Nemo and green bubble coral

bldblu_2 · 06-20-2006, 01:05 PM

Got a new bubble coral last week. I have had Nemo, maroon clown, for 5 years and he rules the tank. Nemo has never liked anything but he has taken a liking to my new bubble. The bubble opens almost all the way but with Nemo layin around in it I guess he can't open fully. Will this hurt the coral if it is only opening 75% daily? Thanks for input.

rickzter · 06-20-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bldblu_2

Got a new bubble coral last week. I have had Nemo, maroon clown, for 5 years and he rules the tank. Nemo has never liked anything but he has taken a liking to my new bubble. The bubble opens almost all the way but with Nemo layin around in it I guess he can't open fully. Will this hurt the coral if it is only opening 75% daily? Thanks for input.

I dont like it when clowns start to bother corals, because they honestly do.. bother corals. The maroon can harm it because they have a tendency to shove themselves hard into the host and/or rip tentacles or tissue they think is dead and not to mention the clown blocking needed light. That's the thing with maroon clowns, they will take to whatever. That's why I avoided getting one, they can truly bug the hell outta corals and will take to almost anything. While this behavior in clowns may be cute to new saltwater hobbiests, it is extremely annoying and unacceptable to experienced reefers because corals do come first for any reefer.

Reef Lover · 06-21-2006, 05:17 AM

You can break the bad habit. Tie something that will float with a string and tie it around the rock next to your coral. Your clown should show no interest now. After a few hours take it out, only if you see that the fish has shows no interest. If the clown goes next to it again put it back in for a few hours. But remember to always take it out after awhile.

Jason McKenzie · 06-21-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Lover

You can break the bad habit. Tie something that will float with a string and tie it around the rock next to your coral. Your clown should show no interest now. After a few hours take it out, only if you see that the fish has shows no interest. If the clown goes next to it again put it back in for a few hours. But remember to always take it out after awhile.

Very cool Idea. Never thought of that.
Would love to hear how that works out

J

bldblu_2 · 06-21-2006, 11:09 AM

Will try the float idea. Thanks!

bldblu_2 · 06-21-2006, 11:22 AM

Ok fishing bobber in at 2:15 and Nemo is NOT pleased

Will watch for a couple of hours and post back with what is happening.

rickzter · 06-21-2006, 12:12 PM

Cool idea. The clown might try to fight it though. Hum...

Brandon1023 · 06-21-2006, 11:26 PM

I am having the same problem with my GSM Clown. I am starting to think he was part of the demise of my plate, and now he is really lovin my hammer. I tried the floating thing mentioned here with a piece of wax and some fish line, and it didn't work one bit for me. He just cruised right back and started in on the hammer again. I think I will fish him out tomorrow and get a false perc (or 2) instead. He has been doing this from the beginning and like rickzter said, my corals definitely come first.

bldblu_2 · 06-22-2006, 05:13 AM

Well, the floater held Nemo off for a bit but then he was back in. I went out last night and got a bubble tip anemone and moved the bubble coral to another place hoping he won't find it for a bit. The anemone is still not sure where it wants to be but hopefully he will take hold this morning and I will see if Nemo will take to it.

Reef Lover · 06-22-2006, 07:08 AM

Try to use something of a bright color. Brandon1023 what color was the wax?
Bldblu 2 it can take up to a few days. Buying an anemone right away might not be a good idea because you clown might not take to it right away, and continue to like your coral. Once a clown finds a home the he likes a BTA might not work. As with any behavior modification with any animal it can take up to a few days. Don't give up, I did this when I had to trade my BTA because it out grew my tank, and my clown was not happy and took to another coral. Try different shapes and color of different items that float and not small items. Remember that you don't want the item to be attractive to the fish. You might want to also use food to help train it. I used 1 large fresh shrimp, it will last for a few days. Keep the float next to your coral. When ever your fish is not next to it maybe every hour to start, take a small bite size shrimp (very small, not to get full on) hold it in the water and hand feed you clown. Kind of a reward system.