Nuvo 60g harem tank

AC1211 · Sep 3, 2020

So I currently have 16 fish in my reef but I was debating switching it to a clownfish harem tank. I have 2 ocellaris right now. I assume I would have to pull them out as they would bully new additiins correct? I would like to keep a few of my fish perhaps my clown goby, firefish, diamond watchman goby and yellow coris wrasse. How many clowns would I have to add to this mix for a harem? Also all clowns are supposed to be of the same variety correct? Is there any way for me to keep a few of my other fish?

PicassoClown04 · Sep 3, 2020

You’re suppose to do all the same species and an odd number. I’d take out your current clowns and put them in the sump or trade them in. Your new clowns should all be the exact same size and introduced at the same time. Fish that don’t occupy the water column (like your goby) will probably be okay. I’ve seen the best amount of luck with an odd number of fish and lots of anemones. If you decide to try this, make sure you’re ready for the possibility of needing to remove some fish due to aggression/being bullied. Good luck!

AC1211 · Sep 3, 2020

footgal said:
You’re suppose to do all the same species and an odd number. I’d take out your current clowns and put them in the sump or trade them in. Your new clowns should all be the exact same size and introduced at the same time. Fish that don’t occupy the water column (like your goby) will probably be okay. I’ve seen the best amount of luck with an odd number of fish and lots of anemones. If you decide to try this, make sure you’re ready for the possibility of needing to remove some fish due to aggression/being bullied. Good luck!

I wonder if my firefish or yellow coris wrasse will be annoyed. I can remove fish but the 4 of : firefish, yellow coris wrasse, diamond goby, and clown goby as they will be near impossible to catch.

Alaeriel · Sep 3, 2020

AC1211 said:
I wonder if my firefish or yellow coris wrasse will be annoyed. I can remove fish but the 4 of : firefish, yellow coris wrasse, diamond goby, and clown goby as they will be near impossible to catch.

The firefish especially are generally a pretty timid species, and with that many clowns in the tank, make sure you're keeping a close eye on their weight in case they aren't bold enough to get the food. Personally, I'd only do a harem if its a clown-only tank.

AC1211 · Sep 3, 2020

Alaeriel said:
The firefish especially are generally a pretty timid species, and with that many clowns in the tank, make sure you're keeping a close eye on their weight in case they aren't bold enough to get the food. Personally, I'd only do a harem if its a clown-only tank.

I mean it gets enough food with my current 16 fish including 2 clowns my questions are mainy if it will not be bullied in terms of physical damage as mine seems to actually pick on my chromis.

Alaeriel · Sep 3, 2020

AC1211 said:
I mean it gets enough food with my current 16 fish including 2 clowns my questions are mainy if it will not be bullied in terms of physical damage as mine seems to actually pick on my chromis.

Harem behavior in clowns is different than merely a small number. In theory, its possible to do a harem in a mixed-species tank. Just risky in my opinion. Keep an eye on them if that's what you prefer to do, but have a backup in place is my recommendation