Old Clownfish, New Tank

zoechance · Feb 17, 2013

Hi All, need some advice for my little Ocellaris Clownfish well being...
He is 10yo(yes TEN) and very healthy and has lived his life in a 55g low flow FOWLR tank. He/she has been happy hosting mushrooms. In the beginning I attempted to find him a companion but had to return to LFS as with 2 attempts the other clowns harassed my gentle critter.
So now I am cycling what will be a 100g mixed reef with high flow and fancy lighting and 2 MP40s (guess I will just run 1 until I get ready for SPS in many many months). QUESTION IS: will my clownfish be able to adjust to this new tank? will the turnover and flow alone be too much for him? I would just keep him in the 55g but that tank needs to go as the seems are starting to bubble and I think its just a matter of time for a leak.
I would really love some opinions as if he can't adjust I will have to buy say a 10 or 20g tank and cycle it just for him and some LR and a mushroom garden. Will have to start convincing the significant other about that also LOL!:bigsmile:
thanks

chefb_5 · Feb 17, 2013

no I don't think you would have to I have moved my clowns from a 55 to a 125g to a 90 gallon. Also if you wanted you can give the clowns some nems also if yo wanted. I now have a mixed reef and they do fine. I also have a 6125 tunze a 6045 and a 1400 krollia in the tank so I'm positive they will be fine you just need to relax a little and it will all be good.

zoechance · Feb 17, 2013

thanks! yes I will relax LOL... I definitely plan on getting my clown an anemone when tank is ready.

DnA Corals · Feb 17, 2013

Clownfish are pretty much the goldfish of the saltwater world. Very hardy. Hard to kill

LatinKing · Feb 17, 2013

10 yrs old....wow how many years in fish yrs...LOL I believe your clownfish is a female! After a clownfish is alone for quiet sometime, will change to a female. So if your looking for a mate, I would get 2 smaller size, one of the smaller one will pair with your female and the other of the smaller might not make it. Your female will choose her mate.

that novice guy · Feb 17, 2013

Wow that's old do you have any pictures of him/her and yes you shouldn't have problem at all just careful on finding him/her a mate

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zoechance · Feb 18, 2013

Hi, I am delighted by your replies! I have been out of town but will definitely take a nice pic of my little 10yo clownfish! Actually I am reminded that she is likely closer to 11yo by friends who remember when I started the tank. It is a pure pleasure to see her (likely a she according to latinking) everyday!!

zoechance · Feb 19, 2013

Hi here is a pic of my Old Gal! She has been alone for 8ish years after I gave up trying to find her a mate (as above attempted twice but they harrassed her) When I move her into new tank I will get a BTA (when tank is ready) and maybe I will take the advice above and attempt to get a small clownfish to see if they are compatible. Does anyone know how long captive clownfish can live? I hate to even think about losing her but 10-11 years seems like a long time... she is very hardy though, eats aggressively, etc...

that novice guy · Feb 20, 2013

Hmmm she seems rather small why is that or is it just the picture

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zoechance · Feb 21, 2013

Hi think its just the pic that also loaded sideways?!?! she is medium sized not too small and not too big. eats like a champ!

that novice guy · Feb 21, 2013

About how long do you think she is?

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Eienna · Feb 24, 2013

You know, I would recommend acclimating her to the new flow and lighting slowly. Increase the intensity over time as she becomes comfortable until it's where you want it. A sudden change could be quite a strain on an older fish like that.

zoechance · Feb 25, 2013

Hi All, Thank you for your interest. I would say she is about 2.5 inches long and nicely filled out. Eienna my plans for my 100g will all revolve around my little clownfish. She will be the first in when properly cycled and I will have the MP40 either off or set very low and the lights dim. My critters mean the world to me....

that novice guy · Feb 25, 2013

Yea i just put a very small clown with my big 4 inch clown and their just dandy i will post a pic of then later

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zoechance · Feb 25, 2013

Great would love to see your PIC! gives me hope for my old gal..... Would love to see 2 things for her as long as they dont stress her out. 1) a mate 2) and most important an anemone. When tank is ready a BTA will be the first non-fish critter in so it can move around and find its "sweet spot" LOL... have never kept an anemone before so wish me luck. I certainly did not skimp on anything when setting up this tank and have had professional advice/help so hope to be successful. and BTW I am quite patient so not rushing the cycle or anything...

that novice guy · Feb 25, 2013

This is them my camera on my phone makes everything big small and small things big but they're very nice to each other it's really cute

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Eienna · Feb 25, 2013

Awww <3

that novice guy · Feb 25, 2013

Hers a better photo but still same quality this is how the size really is and sorry about flash and they sleep in the same den!

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