False Percula female attacking Blue Chromis

[SirKnite]

I am new to the hobby and this question has probably been asked and answered before, but I just added three False Percula to a healthy group of seven Green Chromis (first fish group to populate tank). I also added two Anemones at the same time. The female Percula has been chasing the Chromis when they pass over the ‘adopted’ Anemone and one has a chunk out of his flank near the tail. Not sure he will make it. Another is missing altogether. No evidence of him in the tank. Thinking that maybe one of the Anemones got it?
So my question: is this to be expected and is there anything that you can recommend doing? According to all the books I have read so far, this group should be able to get along.

This is a 200 gal reef tank with excellent water conditions(Amonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0 PH 8.2 Sal. 1.021). 100 gal custom sump with skimmer. Feeding every two days.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Stan

 

[steve-s]

Welcome to the forum.

What species of anemone? Chromis will quite commonly hover within/around certain species as a means of protection, mostly LTA's (or similar). More than likely the two fish are competing for the same "realestate" so to speak in which the clown will have no second thoughts about showing who's the boss. Chromis are usually "hit & run" squablers and not often aggressive to the point of injury except within their own school.

You have a decent sized tank so the aggression should subside soon. The Chromis being the incumbant will feel put upon by the new additions but should be short lived unless you do not have enough claimable territory to separate them (ie.. LR and such). They will quickly learn the clowns mean business and steer clear.

How long have the Chromis been in the tank and what other fish do you have?

Cheers
Steve

 

[SirKnite]

Steve, thanks for the reply

The Anemones (2) which split from one, is Entacmaea Quadricolor (pink with green iridescent zooxanthellae. They have been moving around seeking there preference in my tank. Very interesting to see them move. One even flew about on the current in the tank with the Clown fish ridding along. Should have taken a picture but the tank lights were off.
At the present time these are the only fish in my tank. I plan to introduce more as the tank further is able to handle the bio-load.
Things seem settled down tonight when I got home. Hope it stays that way.
Check my pictures out. I plan to post some tonight. Got to reduce them in file size first.
Again, thanks for the feedback.
Stan

 

[NaH2O]

Stan - your tank is beautiful! I can't wait to see it come together and mature. I'm going to post a few of your gallery pics here. One thing I noticed about your water parameters, your specific gravity is a little on the low side for a reef tank (1.0255)

 

[SirKnite]

Salt Water (lol)
Thanks for the compliments and I will keep posting as things progress. Also thanks for the advice on the Salinitiy.. Your name suggests you know something about it ;-)

 

[johnehr]

Is anyone concerned with 3 clowns? Isnt there a good chance that two of them will pair and then harass the other (to death)?

Just another thing. I'm sure you know, but if you raise your salinity, do it over a few weeks or so. Your anemones will thank you.

Tank looks great. Cant wait until the coraline sets in. I really like the bright green algae that sets in before its replaced with purple coraline... Got a specific "theme" fish in mind, like a achillies tang, for your tank?

 

[NaH2O]

john - I have heard of others introducing 3 clowns to a tank, in the hopes that 2 will pair up, then remove the third. With this tank being 200 gallons, I'm not sure if there would be a problem, but it is definately something to watch for.

 

[SirKnite]

Hi all,
Thanks for the comments and the feedback. The three were already tankmates at the LFS and so we kept them together. The famale was/is already mated with one of the males and the second male gets along just fine (so far) even seems to get along with the Chromies' In fact last night much to my surprise the female and her mate were sleeping in their 'host' and the second male joined them and wasn't chased out. At least while I was watching...
No, as far as adding more I would welcome your feedback and comments. At this point the next major addition is a clean up crew (do you think it to soon?) and then perhaps a Yellow tang. I plan to add a respectable number of soft inverts over time as the tank will support them.

On the salinity thing, yes I will do it slowly. However most all of the fish I have been reading about prefer the salinity where I have it. So I am a bit confused why I should raise it above their recommended range?

Again thanks for the comments and the help!!
Stan

 

[NaH2O]

Invertebrates, such as the anemone, corals, and crustaceans do better at a salinity closer to their natural habitat. They will be less stressed, and you won't have significant losses. If the tank was going to be only fish, then I wouldn't be as concerned about your inhabitants, however, you have an anemone and plan to add other invertebrates. Here is an article for you: Reef Aquarium Water Parameters.

Hope this helps!

 

[SirKnite]

Nikki,
Great article. Thanks very much. Seems to have the entire subject of water quality covered. I especially appreciated the fact that monitoring Nitrites in an established tank is probably a waste...

One question remains. How fast I.E. should I raise SG over time. Should I raise the salinity. Say .1 every what, hour? or day? etc. to get to the target 1.0255

Thanks!
Stan

 

[NaH2O]

Stan - here is a calculator for you: Salinity Adjustment Calculator. You have to use the salinity and not specific gravity values, or else you will get funky results. Also, are you measuring using a refractometer or a hydrometer?

Here is a post about it: Single Post - Raising Salinity

Hope this helps!

 

[SirKnite]

Nikki,

Refractometer...