and bigger.
They can destroy all fun from having a fish tank.
Read online alot about damsels before you decide to buy.
There are a lot of stories of people buying damsels out of
an impulse or because of stupid advice and then having hard
time geting rid of an unwanted fish. Save yourself a hassle
and donot buy damsel unless you really, really like these fish
and really want to keep them.

thanks for your advice, Pszemol.
that was a very well thought out response to my inquiry.

i am now convinced that a damselfish may be a good starter, but not
for the right reasons. i would not want to get a fish that in the long-
term wouldn't work with the rest of the inhabitants. i have only
started in this hobby, but I would like to be as eco-conscious as
possible. i.e. no wasted fish. (its in my job description-not
kidding). and damsels aren't really what i am going for. so, i will
start with the clownfish. i would like ocellaris clowns. would they be
ok as a pair? you mentioned in an earlier reponse that they should be
small. how small?