New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions

Devnull · 07-22-2008, 02:47 PM

First off I am new to breeding clownfish but have been in saltwater hobby for some time now. I purchased a pair of Ocellaris Clownfish off of the divers den at liveaquaria. This is my first purchase from the divers den but have received many great fish from liveaquaria in the past. The fish will be in a 10G tank that I use for quarantine from time to time while I finish the setup and cycle on a 29g that I plan to use as the breeding tank.

I am looking for opinions on bare bottom vs. substrate for the floor of the tank...I assume that in the long run that it will not make much difference to the fish, but I enjoy having a tank that is pleasing to look at even though it will be a breeding tank. Also the pair is fairly small so I am thinking it may take some time before they breed (hoping that they will) so I want their home to be as comfortable and natural as possible.

My current plan would be to use a crushed coral base with a few nice pieces of live rock and either a flower pot or tile.

Thanks for any recommendations, I have truly enjoyed stumbling through all the posts in the breeding section of this site and seeing everyone's great setups.

Blair

blue_eyes53813 · 07-22-2008, 03:29 PM

Hello and welcome.. Maybe woodstock will chime in here soon... Or shoot her a pm.. she can prob point you in the right direction..

Woodstock · 07-22-2008, 03:40 PM

Hello and Welcome to Reef Sanctuary Blair!

AWESOME!!! A marine fish breeder.. whohoo!!

Some like barebottom... but I would go with a fine aragonite sand bed of about 3" instead of a crushed coral substrate. Crushed coral traps ditritus very quickly and requires lots of siphoning to keep it clean. The fine textured sand bed requires less (or no) maintenance. Some people vacuum their sand bed (Like myself) while others just replace it every year or two... or never.

Do keep us posted on your breeding endeavors! I wish you success

Devnull · 07-22-2008, 04:04 PM

Thanks for the reply, I am excited to get started. I have just spent the last hour or so reading through your Picasso thread....Amazing. Congratulations on your success!

I think that I will go with your recommendation on a sand base, I have had pretty good luck with crushed coral but I am very careful to vacuum and dig into the base to keep any buildup from happening. From what I understand less is more when trying to get the fish to breed. The tank will be in my home office so it should get much less traffic than my living room tank which is bombarded by children all day long (my wife does home daycare). By the way my Picasso Trigger and Gold Stripe Maroon love to show off for those kids all day long.

Blair

Woodstock · 07-22-2008, 04:25 PM

Thanks

NIce! I would love to have a tank here in my office. Lucky you!

Think of how many future marine enthusiast your wife is making by subjected them to beautiful fish all day long

They'll never be happy having guppies now

Devnull · 07-22-2008, 04:34 PM

Id have to agree. That the tank is one of the best daycare deductions we have...I love buying new "toys" for the daycare

mothergoose · 07-22-2008, 10:02 PM

Blair,
I with you on the deductions for the day care. I do the same thing hence my screen name and all the little beady eyes lookin at you in my avatar. The fish love the kids just as much as the kids love them. Ask any one of my three year olds the can say anemone better than the adults. We are in the process of setting up a 10 gallon FOWLR in the play area for them. Right now we only have one lonely damsel in there that hides behind the filter all day. The kids are going to help plan the purchases for the tank.
Anyway, good luck to you with the breeding.

Devnull · 07-23-2008, 05:03 PM

Well timing worked out great today and the pair are in their new (temporary) 10 Gal tank. They will stay there until I get their 29G all setup and cycled. I have a feeling I might be waiting on these two for a little while as they are pretty small...the female is about 1 1/2" and the male is around 1". Anyone who has raised these little guys care to estimate on an approximate age...if that is even possible? Well enough chatter on to the pictures....

My 12 year old...going after the box with the scissors, he was more excited than me! -

Unpacking -

Acclimating -

Getting settled in -

Blair

GSELLERS · 07-23-2008, 05:21 PM

welcome to the world of clownfish....if you thught reefkeeping was addicting, wait til your clowns spawn its downhill from there.

estimate age: if they were sold as a mating pair then at least 9 months old

Devnull · 07-23-2008, 05:51 PM

There was no mention of them currently spawning...but that is OK with me. I am not in a huge hurry and if I have to wait 6 months or more that is no problem.

vdituri · 07-23-2008, 07:33 PM

I'm on 2 yrs and have seen no sign that my clowns have every spawned.
They get along fine and one is twice the size of the other so I definitely have a dominant female and a little male. Maybe one day.
She's about 2 inches and he's a little over 1".

Premnas · 08-02-2008, 10:45 PM

Hello Blair,
Good luck with your clowns. They look like captive bred ocellaris. Am I correct? PM me and I'll help you with any questions. I use rather unorthodox methods to keep and breed clowns that you might find interesting plus I'll send you hi res pictures of my breeders and fry at different stages of development.
Premnas

Triggerjay · 08-02-2008, 11:17 PM

Correct me if I am wrong, but I read somewhere that clownfish do not like BB tanks. I read that they feel insecure, and can become disoriented being able to see through the bottom of the tank?.. I think it was on MOFIB - Marine Ornamental Fish & Invertebrate Breeders - Marine Fish Breeding / Saltwater Fish Breeding / Marine Invertebrate Breeding ....

Jason

Premnas · 08-03-2008, 12:52 PM

I would agree. All my tanks except my present grow out tank, have at least a 2 inch layer of live sand. Every species of clown fish I've kept seems to enjoy kicking up the sand with their caudal fin. They then make a quick U turn and see if they've uncovered any food. Besides, I don't like the look of a bare bottom tank. Sometimes the clowns dig so deep that they expose the glass bottom and eventually algae will grow there and cover up the glass. Also, I do have the bottom of the grow out tank painted black but I've started adding some small pieces of live rock and soon will add a thin layer of sand from one of my tanks.

Devnull · 08-04-2008, 11:05 PM

Thanks for the comments everyone the tank in that picture was just a temporary home until we got their 30g tank setup and ready for them. Now they are in their new home for about the last 2 weeks and they seem to be doing great.

Right now we are pretty sure that we will be patiently waiting for these two for a while, I have new lights ordered for this tank that should be in this week. My plan is to turn this into sort of a mini-reef type setup with the clownfish only. Hopefully that will keep the tank bright and interesting while we wait.

07-22-2008, 02:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Devnull Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions First off I am new to breeding clownfish but have been in saltwater hobby for some time now. I purchased a pair of Ocellaris Clownfish off of the divers den at liveaquaria. This is my first purchase from the divers den but have received many great fish from liveaquaria in the past. The fish will be in a 10G tank that I use for quarantine from time to time while I finish the setup and cycle on a 29g that I plan to use as the breeding tank. I am looking for opinions on bare bottom vs. substrate for the floor of the tank...I assume that in the long run that it will not make much difference to the fish, but I enjoy having a tank that is pleasing to look at even though it will be a breeding tank. Also the pair is fairly small so I am thinking it may take some time before they breed (hoping that they will) so I want their home to be as comfortable and natural as possible. My current plan would be to use a crushed coral base with a few nice pieces of live rock and either a flower pot or tile. Thanks for any recommendations, I have truly enjoyed stumbling through all the posts in the breeding section of this site and seeing everyone's great setups. Blair

07-22-2008, 03:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,621 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Hello and welcome.. Maybe woodstock will chime in here soon... Or shoot her a pm.. she can prob point you in the right direction.. __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

07-22-2008, 03:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,260 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Hello and Welcome to Reef Sanctuary Blair! AWESOME!!! A marine fish breeder.. whohoo!! Some like barebottom... but I would go with a fine aragonite sand bed of about 3" instead of a crushed coral substrate. Crushed coral traps ditritus very quickly and requires lots of siphoning to keep it clean. The fine textured sand bed requires less (or no) maintenance. Some people vacuum their sand bed (Like myself) while others just replace it every year or two... or never. Do keep us posted on your breeding endeavors! I wish you success __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

07-22-2008, 04:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Devnull Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Thanks for the reply, I am excited to get started. I have just spent the last hour or so reading through your Picasso thread....Amazing. Congratulations on your success! I think that I will go with your recommendation on a sand base, I have had pretty good luck with crushed coral but I am very careful to vacuum and dig into the base to keep any buildup from happening. From what I understand less is more when trying to get the fish to breed. The tank will be in my home office so it should get much less traffic than my living room tank which is bombarded by children all day long (my wife does home daycare). By the way my Picasso Trigger and Gold Stripe Maroon love to show off for those kids all day long. Blair

07-22-2008, 04:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,260 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Thanks NIce! I would love to have a tank here in my office. Lucky you! Think of how many future marine enthusiast your wife is making by subjected them to beautiful fish all day long They'll never be happy having guppies now __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

07-22-2008, 04:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Devnull Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Id have to agree. That the tank is one of the best daycare deductions we have...I love buying new "toys" for the daycare

07-22-2008, 10:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
mothergoose Serpent Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 234 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Blair, I with you on the deductions for the day care. I do the same thing hence my screen name and all the little beady eyes lookin at you in my avatar. The fish love the kids just as much as the kids love them. Ask any one of my three year olds the can say anemone better than the adults. We are in the process of setting up a 10 gallon FOWLR in the play area for them. Right now we only have one lonely damsel in there that hides behind the filter all day. The kids are going to help plan the purchases for the tank. Anyway, good luck to you with the breeding. __________________ Nina

07-23-2008, 05:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
Devnull Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Update : The Clown Pair has arrived Well timing worked out great today and the pair are in their new (temporary) 10 Gal tank. They will stay there until I get their 29G all setup and cycled. I have a feeling I might be waiting on these two for a little while as they are pretty small...the female is about 1 1/2" and the male is around 1". Anyone who has raised these little guys care to estimate on an approximate age...if that is even possible? Well enough chatter on to the pictures.... My 12 year old...going after the box with the scissors, he was more excited than me! - Unpacking - Acclimating - Getting settled in - Blair

07-23-2008, 05:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
GSELLERS Plate Coral Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BRANDON FLORIDA Posts: 700 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions welcome to the world of clownfish....if you thught reefkeeping was addicting, wait til your clowns spawn its downhill from there. estimate age: if they were sold as a mating pair then at least 9 months old

07-23-2008, 05:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Devnull Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions There was no mention of them currently spawning...but that is OK with me. I am not in a huge hurry and if I have to wait 6 months or more that is no problem. __________________ ______________ Blair

07-23-2008, 07:33 PM	#11 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 5,730 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions I'm on 2 yrs and have seen no sign that my clowns have every spawned. They get along fine and one is twice the size of the other so I definitely have a dominant female and a little male. Maybe one day. She's about 2 inches and he's a little over 1". __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

08-02-2008, 10:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
Premnas Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 18 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Hello Blair, Good luck with your clowns. They look like captive bred ocellaris. Am I correct? PM me and I'll help you with any questions. I use rather unorthodox methods to keep and breed clowns that you might find interesting plus I'll send you hi res pictures of my breeders and fry at different stages of development. Premnas

08-02-2008, 11:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
Triggerjay Golden Moray Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Springfield MO Posts: 2,065 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Correct me if I am wrong, but I read somewhere that clownfish do not like BB tanks. I read that they feel insecure, and can become disoriented being able to see through the bottom of the tank?.. I think it was on MOFIB - Marine Ornamental Fish & Invertebrate Breeders - Marine Fish Breeding / Saltwater Fish Breeding / Marine Invertebrate Breeding .... Jason __________________ The start of my journey: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...xperience.html My current journey: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...ld-thread.html My clownfish breeding log: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...ne-fishes.html

08-03-2008, 12:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
Premnas Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 18 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions I would agree. All my tanks except my present grow out tank, have at least a 2 inch layer of live sand. Every species of clown fish I've kept seems to enjoy kicking up the sand with their caudal fin. They then make a quick U turn and see if they've uncovered any food. Besides, I don't like the look of a bare bottom tank. Sometimes the clowns dig so deep that they expose the glass bottom and eventually algae will grow there and cover up the glass. Also, I do have the bottom of the grow out tank painted black but I've started adding some small pieces of live rock and soon will add a thin layer of sand from one of my tanks.

08-04-2008, 11:05 PM	#15 (permalink)
Devnull Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New Clownfish Breeder-Starting out questions Thanks for the comments everyone the tank in that picture was just a temporary home until we got their 30g tank setup and ready for them. Now they are in their new home for about the last 2 weeks and they seem to be doing great. Right now we are pretty sure that we will be patiently waiting for these two for a while, I have new lights ordered for this tank that should be in this week. My plan is to turn this into sort of a mini-reef type setup with the clownfish only. Hopefully that will keep the tank bright and interesting while we wait. __________________ ______________ Blair

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