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clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:52 pm
by korali
My clownfish won't stop hosting my powerhead. It's a pair of Ocellaris in a 40 gallon tank with live rock and soft corals. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. They've been doing this for weeks and ignore the anemone I added for them. Anyone else deal with this?
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 8:05 pm
by tiderun
Yeah, clownfish can be weird like that. I've had mine host a thermometer before. Try moving the powerhead to a different spot or adjusting the flow. Sometimes they just need a nudge to find the anemone. What kind of anemone did you add?
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 10:04 pm
by southoak
korali wrote: ↑Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:52 pm
My clownfish won't stop hosting my powerhead. It's a pair of Ocellaris in a 40 gallon tank with live rock and soft corals. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. They've been doing this for weeks and ignore the anemone I added for them. Anyone else deal with this?
I've seen this happen a lot. Sometimes it's just a phase. If the anemone is healthy and the clowns are eating well, they'll probably switch eventually. What's your lighting schedule like?
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 11:57 pm
by fluxion8
Mine did the same thing for months. I tried everything, even moving the powerhead, but they just wouldn't budge. Then one day they switched to the anemone out of nowhere. Clownfish are weirdos.
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 12:18 am
by Kairos9
It's all about the flow. Clowns like a gentle sway, so if the powerhead is too strong, they might avoid the anemone. Try dialing it back or adding a wave maker for more natural movement. Also, what's the temp in your tank?
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 12:42 am
by korali
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try adjusting the flow and see if that helps. The anemone is a Bubble Tip, and the tank stays around 78 degrees. Lighting is on for 10 hours a day with a gradual ramp.
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 1:22 am
by florapin
Clowns are so stubborn sometimes. My pair took almost a year to host their anemone. Just keep the conditions stable, and they'll come around. Patience is key with these little guys.
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 1:56 am
by tiderun
Kairos9 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 26, 2025 12:18 am
It's all about the flow. Clowns like a gentle sway, so if the powerhead is too strong, they might avoid the anemone. Try dialing it back or adding a wave maker for more natural movement. Also, what's the temp in your tank?
Totally agree on the flow. I've had better luck with wave makers than powerheads for clowns. They seem to prefer the more natural motion. How old is your anemone?
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 2:13 am
by skeletal
Maybe your clownfish just really loves the powerhead. Who are we to judge? Let them live their best life. But seriously, if they're happy and healthy, I wouldn't stress too much.
Re: clownfish hosting my powerhead again
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 2:44 am
by harvest
Mine never hosted anything. Just swam around like they owned the place. Sometimes clowns just do their own thing.