Mating Clown Set Up

[phils1107]

Hey Everyone
I've been reading up on breeding clownfish. In everything I have read they tell me that clowns breed on ceramic tile and clay pots. If I'm not mistaken doesn't ceramic tile 'dissolve' in water? Won't it leeck toxins into the water? Is there a special type of tile? Or should I just use a clay pot? Does clay react with saltwater?
Thanks All

 

[thegrog]

Ceramic tile will not dissolve. It also will not leach anything into the water as long as it is a plain, ordinary ceramic tile (not painted). Ceramic is an inert substance (like glass) so it is safe to use just as long as you rinse it real good. I also scrub mine with salt (from my mix salt) which acts as an abrasive to help clean the tile.
Clay will also not react, but I am weary of using pots as I have heard clowns do not like them as much.....thus I have not even bothered.

 

[phils1107]

Thanks a lot TheGrog for the info I'm getting into breeding a pair of black and white percula and regular percula. Do you have any other advice?
Bang Guy I got that book Clownfish.

 

[thegrog]

If you are putting the two pairs in the same tank, be sure that there is a good divider in the tank!
Other than that, be patient!! Don't expect babys next week! Moving clowns to a new setup can reset things by months so it may take some time.

 

[phils1107]

Thanks
I Got some silicon and put a permanent divider into ther tank. How do you keep the tile from moving? How big is the piece of tile? And where would you go to get the tile from?
Thanks again

 

[thegrog]

Originally posted by phils1107
Thanks
I Got some silicon and put a permanent divider into ther tank. How do you keep the tile from moving? How big is the piece of tile? And where would you go to get the tile from?
Thanks again
I use a 4x4 tile for smaller clowns, 6x6 for larger ones.
Lean one side against the tank with a rock at the base. Or just against a rock with a smaller one at the base.
Lowes, Home Depot, any home improvement store. Cost around 60 cents each

 

[phils1107]

Thanks again
About how many clowns survive the first week?
How do you keep the new baby clowns?
And how do you clean the tank that holds the newborns?