Clownfish and flow

[Tamarae]

So I'm planning out my fish inhabitants for my tank and want to start with a pair of ocellaris clowns. Do they need an area of lower flow to sleep at night? I've got a pair of Koralia Evolution 750 power heads on each side on a Smart Wave controller set to alternate at 15 seconds, plus a power filter return and a HOB fuge return. There isn't really a super calm place in the tank. Is this ok?

Thanks!

 

[Reefer54]

There really is no such thing as too much flow. if you have timers for the wavermaker and powerheads, in nature, the reef gets a bit let turbid during the night, so maybe ramp those wavemakers and powerheads down a bit during the night.

but really, the clowns will find a place they are comfortable with somewhere (not always where you think they should or want them too) in the tank and make it home. But by no means do any reef inhabitants require a "super calm" area....even the low flow corals do not need a "super calm" place, just a place that doesnt push their tissue against their skeleton or disallow them from expanding.

 

[Tamarae]

Thanks! I was afraid if the had to paddle around to stay put they wouldn't sleep properly. Can't wait to see what they will call home when I get them. From what I've read they can be silly fish

 

[davocean]

I have 4 vortechs spinning and mine are just fine w/ it, even sleeping at night.
There is no need to lower flow at night either, the ocean does not relax at night despite what it may look like on the surface at night.

 

[BiggsTheGoalie]

If you've got enough rockwork in the tank they should be able to find their own quiet spot as needed. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Reefvet]

There really is no such thing as too much flow.

There is if you have plans on giving them an anemone.

 

[davocean]

There is if you have plans on giving them an anemone.

Depends on the anemone

 

[Tamarae]

I am brand new to reeling so I don't know that an anemone is a good choice for my tank right now.

 

[davocean]

I am brand new to reeling so I don't know that an anemone is a good choice for my tank right now.

That is honest and probably smart thinking, take your time in getting to that point.
We usually advise a tank running at least 6 months before adding any nem, but it is not a bad idea to get a good hand on your tank and tank maintenance first.
If you are looking for a clownfish host frogspawn and hammer are great alternatives, much easier, don't wander, just a suggestion, and when you feel ready for a nem come back here and ask questions before buying anything.

 

[Tamarae]

Thanks Davocean. I love the looks of the torch, hammer and frogspawn and hope to add a nice one to my collection when it's time.

 

[davocean]

Not only are those excellent beginner corals, but if you are like me and a lot of other folks you probably won't be w/out them.
So many colors, and great for movement, I keep a fair amount of euphyllia towards the bottom/lower light areas of my tank and probably always will.
They also grow fast and frag easy, and always desireable for trading.

 

[Tamarae]

DSCN0969 by nometank, on Flickr

Thanks for all the encouragement and info. Here are our newest tank members (and the only members excepting the CUC) Nee and Mo
So far they like to hang out under the fuge return. They also like to eat their Thera+ small pellets. Can't wait for them to settle in well and start clowning around.