The clownfish ( Amphiprion ocellaris ) is a small tropical fish that stands out for its bright orange color. Made popular by the movie ‘Finding Nemo’, this fish enjoys hiding in sea anemones. If you are thinking of buying a clownfish, you should know that it is a serious commitment. These fish (like most tropical fish) require a lot of care, although they are usually quite hardy. Therefore, you will have to inform yourself before making a decision.
Check that the fish tank has no defects
A suitable fish tank should be airtight and completely level. Therefore, you should check that the tank is in good condition and has no imperfections. Look for leaks in the tank by filling it a third of its capacity, ideally in a safe place for water like the shower or the garden. Then dry the outside of the tank with a towel and wait about an hour. If you find water droplets in the corners or puddles at the bottom, it is best to return the tank and ask for a refund.
You will also need to check the level of the tank. To do this, add a little water and mark the line on each side, checking if the two lines are at the same level or differ.
Put in a good filtration system
A good filtration system is essential for any aquarium, especially for the little ones. Unlike the ocean, there is nowhere in an aquarium for biological waste to go. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate them through a filter so that they do not accumulate and harm the fish.
Next, you will need to add marine substrate to decorate the aquarium. There are numerous special substrates, such as live sand or aragonite that are ideal for the tank. If you are using air diffusion stones (decorative stones that create bubbles and circulate the water), rinse them and add them to the bottom of the tank now.
Put many hiding places
Clownfish like to spend most of their time hiding among anemones and rocky reef crevices, so you should add lots of rocks, plants, and artificial reefs to your fish tank. You will need to rinse the decoration before adding it to the aquarium.
Also, although clownfish enjoy anemones in the wild, you don’t need to include them in your fish tank, as they are more difficult to care for than the fish themselves. With plants and rocks it should be more than enough.
Fill the fish tank and add sea salt
If your aquarium is in good condition and you have carried out all the previous steps, you will have to fill it with water to the top. Finally, you will need to add enough sea salt to produce a specific gravity and proper salinity level.
At this point, your aquarium will be ready to go, so you can introduce your clownfish to its new home and start taking care of it.
