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Sleepy clownfish?

1K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  GNR1985 
#1 ·
Hi i have a pair of false percula clowns and the male is acting weird. Usually every morning I turn the light on, and I see the two of them swimming along the surface sideways in one spot against the filter current. They've always done this, and usually stop within a minute after the light goes on and start moving around the tank as normal. The male seems to be stuck in this trance though... he's been doing it for almost an hour. He's responsive, doesnt appear to be ill... But should I be concerned?
 
#2 ·
The first question i need to ask is what size is the tank? From there I also need to ask what other fish are in this tank, what type of filtration is being used, how many power heads and how are these things positioned in the tank? (a clear photo would be a big help) Please list water params for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and calcium.

Do you have any type of wave maker on this tank? If so is it on a timer? How much live rock is in this tank? Corals? Feeding schedule? What type of lighting is on this tank? Moonlight? Lighting schedule? Do you notice a temperature change when the light is on vs off?

All of these things can contribute to the symptoms you describe but it doesn't sound as if your dealing with an illness. This sounds stress related, and stress can cause illness, so this should be sorted out as soon as possible. The answers to the questions above should lead us in the right direction and help identify a safe solution.
 
#3 ·
40 gallon tank, the 2 clowns and a snowflake eel (they hardly ever interact), basic canister filter (no carbon), I don't know what a power head is. I did a water change a few days ago, got it tested, I don't have exact numbers but it all tested perfect. Which leads me to another question: Should I be checking calcium even though I have no corals?

I do not have a wave maker, probobly about 6 pounds of rock at the moment (going to add more), no coral, not sure what kind of light but I can add a picture to the aquariums' page. Goes on about 10am and off at 9pm. Usually I give it a 2 hour break during the day. Temp stays at a steady 76.

He actually seems to be more active, better than ever actually. He's being adventurous, going strait up to the eel's home, following around his partner. Maybe he just had a bad morning... However, through personal experience, fish can be doing fantastic one day then be ill the next.

Thank you for the help, I'll keep a close watch on him and will post something if he does it again.
 
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