I have a 40 gallon salt setup. Have 12lbs of live rock. tanks ran for a month tested water today at the store and all is good so I bought 2 clowns. My question is can I add another pair of clowns? I really like the black clowns as well lmk yes im new to salt water.
Question about clowns
- Thread starter RJF
- Start date
It depends on the species of clown. Black ocellaris can live in pairs for sure, although I'm not sure how well they tolerate more than 2 or if they tolerate other species. Orange and white ocellaris do well in groups -- if you put more than 2 in the tank, they will form a group where one will be the largest, dominant female, then below her will be a submissive male, then the rest in the group will be neuter/genderless. If the dominant female dies, the submissive male will turn female and take her place, then the next-ranking neuter fish in the group will turn male and so forth. Maroon clowns, however, do NOT tolerate any other clowns in the tank, and it can be hard to pair them up.
As a side note, I would add more live rock. Generally 1 pound per gallon is the goal if you want proper filtration and hiding places for the fish. Good luck!
As a side note, I would add more live rock. Generally 1 pound per gallon is the goal if you want proper filtration and hiding places for the fish. Good luck!
I would not add another pair in a tank that size. Once mature, especially if they start laying eggs, they can get very aggressive and you'll likely end up with just one pair in the end.
It won't work due to the nature of most clownfish won't get along unless in a larger tank and introduced around the same time
mr.reef24
mr.reef24
If I can chip in my two cents here.
Had the warnings that we're hearing now. Had two black and white OC's, did fine for a few months in a 32g. She exploded in size, and they both started "hunting" for the other fish. Saw more than one end up in the anemone to the tune of $200.
Case and point. For clown in a limited space, they will be the dominant force in your tank. Go with a smaller breed, and be prepared to move them a couple of months down the road. Not all clowns act this way, but watching gobies and damsels become anemone food is just the beginning.
Good luck and swim on!
Had the warnings that we're hearing now. Had two black and white OC's, did fine for a few months in a 32g. She exploded in size, and they both started "hunting" for the other fish. Saw more than one end up in the anemone to the tune of $200.
Case and point. For clown in a limited space, they will be the dominant force in your tank. Go with a smaller breed, and be prepared to move them a couple of months down the road. Not all clowns act this way, but watching gobies and damsels become anemone food is just the beginning.
Good luck and swim on!
Yup. I wouldn't do it if I was you. Tank is too small for two pairs introduced at different times.