Holding clownfish in nano?

[Alenya]

I am in the middle of building my 250L tank and am considering holding a pair of clownfish for it in my well established nano. The nano is 40L. The clowfish pair I am looking at would be about 2-3 inches long - any thoughts on how well they would tolerate the smaller tank for a few months which I get the new tank established?

 

[DSEKULA]

It's going to depend on the type of clowns and the current nano stock. If their the only fish you should be fine.

 

[Peace River]

What other livestock is in the tank? If there are other clownfish then it could be an issue but if there are no other fish (or fish that will get along with a pair of clowns) then you should be fine. Good luck and congrats on the upcoming new tank!

 

[Alenya]

It's going to depend on the type of clowns and the current nano stock. If their the only fish you should be fine.

There is only a YWG in the tank atm, I cleared it to prep for the new tank. Looking at a pair of designer ocellaris.

 

[Alenya]

What other livestock is in the tank? If there are other clownfish then it could be an issue but if there are no other fish (or fish that will get along with a pair of clowns) then you should be fine. Good luck and congrats on the upcoming new tank!

Thanks for the congrats! My first 'proper' tank, never even had a sump before

I think it's okay as far as livestock, my only concern is that it might be too small for them for the few months the new tank cycles.

 

[Peace River]

Thanks for the congrats! My first 'proper' tank, never even had a sump before

I think it's okay as far as livestock, my only concern is that it might be too small for them for the few months the new tank cycles.

I really don't think a 40g is too small. Clowns in the wild often don't venture far from their home spot (anemone, etc.) and if you look at their fins they aren't made for cruising like some other fish that do need more space.

 

[DSEKULA]

There are people that keep occys in a 40L long term. I personally wouldn't do it long term but if it's temporary you should be fine espically if their smaller to start.

 

[Reef.]

That size will be fine, I’m guessing you will be getting the clowns young too

 

[Alenya]

Thanks for the assurance crew. They'll only be in there until they go into the new tank, I am probably just being a bit fussy since I know they'll need to put up with it for a few months!

 

[Nick Steele]

Yeah they should be perfectly fine. Many clownfish breeders use 10G as breeding tanks for pairs to lay their eggs in most do fine.