Clownfish breeding project

[Dsnakes]

I am setting up a simple clownfish breeding project. It will consist of a 20 gallon long with a divider in the middle to house 2 pairs. This will be plumbed to a 10 gallon sump to hold equipment. This will be my first attempt to drill and plumb a tank. I've got a few pieces so far and I'll post more as I get them any advice/critiques welcomed!

(I'll announce the variety and show off my pairs when they arrive )

 

[Dsnakes]

Still need ....
10 gallon for my sump kit.
RTV 108 for installing baffles, divider, and overflow is on order.
Plumbing parts.
Skimmer to fit the small sump.
Flower pot for each pair.
Siporax for biofilter is on order.

Any lighting suggestions? Something cheap with moonlight programmed.

 

[Dsnakes]

Only items left to purchase...

Light setup
Skimmer
10 gallon tank
Flower pots
Plumbing parts

 

[Tahoe61]

Love the stand. What type of clowns are you going to get? Are you buying bonded or breeding pairs?

 

[Dsnakes]

Love the stand. What type of clowns are you going to get? Are you buying bonded or breeding pairs?

Thanks! It was my first attempt to try and make a nice looking one as opposed to my usual uglies! I ordered 2 bonded pairs of Black Leopards from Pieces of the Ocean. I'm so excited! This is my first attempt at all of this.

 

[gar732]

No need to go crazy with the lights. All you need to do is illuminate the tank. Save your money and buy something used and inexpensive. It's fun to whatch them grow and develop from tiny specs to something resembling a clown. There is a learning curve so don't get discouraged if it take a few clutches before you figure things out. Just remember water quality for your fry is paramount, most of the defects you see are caused from poor water quality.

 

[Tahoe61]

Thanks! It was my first attempt to try and make a nice looking one as opposed to my usual uglies! I ordered 2 bonded pairs of Black Leopards from Pieces of the Ocean. I'm so excited! This is my first attempt at all of this.

Well DANG, those are sweet, I am seriously jealous.
I just set up a tank to breed Lightings so I will definitely be following.

 

[leahfiish]

Following along!
For lighting some t5 fixtures have built in moonlights or I bet you could find a cheap led on craigslist.

 

[gar732]

Those black leopards are nice. I'm trying to downsizing my broodstock but still I was tempted when I saw them. Can't wait to see pics.

 

[Dsnakes]

No need to go crazy with the lights. All you need to do is illuminate the tank. Save your money and buy something used and inexpensive. It's fun to whatch them grow and develop from tiny specs to something resembling a clown. There is a learning curve so don't get discouraged if it take a few clutches before you figure things out. Just remember water quality for your fry is paramount, most of the defects you see are caused from poor water quality.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to it. Ill keep my eyes out for a used light. Is the moonlight important for breeding? I figured it may help.

Those black leopards are nice. I'm trying to downsizing my broodstock but still I was tempted when I saw them. Can't wait to see pics.

I can't wait to receive them! I saw them and instinct took over. Next thing I knew, I had a project on my hands.

 

[leahfiish]

I'm not sure if moonlight is important, it might depend on the quality and how well it replicates the natural moon cycles, but I haven't really done any research into it.

 

[Dsnakes]

Well DANG, those are sweet, I am seriously jealous.
I just set up a tank to breed Lightings so I will definitely be following.

Have you bred clowns before? What size tank are you using?

 

[WesleyC]

I've read somewhere that if they get a replicate of the actual moon cycle, it would help. But my pair never had the moon cycle and they mated and layeggs like clock work. I know quite a few old timers with stable tanks and just normal lighting and their fish spawn all the time as well. So, I really not sure how important the moonlight is.

Again, like other mentioned, minimal lighting for the fish is good enough.

 

[leahfiish]

Yeah I'm pretty sure people were breeding Clownfish before fancy moonlights became a thing, but it might still help somehow. Who knows?

 

[WesleyC]

Have you bred clowns before? What size tank are you using?

I always use 10g tank since they are cheap. I moved my pair to a 10g after they started spawning consistently like clock work. It was easier for me to collect the flies.

For the larvae tank, before they are 3-4 weeks old, I also use 10g tanks. One 10g for each batch. It didn't take long to fill up my entire garage with 10g tanks. lol

 

[Dsnakes]

Thank you everyone for the advice so far! I will keep you updated on the progress!

 

[gar732]

Moon lights are completely unnecessary. Higher temps, lower salinity, longer light cycle, and most importantly heavy feeding will get you clowns breeding. My advice is read every thread you find, taking a little from each and figure out what works for you.

 

[WesleyC]

Good call! I kept my entire system at 82F and 1.022. I don't think lower salinity was suggested, but I was just being cheap and used less salt.

 

[Dsnakes]

So I cannot source a simple 10 gallon tank locally that fits my sump kit I purchased...am I asking for major trouble if I install the baffles at an angle? I'm not sure what effect that will have on water flow if any.

Or should I just run the sump as an empty tank underneath with no baffles. Just Filter sock, skimmer, heater, ATO, and return? Will I have any issues doing this?

I suppose the main concern will be can I keep the water level sufficient for skimmer, heater, and return to opporate properly.

 

[Dsnakes]

Is this a terrible idea and asking for trouble?