Too soon for Clowns?

[mdlewis11]

I have read that you shouldn't add an anemone to your tank until it has been established for at least six months and I understand the reasoning behind it. How long should a tank be established before adding clowns?

My tank is over two months old, give or take. I have a blue damsel, a scooter blenny (yes I know I never should have gotten a scooter so soon. The LFS lied and said they eat algae. I add reef pods to the tank periodically for him and he seems happy.) and a yellow tang, and various CUC.

Without a nem to host the clowns, I'd be afraid the damsel would attack them. Shouldn't I wait a few more months until I can get nem before adding clowns?

 

[Speg]

Clowns are in the same family as damsels and are a pretty hardy fish.

You already have a few fish so I'm wondering what size tank do you have?

 

[mdlewis11]

My tank is a 55 gallon. I have about 55 lbs or more of live rock. Is there a rule of thumb on number of fish before bio load is too great? A pair of clowns and a flame angel (to be added last because I here they can be aggressive otherwise) will round out my wish list for fish.

 

[Speg]

My tank is a 55 gallon. I have about 55 lbs or more of live rock. Is there a rule of thumb on number of fish before bio load is too great? A pair of clowns and a flame angel (to be added last because I here they can be aggressive otherwise) will round out my wish list for fish.

No REAL good rule of thumb since fish come in all sizes and needs....an example is a tang that constantly swims all day.

So, right now you have a tang, scooter, and a damsel? 3 fish right? I think you could get away with adding the 2 clowns, but I wouldn't go that much more in my opinion.

 

[NanoNano]

A lot of people think a 55g is too small for a yellow tang. But you can easily add two clowns to that tank. Might want to trade the tang back though IMO.

They need at least 75-100g imho.

 

[Speg]

Realistically, it's true...tangs get big. A lot of fish we get at the store are small when we purchase them, but many get pretty dang large. Most clownfish will get up to about 3 inches. I've seen a few black/white and maroon clowns get to around 5 inches....the difference between clowns and tangs is that tangs love to swim and clowns will usually stay within a small area of the tank (usually around a host of some sort).

 

[BEEKER]

I agree with NanoNano and there are several other fish that will do fine with the clowns.

 

[Harry_Y]

Be careful with clowns

Singular they are OK, In pairs I've had them get down right mean.

I had to get rid of one of my clown as they would chase and try to kill other fish

 

[NanoNano]

Along those lines don't ever get a Huma Huma Trigger. It will kill anything that moves. Ever.

 

[Troylee]

you can get clowns when ever ya want...very hardy.... in pairs thou the female does get mean and will prolly bite the crap out of your hands when you put them in the tank lol...... gotta flick the little punks!!!!!

 

[mdlewis11]

you can get clowns when ever ya want...very hardy.... in pairs thou the female does get mean and will prolly bite the crap out of your hands when you put them in the tank lol...... gotta flick the little punks!!!!!

Heh heh. Yeah, I've seen them in the LFS when the guy goes into the tank for some reason. Speg says they are related to Damsels and that makes sense, my blue damsel doesn't like me fooling around in it's world. A wiggle of my fingers and he usually high tails it off behind the rocks.

 

[inactive]

You don't need to wait 6 months to get a nem, they are hardy.

 

[Troylee]

You don't need to wait 6 months to get a nem, they are hardy.

This is true as long as you can meet the requirements for them.... Food and lighting... I had one in my first tank right after it cycled... I didn't know any better lol... Never had a problem with it either....

 

[clowns101]

You need to wait a bit for an anemone,like when the cycle is fullly done and you have NO swings in water quality at all.

Thanks