Help with a clown and nem tank

yanni · Feb 8, 2021

Hey everyone!

I need a bit of help choosing the correct tank size for my ocellaris clownfish.

I’ve got the options to pick between a 96Litre (25G US) and a 120L (31G US) tank. I’d normally always go the bigger sized tank, but I’ve found an amazing deal on some new preowned equipment which essentially halves my cost of initial setup.

Would two ocellaris clownfish, and one BTA, be okay in the smaller size tank? Or should I go for the bigger one, and forgo the cost saved? The money isn’t an issue in getting a bigger tank, but I don’t mind saving money where I can!
Hope this makes enough sense, thank you anyone who can help me out!

Dave1993 · Feb 8, 2021

go for whatever 1 you prefer clownfish recommend 20 gallon so you are fine with 25 the 31 gallon would obv be better

jradishness · Feb 8, 2021

If cost is not a limiting option, I’d get the largest size available. Chances are better than even that you’ll want to eventually upgrade, and it’s likely to happen soon, so save yourself that small regret now. Even though the difference isn’t much, it’ll compound by being helpful in multiple ways: more real estate means more scaping options, more space for the nem to move about and find an ideal location, more water volume for stability (a nem’s best friend).
I had a 13 for about a month before I started planning my 40, lol.

yanni · Feb 8, 2021

jradishness said:
If cost is not a limiting option, I’d get the largest size available. Chances are better than even that you’ll want to eventually upgrade, and it’s likely to happen soon, so save yourself that small regret now. Even though the difference isn’t much, it’ll compound by being helpful in multiple ways: more real estate means more scaping options, more space for the nem to move about and find an ideal location, more water volume for stability (a nem’s best friend).
I had a 13 for about a month before I started planning my 40, lol.

I’m pretty certain I won’t want to upgrade, but when I think about how much I love the ocean, as well as sea life, it’s pretty easy to see that I would want to upgrade haha. I’m only planning my tank and already it’s so addicting. I might go the bigger one, gives me much more wriggle room.

GoReefin · Feb 8, 2021

Bigger is always better. You'll want the more room later on.

Jekyl · Feb 8, 2021

Agreed. With a 25 gallon tank you'll have to be careful what you add with the clowns. They get territorial. Also keep in mind you should wait close to a year before adding a nem. Thats a long time to go without getting the itch to add more livestock.

yanni · Feb 8, 2021

Agreed. With a 25 gallon tank you'll have to be careful what you add with the clowns. They get territorial. Also keep in mind you should wait close to a year before adding a nem. Thats a long time to go without getting the itch to add more livestock.
Why do I have to wait so long for the nem?

yanni · Feb 8, 2021

Jekyl said:
Agreed. With a 25 gallon tank you'll have to be careful what you add with the clowns. They get territorial. Also keep in mind you should wait close to a year before adding a nem. Thats a long time to go without getting the itch to add more livestock.

Why do I have to wait so long for a nem?