keeping single Ocellaris clown?

Deuce24 · 10-05-2004, 02:57 AM

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has had success keeping a single Ocellaris clown without an anemone? From what I've been told/read/researched Ocellaris are great beginner fish, but as I was doing more research tonight at Borders, I found a book that suggested not to keep Ocellaris by themselves without an anemone. Pretty much it said either keep them with a mate, or with an anemone. I don't have enough light to support an anemone, and am not sure if I can keep two Ocellaris (12g Nano Cube). I am a diligent water changer and monitor my levels constantly, so if two Clowns (tank raised) can be happy in 12 gallons, I will more than likely do this.

Just curious what you all have to say about this? Let me know!

Awestralian · 10-05-2004, 04:02 AM

Pfffffffffffffffffftttt..

Sorry.
You can keep a single clown of any type by itself without an anemone no problems.
You could also purchase two oscellaris clowns and keep them in a 12 gallon tank.
Get them small and they wont grow much. Just make sure there is a definate size difference between them so there is much less chance of fighting, if you dont buy a "pair" that seem happy together at the shop.
12gallons is plenty for two O. Clowns.
Are you planning on keeping any other fish in there? I gather not, as you have been scared off by the 'overtsocking' monster

...

Rick O · 10-05-2004, 05:05 AM

I have a single Ocellaris and no anemone. No problems. I don't know where people get this stuff from but in a captive system clowns do not need an anemone.

Deuce24 · 10-05-2004, 11:55 AM

yeah like I said, I figured it'd be just fine keeping one by itself without an anemone. I would like to keep pair, if I can get two that will pair up.

It is either 2 OC or 1 OC and 1 Clown Goby, man I love those little guys. I wish I could keep all 3, and maybe with the tiny size of the CB I could manage it....? Thanks for the input!

Boxster · 10-05-2004, 02:07 PM

i have a single, does very well with no anemone.

Awestralian · 10-06-2004, 07:11 AM

3 small fish in a 12 is easy done provided you keep the water changes up to it.

Keep an eye on your fish and you will soon tell whether they need a water change, but we keep 2 O. Clowns and a small bi colour blenny in a 6-7g with a leather, brain and a couple other hardy corals with no problem. I change half the water once ever 2-4 weeks depending on how things are looking and if the missus has over fed the tank ( happens a bit

).
We also keep another nano, about the same size, with a family of domino Damsels, five in total, and an anemome that is growing at a decent rate. The tank may have to be swapped with our larger one, purely because the anenome is slowly outgrowing the tank (its about 12 gallons too i think). But the point is, with small fish and good husbandry, you shouldnt be too scared of the 'general' stocking rules. The damsel tank has a 30-40% water change fortnightly.

Just make sure you dont get slack with the water changes!

Jeremiah · 10-06-2004, 08:13 AM

He will be fine, like others metioned just get a small one and keep up with water changes. You could get a smaller fish to go with him as well. My maroon/gold clown plays nice with all the other fish...