clownfish hosting pains

[R33F FeTiSh]

So I have some Palys that I think are darth mahls. My clownfish hosted them and after a six month time a nice sized branched colony depleted to 5 polyps or so. I moved it to the back of my tank and they left it alone. Bought a piece today that is similar but a different shape. Same color pretty much. I placed it on the other side of the tank and wouldn't you know it, at it again. They never host anything else, just those. I know its a banghi in the pic but that's the colony.

 

[carey]

My clowns almost hosted my elegance coral to death, it's just the nature of the beast. I had to give away the coral to save it. :-( There's not any way I know of to STOP them from hosting....

 

[R33F FeTiSh]

Yeah, I sold a Duncan a while back because my percs hosted it. Then I gave those to my friend(scubasteve) and they hosted some xenia. I am now giving these to scuba and unfortunately I don't think I will get anymore clowns. Maybe later ill dedicate a tank with a nem for some but theres too much coral in my tank now for them. Who knows what a different pair will host. Not a chance ill take again.

 

[Ausfish]

self-centered

My clown has the choice between a hammer coral and a variety of mashrooms and decided it is better if he hosts his own reflection in the bow of the bow-front tank.

 

[Mike-words]

My clown has the choice between a hammer coral and a variety of mashrooms and decided it is better if he hosts his own reflection in the bow of the bow-front tank.

Maybe that's my clowns sleep in the top corner of my bowfront lol

 

[kdpuffer]

Try picking up a cheap anemone and taping a pic of a clown hosting a nem to the tank. Have heard this works so
It may be worth a try. Better to try and strike out than not swing.

 

[Ausfish]

Yes but to do that you need the lighting required to keep it alive...

 

[carey]

They might not even host a nem if you got one, it's hit or miss. Mine didnt but they did host the coral. Go figure...

I for sure wouldnt go out and just buy a nem for this purpose, their needs are great and then what do you do if the clowns dont host it? Thye arent the easiest thing to keep in a tank. pristine water, established tank and super lights are a must for them to begin with.

 

[Mjpendrey]

Why don't you try a fake jelly nem? Iv see some realistic looking ones in my LFS!

 

[melosu58]

Moved to SW general reef discussion.

 

[jayster76]

My clowns have hosted with a Red Algae Bamboo, you can easily pull off any bits that need to be removed and regenerates quickly. It adds great colour to the tank too!