I can never get a 2nd clownfish to live in my tank.

[fattytwobyfour]

I have one clownfish that I purchased when I first set up my tank. That fish has survived everything my tank has been through the past 8 months.
I initially introduced the clownfish as a pair. They did fine for several months. I came home one day, and found one dead. The water tested fine, and I could never pinpoint the cause. The second clownfish I bought was from a local LFS. The fish was not tank raised, and the acclimation didn't go very good. I think it lasted a day or two.
I've waited several months to purchase another clownfish to pair with my other one. About a week and half ago I ordered a fish from this site. The acclimation went good, and the fish seemed to be adjusting well. I noticed the past day or two that the fish had been hovering some above the sand bed. It looked like it was actually cleaning some algae and stuff off the sand bed. So I didn't think much about it. The fish has been doing good today. I've been home all day, and noticed nothing unusual. Well I just go to look at my tank, and the fish seems to be unable to swim in the current. It's pretty much floating around. It was swimming up to the top like it was almost breathing air, and then going back down in the tank and floating some more. I turned off the pumps because I figured it was taking a lot of energy out of the guy to be trying to swim. I ran to go Google. I go back to my tank and I'm assuming he's somewhere in the rock work. So I dunno if I just need to let the LEDS go ahead and shut off and see what happens in the morning or what? My water is testing fine. My corals are open. My cleaner shrimp, snails, blue legged crabs, and other clowns all are acting normal.
I'm just trying to figure out why I can't seem to add another clown to my tank. The water conditions seems to be fine. I had been keeping a coral beauty angelfish for many months in there as well. It actually jumped out of the tank one night, and that's why I don't have him now. I've not noticed much bullying between the clowns. When I first introduced the new clown, the other clown would only chase the new clown out of it's corner around bed time. The rest of the day they would swim and get along.

 

[geridoc]

How large is your tank? Clownfish, while they have gotten great press (think Nemo) are actually pretty aggressive and territorial fish. It is often very difficult to introduce a second clownfish after the first has established its reign over the tank. A large tank with plenty of hiding places would help, but if there is any crowding at all you can expect just the problems you are having. You may not see outright fighting, but the new arrival may be very stressed by the aggression.

 

[sweatervest13]

Usually if your water is testing good and something like this happens, its aggression. You might not see it all the time but that is probably what it is.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

My tank is 3 foot long and is a 33 gallon tank. I have around 70lbs of live rock. And many caves and extensive tunnel system to which you can go to any area of the tank from. I built all of those for the angelfish who loved them. I know aggression can happen. But I honestly have been looking at my tank for most of the day. I am actually off of work due to knee surgery, and there is not much more I can do other than stare at my tank lol.
The fish did pass away during the night. I was able to find him though without tearing up too much rock. So thankfully I won't have to worry about him messing up the water parameters too much.
I am thinking it may be time to figure out a new grouping of fish. I will probably try to keep the clown I got. I could probably take him to a LFS, but I honestly hate to disturb the fish any more than I have to. It may get to the point where I have to.

 

[mr llimpid]

You say clowns, do you have more than 1 in your tank right now? If you want a pair then first I suggest that this will be the only 2 fish in that tank, once paired they will claim the entire tank as there's and while nesting will attack any other fish. So if you still want the pair here is an suggestion on how to get them to get along. First set up a 10gal QT tank, bare tank with a sponge filter(sized for a 30gal.) with a piece of PVC (for fish to hid in). You'll need to place sponge filter in your DT for awhile to get bacteria growing on it. Then purchase a smaller clown of the same specie as the one you have. Place both fish in the 10gal. QT, observe for 3 weeks. Any sign of aggression return fish to LFS for another and try again. During the 3 weeks they will bond, you can tell this by them doing the shake dance, hard to expalin you will know what I mean when you see it. Also a good idea to rearrange the rocks in your DT B4 returning the clowns into DT. Good Luck

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Thanks for the advice Mr LLimpid. The more and more I read and experience clowns, the less I want them. LOL I do wonder if my cleaner shrimp might have scared it as well. They are getting pretty large. My older clown will not let them clean. I did see them attempt to clean the newer one, but it acted like they were about to eat it. The CB Angelfish I had loved the shrimp. He would let them clean him all day long.
Since I only have one clown now, will it maybe less aggressive now that it won't be nesting? I am looking at other species of fish. I kinda want a Midas Blenny. Didn't know how it would get along with the clown. But I am almost to the point of trying to find a home for this fish in the local reef club. He does nothing but swim under the HOB protein skimmer, and really adds nothing to the tank, other than maybe being aggressive.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

I do also have a 28 gallon tank that I plan on converting to a quarantine tank this Fall when I get the money to do so. So if I do decide to go for a pair of clowns, I will use that method for sure.

 

[jay0705]

I have a pair of occ clowns in my 75. They are tank raised and don't bother my other fish at all. I have seen the shake dance mr l is referring to. You will know it when u see it lol. Clowns are weird fish,some are nasty little buggers that want the whole tank themselves others just mix well. Tank raised generally fair better w each other tho

 

[fattytwobyfour]

They were both ORA clowns. : I think once I figure out how to put a top on my tank, I'm going to look at another CB angelfish and maybe a Midas Blenny.

 

[jay0705]

Ah very good. I have CB angel myself

 

[mr llimpid]

Both of my ocellaris clown, are mean and they are tank raised. The male will tail slap the top of the water the min. I take off the top to do water changes. I have to bag him every time or he will continue to bit my arm as I clean. Once he is bagged the female isn't as brave and go sits by her nest.

 

[jay0705]

Wow lol that's crazy

 

[geridoc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr LLimpid http:///t/396039/i-can-never-get-a-2nd-clownfish-to-live-in-my-tank#post_3527902
Both of my ocellaris clown, are mean and they are tank raised. The male will tail slap the top of the water the min. I take off the top to do water changes. I have to bag him every time or he will continue to bit my arm as I clean. Once he is bagged the female isn't as brave and go sits by her nest.
This post should be required reading for everyone who wants a cute little clownfish to start off their collection with.

 

[keithwilliams]

Glad to have read this , was going to grab a few occ and green bubble tip for my new 120 g

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Don't let it scare you from clowns. My tank is only 33 gallon. They may not be as aggressive in that large of a tank. People add them to their tanks everyday. Just be aware that they could be really aggressive.

 

[keithwilliams]

Any variety of clown better? Exp Occ vs Tomato vs maroon

 

[aquariumgirl16]

My lownfish usually tried to stay away from eachother. They were both shy. The peppermint shrimp was a nice additive. The clowns weren't as shy when he came around.

 

[mr llimpid]

Just to add only mated clowns that have just laid eggs are aggressive. When they are not nesting he isn't so aggressive. And when I had just one clown he acted lie any other fish.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

The clownfish that I had for 8 months caught whatever the new clownfish had, & passed away this morning.
So my plan is to run the tank for a couple of months without fish (just coral & invertebrates). That will hopefully get rid of whatever I introduced into the tank.
Before I introduce any more fish, I have a 28 gallon that I'm going to turn into a quarantine tank. I've been thinking that I can get by without one, but I see the purpose now.

 

[mr llimpid]