About two weeks ago i bought a blacker ice clown. I was wanting to get a pair of normal ocellaris but when I saw the blacker ice I decided to go with the one at the time (on a strict budget) I asked the guy there that if I came back 2 weeks later and got the second, if i would have any trouble introducing the new one. Of course he said it would be fine but I shouldn’t push the time frame much further if I wanted to avoid fighting. I have made the mistake before by having a clarkii and then months later trying to introduce another clarkii that was much smaller. The original clarkii ended up killing the smaller one. So I am trying to avoid a repeat of that. What are your thoughts, was the guy at my lfs correct or should I just settle on having only the one clown at this point?
Adding a 2nd clown to 75gal?
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Ron Reefman
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Introducing a second clown to a tank is always a giant crap shoot. I'd guess it's about a 50/50 deal... IMHO.
I think you might do well to introduce the second clown in a clear plastic box that it can't get out of and the original clown can't get in. That way they can have as long as it takes to get familiar with each other and yet not have contact. I bought a clear plastic 'basket' that was full of holes at Target. I removed the strap style carry handle and then cut a clear plastic lid with a lip around the edge to hold it in place and a small rock to hold it down.
I think you might do well to introduce the second clown in a clear plastic box that it can't get out of and the original clown can't get in. That way they can have as long as it takes to get familiar with each other and yet not have contact. I bought a clear plastic 'basket' that was full of holes at Target. I removed the strap style carry handle and then cut a clear plastic lid with a lip around the edge to hold it in place and a small rock to hold it down.
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Not the "normal" way to do it, but it seems like it worked! Often when a clown is left alone then they start to transition into a female so the usual way is to introduce a small juvenile who will transition into the male. It appears that your initial fish didn't have time to transition into a female yet and will hopefully be able to transition to the male and the new addition will become (or already was) a female. Putting two clowns that have already transitioned to females into a tank often results in consistent tension and aggression. It sounds like you have some really pretty fish - good luck!
