How to get my clowns to move to the front?

[Crease123]

I bought two clownfishes 2 weeks ago, and they are doing great. However, they appear to host the back wall of the tank, and they hang out there 90% of the time. Are there any ways to make them move to the front (there's a hammer coral there I was hoping they will host) so that I can actually see them?

 

[alton]

Chance them around the tank. I know it sounds mean but if they don't have anything to fear they won't hide in anything.

 

[BrklynArch]

Chance them around the tank. I know it sounds mean but if they don't have anything to fear they won't hide in anything.

not sure thats a great idea......i figure that would just stress them out
give them some time and they will start exploring the rest of the tank

 

[olemiss reb]

Put a large rock in their spot. I have two picassos that hosted the back right corner in an old tank. I moved them to a new tank and they took the back left corner. I put a rock in the corner and forced them to find a new spot. Granted the new spot is in front of the rock but it's a start.

Chasing them is only going to stress them. They will go back to the same spot once you remove the net.

 

[Crease123]

not sure thats a great idea......i figure that would just stress them out
give them some time and they will start exploring the rest of the tank

They've been there for a while already, and I don't see any interest in them exploring anywhere else.

I'm thinking of the "net method" too. Not neccessary "chasing" them around, but rather keeping the net going back and forth at that spot to discourage them from going there.

 

[johnc99]

My clowns do the same - hang by a powerhead in the rear left corner. I've found that if I don't feed the tank for a couple of days they get more bold.

 

[Stumped]

Think of the ugliest, most unattractive thing you can add to your tank that you'd never want your clowns to host in. Now add that to your tank. I guarantee they will host it! At least that's what my clowns do...

 

[treylane]

.... Get an anemone?

 

[davocean]

2 weeks is nothing, I'd be patient, instinct will most likely kick in and the need for a host will most likely make them explore and probably find that hammer.
Some clown species are slower to seek out hosts, but pretty much all eventually do.
Forcing/trapping/confining should be avoided.

 

[malawinovice]

I had the same problem with my pair of osc clowns. They hung it the left back corner near the top.

I directed a power head into the corner and made it uncomfortable for them to be there.
They eventually hosted some xenia and life is better. They never made it to the bubble tip I got for them.

Good luck

 

[Crease123]

I had the same problem with my pair of osc clowns. They hung it the left back corner near the top.

I directed a power head into the corner and made it uncomfortable for them to be there.
They eventually hosted some xenia and life is better. They never made it to the bubble tip I got for them.

Good luck

This may be a good idea. I have a mp10, and I can turn it up the power towards the back !!!

 

[aleonn]

My clowns used to hang out in the back corners, which I presumed was due to lower circulation and turbulence. I like the powerhead idea. For my clowns, an anemone eventually got them to change their location.

 

[Lynnmw1208]

Mine hang out in the back corner as well. They come up front for food as I refuse to feed them back there :lol: my anthias also nudge them out of their corner once in awhile. they have not discovered my nice big frogspawn yet.

 

[Definitive_Aqua]

like they said put a power head back by there and see if they change their mind ;-) thats the best way i know