How to Care for Clown Fish Aquariums

Clown fish got a huge popularity boost from the movie "Finding Nemo."

Clown fish, the stars of the movie "Finding Nemo," are a popular choice for saltwater fish aquariums. The small to medium species need at least a 20 gallon tank, while the larger species of clown fish need a 30 gallon tank with proper filtration. Although it lives among anemone in the wild, it will survive just fine in an aquarium filled with rocks and plants where it can occasionally hide.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Fish food
• Strip test or hydrometer
• De-chlorinated fresh water
• Algae scrubber
• Commercial salt mix

Instructions

1. Set the water heater to between 72 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for a clown fish. Regulate the water temperature with a thermometer.

2. Feed clown fish a varied diet of frozen, live and flake foods once a day. These fish like krill, mysis shrimp, algae, plankton and a variety of other foods. Crush and divide the food into small pieces and feed each fish individually, piece by piece, until the fish rejects the food or spits it out.

3. Test the water salinity once or twice a week with a simple strip test or with a hydrometer. The salinity must be between 1.020 and 1.026 for clown fish to thrive. Add more salt water or de-chlorinated fresh water as needed.

4. Unplug the tank and drain 10 to 25 percent of the water every two weeks. Clean the tank while the water is depleted with an algae scrubber. Replace the water with a new batch of salt water. If the filter becomes dirty, pull it out of the tank and rinse it under running water until all the debris clears. Shake the water out of the filter and allow it to dry before inserting it back in the tank.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a new batch of salt water by mixing de-chlorinated, filtered water with a commercial salt mix. Allow the mix to sit for a few hours until it is about the same temperature as the tank water and add it slowly to the tank.

• Check daily that the filtration system and circulation pumps are working by listening for a constant hum. If they are not working, the tank will begin to cloud and the clown fish could become stressed.

References

• Petco Care Sheet: Clownfish
• Animal World: Clownfish
• Marine Aquarium Society of America: Keeping Clown Fish