How Long?

[JarJarBlinks]

Hi,

I recently added my first two fish into my established tank, a firefish and a clown. They came from a reputible source, they looked healthy and they ate. The firefish came out after probably 3 hours after being released. But I havent seen the clown since I released it, last monday night. When should I assume its dead, and start looking to get another?

Steve

PS: I was going to get a pair, but this one was the only one they had left.

 

[Expos Forever]

How big is your tank? Did you QT your fish?Have you tested your water parameters? Do you have anything in your tank that could dispose of a clownfish quicky(hermits,brittles,etc...)? All this info is important to provide an educated response.(I'd worry more about a missing fish in a 20 gallon than a 500 gallon for example) I would be cautious about adding anything right away,until you are sure water params are ok. If your missing clownfish has ,in fact, died decomposition could cause an ammonia spike threatening any new arrivals.

 

[JarJarBlinks]

Nothing that i am aware of could have decomposed the fish. There were a few peppermint shrimp in there over the summer, but I think there could possibly be one in there, even though i havent seen it in 3 months +.
Its a 45 gallon tank, with 50 lbs of Lr, and there seems to be no spikes and everything that was in there is happy. Even a few unidentified creatures have recently reproduced.

 

[Expos Forever]

A clownfish missing in a 50 gallon for a week is not a good sign... You can very likely assume he's dead. Not knowing your stocking levels, and if your params are still good, it would be safe to add another clown or the pair (try to introduce both at the same time if you plan on getting a pair. ) What kind of "creatures" do you have reproducing? I find feeding time time the best time to observe my fish and tank for signs of stress or sickness.