His Wife Died...

my husband bought a already mated pair of beautiful clown fish, we've had them for about 2 weeks now and I noticed the one hanging out more to the back of the tank towards the bottom, kinda like when they sleep, this morning she (it) died. The other clown I think is looking for her. Will he be alright alone should I buy a single one for him or will he not accept it? Not sure what to do, but he looks lonely...all tests are perfect, nitrate a little high but it's been at about 30 since we added new live rock quite awhile ago. I really want to get him a friend...should I?

 

awww that's sad. the remaining one will be ok alone, but if you want another one, and since the one left is looking for the dead one, you might want to go ahead and get one and see if they pair up.

 

I had 3 a long time ago before my husband killed everything by adding 70 lbs. of live rock at once, and I waited so long before I asked him to but me a pair, these last 2 cost $100 for the pair! But I don't even care about, I just want a couple little nemo's! Do you think maybe an anemone? The LFS said they take to those, but we already have one & they don't go near it, maybe a new one? Or should i just but him a little friend? I'm so scared now, sorry if I re-asked a question or 2...but I need advice...thank's to all who answer me

 

I'd get another one. You already know the one left knows how to pair up. Did you acclimate the clowns before putting them in? how long or did you just do temp? what are your parameters? try to figure out why that one died before you put another in. It may just save a fishie life!

 

+1 figure out why the one died before adding another.

Try posting all of your parameters ("they are perfect" doesn't really tell us anything) and we'll try to help figure out what happened.

 

Wow, what kind of clowns? Black onyx?

 

Yeah, there is a thread about a picture trick for getting clowns to host. At any rate, are they wild caught clowns? If they are, I'd maybe try aquacultered clowns, they are a little more hardy. What other fish are in the tank?

 

ok, I don't know all the pH (lingo) but i do know the name on the card I test with, and I test often. Theres 4 test tubes, the 1st one is Ammonia, that is at 0 on the card & color chart is exactly correct to the color in the test tube. The High Range which I believe is the pH is always at the 8.2 - 8.4 range and at the correct color according to the chart. The Nitrite is at 0 also where the card say's it should be. And the "Nitrate" is at 20 to 30, which I know is a high, but it's been at that since we added the LR months ago. I just called my husband for the last 2 things Temp is at 77 & is always, and Salinity is at 1.021 which he says is a little lower than normal (he takes care of that) The receipt say's Percula Clownfish, I googled him & he looks like a "False" Percula, the True has alot more black between the orange & white, our's just has a real thin black seperating the colors. All the other fish are fine...foxface, 2 poly jaw, bi-colored wrass, 3 Chromis, bi-colored angel, 1 Coral Beauty, 1 Anemone, 4 shrimp, 1 Scallop... and 1 lonely Clown

 

Isn't there a size issue when adding new clowns?? Forgive me if I'm wrong dont you want to make sure the next one is smaller than the one in there already?? How would you make sure they dont fight to the death exp if its the same kind of clown..

Sorry im trying to answer a question with a question. 50JC

 

that's quite alright, my husband called the LFS & they said if you get another for him (or her) make sure it's a bit smaller. Our's is good size, about 1&1/2 inches. I was also wondering about him not liking another too. How do you think my test's are. They seem to be where the test cards say they should be...