Just need some tips please!

trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
I just purchased my second clownfish after a terrible lesson I learned about anemones the first time around...
So basically I let the tank clycle for about 2 months with 3 live rocks and a small blue damsel. My tank is a 29 High, has an "Ultra Sun" flourecent bulb, 2 filters, 2 heaters (I only use one), a power head, external makeshift blacklights for night, an ocean backround, a feather duster and some sand substrate (20 lb). I will be buying more substrate, and a better power head within a week. Today I bought a False Percula Clownfish which is swimming around like crazy, acting like he owns the place! So basically I just would really like to know what would make the clownfish happier. I can upload pictures if needed.
Thank you for your consideration and advice!
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by trevsmelly354 http:///forum/thread/385760/just-need-some-tips-please#post_3384770
I just purchased my second clownfish after a terrible lesson I learned about anemones the first time around...
So basically I let the tank clycle for about 2 months with 3 live rocks and a small blue damsel. My tank is a 29 High, has an "Ultra Sun" flourecent bulb, 2 filters, 2 heaters (I only use one), a power head, external makeshift blacklights for night, an ocean backround, a feather duster and some sand substrate (20 lb). I will be buying more substrate, and a better power head within a week. Today I bought a False Percula Clownfish which is swimming around like crazy, acting like he owns the place! So basically I just would really like to know what would make the clownfish happier. I can upload pictures if needed.
Thank you for your consideration and advice!

Welcome to the site! I would love to see your pictures...we love pictures.
3 rocks??? Big ones? a 29g tank needs at least 20 pounds of live rock.
Damsels are evil little fish, they will bite your hand drawing blood when mature. They fight and kill more timid tank mates. If you plan on other aggressive fish that's fine but if you hope for a peaceful community tank...the damsel will need to go.
 
jerth6932

jerth6932

Active Member
Welcome to the site!
I will never disagree with pics! It will help us to help you with your question!
 
trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
Thats what the guy at my LPS said. They usually can coexist though right? I will take a video instead:) Thanks for the welcome! I love this site
 
trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
What do you mean, "let the damsel go"? I thought they got along together. Please reply, i dont want my clownfish to get bullied!:(
 
tangs rule

tangs rule

Active Member
The blue damsel will very likely bully and could injure the clown or kill it in time. About all the damselfishes are very territorial, aggressive, and basically mean. They will even bully each other (to death). And as they grow, they will likely become total evil, preferring to kill anything in the tank it can. One can always return it to the local pet shop versus destroying it. Clownfishes are also very territorial and can be very mean as well. mixing different clown species is usually NOT reccomended, and even adding more of the same type is usually not good either. It's best to decide on a pair of a paticular type of clown and buy them together, qtine them together, and insert them into the dt together.......Once the tank is old enough and you have enough light for an anemone, the proper type for your clown can be added.
 
trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
Thank you very much for clearing that up. I hate lps' workers, especially *****. They sold two different species of fish to me by mixing them up or something... cant trust them. So do I like flush this damsel and go to ***** tomorrow for a 2nd clownfish of the same species? What do you suggest? I just don't want this little guy to be lonely.
(Also, the damsel keeps approaching the clownfish, and then backing away. Is he intimidated? Or sizing him up?)
Thanks again!
 
tangs rule

tangs rule

Active Member
I would never flush a live fish - that's too cruel. Just take him with you to your lfs and either give him back or get a buck for him if you can. I would NOT get a different species of clown, get the same type. And be prepared for them NOT to get along at first. Depending on how long the one you have has been master of the domain (clownfish wise) he/she might NOT wanna see competiton, so be prepared to isolate them. Also one should really learn about quarantine and traetment of new fish bought ANYWHERE. Fish parasites really thrive in sales display tanks at places like ***** and most lfs joints, and you will either have to set up an emergency tank later when the parasites break out, OR loose your clowns and anything else in the tank. you cannot treat for ich in a DT tank as the meds used to treat the parasite will posoin the DT. I'd not suggest ever adding anything from anyone elses tank unless you KNOW it is free&clear of pests. - esp. *****!
Also, ocellaris clowns are born male, and after they pair up (or in a group) one will become female, grow larger, and usually pick on others in a group, prefering to only be with one other male. (usually, but there are exceptions) Once he becoms she and grows bigger, this change is non reversable, and she's a she from then on, and will never get along with other females. Clowns will kill each other too.
You can get another same type, but i'd qtine both of them together in a seperate qtine tank, or be prepared to if the new addition is added straight into the main tank right away. There are tons of threads here on qtine setup.
FYI - the damsel is likely sizing up the clown. It will be a day or too and the nipping will likely start.
 
jerth6932

jerth6932

Active Member
Recommendation:
You are low on the LR side, I would up that amount to 1 - 1 1/2 lbs per gallon of tank. Also can give the fish a place to hide, to help with any future "bulling" incident
The damsel should go.
And another clown of same species added as soon as possible as tangs rule stated (even though clowns do fine by them selves) just cool to watch their relationship.
Questions:
Why isn't your tank full? You are putting a lot of micro bubbles into your tank.... That can irritate the fish.
What is the air stone for?
Do you not have a better store around you then *****? They are notorious for bad information regarding SWF!
You have great beginnings, lots of potential!
 
1guydude

1guydude

Well-Known Member
+1 lots of potential here....
Take the airstone out no needs....get a powerhead. preferably a korilia or tunze and break the surface for oxygen....the powerhead will give u good circulation. Do u test ur water? I would think so as it looks good. +1 get rid of the damsel, eg take it back to *****. I would fill ur tank up to the bottom of the trim, ur missing out on a couple gallons there. The more water the more dilluted all the bad things in the tank will be and more stable parameters. GET MORE ROCK! Id make a 2 island scene. Just food for thought man! Looks good though keep it up!
 
trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
to tangsrule:
I watched all the clownfish in the tank and also looked very closely at the tank itself for any signs of niglect, ich, or any parasites on any of the fish, I even asked when they got them in and the assistant said just a few hours ago. Sounded great so I bought 2 of them. (One yesturday and one today, both from the same tank) I specifically asked to get a small and a large. As far as the damsel goes, hes out. I gave him to a friend, a long time aquarist. I just put in the second clown and they are huddling together, kinda rubbing. I wonder if they could have been paired at ***** or something.
I just added more gravel but I have this silly decoration I might put in. I hate it though. I have a powerhead, but the impeller is broken, I'll be replacing it very soon. I do test my water frequently, thanks for the compliments guys! I am just about to take another video of the two fishes, they look REALLY happy, but maybe its just me? Im not sure, but I appreciate all the advice!
 
tangs rule

tangs rule

Active Member
Sounds good.. It's more interesting to watch a pair of clowns interact - espically when they pair up, and even more so when they have an anemone (later on). More rock will be needed, but building up a tank takes time. No one builds up their dream tank in a day.
 
trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
Sorry it took so long, I had to change the water and upload the video to Youtube. Sorry the room is a mess, but keep in mind, Im only 15! (The smaller tank in this video is my litle freshwater fishies)
Here is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTgN6D46Avs
Please let me know if I have good conditions for clownfish and possibly breeding??
Thanks!
 
trevsmelly354

trevsmelly354

Member
To Meowser:
The reason my invert died was because about 4 months ago I didnt know as much as I should and my LPS should have asked me how long I had my tank up (*****). I KNOW THE TANK MUST BE AT LEAST A YEAR MATURE... now.
 
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