How can I save my clownfish?

[beardedguy]

How can I save my clownfish?

Yesterday 2 of my clownfish died and today another 2 died, where is the problem? Please help me

My current aquarium information:

Fish: 18 Clownfish (small to medium size), 1 Algae Blenny & 1 Brown Powder Tank
Tank: 60 gallons/230L (Cylinder Tank)
Wave maker: JebaoSW2
Bio media: Marine Pure Spheres, Seachem De Nitrate, Bright well No³ Bio Brick
Protein Skimmer: Bubble Magus Z5
Lighting: Kessil A360X
Salinity: 1.024
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0.25
Ammonia: 0

Light were given for 8 hours a day for them, protein skimmer function properly & wave maker was adjusted so that the wave goes all the way to the bottom of the tank.

The tank has been running for 2 months already and the only recent changes made in a few days back are that I put in an algae plant and add marine plus bio media.

I also notice the fish were kinda a bit too active.

Please help me save my fish, may I know where is the problem?

 

[fishywishy]

You have 18 clowns in a 60 gal??? They’re probably killing each other! Thats way to many clownfish.

It could also be that a disease is running rampant with all those fish but its most likely the first reason.

 

[fishguy242]

Hi welcome to the reef,
can you post pics /short video of fish ?

 

[beardedguy]

You have 18 clowns in a 60 gal??? They’re probably killing each other! Thats way to many clownfish.

It could also be that a disease is running rampant with all those fish but its most likely the first reason

The clownfish were tank bred and they were in harmony with each other, the clownfish in the tank has been running for 2 month already since I put them there, only some little skirmish at the first moment when I put them in, now they didn't even fight each other, so the problem doesn't arrive from them killing themselves, I notice the clownfish were like too active and after some research, it seems like they were stressed, was it correct? Or is there other reasons? As for the amount of clownfish, I ask some experienced aquatic shopkeeper, they told me for a tank my size, I can put approximately about 58inch total fishes size, is it true?

 

[Sharkbait19]

Best advice is to find a different fish store. The whole inch/cm per gallon is not really good advice. It doesn’t take different species and their needs into account at all (such as a powder tang in a 58 gallon).
Clownfish are known to be aggressive and territorial. You can form a harem, but in a tank that size they will whittle it down to a pair and maybe a few lucky individuals.
Juveniles won’t fight much, but as they mature they all want to be the dominant fish. Disease is certainly a possibility, but the number of clowns definitely seems like the foremost issue.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Agree that 18 clownfish in a 60 gallon in only 2 months is too much too fast. Unfortunately dead livestock is the result of poor decision.

 

[LadyMac]

Hi welcome to the reef,
can you post pics /short video of fish ?

I agree, pictures or a video will help.

 

[Tamberav]

The clownfish were tank bred and they were in harmony with each other, the clownfish in the tank has been running for 2 month already since I put them there, only some little skirmish at the first moment when I put them in, now they didn't even fight each other, so the problem doesn't arrive from them killing themselves, I notice the clownfish were like too active and after some research, it seems like they were stressed, was it correct? Or is there other reasons? As for the amount of clownfish, I ask some experienced aquatic shopkeeper, they told me for a tank my size, I can put approximately about 58inch total fishes size, is it true?

Not true, in saltwater you do not stock by how many inches. That’s is just bad advice coming from freshwater.

Saltwater you stock based on territory/temperament of fish as saltwater fish are generally not community fish or good roommates.

 

[Fish Fan]

Not true, in saltwater you do not stock by how many inches. That’s is just bad advice coming from freshwater.

Saltwater you stock based on territory/temperament of fish as saltwater fish are generally not community fish or good roommates.

In my humble opinion, this "stocking guideline" is a bad idea in both saltwater and freshwater. I mean, who can actually say what an "inch of fish" really is. Yes, stock based on temperament and habitat is a better way to go.

The clownfish were tank bred and they were in harmony with each other, the clownfish in the tank has been running for 2 month already since I put them there, only some little skirmish at the first moment when I put them in, now they didn't even fight each other, so the problem doesn't arrive from them killing themselves, I notice the clownfish were like too active and after some research, it seems like they were stressed, was it correct? Or is there other reasons? As for the amount of clownfish, I ask some experienced aquatic shopkeeper, they told me for a tank my size, I can put approximately about 58inch total fishes size, is it true?

Your Clownfish may have been juveniles and though they were tank bred, Clownfish are aggressive. It is absolutely possible to keep a large group of Clowns together, but that's not really a beginner thing. Typically, groups of Clownfish will be aggressive to each other, and while you may not be seeing it, I think fish-fish aggression may be your problem here. Your fish are likely stressed because they are being kept together in a large group.

I would put two Clownfish in a 60 gallon, unless you really know Clownfish and what you're doing.

Good luck!

 

[beardedguy]

Thank you everyone for your replies and support.

I have already cleared out the tank and quarantine each fish, later I'll put them in a suitable separate tank and do it accordingly with your advices, really appreciate all the answers given.