my first saltwater fish

ianjoe

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Jul 7, 2003
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Minnesota, USA
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I have set up a 10 gallon SW tank for my wife. Its been going for two weeks now. Its got about 2-3" Aragonite substrate and a little under 15 lbs of LR in it. The only resident is a hermit crab (at least thats what i think it is) For the past week ive had rock solid readings. The water is so clear, it doesn't look like there is even any water in there.

10 gallon tank
eclipse deluxe hood
8.2 ph
0ppm ammonia
0ppm nitrites
well under 5ppm nitrates

My wife wants clown fish (you know Finding Nemo....thats a first....)
She wants two. My LFS said its safe to put two in the 10 gallon. Seems cramped to me. Also they told me to put them in at the same time. Said i would be fine with that much LR.
What is your guys opinion on that. Just stick with one fish in a 10g? Also said if I didn't put them in at the same time they would probably fight.

thanks as always,
ian
 
I would stick with only one. Are you sure your tank cycled? Two weeks is really short time. I know. My 209 did a mini cycle (2 weeks) and I paid the price later on with having to do water changes the day after getting a fish due to an increase in ammonia. Just curious, if you are SURE that the tank cycled then a little Nemo should be fine.
 
I agree with MSL in that one clown would be better. However, if you MUST get a pair, then try to get two different sized ones of the same species. If added together, the larger of the two will become the female, and the smaller will become the male, and they should form a mated pair. Mated pairs won't fight the way clownfish tend to do.
 
What kind of clownfish did you get?
 
It was purchased as a percula, but im thinking it is an Ocellaris.

Ive never acclimated a SW fish before. I heard you just need to do it slower. Anyway, its been two days and its eating. so i take that to be a good sign.

I also have some coral/polyp/mushrooms growing from my live rock. ill have to post some pics as they getter bigger. so ya'll can help me figure out what they are.

thanks
ian
 
If your clown is eating, then he should be acclimating well. My clown (a maroon) took a while before he really took to his new home. After about a week, he seemed a lot better and was eating regularly.
 
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