Anemone issue

[rayr1027]

So I recently got into a saltwater aquarium and set it up around Early December 2017.

I'm learning slowly but surely.

I purchased the Fluval SEA 5 gallon tank
(I do know it's small but it's temporary till I get money for a bigger system)
But I have 2 clown fish (about 1 1/2 inches)
1 cleaner shrimp
and a few snails and hermit crabs. All my basic levels of chemistry starting going down after "new tank syndrome". So I was gifted an anemone, a Ritteri anemone to be exact. I know it's wayyyy to soon for it but I couldn't refuse the gift. Now my chemistry levels are back up high. As for the chemistry to house anemones I have no idea as I don't have the test kit for it yet. But it's been 3 days and the anemone stopped moving around the tank, has vibrant colors, reacts normally when stepped on by a hermit, and the tentacles look normally plump and the mouth is pretty much closed and not gaping open. I know my tank isn't ready but how long does it take for the anemone to show something is wrong?? Thanks

 

[Christopher Davis]

You were gifted the hardest anemone to keep in the hobby.

With that being said your tank is far to young to house an anemone. A minimum of a year to 6 months before adding these guys. Sorry to sound harsh but it’s just science, can’t compete with the ocean when it’s been around for billions of years. Things take time. I know you were gifted it but ritteri even for advanced hobbiests cause problems. Keep a very close eye. These anemones are very prone to bacterial infections! Good luck! Just checking he didn’t pawn it off on you because it was doing bad right? Can totally nuke a tank if it dies off!