Clownfish Care Guide: From Setup to Maintenance
1. Aquarium Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 60L (15 gallons) for a pair, with larger tanks recommended for community setups.
- Filtration: Use protein skimmers and biological filters (live rock/coral) to maintain water quality.
- Lighting: 8-10 hours of moderate lighting daily to support algae growth and mimic natural cycles.
2. Water Parameters
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025 (measured with a hydrometer).
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F), stabilized with a quartz heater.
- pH Levels: 8.0-8.4, adjusted using coral sand or sodium bicarbonate.
3. Feeding & Nutrition
- Diet: Offer small portions 3-4 times daily (e.g., chopped shrimp, spirulina pellets, or frozen mysis).
- Supplements: Enhance color with carotenoid-rich foods like krill.
4. Social & Environmental Tips
- Pairing: Introduce size-differentiated fish to avoid aggression; the largest individual will become female.
- Hiding Spots: Provide live rock structures or artificial anemones to reduce stress.
5. Common Pitfalls
- Avoid sudden water changes; replace 25% weekly with pre-mixed saltwater.
- Never mix with aggressive species like triggerfish or large angelfish.
6. Breeding Basics
- Eggs require darkness for incubation; fry need microscopic food (rotifers, baby brine shrimp).
Note: Regular monitoring of ammonia/nitrite levels is critical for long-term health.