CaribSea LifeRock shapes (from Amazon)

[exnisstech]

Excuse my ignorance, but what’s the issue with 3 clowns? Should I only keep 2. They were included in the tank tho. I have notice one at the corners of the tank often, but I don’t see aggression …

@Fish Fan has you covered but It took so long to type my reply below because I type so slow there's no way I'm deleting it

All clowns are born male. As they mature one transitions to female. Usually it is the most dominant fish that changes but often the other doesn't agree and they fight to see who wins and gets to become female. Often its a quick process but it can result in death if one does not submit or the female chooses not to except the other as her mate.
Normally it doesn't work with 3 because after one transitions to female and chooses a mate there is an odd man out and the pair generally does not tolerate an second male. It can work in large groups called a harem but typically does not work with a trio.

 

[Fish Fan]

@Fish Fan has you covered but It took so long to type my reply below because I type so slow there's no way I'm deleting it

@exnisstech, I learn from you, not the other way around. I may be quick to reply sometimes, but please don't hesitate to share your thoughts, I absolutely am certain we'd all benefit from your input.

 

[exnisstech]

@exnisstech, I learn from you, not the other way around. I may be quick to reply sometimes, but please don't hesitate to share your thoughts, I absolutely am certain we'd all benefit from your input.

I appreciate you. That was my attempt at humor.
If you watched me type and proof read then type and proof read some more only to find a mistake after hitting post I think you would get a laugh.
When I did warranty claims for a brief period I could type 41 words a minute on a normal keyboard using two fingers. My average is much less on a phone

 

[Fish Fan]

I appreciate you. That was my attempt at humor.
If you watched me type and proof read then type and proof read some more only to find a mistake after hitting post I think you would get a laugh.
When I did warranty claims for a brief period I could type 41 words a minute on a normal keyboard using two fingers. My average is much less on a phone

Lol! I'm sorry, I felt bad when you posted that I'm much the same way, I don't type correctly, I use like three fingers, but I'm mostly on a PC or MacBook and less on my phone, so I'm able to reply quickly most times.

 

[Kika]

Excuse my ignorance, but what’s the issue with 3 clowns? Should I only keep 2. They were included in the tank tho. I have notice one at the corners of the tank often, but I don’t see aggression …

Clownfish are not the happy-go-lucky fish Disney would have us all believe

They are typically very aggressive with each other, and with other fish. If you keep one Clownfish, that's fine. If you keep two Clownfish, they are all born male, and then the larger, more dominant fish will become a female, and if that goes well they can usually be kept as a pair, though they can still be hostile to other fish. Keeping three or more is usually a bad idea. There will be ongoing aggression issues (typically; I'm sure someone will note an exception), and often the third fish out will get bullied badly. There's other exceptions like when people keep dozens of Clowns together in a "harem", but this is not what most hobbyists are able to do.

Don't be mistaken with very small, immature Clownfish as seemingly "getting along". They will grow into stocky, 6" bruisers of a fish. Nothing like Nemo at all

And no such thing as an ignorant question, especially in a complex hobby like this one

Thank you! How should I approach this situation then ? Should I take one out? If so, which behavior should I look for for the chosen one

 

[Kika]

I think the rocks themselves. That look bulky and brown. Not the look I would rather have but I’ll stick to them for as long as I keep this tank. I will upgrade for sure in a few months given the blue hippo I have. Then I will introduce new rocks. Thank you for your help, really appreciate it

So I think @exnisstech's suggestion above to keep this tank going as-is while you learn more about the hobby is a great idea. In this hobby, we don't do anything quickly, and changing out the rock is no small undertaking. If you feel like you have ugly algae, members here can help you address that.

This is a great hobby and R2R is a great community, so please keep posting questions, but this one unfortunately doesn't have an easy answer. And I mean absolutely, positively no disrespect at all, but if you don't yet have a solid understanding of how your rocks function as your biofilter, it's going to be difficult for anyone here to help you with the exchange of rocks you are hoping for here. Status quo for now, you'll get there, R2R will help

I think the R2R Supreme Guide to reef tanks was linked above; definitely check that out. While many here at R2R don't care for these videos, I believe that the beginner videos from BRS are also a great way to learn about this hobby. Yes, they want to "sell" you things (who doesn't?), just don't buy anything until you check with R2R first. You definitely don't need every piece of gear they suggest for your tank

No disrespect at all, I know I have a lot to learn, just getting started … I really appreciate the feedback, hence why I decided to post here… in relation to the algae, its juts seen on the right sight of my tank (you can probably see it on the picture) the rest of the tank is grate. My parameters are on point. I am running GFO and Carbon on separate reactors with separate pumps. I’m not sure how to fight that algae. Again, is very small on the right side of the tanks, but it can be seen and it bothers me as well. Any recommendations would be appreciated

 

[Fish Fan]

No disrespect at all, I know I have a lot to learn, just getting started … I really appreciate the feedback, hence why I decided to post here… in relation to the algae, its juts seen on the right sight of my tank (you can probably see it on the picture) the rest of the tank is grate. My parameters are on point. I am running GFO and Carbon on separate reactors with separate pumps. I’m not sure how to fight that algae. Again, is very small on the right side of the tanks, but it can be seen and it bothers me as well. Any recommendations would be appreciated

Fighting algae is the subject of many reefing books, or at least it should be. It's typically a delicate balance of running your tank with enough nitrates and phosphates to promote good coral health, yet not so much to fuel the ugly algae.

What are your parameters, and what are you using to test them?

 

[Kika]

No disrespect at all, I know I have a lot to learn, just getting started … I really appreciate the feedback, hence why I decided to post here… in relation to the algae, its juts seen on the right sight of my tank (you can probably see it on the picture) the rest of the tank is grate. My parameters are on point. I am running GFO and Carbon on separate reactors with separate pumps. I’m not sure how to fight that algae. Again, is very small on the right side of the tanks, but it can be seen and it bothers me as well. Any recommendations would be appreciated

Fighting algae is the subject of many reefing books, or at least it should be. It's typically a delicate balance of running your tank with enough nitrates and phosphates to promote good coral health, yet not so much to fuel the ugly algae.

What are your parameters, and what are you using to test them?

I use the Hanna checkers for Alk and phosphate. For, mag, calcium, and nitrate I use Salifert. This was my test last Sunday, I wanted to double check either my local fish store (WWC)

 

[Fish Fan]

I use the Hanna checkers for Alk and phosphate. For, mag, calcium, and nitrate I use Salifert. This was my test last Sunday, I wanted to double check either my local fish store (WWC)

I will say looks pretty much spot on. If you're local reef shop is WWC, you don't need my help, those guys rock

 

[Kika]

I use the Hanna checkers for Alk and phosphate. For, mag, calcium, and nitrate I use Salifert. This was my test last Sunday, I wanted to double check either my local fish store (WWC)

I will say looks pretty much spot on. If you're local reef shop is WWC, you don't need my help, those guys rock

Nah, you’ve been really helpful,… I just wanted to double check with my LFS Because it does not makes any sense (to me at least) to see some algae… do you think u should improve my cleaning crew ? If so what would you recommend, I have some snails, and blue leg crabs …

 

[Fish Fan]

Nah, you’ve been really helpful,… I just wanted to double check with my LFS Because it does not makes any sense (to me at least) to see some algae… do you think u should improve my cleaning crew ? If so what would you recommend, I have some snails, and blue leg crabs …

I was kidding for sure, but the good folks at WWC are very well regarded to say the least. Most of us can't bank on our "local LFS" being WWC. Consider yourself quite lucky :-)

 

[gbroadbridge]

Nah, you’ve been really helpful,… I just wanted to double check with my LFS Because it does not makes any sense (to me at least) to see some algae… do you think u should improve my cleaning crew ? If so what would you recommend, I have some snails, and blue leg crabs …

Every reef tank has some algae just barely under control. Algae uses the same nutrients as the coral.

The way to control the algae is with Herbivores such as Snails and some types of algae eating fish.

Your tank params look okay - although if the phosphate reads 0.5ppm it's getting a little on the high side so keep an eye on it.

 

[Kika]

Nah, you’ve been really helpful,… I just wanted to double check with my LFS Because it does not makes any sense (to me at least) to see some algae… do you think u should improve my cleaning crew ? If so what would you recommend, I have some snails, and blue leg crabs …

I was kidding for sure, but the good folks at WWC are very well regarded to say the least. Most of us can't bank on our "local LFS" being WWC. Consider yourself quite lucky :-)

That’s true. And the staff is amazing, very friendly and knowledgeable

 

[Adam_1992]

Hi Guys, I've just got the Caribsea Dreamscape Kit for my 13.5 Fluval Evo. Does anyone know if I need glue when aquascaping, or just set it up and leave it?

 

[gbroadbridge]

Hi Guys, I've just got the Caribsea Dreamscape Kit for my 13.5 Fluval Evo. Does anyone know if I need glue when aquascaping, or just set it up and leave it?

Whatever works for you.

In a new tank that size I'd just place them then post some pics for opinions.

You don't have much room to work with and flow is important. (I have a Evo 13.5 in my office)

 

[Adam_1992]

Thinking of just using one of the ideas provided on the box...

 

[gbroadbridge]

Thinking of just using one of the ideas provided on the box...

Any idea what fish and coral you would like to put in there?

Mixed reef is difficult in that size tank.
Soft Coral and LPS coral work okay.

 

[Adam_1992]

At this stage no coral. Probably just 2 clowns, a royal gramma, maybe a yellow tail damsel (but last) and a cleaner shrimp.

Any idea what fish and coral you would like to put in there?

Mixed reef is difficult in that size tank.
Soft Coral and LPS coral work okay.

 

[Fish Fan]

At this stage no coral. Probably just 2 clowns, a royal gramma, maybe a yellow tail damsel (but last) and a cleaner shrimp.

That's four very aggressive fish in a small tank, I would suggest that you rethink your fish plans and go with less aggressive fish

Good luck!

 

[Adam_1992]

That's four very aggressive fish in a small tank, I would suggest that you rethink your fish plans and go with less aggressive fish

Good luck!

The only aggressive one is the damsel. Rest are peaceful.. except the two clowns who will fight until they are paired.