5 clowns in a Nuvo 30 ?

reeferguy3303 · Sep 26, 2020

Hello. I have a Nuvo 30 and the tank is full of Nems and wanted to do clowns only. Is it possible to have 5 clowns ? 3 won't work as the two would pair off and kill the lonely one and im afraid if I try to get 4 there will be 2 pairs that fight constantly. I plan in getting them from the same clutch all at juvenile stage

Peace River · Sep 26, 2020

You can search for "Harem tank" and also check out the BRS series on harem tanks. IMO I would not recommend putting more than two clownfish in a 30 gallon tank - it is likely a matter of time until it results in harmful aggression.

... · Sep 26, 2020

Clownfish have a sort of aggression bubble and they'll need places to escape aggression.

reeferguy3303 · Sep 26, 2020

Peace River said:
You can search for "Harem tank" and also check out the BRS series on harem tanks. IMO I would not recommend putting more than two clownfish in a 30 gallon tank - it is likely a matter of time until it results in harmful aggression.

Wanted to do a mini harem. I know clowns are very aggressive but wanted to see if its possible

Peace River · Sep 26, 2020

reeferguy3303 said:
Wanted to do a mini harem. I know clowns are very aggressive but wanted to see if its possible

I understand and agree that it would be really neat if it worked, however IMO there is a low chance of success and I do not recommend it for the sake of the fish.

... · Sep 26, 2020

I would say so maybe. Do either Ocellaris, Percula for BTAs, Carpets and magnificent anemones and Skunk Clownfish for Sebae anemones but I would assume you have BTAs so maybe stick with Ocellaris/Percula.

Feed maybe 4-7 times a day as that will reduce food aggression and they won't battle for it. Now habitat aggression is another thing to worry about but just pack the tank with anemones (Which I think you did). Feed the anemones also. Now dominance is what you should worry about. Normally with a pair, the biggest one (Or more dominant) clown will become the female no issues but with a harem it should play out normally to but you cannot really do anything to help that, a couple nipped fins isn't a big deal. Also, a male will become the dominant male and be the one to breed aswell. I think (IMO) that harems are hard to do in small tanks is because the clownfish need room to escape fighting and aggression, and sometimes clowns can be bullied for small reasons. According to BRS, they said that a clowns aggression bubble is 1-2 feet so varied rockwork with tunnels caves and small crevices (For the foot of the BTAs) will hopefully let the clowns escape the aggression.
More Clowns will distribute the aggression but maybe stick to 1 clown per 4-7 gallons. Also have a good filtration system to get rid of all that waste and a refugium. Also RESIST CHANGES. Watch this: