Can I have a clownfish without an anemone?

[mv123]

Hi guys,

I am starting up a 28G SPS tank. I really wanted to get an anemone and clown for it, but the more I read and ask about it, the more people tell me this is a bad idea. I was leaning towards a carpet with the hope that it would stay on the sand, but I think growth would still be a problem.

In my previous 90G, I had a maroon clown paired with a couple different anemones for almost 8 years, and really came to like the fish a lot. So, I would love to get a new one for this tank.

The question I have is, can I get a maroon clown for this SPS tank, without an anemone? Will the clown thrive and be happy? There won't be much to substitute for an anemone, since all of the corals will be stony acropora, montipora, and the like. I don't want to feel like I am keeping the fish in a prison missing a home that it would want. So, any experience on how these fish behave without their hosts?

Thanks!

 

[krustyreef]

it will survive no problems at all, but they do love their anemone

 

[jdieck]

Hi guys,

The question I have is, can I get a maroon clown for this SPS tank, without an anemone?

Yes you can.

 

[mv123]

thanks for the thorough and well reasoned answer

I know that I can, that the fish won't explode or rot without a nem. I guess I am just asking if it will do well, if it will thrive, or if it will be more stressed than the average fish.

thanks.

by the way, I used to live in Naperville, Il. Glad to be out of farmland turned to yuppieville , hehe

 

[Patriot54]

Is this the same marron that you had in your 90 or a new one? If it is tank raised, then it doesn't know what it is like to even have an anemone. So if your new marron clown is a tank raised one it will be fine

 

[Ebmorri]

You answer will be found here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1381958