What are the best start up salt / sea water fish for beginners?

Answer 1

I've kept both for a number of years now, and once you get past the initial set-up it's really not that much harder IF you've done some preliminary research.

The fish you get will largely be determined by the size of tank you get. Saltwater fish are generally more territorial and aggressive than freshwater community fish. That's not to say there aren't some peaceful ones, but they're more the exception than the rule. Saltwater fish are also more demanding of water quality. These factors mean you can't stock a tank with as many fish, either.

You'll also have to take into consideration things like adult size, activity level (some sit in a cave in the rocks all day, others need a lot of swimming space), compatability (will they get along, eat each other, fight, etc.), feeding (if you want corals, snails, crabs, or shrimp are your fish going to eat them?), and so on.

For a beginning level, I would suggest cardinalfish, chromis, clownfish, longnose hawkfish, clown or citron goby, canary blenny, or firefish. These are small, relatively peaceful, and hardy. Your tastes may run more toward predatory fish, though. I would recommend visiting a few fish stores or websites to see what fish you might like, then getting a book or GOOD website and going through some species information to learn about their requirements and compatability - then plan your tank around that.

For books, I highly recommend either The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-52-1 or The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-02-5

As a website, I recommend http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ - there are numerous articles written by saltwater professionals as well as a moderated forum where you can ask questions. I'll put some other resources for you below, including a rough compatibility chart - use this more as a way to see what CAN'T go together than what can.

While I wouldn't say it's harder, it IS more expensive!

Answer 2

The decision to start a saltwater tank is not a quick or easy one. Even hobbyists who have maintained freshwater tanks successfully will admit that a saltwater tank is not a simple undertaking.

The water chemistry alone is much more difficult to maintain in a saltwater tank. There's no reason to make things exponentially more difficult by picking temperamental fish. In the following links,you will get a list of good starter fish for the beginner.

http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/what-are-good-saltwater-fish-for-beginners.php

Answer 3

i would not reccomend saltwater fish keeping to anyone who hasnt had atleast a few years of fresh water fish keeping under thier belt. it is alot more complicated, and whole bunches more expensive..