So get this. Parameters are absolutely perfect. Have 2 fluval led fixtures above my 20g. Salinity is 1.023-4. I got one clown to start and he wouldn't eat. I gave him a Duncan coral and a rainbow bubble which are doing great. Still wouldn't eat. So I got him a friend (another clown) they were inseparable. Still wouldn't eat. Neither one would eat actually. Both fish were in great health and came from my lfs. I tried 3 different flakes and pellets and it would literally float by their face like it wasn't even there. Wouldn't even try to eat it at all. Fine. So I went to the lfs and asked them what exactly they feed because they were eating fine before so I got frozen marine cuisine which was what they were eating. Still ignored it all. Well the first clown dies from starvation and not eating for about 2 weeks. I have been attempting the frozen marine cuisine now and still won't even attempt to eat it. Getting ****ed now. We'll the other clown dies this morning from starvation too. I feed twice a day now and once with lights in and once off. Nothing. I pick up a black ocellaris last night and decided to get some frozen mysis shrimp and garlic extreme. I made sure I got the same food and watched them all eat before I got the black one. Well, he is starting the same ordeal now too. Hasn't eaten with garlic soaked shrimp and soaked flakes. I'm at a loss. They never were fighting; they are the only fish in the tank so they can't be stressed. What else could it be you think? Ammonia nitrite nitrate all exactly 0, salinity 1.023, calcium is about 400ppm, Ph is 8.3. i cant figure out what else could possibly be doing this. current is low/medium and temp is about 79. inverts, crabs, shrimp all eating and doing terrific. I just fed some marine cuisine this morning soaked in kent garlic. He put a couple pieces in his mouth and spit it back out...***. The moment i put them in my tank, they start acting all frantic for about a whole day then just dont eat until they die.
Need some serious help guys...
- Thread starter btg321
- Start date
jml1149
New member
I have no advice, but I have been going through something very similar.
1. Have you noticed the fish attacking its reflection? Mine has, and I think it's preventing it from eating when fed.
2. I'm pretty sure I've seen the fish eating leftover food from the substrate
3. I'm going to add a clay pot to see if it takes to that better than the PVC.
4. Have you considered live food? That's my next step.
1. Have you noticed the fish attacking its reflection? Mine has, and I think it's preventing it from eating when fed.
2. I'm pretty sure I've seen the fish eating leftover food from the substrate
3. I'm going to add a clay pot to see if it takes to that better than the PVC.
4. Have you considered live food? That's my next step.
jml1149
New member
A day after putting the clay pot in my clownfish is eating like a horse. Seriously, I never would have guessed, but sure enough, she is going to town. I used Marine Feast, and there was some stuff she wouldn't eat I'll have to vacuum out later, but still. She eats. If you haven't tried it yet, get a 4-6" clay pot from HD, Lowe's, or Canadian Tire and drop it in.
