Anemone Questions

[nevar71]

Hello,

Thinking of getting an anemone down the line. I have two questions. BTAs if that affects the answers.

How do nitrates affect anemones if at all?

Why is it recommended to wait (6 months I’ve read) before introduction? Is it a question of stable water parameters?

Thanks

 

[dedragon]

How do nitrates affect anemones if at all?

Any animal added will usually effect nitrate by increasing nitrates as they feed and make waste. I dont think anemones add a significant amount though especially if you arent target feeding.

Why is it recommended to wait (6 months I’ve read) before introduction? Is it a question of stable water parameters?

It is at the least 6 months and tbh most of us recommend 9 months as a minimum. Im of the belief that it has to do with biological stability. It takes a long time for bacterial populations to stabilize in fish tanks started mostly using dry rock and bottled bacteria. Because of this you might see more issues with things like cyano, dinos, or diatoms in new tanks as opposed to older more stable systems

 

[nevar71]

Yes, that makes sense. I was actually wondering how a high level of nitrate already might affect them. Are they sensitive to nitrates?

 

[dedragon]

Sorry, misread that. Anemones in my experience seem to tolerate nitrates fine and i feel do better when they are kept in moderate levels. I like to target nitrate for 3-15ppm but a little higher or lower are fine. Stability is key to success for these animals. Nitrates, phosphate, and alkalinity as well as salinity and temperature are all going to be important to keep stable

 

[adittam]

I run very high nitrates - around 50 - and my two BTA’s grow like crazy, have gorgeous colors, and have huge bubble tips. They definitely like nutrients in the water.