GarrettT
Well-Known Member
While waiting for my tank to arrive, I set up temporary tank housing a pair of clownfish. I added a PVC pipe inside the tank to work around my ATO. My clowns instantly took to it, weaving in and out of the holes that I had drilled. I was kind of taken back by it all, as it wasn't made for that purpose. The pipe was only 3/4'' ID. They had an entire 100 gallon tank with lots of live rock to take shelter in. They were the only fish in the tank, yet it chose this one single pipe to make and call home. Nevertheless, after seeing how much they enjoyed it and how much more active they became, I knew I'd have to incorporate a similar setup in the display.
When I put them in the display, I didn't have a structure for them outside of live rock. It took me about 2 weeks to set something up. During this time, all they would do is stay in one single spot at the top of a corner, while never leaving. Day or night it didn't matter.They looked miserable, almost to the point of wondering if they might be ill. I got around to putting something together.
As I expected, the added shelter got them moving again and they became much more active. It was ok, however it wasn't really ideal or secure for my liking. I put an elbow at the top, as I figured it was be a good place for them to sleep at night. Sure enough, that's where they started sleeping. I don't know why, but they will only sleep at the top of the surface.
As time went on, and the clowns grew, I finally got around to making them a larger, more permanent shelter/playhouse.
If you notice, the top has an area in which they will sleep and feel secure.
Their constant weaving is entertaining to watch. Much better than having them stay in one corner all day and night and not swim.
Originally, all I cared about was having a tank that looked sleek and pleasing to the eye, however as time went on my priority shifted. I started enjoying less of the overall aesthetic appearance of the tank and more around the activity and utilization of it. Over time, as corals grow and coraline spreads, I'm sure it will be less noticeable.
With this post, I was looking to see if others have done something similar. If so, what did YOU do?
When I put them in the display, I didn't have a structure for them outside of live rock. It took me about 2 weeks to set something up. During this time, all they would do is stay in one single spot at the top of a corner, while never leaving. Day or night it didn't matter.They looked miserable, almost to the point of wondering if they might be ill. I got around to putting something together.
As I expected, the added shelter got them moving again and they became much more active. It was ok, however it wasn't really ideal or secure for my liking. I put an elbow at the top, as I figured it was be a good place for them to sleep at night. Sure enough, that's where they started sleeping. I don't know why, but they will only sleep at the top of the surface.
As time went on, and the clowns grew, I finally got around to making them a larger, more permanent shelter/playhouse.
If you notice, the top has an area in which they will sleep and feel secure.
Their constant weaving is entertaining to watch. Much better than having them stay in one corner all day and night and not swim.
Originally, all I cared about was having a tank that looked sleek and pleasing to the eye, however as time went on my priority shifted. I started enjoying less of the overall aesthetic appearance of the tank and more around the activity and utilization of it. Over time, as corals grow and coraline spreads, I'm sure it will be less noticeable.
With this post, I was looking to see if others have done something similar. If so, what did YOU do?
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