Clown Breeding Question

[Shark Bait]

I'm trying to breed a pair of True Percs and I have a question. First let me give you a run down on my set up...

My clowns are housed in a 38 gallon tall with about 40 lbs of LR and currently have a LTA with them. I have a hang on CPR Bac Pac Skimmer and a Mak 4 with a SCWD for circulation. For lighting I have a 175 watt MH 10,000K with 2 65 watt atinics running about 8 hours during the night.

Question: My LTA is not doing good so I need to remove him, will my clown have a harder time breeding without him?

I have checked all my levels and they are perfect.
PH 8.2
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Ammonia 0
Temp 78
Salin 1.023
Alk 8.2
Calcium 380 (I know a touch low)

 

[steve-s]

If there are no other fish housed with the clowns it shouldn't be an issue. Their "willingness" if you will to breed is improved greatly when they feel unthreatend and secure in their surroundings. The species of tank mate will make a difference as well if any. Without the anemone, just be sure there is a type of cave near to where they currently inhabit or create one. Anything they can easily "defend" will usually work. It would also be much easier on you if the intended egg laying surface was removable. You will need to transfer the young to a spereate tank for rearing. If not, you will be up late at night with a net and a flashlight.

Also be sure you have a good batch of Rotifers going close to the hatch date (7-10 days after fertilization). That's about all they'll eat until they get larger. You may also need to section off the rearing tank as they grow. Some will develope faster than others and may eat the smaller growing siblings.

On another note, what's ailing the LTA?

Cheers
Steve

 

[Elmo18]

Question: My LTA is not doing good so I need to remove him, will my clown have a harder time breeding without him?

The answer is no. However, clownfish are susceptible to change and they recognize change around their surroundings. If you move even a coral near them or a piece of rock, some will go berserk and wonder where things have gone. Likewise, if you move your anemone they will look for it, but will adapt.

So they may find something else to host or look for a cave in a rock. Depends on individual clowns.

But clownfish do not need anemones in our tanks, and anemones do not need clownfish.

- Elmo