Water Movement for Clowns

[keeperofthefish]

How much flow can clownfish handle? I have two juvenile percs about 1" long (one slightly larger than the other). My 75 RR tank has serious flow in it, mostly provided by a Tunze 6000 stream and a Seio 1100. The clowns were introduced yesterday and really were being blown around. They quickly found calmer waters at the top of the tank in the corners, but I worry that the flow is just too much for them. This is a problem because I don't think my corals would appreciate much of a reduction. Plus, there are parts of the tank where there is less flow but the clowns insist on frequently seeking out the greater flow at times and even swimming into it. Are they panicking or enjoying this? Without a host anemone, where do clowns usually sleep at night? Do they not tuck into the rocks like other fish? Is it normal for them to hang out at the top of the tank?

 

[stykthyn]

all of this sounds normal. if they truly didnt like the flow they would quickly seek out a calm spot. most percs usually enjoy "surfing" and do it repeatedly throughout the day. IF they have not found an area to host it is normal for them to sleep at the top of the tank.

 

[BonsaiNut]

I have seen clowns in the surf zone in the wild with waves crashing over the top of their anemone. At the same time I have read about anemones that were completely exposed to the sun at low tide, with clowns "hiding" under the mantle in barely enoguh water to keep them wet. So they can handle some tough conditions.

 

[keeperofthefish]

Great responses! Tough little guys and I quickly see why they are called "clowns" and why people fall in love with them! Thanks!

 

[TOURKID]

clowns are awsome. mine go's for a surf a few times a day

My clown was tank bred, and slept at the very top of the tank vertically till an an emone was added.

I had a wild caught clarki that rested on a rock on the floor of the tank, kinda leaning agianst it

 

[JER-Z]

w/ my tunze 6000 on full blast they hang out in the corner behind the tunze with the occasional "surf" across the tank, then they go back to the corner...

I turned down the flow a bit and see alot more exploring/activity..So i will not be running full blast until my coral tells me to do otherwise

 

[keeperofthefish]

JER-Z,

I hear that. With reduced flow slightly I notice a lot more activity. But they do love to surf!