Keeping several, different species of Clowns in one tank.

[A. Henin]

I would like to take advantage of one of the the offers giving by "Sustainable Aquatics". Can I keep say, 20 different clowns in my 300 Gallon reef? It is a 10+ years old established reef, with Tangs, and Angels. I would like to add some clowns. I have no Anemone.. Will think twice before adding one. Too demanding for me.... I do however have tons of Recordia, and LPS that clown may find comfort with...

Can it be done?

Thanks.

 

[LargeAngels]

A successful outcome is very slim. Most likely there will be bickering and dead clowns. Yes, even in a 300 gallon reef. It might be ok at first while they are juvies. Once one of them turns a dominant female all hell can break loose.

 

[ScroogeJones]

I'd say if you want any success at it. Then adding anemones is a must. But even then getting then to host is another thing. Also I'd stay away from the maroons and the tomato family's of clownfish because they tend to be the most aggressive.

But I'd never say anything is impossible.

 

[dwwataz]

I'd say +100 on the anemones. I have 4 BTAs and an LTA in my 55 hosting 2 perculas. The female is territorial as hell towards anything that goes near the one she happens to be in. Kole tang, a fairy wrasse, and chromis..all of which bigger than her. Can't imagine what she'd do to a clown, aside from her man, that came near. She's only 1.5-1.75"

From what reaseach I've done, because I do plan to do this on my 240 upgrade this summer, is a **** ton of anemones and fish from the same clutch is the safest route

 

[dwwataz]

She just started letting the chromis in the LTA today. Anything else gets charged

 

[LargeAngels]

I'll tell you that 3 carpets and +30BTA's may still not improve the situation in a 300 gallon.

 

[A. Henin]

O.K., Guys. I think I am convinced. Will not do it. My heart is broken tho. It is a very good deal, and I really wanted to add some clowns to this tank.....
Why would Sustainable Aquatics have deals like that if the outcome is most likely to be disastrous?!, I will never know.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

 

[phender]

O.K., Guys. I think I am convinced. Will not do it. My heart is broken tho. It is a very good deal, and I really wanted to add some clowns to this tank.....
Why would Sustainable Aquatics have deals like that if the outcome is most likely to be disastrous?!, I will never know.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

#1) They are in the business of selling clownfish.

#2) They didn't tell you to put them all in the same tank.

#3) They sell to retail shops as well as individuals.

 

[ThRoewer]

Well, the question was if multiple species are possible together in one tank and that is definitely a yes... if you have a large enough tank. The Steinhart Aquarium has at least 4 species - ocellaris, clarkii, Premnas and a skunk species - together in their 212.000 gallon tank and there is no significant fighting. The ocellaris and clarkii are in the shallow water section while the Premnas (multiple pairs and individuals) and skunks are in the 25 ft deep main section.
In a smaller home tank it may be possible to keep two species if you can keep them out of sight from each other and use species that have no overlap in host anemones. It requires definitely dedication and is nothing I would recommend just for the kick off it.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[A. Henin]

Phil, Thanks for the reply. I didn't mean to be insulting to them. I have obtained fish from them before, and I LOVE them. They are the best in this business. I was just expressing my disappointment in that I could not take advantage of their generosity.... I was wishing I could.. That is all.

Thanks, again.

 

[nemguy]

I have a 300 gallon anemone reef with quite a few pairs of different species of clowns with minimal to no fighting


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LargeAngels]

What types? Are they breeding? How long?

 

[nemguy]

I haven't had any breed and it's been a long time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk