Too much flow?

showjumper_girl2002 · Sep 4, 2020

Hello, I just added my first fish to my tank. I added two ocellaris clownfish. My tank is 70 gallons and I have a 1500 power head installed as I'm wanting to make it a reef tank once it's more established.

I'm worried that there is too much flow. It looks like the clowns are struggling to swim. I would think they would be able to rest behind the rocks but they won't go anywhere other than this spot. I'm afraid they will get over exhausted causing more stress and eventually die. I've included a video. Please let me know your thoughts.

HuduVudu · Sep 4, 2020

They are swimming in the flow for a reason. If they wanted to get out of it they could quickly do that.

No, I don't think you have too much flow.

Pistondog · Sep 4, 2020

showjumper_girl2002 said:
Hello, I just added my first fish to my tank. I added two ocellaris clownfish. My tank is 70 gallons and I have a 1500 power head installed as I'm wanting to make it a reef tank once it's more established.

I'm worried that there is too much flow. It looks like the clowns are struggling to swim. I would think they would be able to rest behind the rocks but they won't go anywhere other than this spot. I'm afraid they will get over exhausted causing more stress and eventually die. I've included a video. Please let me know your thoughts.

What happens if you shut off the phead?
Do they stay there?
My clowns have called a 6inch corner of my tank home for 2 years. The male rarely strays except to eat. The female only to protect.
I think yours have found their spot.
Maybe put a rock to block flow from their home.

showjumper_girl2002 · Sep 4, 2020

Pistondog said:
What happens if you shut off the phead?
Do they stay there?
My clowns have called a 6inch corner of my tank home for 2 years. The male rarely strays except to eat. The female only to protect.
I think yours have found their spot.
Maybe put a rock to block flow from their home.

I haven't tried turning the power head off yet. I will do that and see what they do.

Morbo · Sep 4, 2020

You just added a couple fish to a new environment, they are just getting comfortable in their new home.

Give them a day or two to become acclimated to the new digs.

My new(ish) clowns love playing in the flow. I have a gyre on each side. They swim into the current of one, shoot across the tank, and come back and do it again.