safe saltwater fish

[LilReef]

What is the trick to having more than one clown fish ? I have one orange Oce. Clown thats about 2 inches long and one firefish and really want to add more fish to my 30 gal. tank. What else is safe to add to my tank? Can I add another orange Oce. clown fish?

[this1fish]

add a big clownfish

[LilReef]

Now if I add a big clown fish will the two of them pick on my firefish? Today I noticed that my fire fish tail has been chewed on. I'm know the clown did it I only have two fish and 2 hermits and some snails. What do you suggest?

[Steve Whited]

hey can you post a pic of ur tank

[Steve Whited]

just asking becouse may be nipping at ur fire fish for a few reasons for example to few hiding places new tank mate clown could be claiming a teritory just so starter ideas i use to have fire fish with a diamond goby and the diamond and fire use to share the same den

[LilReef]

They have been the only two fish I have had for about 4 months. Maybe they are fighting over hiding places.

[curlyq]

In that case, I'd actually steer you to add a little clownfish, as a clownfish left to itself for a few months can transition to female. Adding a large clown (which would presumably be female then) would lead to fighting and eventual death for one of them. Get a small juvi ocellaris and you should be OK.

The clown picking on your firefish may well be from hiding place issues. Posting a picture will help.

[this1fish]

In that case, I'd actually steer you to add a little clownfish, as a clownfish left to itself for a few months can transition to female. Adding a large clown (which would presumably be female then) would lead to fighting and eventual death for one of them. Get a small juvi ocellaris and you should be OK.

The clown picking on your firefish may well be from hiding place issues. Posting a picture will help.

a few months will make it a functional male. even a larger clown will still take about a year to transit from sub female to functional female. A larger will be the better choice as the current fish will most likely instantly pair up.

take my black ocellaris for example. he was the big dog out of my 3 black occy i kept together. i got him in june or july at 2.25in. I paired him with a larger female in dec and they spawned. it takes clowns a while to morph.

[KJoFan]

Not to hijack, but along the same lines... I have had an A. occ (naked clown) alone for many months. It's now transferred to a 90g and I'd like to add more clowns. What's the best route there so no one gets hurt?

[Steve Whited]

i built an aqylic box (has to be clear) with holes in mine but can be slits to allow flow but it makes it so the fish get use to a new fish without the chaseing and i leave then in there a few days allows a less stressful introduction and and can make sure there eating with some spot feeding

[LilReef]

Where can I get one of those acrylic boxes to sit in my tank?

[RaysReef]

acclimation box is sold @ SWE- they have different sizes

[Fragtastic Reef]

Not to hijack, but along the same lines... I have had an A. occ (naked clown) alone for many months. It's now transferred to a 90g and I'd like to add more clowns. What's the best route there so no one gets hurt?

Usually adding a smaller one to the tank and your ok. Most of the time the larger one will become female if not already. I plan on adding another to my display also.

[kensilvey]

Have you seen this clown nipping at the firefishes tail with your own two eyes? Firefish are supper fast aand I doubt it is the clown unless you have seen it happen. I would be more suspect of the firefishes health, meaning it is not getting the nutritional needs or the water parameters are out of whack which will cause a fishes tail to fray. Does he eat a well balances diet, Do you feed more than one type of food? I believe they are plankton eaters.

[Benjay221]

Back to the beginning thread, I would go with some cool small reef fish such as chromis, blennies, grammas, or even a mandarin fish. These are all cool, gentle fish that would thrive in a tank that size. Maybe even a school of three small blue chromis if they would fit.

[reef.saltwater]

I would not suggest getting mandarin and blennies in 30g tank, I agree they are nice looking fish but feeding is a problem.
Chromis are good option. they are hardy and looks good under decent lighting.