Clownfish in intake vent

[Aliu]

I'd second all the above about clowns just being weird and hosting whatever they feel like, but I'd also add a caution. He's selected a very high flow area of the tank, so there may be a couple other issues at play. You may have low oxygen levels, making him gasp and want high flow, or you may have temperature or toxicity issues. If the LFS test comes back fine, and your temperature is in the proper range, I'd just make sure there was enough surface agitation to oxygenate the water. For that matter, regardless of anything else I'd make sure there's adequate agitation period. Hopefully it's just CBW Syndrome (clownfish being weird) though.

Toad- thanks for the extra advice. How do I make sure there's more surface agitation? Should I get a powerhead? My only flow is my stock so I don't think I have a lot of agitation at all.

 

[DeniseAndy]

What type of all in one system is that? Size? A powerhead will definitely bring better aeration if it is a closed top. You can also add an airstone into the back section for extra air if needed.

 

[Aliu]

What type of all in one system is that? Size? A powerhead will definitely bring better aeration if it is a closed top. You can also add an airstone into the back section for extra air if needed.

I have a biocube 14 gallon. The stock pump flow rate is 137gph.

I'm new to the hobby so I'm not too sure what type and how much more flow I would need. So any advice would be great.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I never had much issue with my 28, but I did run a little nano powerhead (koralia). I am not sure, but the new sicce nanos look nice too. Just gives more water movement and you can aim it at the top to get the air exchange. If no protein skimmer is included, you will want more air exchange. You can easily throw an airstone into the back chamber somewhere to help with that. You will get some spray or salt and top off differences though. Keep that in mind.

 

[recess62]

Is this in a biocube. If so my baby clown does the exact same thing

 

[Aliu]

I never had much issue with my 28, but I did run a little nano powerhead (koralia). I am not sure, but the new sicce nanos look nice too. Just gives more water movement and you can aim it at the top to get the air exchange. If no protein skimmer is included, you will want more air exchange. You can easily throw an airstone into the back chamber somewhere to help with that. You will get some spray or salt and top off differences though. Keep that in mind.

Thanks. I'll definitely google the koralia and the other one too. I do have a coralife protein skimmer. But I haven't changed the wooden airstone yet. It's been about 1 month. How often do you change yours?

 

[Toadfish]

Toad- thanks for the extra advice. How do I make sure there's more surface agitation? Should I get a powerhead? My only flow is my stock so I don't think I have a lot of agitation at all.

I don't remember what sort of nozzle there is on the 14gal, but it may be as simple as pointing that nozzle at the surface. Surface agitation is exactly what it sounds like, where the surface of the water looks like a pot that's about to boil. Also, IM (Innovative Marine) has a thing that hooks onto outflows in place of normal nozzles called the SpinStream. For the price you could just get a small powerhead, but the spinstreams are a little more compact if the space is constrained, and they, as the name implies, spin around, changing flow patterns kinda like a wavemaker.

Personally, I don't like airstones in saltwater outside of skimmers, too much salt creep and salinity can change real fast in a 14 gallon, but it is still an option.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I agree on the airstone, but if it was the only way to get air, I would do it. Sounds like the IM thing would be a good fit too. It is tight in a 14 and the nano powerheads still take up space. If you have a protein skimmer with stone, you are fine for air. I only changed mine when they became nasty or stopped working efficiently. The wooden ones can last a long time.

 

[cmcoker]

I modified my biocube 14, upgraded to a mj900 for the return pump to increase flow. I also use a koralia nano for more flow. I felt the stock pump was inadequate, but definitely point the nozzle toward the surface in the meantime. Also the water falling in the rear chambers will help aerate the tank