[JeremyM]

Hey guys i just finished setting up a new but used, 26 gallon NANO tank. I have three big live rocks, two year old live sand, perfect water readings, and running at 81F. Today i put in my first fish and corals. I finally got my first pair of perc. clowns they look amazing. I acclimated them for two hours, bathed them in new water(the guy I buy from uses copper in his fish water) and dropped them into the tank. Both fish are very healthy, the small one is from Indo. and I forget where the big guys from. Anyway the little one took to the tank great he's swimming everywhere and ate a ton of food (from my hand). However the big guy is swimming erratically up and down back and forth at the front of the tank and at each corner. He wont eat and has not settled down. he swims like he is in heavy current and I feel bad for the little guy; its like he's stressed out. The little one will sim by his side for a little bit like he's trying to help, but will stop and go explore. He wont even acknowledge my hand in the tank.... Has anybody experienced this and maybe have some ideas. I know fish tend to do this for the first hour or so but he's been wiggin out hard for over 13 hours.

[Taras1]

Where did you get him from? It could be that she is not used to a smaller tank.

One rule when acclimating fishes to a tank, dim your lights for about 24 -48 hours. It decreases the stress of a new environment.

[JeremyM]

Good call man he was from a 5 gallon tank, but so was the little one, i guess each fish is different. I think he's doing better but he still looks past food. Another Q for you, I want to buy a nice big anemone for them, what's a moderately priced, colorful, but hearty anemone you would recommend? price range $50-75.00.

[Taras1]

What species of clown? Different species host in different anemones. Here's a guide to anemones and clowns.

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/marin...mbioticMap.htm

Make sure your tank is up an running for at least 4-5 mos before adding the anemone. They're sensitive to water quality and light. You need at least 4 watts/gal light for them.

[gimmito]

I would wait atleast 6 months before adding an anemone (I know it's hard). I also would recommend getting a tank raised bubble tip anemone for you clowns.

[rlcline76]

How long has your system been up and running. I know your profile says one month, but around here that can be misleading.

Do you have water parameters?

[JeremyM]

The big guy is doing great now, both clowns are heavy eaters and the big one has really calmed down. Both fish are false percs. and I think a big bubble tip will be my first anemone. I went to the LFS and the tank where my clowns were from has a huge bubble tip in it so they have gotten used to them. But I will take your advice and wait awhile before purchasing a big anemone. Ill post some photos of the new tank it's coming along pretty well. thanks for all the help guys.

[Jeremy0322]

I would love to get a huge carpet anemone one day, but they are expensive.

[gimmito]

Not to mention a lot harder to keep !

[JeremyM]

My tank has been running for about 2.5 years i bought it from my cousin with the sand and rock in it with half the water, so I know it is ready for an anemone. However I have not checked my calcium levels, alkalinity, or any other test that is necessary for corals and anemones to thrive in. Any suggestions on what to buy test wise. Also i have been feeding my clowns straight TetraMarine fish flakes is that a good enough diet for them or do i HAVE to use a variety of frozen and flakes? AAANNND what would you guys recommend for feeding my coral frags, I have candy canes, polyps, and some others that i forget the names of it looks like a grassy mushroom.

[gimmito]

I would recommend spectrum foods thera + or boyd's vita diet in small pellets for the clowns. Ocean nutrition formula one was specifically made for clowns. You can try mixing in some cyclopeez flake for a color enhancer. Personally, I think making your own frozen mix is the most cost effective & healthiest for your fish. Checkout Melevsreef.com - Welcome! for a recipe and general good information on reefkeeping. This frozen mix can be fed to your corals also.

[JeremyM]

Melevsreef.com is a great site thank you. However, I couldn't find how to make your own food. Sounds cool. Im still in school so anything DIY is best for my budget, HA.