My Mini Harem

[Capricious]

So I posted this on RC might as well post it here too.

It looks like they're almost ready to go in.

Tank is an Aquamaxx 32 gallon starfire with an AI Prime HD light. I am currently running a HOB Aquaclear 70 with only a filter pad for the cycle. Afterwards it'll be the normal Chemipure Elite and Purigen combo. Tunze 9004 for the skimmer after the first week of cycle.

I don't plan to run a sump. We'll see how it goes.

I will plan to move some 8-12" bubble tip anemones from my display into the tank later or I might just buy some new and cheap green ones. Who knows... here's the pics.

 

[Reeferfourlife]

Kool. Tagging along. So how many clowns you plan to have in this tank?

 

[SanClementeEric]

I have some critiques, just from what I see here.

1) The tank doesn't appear to be cycled yet. I wouldn't add the fish to it until it is.
A) But since you probably will add them anyway or probably already have, keep an eye on the water conditions and prepare for lots of water changes....
2) While many don't follow the acclimation process, with varying results, I would suggest doing a proper acclimation. (Hint, it's not floating the bags in the tank)
3) I've seen various amounts of clowns in single tank environments. I currently have four in my main DT. I have heard going with many more (like 20) is better than a few (if you're going to have more than a pair in a tank). I don't really have a suggestion for this but the number of nems in the tank doesn't necessarily help. A huge ritteri might be a good addition though! Maybe even no nems and a lot of flower pots might be better, if you're going for breeding.
4) Get the book Clownfishes by Joyce D. Wilkerson
5) Check out http://www.mbisite.org/

 

[gumbii]

yeah, i see so many threads like this pop up every year.... and so much failure... good luck... it certainly isn't as easy as it looks...

 

[Bouncingsoul393]

Edit nvm

 

[Capricious]

I have some critiques, just from what I see here.

For sure, thanks for the tips. Yeah I've read Joyce's book and also Wittenrich's. These clowns are actually my last clutch from my breeding pairs that I sold. Essentially this is their grow out tank except that I will see how long I can push past their post adolescent stages.

The water is 1/3 from their fry tank and 2/3 new. 50% of the rock is from the sump of the brood stock tank. Their on the bottom of the stack if you look closely. To make sure on ammonia levels I do have the seachem monitor on, it's on the first pic. Same ones I use on their fry tanks.

I used the drip acclimation method. Bags floating were for temperature acclimation. 80 degree in fry tank vs 77 in this new tank.

 

[Capricious]

Pic of my breeder setup that's since been sold off and broken down.

 

[Izek]

Sounds like you know what your doing following along on the journey nice clowns btw

 

[Capricious]

Kool. Tagging along. So how many clowns you plan to have in this tank?

Its hard to count the lil fawkers I have it between 22-23.

 

[xdweeL0eZ]

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[Capricious]

Just an update. The tank has not had any cycling issues except an algae bloom because of a mishap with the auto feeder but all is well. I've added Chemipure Elite and Purigen to the Aquaclear 70. I've also added a heater. I have not added my Tunze skimmer yet because I wanted to wait about 6 weeks before doing that.

I have been having one problem with this tank setup though. I have been having an issue with surface buildup because the AquaClear 70's suction tube that is located about 6-8 inches below the surface water.

Here's a pic of the surface issue.

 

[Capricious]

I'm sure that I'm not the only one with this build up issue. And after browsing around I found a thread of someone using an overflow box. I came across a company who sold them specifically for HOB filtration units but they wanted way too much $$ for a simple piece of cut acrylic.

So I made my own.

I bought a sheet of 12"x24" black acrylic sheet that was 1/4" thick from Amazon. With Amazon prime it came out to be about $15 and arrived in two days. On to the pictures:

Pieces measured and cut

Test fit

Cutting the overflow teeth

The edges of the acrylic sheet were routered with an appropriate bit and then cemented with Weld-On 16.

Edges were then flame polished. FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE.

Water test. NO LEAKS

Final shot. I made it large enough to accompany both the AC 70's suction tube and also a heater.

Clowns' are happy, I'm happy.

 

[Goober]

Nicely done! That overflow box is a really good idea

 

[deefish714]

Great fix. love the craftsmanship.