Clowns being clowns or an issue?

[Chickadeedeedee]

Trying to figure out if my clown behavior is odd. I have 2x boned clowns that have been in the tank for 4 days.

Params are
pH 7.9
Am 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 9
Alk 6.6 (working on raising)
Phos 0.3
Cal 348 ( working on raising as well)
Mag 1243

They have decided the back corner of my tank is home as tradition. Lately I have been noticing that the female has been swimming side ways at the top of the tank. Earlier in the tank she was swimming perfectly fine. This is a low flow area of the tank so could that be the reason? Is this just clown odd behavior or something I need to worry about?

She did eat fine.

Two videos: normal swimming earlier and odd swimming

 

[exnisstech]

Swimming at the surface can indicate a lack of oxygen. I don't see much surface agitation which makes me wonder if there is a lack of oxygen.

#fishmedic

 

[Chickadeedeedee]

Swimming at the surface can indicate a lack of oxygen. I don't see much surface agitation which makes me wonder if there is a lack of oxygen.

#fishmedic

I have 2 power heads pointing up and 2 hobs. I have a sponge in front of the water out feed to lower noise (they do not block flow). Here is a video of the surface.

 

[Chickadeedeedee]

I should also say the other clown is acting normal

 

[Sharkbait19]

I can’t see the videos (iphone doesn’t agree with r2r) - can you post them as a YouTube link?
When one clown is acting normal but the other is weird, I usually would guess it’s an aggression issue. The aggressor will push the other to the corner, and that could be what you’re seeing.

 

[Chickadeedeedee]

I can’t see the videos (iphone doesn’t agree with r2r) - can you post them as a YouTube link?
When one clown is acting normal but the other is weird, I usually would guess it’s an aggression issue. The aggressor will push the other to the corner, and that could be what you’re seeing.

Heres a link of the fish on the surface



It is important to note that this is about where both fish sleep in the tank. They have decided to host the HOB in the corner.

I have increased the surface agitation by moving wavemakers higher in case of a low DO problem.

Today they are looking a bit better and swimming mid tank. The female (the one with the issue) is eating ravenously while the male isnt really eating much (day 5 in tank so still new)

In terms of aggression I bought these fish bonded. I have not seen any aggression from the male (he is very small). Can the much smaller male push the female around?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Heres a link of the fish on the surface



It is important to note that this is about where both fish sleep in the tank. They have decided to host the HOB in the corner.

I have increased the surface agitation by moving wavemakers higher in case of a low DO problem.

Today they are looking a bit better and swimming mid tank. The female (the one with the issue) is eating ravenously while the male isnt really eating much (day 5 in tank so still new)

In terms of aggression I bought these fish bonded. I have not seen any aggression from the male (he is very small). Can the much smaller male push the female around?

This behavior in video is often due to intimidation or aggression by another clown or tank mate. With clowns, the larger being female will be more dominant than the male. Female will become greedy and try to eat most of the food that enters the tank and often become aggressive to protect their area such as an anemone, a nesting area, or the entire tank. If it attacks your hand when you're trying to clean the glass or it won't let any other fish near its zone, you likely have a female clown. Often if you separate the female for a week or two into an acclimation box or sump, there may be a change in her behavior, and you will quickly see the male come out in the open

 

[Chickadeedeedee]

This behavior in video is often due to intimidation or aggression by another clown or tank mate. With clowns, the larger being female will be more dominant than the male. Female will become greedy and try to eat most of the food that enters the tank and often become aggressive to protect their area such as an anemone, a nesting area, or the entire tank. If it attacks your hand when you're trying to clean the glass or it won't let any other fish near its zone, you likely have a female clown. Often if you separate the female for a week or two into an acclimation box or sump, there may be a change in her behavior, and you will quickly see the male come out in the open

In terms of aggression this is the female. The male is about half of the size. There are no other fish in the tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

In terms of aggression this is the female. The male is about half of the size. There are no other fish in the tank.

Yes, as suspected

 

[Sharkbait19]

Heres a link of the fish on the surface



It is important to note that this is about where both fish sleep in the tank. They have decided to host the HOB in the corner.

I have increased the surface agitation by moving wavemakers higher in case of a low DO problem.

Today they are looking a bit better and swimming mid tank. The female (the one with the issue) is eating ravenously while the male isnt really eating much (day 5 in tank so still new)

In terms of aggression I bought these fish bonded. I have not seen any aggression from the male (he is very small). Can the much smaller male push the female around?

It’s not impossible - surprisingly I’ve seen it a lot recently.
It could be clowns being weird, but I’d closely monitor for any fighting or damage.