[Lithium]

I had freshwater tanks for years but I am ready for a reef! I have a great book and spent a lot of time learning about set-ups, requirements, procedures and equipment options and I think I have a good understanding. Perhaps somewhat atypically, I am most confused on livestock. I know I would like colorful fishes, corals and anemones but not sure how to select them. I guess main concern is to make sure the initial equipment purchases are versatile enough that I will be able to have livestock options.

Can someone point to a good resource, maybe with pictures of these critters and suggested "pairings"? Thx!

Oh P.S. Is it a good idea to buy livestock online? Any vendors come recommended?

[Raymond3457]

I am new to all this and have yet to buy any live stock. But, I have bought live rock from Marinedepot and livesand from Jeff's exotic fish and both online and both have been awsome! I will give you the links that I have heard mentioned on here time and time again. Seems alot of people really like these places and I intend to use them. I hope this helps!

As far as what fish will be good with reef's or what fish goes with what fish. The Reefbuilders Mod has posted a really great chart and will give you some really good insight on this. You can find it by clicking on these.

Reef Builders Forum » Articles » Guides

exoticfish.com
liveaquaria.com
marinedepot.com
saltwaterfish.com

[ACE]

If you buy fish from a LPS(local pet store) don't buy if you see dead or sick fish in the tank.
From personal experience's if one fish got is sick they all probably are.
ACE

[crazygator]

lfs or lps are good only if you trust them and they take care of you. out of six or seven here i use two because they have taken time to do it right (although one is starting to hire younger kids who just want to make the sale.) on-line is a great way to learn about what is what, just finding the good ones can be time consuming( but worth it).i just started using on-line about a year ago for just about everything, still get some things from lfs, good friend and smart guy, go with your comfort zone and don't take one or two guys word for it, research on your own.

[boombadan]

i would buy your livestock from your lfs id rather pick it out then have it be choosen for me.

[crazygator]

it's not a given at the lfs usually selection is what the store wants, on-line you can choose a wider variety just learn your compatibility

[tyoung]

My advice is this, when looking at lfs, have your mind made up about what fish you plan on keeping and in what order to introduce them into your system. The more terratorial ones should be last to be added. After you have planned what kind of fish/inverts you plan on buying, follow that plan and buy the fist one on your list. Ask to see it fed, look for any signs of sickness, torn fins, white spots on body or fins, sunken stomach, irratic resporation, irratic swimming, or lack of response to their environment. If the fish eats, and you see it eat, ask the lfs if they can take a deposit on the animal and hold it for a week. If you see any of the other symptons above, leave it alone and search elsewhere. If everything is in order, make the deposit, leave, and come back in a weeks time to see how the fish is doing. The week will give the fish time to develop any signs of stress or illness. Just make sure the deposit can be used for credit on another type of critter or supplies. There are books out there on the marked that goes into detail on what to look for, one I have that is great in this is "The Marine Aquarium Handbook" by Martin A. Moe, Jr. It is somewhat dated, but the information is still current in most cases, best of luck!