Mixing clowns question

[slam308]

I have one O. clown that has been in our 2 1/2 month old tank for just shy of two weeks. It's a captive bred from LA.
We wouldn't be adding another clown for at least a month and a half, I'm going on vacation towards the end of March and I don't want to have anything in the QT while I'm gone.
So, I'm sure we'll end up getting a juvie B&W Percula from LA, but I just got this silly idea...would a skunk clown pair with an O. clown?
I love the skunk clowns, but "technically" it's the kids tank. Yeah, I do all the work, yeah, I pay for everything, yeah, I coordinate and research every day, but....would it work???

 

[redvipe2010]

Skunks should not be kept in a 24 gallon tank IMO.

 

[slam308]

Ok, that's good enough for me. Just chasing a dream anyway.

So what size tank should I shoot for next???

 

[redvipe2010]

What else would you like to keep? Keeping different species of clownfish in a tank has caused problems before. I personally wouldn't do it. Some have been able to with large systems like 180 gallons. I don't believe a skunk will ever pair up with a Occ. or Perk.

 

[slam308]

I'm just thinking of the next tank, my tank!, where I can have my skunk pair.
Not thinking of putting more than one pair in any tank.
So, we'll get the black percula for the 24 gal newly establised tank, and I'll continue to dream and plan for the next tank. Then I can get my skunks.

 

[redvipe2010]

I think a 50g would be a good choice. Thats my opinion, I'm sure others would go smaller, especially if there was a sump.

Here is some general information on skunks:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=2545

 

[smacdone]

i would go the bigger the better, the main price isnt in the actual tank size but most likely all the equipment for it. But why not go bigger then 50, i could just see when you get your 50 you will be wanting something bigger. Go big or go home

 

[redvipe2010]

I agree, bigger is always better, there is always one more thing you want to add to your tank.

 

[slam308]

I'm still getting a handle on the 24 so it'll be a while before I move up. But guarantee when I do, it'll be big enough to house my skunks!!

 

[Slakker]

In all of my research/reading, it seems like the (nano's aside) tank size where you really hit any kind of substantial gap from one price to the next is when you get to the 90g. Most of the equipment is the same or very similarly priced from 55 to 90. I'd go straight for a 90, it should give you plenty of stocking choices, and won't be all that much more expensive than a 55. I think the different was somewhere around $150 at the LFS I was pricing stuff at, and when you're spending ~$1100, that $150 is hardly worth saving.

 

[cschweitzer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9371541#post9371541 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slam308
I'm still getting a handle on the 24 so it'll be a while before I move up. But guarantee when I do, it'll be big enough to house my skunks!!

Personally (and many people agree) getting a handle on a 24G is much harder than getting a handle on a 50, 75, and so on. The larger you get, the more you will probably spend, but the easier it becomes to keep. Yes, more evap, yes, more dosing, yes, more of many things. But also, less chance of PH swings, less large temp swings, less SG swings due to evap, etc. If something dies, less chance of a full tank contamination; if power shuts off, more usable oxygen less waste buildup, etc.; and especially more room to grow(very important for anems, many corals, and some fishes.

 

[redvipe2010]

A 90 doesn't take up much more floor space than a 55 either. Also gives you a lot more room to work with in the cabinet. I have both sizes. Working in the 55's cabinet, is a real pain.

 

[redvipe2010]

double post

 

[slam308]

If I knew then what I know now....famous last words.

My stepkids came to me at Thanksgiving and said ALL they wanted for Christmas was a 55 gal sw tank. As I started to research, I thought I'd be safer sticking with a kit where the filter, light and flow issues were taken care of. Of course I've since changed the filters and powerheads on the nano anyway, but the idea of sorting out the right components to go with each other seemed to daunting a task at the time. Considering what we've already spent on the 24, you're right, I should have done the 55.
Also, the LR prices scared the crap out of me for a 55.