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Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:18 am
by tastyflavours
My clownfish won't host my Bubble Tip Anemone. It's been three weeks, and they just ignore it. Tank is a 40-gallon with stable params, 78F, salinity at 1.025. Any tips to encourage them?
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:18 am
by dawny
Sometimes it takes a while. Mine ignored theirs for a month before finally cuddling up. Try feeding near the anemone to lure them closer. What's your lighting schedule like?
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:56 am
by northoak
Yo, clownfish can be picky little divas. Try dimming the lights a bit, or even moving the anemone higher in the tank. Mine went nuts for it after I shifted things around. Also, what kinda flow you got in there?
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 9:11 am
by fin_tastic
northoak wrote: ↑Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:56 am
Yo, clownfish can be picky little divas. Try dimming the lights a bit, or even moving the anemone higher in the tank. Mine went nuts for it after I shifted things around. Also, what kinda flow you got in there?
Agreed on the flow. Anemones prefer moderate movement. If it's too still or too chaotic, the clowns might avoid it. What's your current setup?
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 9:20 am
by stellaBay
Mine took forever to host too. I read somewhere that playing a video of clownfish hosting an anemone near the tank can help. Sounds weird, but it worked for me after a few days.
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 10:46 am
by otterfly
Lol, clownfish are such drama queens. Mine pretended the anemone didn't exist until I added a fake plastic one. Then they got jealous and claimed the real deal. Maybe try reverse psychology?
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 11:57 am
by brookline
I've heard adding a second clownfish can sometimes kickstart the hosting behavior. They're more likely to explore together. Just make sure your tank can handle the bioload.
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:32 pm
by fruitblast
My clownfish just swims in circles. No idea what's up with that. Maybe yours are just broken too.
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:53 pm
by tastyflavours
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try adjusting the flow and maybe the lighting. Appreciate the help!
Re: Anemone hosting clownfish issues
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 4:49 pm
by dawny
tastyflavours wrote: ↑Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:53 pm
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try adjusting the flow and maybe the lighting. Appreciate the help!
Keep us posted! It's always cool to hear what finally works.