20 gal tank questions

[pinanomanda]

hi everyone 8 ) yes.. another newbie
i want to start a 20 gallon tank with a pair of percula clowns and was wondering what i could have to host them, corals or anemones? any specific kinds and how many? someone said that my tank wouldn't be big enough for anemones and maybe i should post in here, so i did. hopefully someone can help me out 8 )

 

[karajay]

I have a 20g FOWLR with two false percs. Many people believe that clowns need to have an anemone, but that's not true. There is no anemone or any kind of coral in the tank with mine. Whoever told you that an anemone was not a good idea was right. They are not for beginners and usually do not even fare well for experienced hobbyists.
I recommend you set up your tank as a FOWLR for now. That will provide you with a good basis for corals in a few months when the tank is ready for them.
In the meantime, keep reading here, maybe find a good book on corals (Aquarium Corals by Borneman...great book)

 

[pinanomanda]

thanks for the info karajay 8 )

 

[overanalyzer]

I bought a pair of percs and they have not really hosted in naything in my tank .... they need to find a coral or spot that helps make them feel protected.
Some people feel that has to be a live host (like a coral or an anemone) and others think they are fine without.
Personally if you provide a good home for them with regular feedings, good water quality and plenty of hiding spots they should be fine.
People have had luck with hairy mushrooms, ricodia, xenia, bubble corals, hammer corals, frogspawn corals. I would wait a while and do a lot of research before you attempt a anemone! Especially if this is yoru first tank set-up!!
Also -Welcome to SWF.com!!

 

[pinanomanda]

thanks for the welcome and the advice overanalyzer 8 )
appreciate it

 

[jugger]

i agree about the anemones.... 20 gallons are to small if you want to have other coral that cant handle the stinging... and my clown want host in anything and is doing fine... except his aggresive behavior

 

[pinanomanda]

how bout this.. is a FOWLR good w/a mated pair of percs? from my studying so far, this sounds like a wise decision since anemones and corals can be a lot of work. any ideas about pretty rocks i can get somewhere?

 

[overanalyzer]

Originally posted by pinanomanda
how bout this.. is a FOWLR good w/a mated pair of percs? from my studying so far, this sounds like a wise decision since anemones and corals can be a lot of work. any ideas about pretty rocks i can get somewhere?
I'd cruise a handful of different LFS (local Fish Stores). IN a 20 you will run out of room quickly so you will want to be careful and creative in your selections! I'd go for a mix of small creative and unique pieces ... with lots of coraline algea on them!
Good Luck