Clown owners needed...

buccard · 11/25/2008, 06:05 PM

I want to put two clowns in my tank as the first inhabitants...There are so many choices; ocellaris, percula, maroon, tank bred...and so on.

What things should I consider when thinking about clowns?

What are some pros and cons to the different types of clowns?

My 90 gallon tank will be softies and LPS with a population of:

2 clowns
1 tang(yellow most likely)
1 wrasse(6 line)
1 ? I want something a little more unique but compatable-suggestions?

Corals: will start with some zoas, frogspawn, duncan, and hammer.

Any suggestions/info/opinions welcome.

noboddi · 11/25/2008, 06:27 PM

Well, I hate to say it, but don't add the clowns first. Clowns, and even tangs, can be territorial. You are better advised to add all the fish to your tank, then clowns, and the tang last.

As to what fish you want to add, you should pick a clown species first. Maroon clowns and tomato clowns can be a bit feisty for peaceful tank mates. Ocellaris clowns are pretty peaceful. Pick the clown and choose the tank mates around it. Or vice versa. What kind of tank are you looking for?

Slakker · 11/25/2008, 06:36 PM

I added my ocellaris to the tank first and they haven't bothered a soul...though I did have a dartfish jump while I was at work one day, I wonder if maybe they were the culprit on that one...

Whatever you do, get tank bred. Why take a pair from the sea when you don't have to? On top of the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping to not deteriorate the reef-o-system, tank bred clowns are generally much healthier and easier to adapt to your tank. Wild clowns have a tendency to come in with Brooklynella and internal parasites. Brook is a rough disease, and often once they start showing symptoms it's already too late.

buccard · 11/25/2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by noboddi
What kind of tank are you looking for?

I am looking for a soft coral/lps tank with only a few fish,5 maybe 6 fish-hopefully a well balanced crew that can coexist happily...I may add a BTA much later and possibly a mandarin(maybe).

Any suggestions on a good 5 piece group?

How bout percula clowns?

atvdave · 11/25/2008, 06:47 PM

I agree with Slakker. I have had 2 tank bred ocellaris for over 5 years now. The first 2 I got weren't tank bred and only lasted about 6 months.

By the way, I love your city, Lakeland, FL. the company I work for has a shop there, so I've been there a lot. I always stayed at the Holiday Inn on the south side. The best part.... It had a Hooters just across the parking lot...

buccard · 11/25/2008, 06:55 PM

I am very familiar with the Hooters in question...just watched the UFC fight there last Saturday. That Holiday Inn had a good little lounge in it at one time too...drunken Kareoke-gotta love it!

noboddi · 11/25/2008, 07:13 PM

Well I have two ocellaris clowns, two firefish (N. magnifica), a lawnmower blenny, and a yellow watchman goby. Cardinal fish would work well in that group too

With a 90 you could add in a tang.

reeferstace · 11/25/2008, 07:37 PM

Yellowheaded pearly jawfish. Awesome.

JJ21 · 11/25/2008, 07:43 PM

I have 2 perculas, I love em. I've had only them in my 29 gallon for almost the past year and I am quite content with only them

michellejy · 11/26/2008, 09:26 AM

I think what order you add clowns in depends on the type of clown and their size/age. I have a pair of juvenile B&W ocellaris clowns, and they are not territorial at all. Of course, if you are planning on a gold striped maroon clown, you want to add that last!

surge19us · 11/26/2008, 11:40 AM

The maroon clowns are probably the most aggressive. If you buy juveniles of any of the species should be fine to add first depending on your last choice of fish. The tang and wrasse should be able to take care of themselves with clowns. Especially juvies. If your last choice is a firefish or blenny or something non agessive that could get bullied then add that first or together with the clowns. As far as what type of clown that is more of a personal taste but if you can do go with tank raised. I have had 2 tank raised true percs for 11 months and they just this past week or so went through their sexing ritual. I really thought she might kill him. Would not let him out of the corner or eat much for a week but now it is all straightened out and they are fine again.

redfishsc · 11/26/2008, 04:22 PM

Maroons are my fav by far, but they are (as said above) bigger and meaner than most any clown.

Personally if I were putting a group of five, I'd add ocellaris or percula.

Mojo Jojo · 11/26/2008, 04:24 PM

True Percs all the way!!!

Get something cool like Onyx coloration or wiked Picassos if you are up for the wallet dings? Good Luck in your hunt

thedoctor06 · 11/26/2008, 05:22 PM

If you're going to get clowns, find slow ones so you can catch them after they bite you...every time you put your hand in the tank. Jerks

buccard · 11/26/2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thedoctor06
If you're going to get clowns, find slow ones so you can catch them after they bite you...every time you put your hand in the tank. Jerks

Funny, didnt think of that!

Tangweed · 11/27/2008, 05:42 AM

When my 90 is up and running my first fish will be 5 - 6 chromis and then 2 clowns... then I will add my tang of choice.

onano · 11/27/2008, 08:38 AM

I have onyx percs. They are great tankmates with everyone and within 1 month went into a solid egg laying cycle..very cool.

paytonv · 11/27/2008, 09:36 AM

Buccard,

Clowns are by far my favorite and exhibit lots of personality. First off, my suggestion would be to purchase tank-raised clowns because tank-raised are by far the healthiest because they will not bring in parasites/diseases that wild-caught ones may have which could wipe out not only your clowns but other fish as well. Most LFS will carry tank-raised clowns.
Clownfish are members of Damsel family so some types can be much more aggressive than others. This should be taken into account since you will not only have other fish in your tank but also your hand in your tank. That's why I stayed away from more aggressive varieties such as Maroons/ Tomatos/Cinnamons.

My suggestion would be Perculas, Ocellaris, Skunks, or Saddlebacks. I have a pair of Black Ocellaris and they are in a 24 gallon with an Orange spot blenny and a Flame hawfish. All get along well and have been with me for awhile. I know this post may be a little long but hope it helps. Good luck with whatever you decide.

buccard · 11/30/2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by paytonv
Buccard,

Clowns are by far my favorite and exhibit lots of personality. First off, my suggestion would be to purchase tank-raised clowns because tank-raised are by far the healthiest because they will not bring in parasites/diseases that wild-caught ones may have which could wipe out not only your clowns but other fish as well. Most LFS will carry tank-raised clowns.
Clownfish are members of Damsel family so some types can be much more aggressive than others. This should be taken into account since you will not only have other fish in your tank but also your hand in your tank. That's why I stayed away from more aggressive varieties such as Maroons/ Tomatos/Cinnamons.

My suggestion would be Perculas, Ocellaris, Skunks, or Saddlebacks. I have a pair of Black Ocellaris and they are in a 24 gallon with an Orange spot blenny and a Flame hawfish. All get along well and have been with me for awhile. I know this post may be a little long but hope it helps. Good luck with whatever you decide.

buccard · 11/30/2008, 05:36 PM

here is what I went with: 2 tank raised ocellaris:

JJ21 · 11/30/2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by buccard
here is what I went with: 2 tank raised ocellaris:

looks good

11/25/2008, 06:05 PM	#1
buccard Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 970	Clown owners needed... I want to put two clowns in my tank as the first inhabitants...There are so many choices; ocellaris, percula, maroon, tank bred...and so on. What things should I consider when thinking about clowns? What are some pros and cons to the different types of clowns? My 90 gallon tank will be softies and LPS with a population of: 2 clowns 1 tang(yellow most likely) 1 wrasse(6 line) 1 ? I want something a little more unique but compatable-suggestions? Corals: will start with some zoas, frogspawn, duncan, and hammer. Any suggestions/info/opinions welcome. __________________ Roger Save a fish, click on the red house. Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon-mixed reef

11/25/2008, 06:27 PM	#2
noboddi Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 813	Well, I hate to say it, but don't add the clowns first. Clowns, and even tangs, can be territorial. You are better advised to add all the fish to your tank, then clowns, and the tang last. As to what fish you want to add, you should pick a clown species first. Maroon clowns and tomato clowns can be a bit feisty for peaceful tank mates. Ocellaris clowns are pretty peaceful. Pick the clown and choose the tank mates around it. Or vice versa. What kind of tank are you looking for? __________________ Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem - William of Ockham Current Tank Info: 55 gallon (36x18x20), 40 gallon sump, 25 gallon refugium, TEK 6x39w fixture, Osmolator, Kalk Reactor, Vortech MP20, 2 Koralia 3s on controller, Acropora, Anthelia, Montipora, Starry Blenny, Yellow Watchman, Rainford Goby, Tiger Gobies

11/25/2008, 06:36 PM	#3
Slakker Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeastern Wisconsin Posts: 4,521	I added my ocellaris to the tank first and they haven't bothered a soul...though I did have a dartfish jump while I was at work one day, I wonder if maybe they were the culprit on that one... Whatever you do, get tank bred. Why take a pair from the sea when you don't have to? On top of the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping to not deteriorate the reef-o-system, tank bred clowns are generally much healthier and easier to adapt to your tank. Wild clowns have a tendency to come in with Brooklynella and internal parasites. Brook is a rough disease, and often once they start showing symptoms it's already too late. __________________ -Tyler Oceanic 58RR display/20H sump/fuge thread...follow the red house. Current Tank Info: Oceanic 58g, 20H sump, AquaC EV-150, 175w Hamilton 14k + 2x39w T5HO Actinics

11/25/2008, 06:55 PM	#6
buccard Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 970	I am very familiar with the Hooters in question...just watched the UFC fight there last Saturday. That Holiday Inn had a good little lounge in it at one time too...drunken Kareoke-gotta love it! __________________ Roger Save a fish, click on the red house. Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon-mixed reef

11/25/2008, 07:13 PM	#7
noboddi Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 813	Well I have two ocellaris clowns, two firefish (N. magnifica), a lawnmower blenny, and a yellow watchman goby. Cardinal fish would work well in that group too With a 90 you could add in a tang. __________________ Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem - William of Ockham Current Tank Info: 55 gallon (36x18x20), 40 gallon sump, 25 gallon refugium, TEK 6x39w fixture, Osmolator, Kalk Reactor, Vortech MP20, 2 Koralia 3s on controller, Acropora, Anthelia, Montipora, Starry Blenny, Yellow Watchman, Rainford Goby, Tiger Gobies

11/25/2008, 06:47 PM	#5
atvdave Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,763	I agree with Slakker. I have had 2 tank bred ocellaris for over 5 years now. The first 2 I got weren't tank bred and only lasted about 6 months. By the way, I love your city, Lakeland, FL. the company I work for has a shop there, so I've been there a lot. I always stayed at the Holiday Inn on the south side. The best part.... It had a Hooters just across the parking lot...

11/25/2008, 07:37 PM	#8
reeferstace I'm a little people Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Over Yonder Posts: 1,392	Yellowheaded pearly jawfish. Awesome. __________________ Stacy

11/25/2008, 07:43 PM	#9
JJ21 Registered Member. Join Date: May 2007 Location: Blue Bell, PA Posts: 533	I have 2 perculas, I love em. I've had only them in my 29 gallon for almost the past year and I am quite content with only them __________________ JJ "I get to go to lots of overseas places, like Canada." -Britney Spears Rehab is for quitters. I like the smell of a particularly ripe fart (only if it is mine).~BrianD Current Tank Info: 29 gallon biocube, LPS dominated.

11/26/2008, 09:26 AM	#10
michellejy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: OH Posts: 1,076	I think what order you add clowns in depends on the type of clown and their size/age. I have a pair of juvenile B&W ocellaris clowns, and they are not territorial at all. Of course, if you are planning on a gold striped maroon clown, you want to add that last! __________________ Michelle Current Tank Info: 30G FOWLR Clownfish tank soon to be replaced by JBJ 28 Gallon Nano

11/26/2008, 11:40 AM	#11
surge19us Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Willard, Oh Posts: 656	The maroon clowns are probably the most aggressive. If you buy juveniles of any of the species should be fine to add first depending on your last choice of fish. The tang and wrasse should be able to take care of themselves with clowns. Especially juvies. If your last choice is a firefish or blenny or something non agessive that could get bullied then add that first or together with the clowns. As far as what type of clown that is more of a personal taste but if you can do go with tank raised. I have had 2 tank raised true percs for 11 months and they just this past week or so went through their sexing ritual. I really thought she might kill him. Would not let him out of the corner or eat much for a week but now it is all straightened out and they are fine again.

11/26/2008, 04:22 PM	#12
redfishsc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 3,696	Maroons are my fav by far, but they are (as said above) bigger and meaner than most any clown. Personally if I were putting a group of five, I'd add ocellaris or percula. __________________ "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." Corrie Ten Boom “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins” -- Søren Kierkegaard Current Tank Info: ghetto grad school reef.....11g rimless tank, 36X9X9, lit by Cree and Rebels scobbled together. Stocked mostly with free stuff I got from panhandling my fellow reefers.

11/26/2008, 04:24 PM	#13
Mojo Jojo Moved On Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,495	True Percs all the way!!! Get something cool like Onyx coloration or wiked Picassos if you are up for the wallet dings? Good Luck in your hunt

11/26/2008, 05:22 PM	#14
thedoctor06 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 188	If you're going to get clowns, find slow ones so you can catch them after they bite you...every time you put your hand in the tank. Jerks

11/27/2008, 05:42 AM	#16
Tangweed Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mohnton, PA Posts: 1,002	When my 90 is up and running my first fish will be 5 - 6 chromis and then 2 clowns... then I will add my tang of choice.

11/27/2008, 08:38 AM	#17
onano Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 425	I have onyx percs. They are great tankmates with everyone and within 1 month went into a solid egg laying cycle..very cool.

11/27/2008, 09:36 AM	#18
paytonv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Charlotte, N.C. Posts: 242	Buccard, Clowns are by far my favorite and exhibit lots of personality. First off, my suggestion would be to purchase tank-raised clowns because tank-raised are by far the healthiest because they will not bring in parasites/diseases that wild-caught ones may have which could wipe out not only your clowns but other fish as well. Most LFS will carry tank-raised clowns. Clownfish are members of Damsel family so some types can be much more aggressive than others. This should be taken into account since you will not only have other fish in your tank but also your hand in your tank. That's why I stayed away from more aggressive varieties such as Maroons/ Tomatos/Cinnamons. My suggestion would be Perculas, Ocellaris, Skunks, or Saddlebacks. I have a pair of Black Ocellaris and they are in a 24 gallon with an Orange spot blenny and a Flame hawfish. All get along well and have been with me for awhile. I know this post may be a little long but hope it helps. Good luck with whatever you decide.

11/30/2008, 05:36 PM	#20
buccard Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 970	here is what I went with: 2 tank raised ocellaris: __________________ Roger Save a fish, click on the red house. Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon-mixed reef