Question..

[zimmy1979]

Hi,

I bought a torch coral today and instantly my mated true perculas decided to host it. The torch for the most part has been fairly closed up since the clownfish made it their home. I am wondering if I should be worried? Does it take time for the coral to get comfortable to the clownfish? I really really do not want my coral to die.

Thanks!

 

[stykthyn]

I had the same prob with a bubble coral, they will eventaully stress the coral to death. Especially if it is a new addition and it hasn't really adjusted yet. Try moving the coral to a new place in the tank. That worked with a pair of clarkii's that I had, but my maroon was smart enought to find it no matter where I put it. I had to remove the fish since my coral was like the size of basketball and I wasnt going to risk it.

 

[zimmy1979]

WoW that really sucks. I don't really want to remove either. Is there no other way? Can I put a basket over the coral to stop the clowns from bothering it until it is acclimated ? The tentacles were very extended and the coral was loving its location before the clowns decide they really wanted it as a home (and the clowns usually stayed on the other side of the tank) but they sure found the Torch comfortable..would it be safe to give them both a few days or should I act now and move something?

Thanks!

 

[mikeguerrero]

Zimmy,

Can you purchase them an anemone? So they can host correctly in your reef?

Just a thought...

Mike

 

[zimmy1979]

Mike,

My tank is a bit over two months old. I have stable water, temp, 0 nitrates, 0 nitrites, 450 calcium, 8.2PH, TONS of light, and a large amount of coralline growth (not just on the live rock but on my powerheads etc.) I am just not sure if my tank is ready to get a anemone (I wouldn't mind grabbing a BTA). I really don't know what to do. My torch was fairly expensive and was doing an awesome job in its current location.

Thanks!

 

[mikeguerrero]

Zimmy,

It's just that you are running out of choices. A BTA would be a good addition to your tank; and the clowns should host it.

Most places recommend at least 3 to 6 months of stable water conditions so you are within target zone.

I waited 6 months before I picked up a blue carpet; hoping that my ocelleris would host but they haven't yet.

If you like your torch that much, maybe it's time to say good by to the clowns for another fish.

Just my opinion....

Mike

 

[zimmy1979]

Crap..I guess it does come down to that. I was hoping that the torch would simply ignore them but literally found the torch on the other side of the tank within an hour of introducing it. I will give it a day and think about adding a BTA. It actually might be a good idea since I don't have too many corals for it to sting while it looks for a location in my tank.

 

[mikeguerrero]

Keep us updated.... Sounds like it's going to work for you.... Good luck....

 

[zimmy1979]

Well crap..My Torch coral doesn't appear to be getting any better and the clownfish stll does not want to leave it alone. I am still debating on whether or not to get an anemone...move the clownfish to the sump..or get rid of the clownfish pair or torch coral..sigh...damn this sucks. I never would of thought I would of been sad when my clownfish start hosting something.

 

[stykthyn]

I know just what you need man,,,,,another tank!! See how fast this stuff adds up? If you can't really seperate the two, try to see if you can trade the torch in for a BTA. You could prolly get more credit for it at a LFS than you would for the clownfish. IMHO clowns hosting in an anmeone are much more fascinating than a coral anyway. just my .02

 

[SoonerFan732]

That stinks, I added a torch coral after I already had a RBTA. My clowns moved back and forth between the two all the time for a few months. The torch coral never displayed and adverse effects from the situation. However, the anemone split a few times and now the clowns spend most of the time going between different anemones.

Good luck!

Kevin

 

[davocean]

I'd get those clowns an anemone.
It is so interesting to see the relationship between the two.
That might cure your problem.
And if not, then get rid of the torch.
You can always try a torch later when your clowns have gotten used to their anemone