Different species of clowns in a tank

jazzyndjay

jazzyndjay

New member
I don't want any angry posts, I just want information and advice. I've only had this SW tank up for 4 months, I've always had FW my entire life, but after Hurricane Sandy knocked out my tank I thought I'd try something different. I go to 4 different fish stores so I can get different perspectives on all of my questions and concerns, but no one has ever told me that what I am doing is wrong so I had no idea. I have 2 Ocellaris, 2 Clarkii, 2 "Onyx Clarkii" or so they were called at PetGoods, and 2 Tomato clowns. They all get along great, and they've been together for a few months with no problems. I had absolutely no idea that different clowns shouldn't be together, and I always talk to all of the people at all of the different stores that I go to so that I know that I am doing the right thing. They even share my LTA with no problems. I also have 2 yellow tail damsels that get along fine with everyone. I know that damsels are very territorial and aggressive, but I've never had a problem with any of my fish even nipping at each other or anything aggressive. I just happened to come across a forum on here today that was all about clowns not living together, so I just wanted some input. I read that even if they're fine now they probably won't b long term. What can I do about that? I'd hate to have to get rid of any of my beautiful clowns. :(
 
People have many clowns in one tank as juvies, when they pair up (which they eventually will) you can consider the weakest links goners. Tomatoes, clarkiis are not nice, so if you keep them together prepare to have one pair at the end of it all.

Just pick a pair and re-home the rest. There is nothing you can do unless you have a tank the size of a large scale aquarium... even then..
 
Salt water tanks have higher pH than fresh water. Because of this ammonia waste of the animal most exist as NH3 and very toxic to animals (as opposed to NH4+ in fresh water tank). Because of this reason, salt water tank need to have very efficient biological filtration system and can support much lower fish load than fresh water tank.
Unless your filtration system is mature, stable your tank may not be able to support that much fish.

Once you have that may clowns in the same tank, it tent to diffuse the aggression. Once they get more mature, the will become much more aggressive, and the size differential between different fish species will become much greater. Aggressive large fish will kill the smaller clown fish.
In your tank in a year or so the tomato clowns will kill the rest. The Clarkii will put up a fight but the tomato will win.

I make a mistake in explain the ammonia chemistry so I edited it. Sorry.
 
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So the tomatoes are the most risky of the clowns? Out of all of them they are my least favorite. But I was told they are mature and the lone stripe would also suggest that? Or do you mean mature as in breeding age? How can I tell?
 
The tomatoes are one of the most aggressive of the clowns and they get to about 12 cm or so (4.5 inches). It takes two plus years to get to that size but they are much more aggressive as they get larger, even not at full size.
Filtration need is regardless of size.
What kind filtration and light do you have? What kind of filtration? What size tank? Is there a sump?
 
I do not have a sump yet. I've been trying to figure out how to go about that. I haven't found one in my budget so I've been looking into building one. I have an InstantOcean skimmer. It's a 75g tank right now. I'm in the process of getting my 200g tank. Just got a small car as the tranny went in my truck, so I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to get the tank to my house. I still have a regular filter also, even thought the skimmer is doing it's job and every one has told me the filter is unnecessary. The light is a zoo med- reef sun 20w t8 65000k but on these forums people are telling me that light is far from sufficient for the nems. At all of the fish stores I've been to they tell me that this is the type of light they use and that it's fine but I'm going to go ahead and get the t5's cuz I don't think it is good enough long term for the nems. I will have to buy a new hood because I can't find any t5's that will fit on the hood that I have.
 
Hi you can get compact lights, and that should be fine for anemones..but u will need a few of them..i have 2 for my 55 gal tank.
 
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