New to the Reef World

[rayfish8]

Hello all,

I started loving keeping fish since I was a child. I had goldfish to cichlids. I just started my saltwater tank about 2 years ago and I am looking to venture into reef tanks. I currently have a 72 gallon tank that has 4 damsels and 2 clownfish and 1 puffer.
As I am trying to build my new tank what are some suggestions for a newbie reef? I am in no real rush, but the lure of the colors has grabbed me! I also realize that the puffer must go. My local pet shop said I could trade him in.

[bamann345]

WELCOME to the Atlanta Reef Club!

[ckreef]

Damsels must also go -- they will cause nothing but undue stress in a reef ---- JMHO

clownfish are OK

[rayfish8]

Thanks for the reply...any suggestion on the what reef I should start out with? When I got into saltwater I had to learn things the hard way. I threw in fish that had no business being together. needless to say I put out some serious buck I learned my lesson then.

[bamann345]

for corals....I would start with zoos, shrooms, and some of the other soft corals. Most of them are a little easier to keep and require less lighting than the SPSs.

[9fishers]

Do you have access to live rock? If you cant find it locally, you can get it online. You'll need to cure it;however; in a seperate tank. Some people cure it themselves even if its sold as completely cured. The experts around here will help get you going in the right direction.
Oh, and......