Clownfish question - Don't attack all at once

[rajfish]

I have a 29g FOWLR with two Clarkii clowns and a Caudern cardinal. I have been told that generally, it is either one or two clownfish to a tank. Introducing a third would probably be foolish. What if I introduced in bulk, like say 3-4 more perculas or tomato clowns? You know how there are species of freshwater fish where you put in one or more than six?

I have a feeling the answer is one or two only, but anyone have other experiences?

rajfish

 

[jhutto]

that is way to high of a bioload for that size tank.

 

[krb]

WAY to high of a bio-load. I would only put one or at most two more fish in that size tank. And that would only be if you have a fair amount of LR and a good skimmer. look into a sixline wrasse or some kind of goby. don't get any fish that will get bigger than small. my $.02

 

[glxtrix]

you will have an issue that that tank size with different species of clowns.

 

[lorenk]

You could probably get rid of the clarks and introduce a group of percs. I was reading about breeding and the article recommended having them in a group to simulate nature (one female, one breeding male, 2-3 others). They have to be bought at the same time.

Yeah, you'd probalby need to get rid of the cardinal for the bioload.

In my 24g nano, I have 4 happy fish. All seems to be okay.

 

[washowi]

I am on the other side of what they are saying....I have 3 tanks..a 90, 25, and a 12....All be operating for over 3 years now....

Now in my 25G (the closest to your question) I have 6 fish and they have been in there for over 3 years as well....A Potters Angel, Yellow Tang, Green Chromis (there were 5, but as always with schools all die but 1), an Engineer Goby, and 2 Clownfish....So I would say you would not be over loading it.... Look I had 11 in there at one time.

And I feed twice a day.....so there for the people that may ask that.

Now I do have like 30 pounds of Live rock in there, I do water changes once a month at best...have a cheapo hang on the back filter, and have a skimmer hanging there that has not skimmed in a year...It a crappy one...so it just makes noise.

So as long as they have places to hide and or host, do it.....Hell look at the fish stores with 40 on a little 10 gallon or so..Granted they are not in there for long hopefully.

Do water changes....and I think you are fine. Clownfish need no room at all..Hell mine rarely leave my frogspawn more than an inch or 2.

Also I had a big tomato clown and a false clown in the 12 gallon..They got along fine...

So make your own judgement on the clownfish rules..I don't buy into it personally.

 

[stroid]

Rajfish please go read a book.

 

[jhutto]

Todd's been doing salt for a long time and has very well cycled tanks for years. His experience level would let him push the envelope in the number of fish. I still would ask you to read and read and take it slow and go with conventional wisdom. Most people new to the hobby cannot do what Todd is talking about. You will be happier and richer in the long run by going slower.

 

[tanner86]

I put 2 different types of clowns in my 29gal biocube (black/white percula and saddleback clown). As juvenilles they were fine. As adults, my saddleback turned on the percula and almost killed him. The tank had to be torn apart and one moved to the bigger tank. I wouldn't suggest different species of clown in a tank that size.

 

[washowi]

I agree with jhutto....start off small and slow..nothing wrong with 2 fish in a tank....work on your maintenance habits and then venture off...

Remember, I was a newbie once (3 years ago) I do things a bit differently and they work for me....But you will know when your tanks are ready..

 

[kwl1763]

I'm not near as concerned with the bioload piece as I am the clowns together. I wouldn't try it. I would be shocked if your Calrkii's didn't immediatly attack the other clowns you put in there. If you mst you ahould try a species like the tomato or marron. Percs and false percas will have no chance. Why not just add a couple other fish, maybe a royal gramma, firefish, etc.

 

[skriz]

I'm with Todd. I had a 29g and it was packed with fish. They all did well. But, you have to balance it well and maintain the tank extremely well.

There are certain fish that like to stay on the sandbed, some in the middle, and so on. If you do is smart, you can add a few more easily.

Get a Royal Gramma; they're small and beautiful. And they don't need much room.