Stocking order question

[Chrisv.]

I'm in the early stages of setting up my "getting back into the hobby AIO" and I've decided to include either a percula or an ocellaris clown. My tank will also include a pygmy angelfish and possibly a few other small reef fish.

I know that pygmy angels can be bullies when they are not added last (or sometimes not!) and I'm wondering if it makes sense to wait for a year or so to add the clown, but add it after I've already added an anemone in hopes of it hosting in response to pressure from the pygmy -- or if I should add the clown first, then the angel and then a year down the road add an anemone and hope they find each other.

I guess my question is: are clownfish likely to use an anemone to escape pressure from aggressive tank mates?

 

[Jekyl]

Keep in mind that you're going to have to wait close to a year before adding an anemone. On top of that there's no guarantee your clowns will want anything to do with it. I have both and my clowns pay no attention to it. Theyre hosted by a powerhead.

 

[Chrisv.]

As you already read in my original post, I already have the year timeline in mind, but of course, thanks for the reminder.

Is there a consensus on whether or not the presence of semi-aggressive tank mates make clowns MORE likely to seek the refuge of an anemone?

 

[Jekyl]

I have a damsel and flame angel that are both jerks to my clowns. They still don't seek out the anemone. Others have had better luck than me for sure. I've even tried playing them YouTube videos of nems hosting clowns. They were my first fish in the tank and haven't really been aggressive except to each other. Sorry for not remembering your previous post.

 

[James M]

If you think scaring clowns into the anemone from getting bullied will work it’s a 50/50. Either they will find the anemone or they won’t. Doesn’t matter which fish you place in the tank first

 

[Chrisv.]

If you think scaring clowns into the anemone from getting bullied will work it’s a 50/50. Either they will find the anemone or they won’t. Doesn’t matter which fish you place in the tank first

Wasn't looking at it exclusively as a strategy to get them to host-- also wondering if they will recognize it as a source of protection from boisterous tankmates.

 

[Chrisv.]

I have a damsel and flame angel that are both jerks to my clowns. They still don't seek out the anemone. Others have had better luck than me for sure. I've even tried playing them YouTube videos of nems hosting clowns. They were my first fish in the tank and haven't really been aggressive except to each other. Sorry for not remembering your previous post.

No worries! I think its always a bit of a gamble. FWIW I have avoided having anemones in my tanks (other than my favorite aptasia) for the last 20 years after I had an unmanageable LTA that eventually ate every fish in the tank.