Question About My Clown Fish

[Sea Turtle]

Is it possible that some types of clown fish can't handle high (reef) currents. My clown fish is having such a hard time swiming in the current. As soon as I turn off the flow he is cool. Once I put it back on, he is strugling. He is a true purcula clown fish. I currently have about 2300gph total in the tank. Also, if you haven't read already, the jerk at my LFS store dropped this littel guy on the floor twice when I bought him. Maybe that could have something to do with it. Just a thought though. Any comments???

75gal reef tank
1200gph Koralia
900gph return pump
80lbs live rock

 

[Lynden]

Well, you do have more than enough flow. You may want to build rocky walls to isolate areas of low flow, not just for the clowns but also for any LPS or softies you plan to get. However, as far as the clown goes, he or she will be able to adapt in time, even growing more muscular. This happens often with my fish.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Do you think that this level of water flow is too much for softies? I do have a Xenia that seems to be doing well. Will I have problems with other though?

 

[Colin_T]

Clowns usually come from areas with anemones and aren't normally found in extremely strong currents. But as mentioned they should adapt. It is highly possible the fish was damaged when it hit the floor. If you buy a fish and it gets dropped do not take it. Get another one or make sure the shop is willing to replace the fish if it doesn't do well over the following week after you bought it.

As long as the outlet from the water pumps isn’t blowing directly onto the corals they should be fine.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better. I will surely keep my eye on him over the next week to see if he improves.

Thanks.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Now he is lying on the bottom of the tank for a couple of minutes and then swims up and down. Could he be resting?

 

[Colin_T]

clownfish don't normally rest on the bottom but if it doesn't have anywhere else to sleep it might sleep on the bottom. Normally they prefer to sleep in among the tentacles of an anemone or coral. If that isn't possible they usually hide under a rocky ledge.
Has the fish started to eat yet?

 

[Sea Turtle]

clownfish don't normally rest on the bottom but if it doesn't have anywhere else to sleep it might sleep on the bottom. Normally they prefer to sleep in among the tentacles of an anemone or coral. If that isn't possible they usually hide under a rocky ledge.
Has the fish started to eat yet?

Thanks for all the help. Unfortuannlty the little guy passed away yesturday. The fall on the floor at the LFS must have really hurt him. The guy at the store gave me credit and I purchased a pair. They really seem to be enjoying their new home.