starting a marine tank

[tickle-me]

ive currently got a 4ft tropical/goldfish tank ( both in the one tank and doing fine) with sharks aswell

ive just bought a 4 ft tank with sump hole already in it for a marine set up

any ideas on what fish are best to start with in a couple of months after ive cleaned up the tank, gotten all the equipment and water right
eventually the kids want clown fish and blue tangs and a couple of other things but we'll start off with the cheaper fish at first

this is our first marine tank, the 4ft tropical was our first ever tank and seem to be going well

[Lucifer]

Best to have no fish while the tank is cycling. No need to put stress on the fish.

Just feed the tank with fish food every day.

In 2 to 3 months, test the water every 2nd day for a week or two. If your tank is stable then add one or two fish in at a time. Give the fish a week or two before adding more.

[RodCraig]

I agree with the above post.

Cycle your water for a couple of months adding Live Rock and small amounts of frozen fish food. Carry out water tests twice a week and plenty of weekly or Bi-weekly water changes too.

I started off with a couple of orange Anthias. Lovely coloured fish and tough as. Clowns are pretty hardy too but I'd wait at least 4 or 5 months before adding tangs, angels etc. It's not worth the waste of $.

Good luck with the tank, patience is the key, let the kids know it will be all worth it in the long run. If they are super keen to see pretty fish, take them along to your local aquarium every week or so.