Adding a second clown fish

[Marcashleydavies]

Hi,

I have recently set up my first aquarium following Dr Tim's fishless cycle.

I introduced two captive bred clown fish post cycle and they where doing great for the first 3-4 days...

Then i noticed on of the fish had chucks missing from its fins, the next day he stopped eating, and sadly passed away.

Both fish where around 1/2" in size

Do i add a larger clown fish or just stick to one?

The tank is 4ft x 2 ft x 2 ft with numerous hiding spaces in the rock and currently only has 1 clown fish and a cleaner shrimp (both doing well and eating like pigs!).

Any help would be apricated.

Thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi,

I have recently set up my first aquarium following Dr Tim's fishless cycle.

I introduced two captive bred clown fish post cycle and they where doing great for the first 3-4 days...

Then i noticed on of the fish had chucks missing from its fins, the next day he stopped eating, and sadly passed away.

Both fish where around 1/2" in size

Do i add a larger clown fish or just stick to one?

The tank is 4ft x 2 ft x 2 ft with numerous hiding spaces in the rock and currently only has 1 clown fish and a cleaner shrimp (both doing well and eating like pigs!).

Any help would be apricated.

Thanks.

Adding a second clown may pose a war as female or male changing to female will become the dominant aggressor
Not always does this occur but frequently.

 

[Nemo&Friends]

I would wait until your clown is a little bigger, than add one much smaller than the one you have. It will not bee seen as a threat, and should work. That is what I did, when I had to replace one of my clown who had died.

 

[BigMikeFlipz]

Curious if you are doing water tests for Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, including temp and salinity? Sorry if this is the obvious question, but I would be cautious if the tank is only a week old, even with Tims it may take up to 2 weeks for everything to cycle and ammonia levels to go to zero. If you have other live media that will help.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Welcome!
I would do as above. Make sure your tank is nice and stable by letting it mature more. Leave the one little guy in there until it grows to over an inch. Then add another one in there that is much smaller. Should be fine. Ocellaris pair up pretty easily usually.

Looks like a cute little tank you have there.

 

[Marcashleydavies]

I would wait until your clown is a little bigger, than add one much smaller than the one you have. It will not bee seen as a threat, and should work. That is what I did, when I had to replace one of my clown who had died.

Thanks

 

[Uncle99]

1/2” size is a perfect start. You’ve done nothing wrong.
Sometimes, it just doesn’t work. Who knows the why.
Try another 1/2” of the same species.

 

[Marcashleydavies]

Curious if you are doing water tests for Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, including temp and salinity? Sorry if this is the obvious question, but I would be cautious if the tank is only a week old, even with Tims it may take up o 2 weeks for everything to cycle and ammonia levels to go to zero. If you have other live media that will help.

Hi, yes testing ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH every day. Also, have a temperature controller and ATU to ensure it stays stable.
I purchased a Hanna salinity checker which I have been testing the water daily. (also confirms my temperature is correct ).

Prior to purchasing the fish I took water samples to My LFS just do double check everything was ok.

I did research for over a year to try and get everything correct, however I am a complete noob...... So any help is much appreciated

Thanks