Clownfish Harem

BlackTieAquariums · Aug 2, 2019

So I've been in the hobby for a few years and then got out. I'm now getting back into the hobby and looking to convert my Red Sea Reefer 170 into a clownfish harem tank. I already have a nem in there and I would really like some help with the logistics of it like how many fish could I have and how I would go about quarantining and introducing them to the tank. I'm also wondering if I could mix various species of clownfish.

D-Nak · Aug 2, 2019

Ideally you want all of the fish from the same clutch. This means that you won't be mixing species. If you do choose to mix, it's probably best just to stick with Percula and Ocellaris. If you purchase domestic tank raised clowns, there typically isn't a quarantine process.

Since the tank is only 34 gallons, you can probably get away with about a dozen juveniles but they may quickly outgrow the tank.

What type of anemone do you have? This will help to determine your course of action. For example, if you have a large S. gigantea that takes up most of the tank, then a harem of percula will be ideal. If a BTA, then a pair of something like maroon clowns will work well, but percula or ocellaris may take some time to find the nem and call it home, or they may never have the nem be the host.

TonysReef · Aug 2, 2019

Definitely start by watching the BRS series. But I think your tank is probably too small for a real harem.

BlackTieAquariums · Aug 2, 2019

D-Nak said:
Ideally you want all of the fish from the same clutch. This means that you won't be mixing species. If you do choose to mix, it's probably best just to stick with Percula and Ocellaris. If you purchase domestic tank raised clowns, there typically isn't a quarantine process.

Since the tank is only 34 gallons, you can probably get away with about a dozen juveniles but they may quickly outgrow the tank.

What type of anemone do you have? This will help to determine your course of action. For example, if you have a large S. gigantea that takes up most of the tank, then a harem of percula will be ideal. If a BTA, then a pair of something like maroon clowns will work well, but percula or ocellaris may take some time to find the nem and call it home, or they may never have the nem be the host.

I just bought a small RBTA and I plan on buying more in the future to support the fish that I have. Also I have a Reef Octo Classic 150SSS which I believe should allow for heavy feedings to reduce aggression. If I get 8 clowns would they still outgrow my tank?

Also is there any preparation for the fish because I'm under the assumption that I would be putting them in all at once and I'm not super sure on how to prepare my tank short of doing lots of water changes after placing them in.

As far as buying the fish from the same clutch how would I go about doing that?

TonysReef · Aug 2, 2019

Try to get your LFS to special order them for you. With a smaller tank and fewer clowns I would imagine you'll be safer with skunk clowns than any of the designers. If you look at my build thread I have ocellaris mixed, so far no major focused aggression, although a few of them are overall jerks.

BlackTieAquariums · Aug 2, 2019

TonyNYC said:
Try to get your LFS to special order them for you. With a smaller tank and fewer clowns I would imagine you'll be safer with skunk clowns than any of the designers. If you look at my build thread I have ocellaris mixed, so far no major focused aggression, although a few of them are overall jerks.

Ok will do. Im just wondering why you recommend skunk clowns over any other type? I took a look at your 72 Gallon Build and it looks great. How do you go about reducing aggression?

As far as introducing the fish how did you manage the extreme change in bioload?

TonysReef · Aug 2, 2019

Get them about as small as you can, they don't produce too much waste at 1". Also you can ghost feed the tank before introduction if you want to build up more slowly. But even for my 21 clowns, I'm only feeding like 1/3 to 1/2 of a cube at a time (although three or four times a day). You'll be feeding a quarter of a cube of cyclopods at first, so the bioload is reasonable.

And skunks are less aggressive and more accustomed to living in a group overall. So for <10 I would recommend skunks. But get other opinions. From what I've seen diving and in tanks that's my philosophy.

My lfs gets fish from Sea and Reef, so I just had him special order my harem. I could have gotten the same clutch/size, which would have been ideal. But I wanted to roll the dice a bit.

As far as reducing aggression, lots of anemones, lots of food, space is most important. That's why you're starting at a disadvantage. Also don't have any that stand out. Another reason for skunks, fewer visual differences.

BlackTieAquariums · Aug 2, 2019

TonyNYC said:
Get them about as small as you can, they don't produce too much waste at 1". Also you can ghost feed the tank before introduction if you want to build up more slowly. But even for my 21 clowns, I'm only feeding like 1/3 to 1/2 of a cube at a time (although three or four times a day). You'll be feeding a quarter of a cube of cyclopods at first, so the bioload is reasonable.

And skunks are less aggressive and more accustomed to living in a group overall. So for <10 I would recommend skunks. But get other opinions. From what I've seen diving and in tanks that's my philosophy.

My lfs gets fish from Sea and Reef, so I just had him special order my harem. I could have gotten the same clutch/size, which would have been ideal. But I wanted to roll the dice a bit.

As far as reducing aggression, lots of anemones, lots of food, space is most important. That's why you're starting at a disadvantage. Also don't have any that stand out. Another reason for skunks, fewer visual differences.

Yes that makes perfect sense. Thank you so much for your help. I think I might take my chances with 8 designer clowns from the same clutch but definitely will take your advice as far as size and feeding. I have a pretty oversized protein skimmer so I will definitely try to make up for my lack of space with extra feedings.