What do you think?

[Dana]

New guy here in ma.
My question has probably been talked about 1000 times before, but I'm wondering how people feel about adding clownfish to a tank with a clown already in there for quite some time.
I have black ocellaris in there now, good size, and am considering an orange one, but I've read and heard its 50/50. Might be ok might not.
Tell me your success story or failure with this.... Thanks guys and gals -)

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

As long as your new clown is the same species and is smaller, you should be successful introducing a new clown. I would recommend having a backup plan JIC. Be to be safe than sorry.

BTW, welcome to R2R!! Be sure to enter this month's new member contest.:bigsmile:

 

[Dana]

I'm not much of a writer -/ heh
My lfs has small ocellaris clowns for 13 bux right now. Prolly worth a try.

 

[Nam]

13$ that really good deal. Good luck bro

 

[Dana]

13$ that really good deal. Good luck bro

Seriously... How can ya beat that....

 

[Trex]

Would put the new clown in an acclimation box, within the tank, for up to a week to see how the existing one reacts.

 

[Dana]

That's a good idea trex, but how can I tell if it'll be ok? Will my clown aggress towards the acclimation box? What behavior would I look for?

 

[Trex]

You won't be able to figure out -- 100% -- that it is going to work, but you will be able to know if it isn't going to. If the existing clown just goes nuts and tries to swim through the box, that is a good idea that it won't work. Now, if the existing clown shows some aggression and the new clown submits (( usually turns sidesways and shakes )) and the existing clown backs off, I would feel pretty good about it.

 

[fragmatic]

I added a smaller clown, and I have Damsels. That was a real test. My larger not only instantly took up with the smaller one "she" defended it like a royal night. They have been a happy couple now for several months. My larger clown is just under 3" and the smaller one about 1-3/4". IMO the more size difference the better within reason. As you likely know the larger becomes the female and the smaller the male, they are A sexual.

I support you in making the effort. Having a pair of clowns adds interest to the tank, and the kids love them.

 

[Dana]

Yes, my clown is about 3". I figured it was female because of its size, but do they remain a sexual if alone?
I figure I can really only have one more fish in the tank, as it's only 30 gallon, and I have 1 clown and 1 royal gramma. My thoughts are either 1 more clown, or an angel. Coral beauty, lemon peel, or cherub. Hmmmm
I do love the clowns tho

 

[Trex]

What are the dimensions if your 30?
Do you have any corals, if so what type.

 

[Dana]

Dimensions are 30x19x12. I have a couple of pieces of leather coral left. The tank has seen better days, just trying to bring it back to life a bit

 

[fragmatic]

Yes, my clown is about 3". I figured it was female because of its size, but do they remain a sexual if alone?
I figure I can really only have one more fish in the tank, as it's only 30 gallon, and I have 1 clown and 1 royal gramma. My thoughts are either 1 more clown, or an angel. Coral beauty, lemon peel, or cherub. Hmmmm
I do love the clowns tho

This is a vote for the clown. They tend to "hang out" somewhere in the tank and so don't need as much tank space as angels, tangs and such. The additional clown would be quite happy in your 30. I'm seriously thinking to add a matched pair to my 20 long frag tank. If for nothing more than to give the pair a nice home. I'm thinking of some exotic color pattern.

 

[Dana]

Thanks for the reassurance. Clown it will be.... I feel like my clown would like some company.
What kinda clowns are you thinking about getting,

 

[fragmatic]

Thanks for the reassurance. Clown it will be.... I feel like my clown would like some company.
What kinda clowns are you thinking about getting,

Well, I have to plea the "dauh" I looked at a few pair and flat out don't remember, or am drawing a Saturday brain relaxed blank, whichever. I think I will buy them mid week though.

 

[Dana]

Haha I've noticed the more obscure clowns are rather pricey. Lmk what you get -)

 

[fragmatic]

Haha I've noticed the more obscure clowns are rather pricey. Lmk what you get -)

OK, it could take a week or two. I hope this week. They have a couple of matched pairs for about $99. I'm thinking in a frag they just may mate and I may could save the fry with no other mouths to snatch them up. As I recall they had a pair of the normal color and a pair semi-exotic, but don't remember exactly what. There may of been three pair to choose from. The place was packed with moms dads and kids that day, most looking and not buying.

 

[Dana]

Well I'm rather novice, what do you mean by "matched pair"?
Yes it is frustrating when the lfs is super busy, and nobody is buying...
My lfs gets crazy on the weekends. Sometimes I wait for what seems an eternity to get help.

 

[fragmatic]

Well I'm rather novice, what do you mean by "matched pair"?
Yes it is frustrating when the lfs is super busy, and nobody is buying...
My lfs gets crazy on the weekends. Sometimes I wait for what seems an eternity to get help.

Well, you and I are talking about putting a smaller one with a larger one to match them up.

A matched pair are already in a tank together and getting along. Often they have been raised together and are even the same size or near. I think most all Clowns are tank raised these days, and have known nothing but tank life.

One trick is to watch the other Clown while you float the bag. Be sure to make a deal with your LFS to bring him back if they don't get along. If they don't you need to be fast and your LFS will want it to look still healthy.

Clowns are about the easiest fish to net in your tank. Most other fish require wrecking your reef to catch.

 

[Dana]

Thanks for the heads up on that.
I will pay close attention to the situation. My lfs are very nice and surely willing to work with me. It isn't some giant chain store that might be a pita hehe