Do we really need a protein skimmer?

dlee9707 · 02-14-2007, 09:27 AM

For a 10 gallon tank with 1 clown fish and a few peices of LR, do i really need a protein skimmer doing 50% water changes every week?

dlee9707 · 02-14-2007, 09:38 AM

Also, if i got 2 clownfish would they mate in a 10 gallon tank? Can i do 2 in there?

phils514 · 02-14-2007, 09:59 AM

for a 10 gallon tank with 50% water change every week, i'd say you dont need it, but it will help. as for having 2 clowns i think its ok as long as you watch your water parameters. there is a big possibility that they will mate.

rayjay · 02-14-2007, 01:43 PM

No, not needed!

Tommy Gun · 02-15-2007, 07:22 PM

I agree dlee, not needed really. Might be able to get clowns to breed in that tank, but my understanding is that it takes a long time before they get that far and then there is a semi-strict method to follow with the eggs and eventual fry. I think you would need another tank, probrably just another 10 gallon though. No filter needed though I think...going off memory here which is not always my strong suit

rayjay · 02-15-2007, 08:44 PM

You may have a battle on your hands with two clowns in that size of tank, unless they are already a mated pair.
Two clowns don't get along together but three is better, although not in a ten gallon. Several hobbyists around here put 5 or 6 together in a tank and waited for two to pair up, then removed the others.
As for information on breeding clownfish, see this months Advanced Aquarist Online Magazine.
Aquarium Fish: Reproduction and rearing of ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) in captivity