Should I or Shouldn't I...

[Dom]

I recently completed cycling a new build and about two weeks after that, I added a Valentini puffer which I had in quarantine since October of 2017 (It had Ich, which I was successful in treating).

The Puffer has been in the tank about 5 weeks now. I am happy to report that he, and the whole tank in general is thriving.

But I have two Tomato Clowns and a Green Bubble tip nem in a separate tank, which I would love to add to the tank with the Puffer. I've had these Clowns for about 4 years and the nem for about 10 months.

My concern is that on two previous attempts, the clowns killed Valentini puffers when introduced into the tank. I've gone through too much work to get the puffer healthy, only to have it whacked by the clowns, so, I'd pretty much decided that the clowns would have to remain isolated.

But the itch to add them to the tank with the puffer is getting worse.

So I am wondering; what is the likelihood of success now that I would be introducing the clowns into a new environment as opposed to introducing something new into the existing environment of the clowns?

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

Chances are if puffer is established in tank before the clowns go in and puffer is size bigger you may be fine. hard to say its just a better chance if puffer is established before but who knows.

 

[Eva Rose]

Personally I would not risk it despite the order. A tank with a clown pair and nem is beautiful in itself. Why risk injury or worse to the puffer?

 

[WVNed]

nerf

 

[Dom]

Personally I would not risk it despite the order. A tank with a clown pair and nem is beautiful in itself. Why risk injury or worse to the puffer?

yes; I'm inclined to err on the side of caution.

 

[malacoda]

Sound to me like you've already experienced the most likely answer to your question ... twice. Is it really worth the risk to you to roll the dice a third time? Fight that little devil on your shoulder and get the puffer a buddy you know he'll be safe with.