Fluval Evo Saltwater Startup

[Gourami Swami]

Yes a pair will generally always form if you have two, but if you don't want other fish it shouldn't be a problem. With two clowns you won't have much room in a 13g anyway. They may attack your hand, but it won't hurt.
I keep a single clown so that I can keep other fish, and my clown seems to have become friends with my orchid dottyback. They fought for a while but worked it out and now often hang out together. They've been together for probably almost 3 years at this point. I also have a small tomini tang who neither of them bother.
On palytoxin- I wouldn't worry about it. I have always had zoas and palys in my tank, and I often pick them up and move the colonies around with no gloves etc. Haven't keeled over yet!

 

[The Morning]

Does a single clown become a female or can it go either way?

 

[Deadeye]

I think it becomes female by default.

 

[EntoStentor]

a conch would be too big for this tank, idk what a SSSS is

sand sifting sea star, from what i've heard the best substrate cleaner around.

 

[Deadeye]

sand sifting sea star, from what i've heard the best substrate cleaner around.

Need large established tanks though. Brittle star is probably better for a 13.5.

 

[Potato Patatto]

I argue against the skimmer for this tank, I have yet to calibrate it successfully and find it disrupts the overflow. Feel it is a waste on this small size.

 

[twentyleagues]

Does a single clown become a female or can it go either way?

Usually.
Two will/can form a pair wether it will be bonded or the female will kill the male is hard to say for sure, I've seen it go both ways.
I agree with Gourami Swami on the palytoxin unless you are really dumb you should be fine.
I disagree on the clown bites though they can hurt especially from a good sized p'od female.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Usually.
Two will/can form a pair wether it will be bonded or the female will kill the male is hard to say for sure, I've seen it go both ways.
I agree with Gourami Swami on the palytoxin unless you are really dumb you should be fine.
I disagree on the clown bites though they can hurt especially from a good sized p'od female.

I guess it's all relative; compared to big cichlids it's a tickle haha. At the last fish store I worked at, there was a big old maroon clown someone had donated, and I would often let it bite me for the enjoyment of young children. They loved it, I didn't mind, the clown was maybe a bit pissed off but not for very long.

 

[Potato Patatto]

At what size/age do they show this behavior? They are pretty engaged with me already, coming over to get food etc,.

 

[The Morning]

Is your substrate the CaribSea live Hawaii black sand? I have been debating between black or white sand.