Last year, I was in my hometown for holidays. While walking with my brother, I came upon a horrifying, horrible sight. It was not an accident. It was the local fish shop.
Yes, your local fish shop.
The signboard is large and features a photo showing a clownfish inside a 1-gallon deco set. It also has the words “Take Nemo home only $80” in big letters.
Oh, the horror.
Our Nemos loved and knew were meant to live in beautiful seas and forage among vibrantly colored coral reefs. We can’t keep them in glass tanks all their lives.
My LFS pulled this marketing gimmick, which may make you a quick buck or give you instant satisfaction to your impulsion. But the fish will suffer.
Let’s cut to the chase: What is the ideal size clownfish tank?
They are supposed to live in little bowls in the corner of the study. No!
Continue reading to learn why.
What Is The Minimum Recommended Clownfish Tank Size?
According to experienced fishkeepers’ recommendations, the minimum clownfish tank size should be 20 gallons. You should add 10-15 gallons for each additional clownfish.
This is because you assume that you are keeping only clownfish in your tank and not any other creatures or items.
Practically, however, the answer to this question is dependent on many factors such as the number of fish in the tank (their temperament too), invertebrates and corals.
All of my blogs about fish and tank sizes include a section where I collect real answers from hobbyists who have posted on various forums and threads.
My goal is to let you know what other fishkeepers think about the subject and help you make informed decisions.
It was interesting that I received mixed reactions this time as I searched from one forum to the next for information about keeping clownfish smaller than 20 gallons in tanks.
Although some discourage keeping them in smaller tanks than 20 gallons of water, many hobbyists claimed that they have kept clownfish in smaller tanks without any problems.
Personally, I still believe that the minimum tank size for these tangerine-fish is 20 gallons. I believe that clownfish kept in 5- or 10-gallon tanks are referring to smaller species such as ocellaris or percula.
It’s only right that I include responses from both sides. You can decide what to do with the rest.
Clownfish Tank Size: Big Tank Advocates
Disclaimer: All answers below are the property of the respective authors.
For a small couple, 10 gallons is sufficient. That’s all. Ocellaris fully grown can grow to almost 3.5 inches in length. A 10-gallon tank would be too small strong>
“The minimum size tank for a clownfish in the long-term is 20 gallons,”
It’s possible, even though I’m going to refuse. For a brief period strong, two baby clownfish or an anemone may be kept in a 5-gallon aquarium strong.
20 gallons is the minimum size tank you need to house a pair of clown species, such as percula, ocellaris and pink skunk, with or without anemone. You’d need a 40 gallon breeder for larger species such as clarkii or maroon.
A 20-gallon tank is better, but a 10 gallon tank should work fine for the first year, if they are small.
“Maybe the long type too.” Perhaps the long text is too .”
“If you are putting a clown into a 5-gallon tank with plans to upgrade in the future, then I don’t see anything wrong in that.”
Clownfish Tank Size: Small Tank Advocates
Disclaimer: All answers below are the property of the respective authors.
“I have two adult clownfish in my 10-gallon tank. They are perfectly healthy and happy. Every 2 weeks, I have water changes .”
“Any fish in a well-maintained 10-gallon tank would be happier than in a poorly maintained 100-gallon aquarium.”
According to my observations, the clown in my 5-gallon tank seems happy and healthy. However, I make sure the water is always in top shape strong>
“I kept two occy clowns in my ten-gallon tank. That tank was quite full. That’s how small the clowns are strong>
I have a fully-grown pair black and white ocellaris clownfish living in my 12-gallon Nanocube.
There you have it. These are two schools of thought. You’ll know which side of the fence I am on.
If you don’t, the next segment will.
The Risks Of Putting Clownfish In A Small Tank
The minimum tank size recommended for clownfish is 20 Gallons. I’ve said it a million times. The fish will live a miserable life in tanks that are smaller than this. It will become more susceptible to stress, disease, stunted development, and eventually, a shorter lifespan.
If kept in good conditions, clownfish can live up to ten years. They require a commitment for a long time. It’s better to buy a large tank from the beginning than to upgrade every year.
Below are some points that will highlight the dangers associated with keeping clownfish small tanks.
Small Tanks Are Prone To Pollution And Sudden Changes
It is a common misconception that small tanks can be difficult to maintain. However, appearances can be deceiving. In fact, small tanks can be stacked by many folds in comparison to large tanks.
A small amount of uncooked food can quickly increase the ammonia level in a small tank, while it can cause serious problems in large tanks.
The worst thing about small tanks is the speed at which problems can arise and often lead to death before you can fix them. A slight shift in one corner can have an immediate impact on the entire tank.
It is due to the low volume of water.
We can conclude that a small aquarium will keep you on your toes. It is important to keep an eye on the water parameters at all times.
Small Tanks Can Stunt Your Clownfish’s Growth
To inhibit the growth of other fish, most fish release certain pheromones. This is likely to have something to do the survival of the fittest.
This isn’t a big problem in nature. All the pheromones disappear with one big swoosh.
It would, however, be a problem in closed systems like tanks. Because the pheromones are absorbed directly into the fish’s bodies, there is no other way for them to travel. It can also cause stunted growth.
Let’s not forget about muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is a condition in which a fish can’t swim or move its muscles enough to grow.
Small Tanks Give Rise To Stress And Disease
Your clownfish will be stressed if you have a small tank. These fish are territorial and can be very territorial. Insufficient space can lead to increased animosity between those who get which spot.
The water parameters are highly volatile and prone to contamination. This will stress the fish.
Your clownfish’s body reacts to stress by producing an excess of cortisol, a stress hormone, which is linked to decreased appetite and lethargy.
Stress also inhibits white blood cell production in fish, thereby directly impairing its immune system.
Clownfish And Anemone Tank Setup
Clownfish are easier to raise anemones than anemones. Anemones are more difficult to raise than clownfish. However, if you do intend to raise anemones in the future, your tank should be designed keeping anemones’ needs in mind.
Clownfish can be kept in tanks as small as 10 to 20 gallons. However, to raise anemones, you will need at least 50 gallons.
Even though clownfish can thrive under normal lighting, anemones need high-output light like metal halides.
Frequently Asked Question
Before we close this article, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about clownfish.
Can A Clownfish Live In A 2-Gallon Tank?
A 2-gallon tank is too small for a clownfish. Clownfish can live in 2 gallons. For a single clown, I recommend at least 20 gallons. For each additional clown, add 10 gallons.
Can I Keep A Clownfish In A 5-Gallon Tank?
You can’t keep clownfish inside a 5-gallon aquarium. However, it is possible to temporarily keep one clownfish in a 5-gallon container while they are small. But eventually, the tank will need to be larger.
How Many Clownfish In A 10-Gallon Tank?
I recommend that a single clownfish be kept in 20 gallons. However, you will see from the comments below that people have raised one or two clownfishes in 10-gallon tanks.
However, I strongly recommend getting a larger tank.
How Many Clownfish In A 20-Gallon Tank?
You can keep 1 clownfish in a 20-gallon tank. If you really want to push it, you can keep one clownfish in a 20-gallon tank.
Clownfish Tank Mates: The Best Picks
The best anemones to keep clownfish tanks stocked: magnificent and leathery sea anemones, bubble tip anemones, and bubble tip anemones.
The best fish and shrimps to use in a clownfish tank are gobies and blennies.
Clownfish Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?
A clownfish can live up to a decent life span in a captivity. A clownfish can live between 3 and 10 years . Many hobbyists report that their clownfish have lived more than two decades.
Final Words: What’s The Ideal Clownfish Tank Size?
My ideal tank size to house a single clownfish would be 20 gallons. These fish are very territorial and aggressive, despite being small. They will live in cramped tanks and have a difficult life.
Small tanks are more difficult to maintain than large ones. It’s better to get a large tank. This will make your life easier and make your clowns happy.