[excedrin1997]

I am a beginner to Saltwater Acquariums and this is my first post!

As of right now, I have a 50 gallon aquarium and have had 3 Green Chromis, 2 of which have died, 2 Blue Damsels, 1 of them have died, and 2 of the 4 Striped Damsels. All the tests I have done had been in the Ideal catagory, so I can only suspect that the ones that died were just bad fish.

My question is about fish compatibility. I have a chart that names compatible fish, but have been told differently on several species at the pet store that I have went to. I was told that the Snowflake Eel would be ok with the fish I have, but not a lionfish. I plan on adding a couple clownfish, 4 stripe damsels, a starfish, and some urchins. What are your thoughts on adding a snowflake eel and or a lionfish to the mix? I would not be too concerned with the snowflake eel, because they are a relatively small species of eel, but I watched a lionfish gulp up some goldfish, not much smaller than the fish I have in my tank now.

Also, is there a site that is recommended to purchase live saltwater fish from? I naturally want to go with the one with the cheapest fish, or free shipping at the lowest minimum order, but I would rather hear some opinions first.

Thanks to those that reply!

Jarrod

[mannyfern09]

A lionfish may eat anything that fits in his mouth. Therefor putting some percula clownfish with the lion fish may not be a good idea. The eel may be a better way to go, one of my buddies has a tank clowns and a snowflake and his tank is fine. Also, you may want to look into other fish rather than the damsels they can be very territorial in an aquarium.

[excedrin1997]

Thanks for the reply. I have noticed that the 4 striped damsels have "claimed" one of my fake corals, zig-zagging all through it while the others stay away, its pretty neat to see that these little fish have personalities.

[sameul]

the only thing i have to say that if you do get a lionfish i would not get one that has eats goldfish i have heard that thay can not be wined off of them and thay can be harmful to the fish over time

[volitan_fa]

Lionfish is hard to keep with smaller less-aggressive fish. The SFE isn't a bad thought, but they are master escape artists, so keep your lid sealed up good.

But on another note, I would check your water params again. How long has your tank been up? That many "bad fish" is very unusual.

[excedrin1997]

Been over 2 weeks now without any dead fish, so i'm no longer too worried about that. I had heard that damsels can be aggressive against their own kind. Sure enough, one of the 2 remaining for each of the 3 types. I've now added a clownfish, chocolate starfish and a couple of hermit crabs in and they're now all one small happy family now.

[c-c]

What kind of clownfish did you get? I fear for him if you have damsels in the same tank. The damsels may be aggressive toward the clown and stress him out. I like to change the tank furniture before adding new fish so all start with "equal rights"
c-c

[blueface]

hi there. just reading your post. i think that the main problems that youre going to be facing with your current fish selections and the future fish are the incompatability of the species you want to keep together! ive kept fish only aquariums for years and have at one point had 11 different large angels all living quite happily together, but with a drawback, not a week would go by and i'd loose one!. only my experience told me that although mant fish will "get on" with each other the stress caused by them being in competition for territory and food will no doubt end in tears. if i were you try to mix some more peaceful species rather than similar groups. the sfe will be ok so long as you feed him well but i have my doubts with the lion fish. i've seen one eat a lemonpeel angel in one mouthful!!! buyer beware.!! hope this helps. mike..

[excedrin1997]

Thanks, it seems as though all mine are getting along. I did move the furniture around just a bit, but they had been schooling up together even beforehand so it looks as though they're getting along pretty nice. I'm a little worried about adding more fish because these guys seem to be getting along so well. I have the Percula Clownfish. He doesnt seem to be stressed, but I guess it wouldnt hurt to add a few more of those guys to offset the damsels. The littlest one (4 stripe damsel) seems to be the leader.

[Riermann]

Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums!!!! Its the best saltwater fish store ever!!! 14 day quarentee or how ever you spell that...Cheap prices just $30 shipping