Probably heard this a lot...

[bodangit0024]

I'm starting up a new 60 gallon FOWLR from scratch and I wanted some advice. For the equipment, I have an AquaClear 70 HOB filter, a Visi-therm stealth 200 heater, I ordered a 48" 130W PC fixture, and I plan on getting a SeaClone 100 skimmer. For the critters and aquascape, I ordered 30lbs. of base rock and 45lbs. of Fiji LR. Now for the difficult part: What can I stock it with? I really want a pair of percula clowns and a lawnmower blenny, what else would go good in there? I also plan on about half a dozen hermit crabs and shrimp. This is my first saltwater, so I'm trying to keep fairly easy species. I've started the cycling by adding food for almost a week now, the ammo spike seems to be coming to a close. Any suggestions for a complete noob? Are there any polyps or corals or anything of that area I can keep? Thanks for the help!

[Steven Pro]

First off, don't get the Sealone skimmer. It is in a word junk. There are much better choices for not much more money,
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i1...mpressions.htm

As to fish, there are lots of possibilities. What else interests you?

You might be able to keep a few mushroom anemones with your lighting, although they probably won't have very vivid coloration.

[bodangit0024]

I'm thinking something bright blue maybe, and I think I want a clown goby. Those guys are so cool and colorful and stay small. Also, any chance I could add a Kaudern's Cardinal? I really like the way those look. As for the skimmer, would a CoraLife Super Skimmer be ok?

EDIT: Would the blenny be enough of an algae consumer to let me get an arrow crab and not have hermit crabs? Arrow crabs are very cool to me and I even handled one while scuba diving.

[Steven Pro]

The secret to algae control is actually nutrient control. That is where a good protein skimmer comes in. As to the Coralife unit, I have not used one personally, but people who have seem to be happy with them.

I don't like hermit crabs in general, so I would leave them out of your stocking plan. The algae blenny, clown goby/gobies, and Kaudern's cardinal(s) will all mix in with your other listed fishes.

If you get the cardinals, buy only captive raised and no more than two.

[bodangit0024]

Ok, thanks. As for the algae control, I know no matter what that I will have algae in some form, but would the lawnmower blenny alone be good enough? I'm asking this because I want to get an arrow crab, and they eat other invertebrates that would eat algae.