[David]

Hi kids, I'm reefed out for the time being, have a three tank 200 gal system with all sorts of hi-tech gear, very happy with it but I want to try my hand at some clownfish breeding and need some FO advice. Back to basics please. I have some empty 20 and 37 gal tanks I'd like to set up for one pair each of clowns, pretty low load. Are skimmers standard equip now even for fish tanks or will good old power filters do the job? NO lighting should be OK, right? I want to keep this as simple as possible but do want to ensure a healthy environment suitable to breeding activities. Any suggestions? As always, TIA.

[naser]

ive got a 40 tall for my pair of clowns. i to have a reef that is high maintenance. my clown tank goes like this. one hang on filter. cpr backpak. heater in the bakpak. and two 18watt NO lights. not much. i clean the filter once a month and replace carbon. and clean skimmer cup as needed.

[Bughead]

My 40 gal has one maroon clown--I'm still waiting on a baby maroon to introduce as her husband, and a small pajama clown.

I have 2 mini Penguin filters, minus wheels, 2 small Maxi-jet power heads, heater, Prizm skimmer and NO lights. The reason for all the above is there's only a 2" sandbed and about 30 pounds LR, some grape and feather caulerpa.

I do have a bit of an algae problem, but the water params stay pristine, with nitrates at 7ppm.

If I had a deeper sandbed, I could probably go skimmerless.

[David]

naser- you don't say if clowns are breeding. Is that your intent? If so please tell me what type you have, since we are both in same area no point in flooding market should we both be successful. I was thinking of one pair Tomatoes and one pair Clarki's. What got me started is that the ocellaris in my reef are spawning (I think).

You are both using skimmers...hmmmm..... I was hoping to avoid the expense. Anyone else have an opinion? Thanks...

[tendar]

I have a 26 ong set up with a pair of percs 20lbs of live rock and a prism skimmer with a single no bulb.