Clown Question

[containerman1]

I am wondering how many of you have more than 1 pair of clowns in a tank and the size of your tank.
I have been tossing around the idea of putting 2 pairs of clowns into my new 75 gallon set up. Its 4 ft x 18 in x 20 in or close and I have a good bit of rock for them to stay on one side or the other but all the research I have been doing says 1 pair? Just curious what fellow members have experienced.
I have a pair of Platinum Percula these are I am guessing right at about 1 yr old ( bought at the Auction and they are great) and a Pair of Ocellaris Clown that are great also they are about 2 years old and these are a good bit larger than the Platinums? There is only going to be a couple of other wrasses in the tank with Zoas and Mushrooms. I am leaning toward just adding the Platinums and the wrasses and either keeping 1 of the smaller tanks ( 34 gal) up and running for the Ocellaris. I was thinking adding them all at the same time but then If I have to catch one pair back out with all of the rocks set it will be a PITA.

 

[jbadd99]

I had two pairs in my 120. Within 6 months I was down to one pair. YMMV.

 

[jmike50]

I wold stick to me pair...even in that size tank. maybe james cook will chime in on this also.

 

[containerman1]

jbadd99;851986 wrote: I had two pairs in my 120. Within 6 months I was down to one pair. YMMV.

Dang, That's what Im afraid of . I guess I need to pick and decide which pair

 

[jamescook]

Some folks say they have multiple pairs living happily in the same tank, but IME when they become sexually mature (2 yr old) only 1 pair will remain.

 

[super]

I have 4 Ocellaris Clowns in a 90. They have been there for about 2 months with no issues so far. I guess the difference is I put them all in together.

 

[jamescook]

I have 100 clowns in a 50g. They are 6 months old and have been fighting amongst themselves since they were larvae. The problems don't really start until they pair up and mature.

Super you might not have problems because they are all the same variety, but when the dominant pair starts to breed the other 2 will play scarce or be killed.

 

[super]

jamescook;852025 wrote:
Super you might not have problems because they are all the same variety, but when the dominant pair starts to breed the other 2 will play scarce or be killed.

Sweet! I'll warn the wife

 

[saltbubbles]

Just learned something new. Thanks James Cook!

 

[saltloco]

I have a pair in my sump because of that idea. I have a 90. They fought like crazy. Didn't even last two days. Had to seperate.

 

[containerman1]

jamescook;852025 wrote: I have 100 clowns in a 50g. They are 6 months old and have been fighting amongst themselves since they were larvae. The problems don't really start until they pair up and mature.

Super you might not have problems because they are all the same variety, but when the dominant pair starts to breed the other 2 will play scarce or be killed.

Thanks to all Who replied I really appreciate the info
I was leaning not risking it because I hate the thought of them fighting to the death some day.
Looks like plan B it is. Keep the clowns in a desperate 34 gallon and put the rest in the new tank for a fresh new start and I was trying to consolidate 3 tanks in to 1 to cut down on cleaning time. So much for that idea

 

[jdavid]

It can be done!

 

[super]

jamescook;852025 wrote:
Super you might not have problems because they are all the same variety, but when the dominant pair starts to breed the other 2 will play scarce or be killed.

Well I went ahead and moved 2 of them to a different tank.