Clown Behavior

[Ocky]

Please forgive me as I am new. I've gotten a lot of info from here and Wetweb. After 4 weeks of cycling, I have finally added 2 false percs, 2 snails, and 5 more lbs of rock. Levels are as follows:
ph 8.2, NO2 0.0, NO3 20 (was 0 this morning), Salinity..023, Temp 78, Ammonia=0

OK, so for 3 weeks I had a skiddish striped Damsel. He was removed and I got my first 2 clowns. They r truly a riot. Very active, and curious. They have appeared to be hungry (ie eating sub particles) and happy to see me. I'm sure the exciement comes from their experience at the LFS. I did feed them this evening with flake. They both went for the food voraciously, but spit it out every time. Is this a stress symptom, do they not like the food, or am I a hypochondriac. Thanks in advance.
-Ocky

[Reefland]

Hi Ocky, Welcome to Reefland!

Fish that are new and fed a different meal than what they have become adapted to, either at the LFS or distributor, they will commonly go after the food but spit it out as you described. You might try to see what they were eating at the LFS, you could try to feed them a mixed diet or you could keep feeding the flake that they would eventually take. Keep in mind however that a mixed diet is always good for fish; some soaked mysis, brine and flake would be good.

Scott Z.

[Ocky]

Hi Ocky, Welcome to Reefland!

Fish that are new and fed a different meal than what they have become adapted to, either at the LFS or distributor, they will commonly go after the food but spit it out as you described. You might try to see what they were eating at the LFS, you could try to feed them a mixed diet or you could keep feeding the flake that they would eventually take. Keep in mind however that a mixed diet is always good for fish; some soaked mysis, brine and flake would be good.

Scott Z.

OK, sounds like what I kinda expected. So here's another newbie question. Is there a preferred method to feeding the brine. How mcuh of a frozen piece do I shave, do I thaw it first, do I just put it in... I've read different things about the presentation, and am curious.
Thanks again.

[newellio]

I usually just drop it in. My clowns and other fish go right after the cube, which quickly dissolves and scatter the shrimp everywhere. kinda like a mini feeding frenzy