gold striped maroon

[bluewatercandy]

I have had a GSMC hosting a RBTA for about 15months. I knew that I wanted several maroons when I bought the first, but it was the only one the LFS had. Now that I have started thinking about it again I really want 1 or 2 more. How can I introduce them with a good chance of survival? I have heard that really young GSMC do not show their yellow stripes (only white) until they approach 1 year old... is this true and would this make a difference introducing immature clowns? If not is there another way without rearranging the rockwork or getting rid of the one I have for two new ones?

Thanks

 

[davocean]

Keep only a pair.
If you can find a mated pair and easily remove the one you have that would be easiest.
Next option would be to get a new clown pretty much as small as poss. to gaurantee being male.
If you do that, intro in specimen container for 2-3 days to be safe.

 

[davocean]

This is how I did mine.
It was about the size of a dime, yet still showed some gold color.
They get more gold as they grow, but they do vary, and yes they are born white stripe.
I can't imagine mine being anywhere near a year old at purchase.

 

[bluewatercandy]

Thanks guys, that is some great help! I think that I will try a container similar to yours daveocean... that is pretty cool what with all the water exchange through that container! What material is that and how did you assemble it?

 

[davocean]

That was some promo thing sent to Current USA.
They gave me a few and I was trying to buy bulk but it was kinda a pain to order more.
Too bad, cause they work great for spec cont and I throw zenia/shrooms w/ rubble in them and toss in sump as well.