Anemones and Nitrates

Cameron · Oct 8, 2015

I've read a lot of conflicting information regarding anemones and proper nitrate levels lately. I've seen people saying that your levels need to be near zero, while others say they thrive between 20 and 40. I understand that there is no 100% correct answer as everyone has had different experiences, but I'm planning on getting one rather soon, so I'd like to know what your guys' experiences are regarding anemones and nitrates. Mine seem to consistently between 20 and 40, so I'd like to know what to expect. Thank you!

All Delight · Oct 8, 2015

Ive had better luck with lower nitrates. 5 or less

ReefMadScientist · Oct 8, 2015

When I ran a full blown anemone tank, all I focused on was a water change monthly and that was it. Anemone's thrive in dirty water.

Tahoe61 · Oct 8, 2015

My levels vacillate between 10-20 with nitrates, depending on how often I feed and how much. I do not test for phos any more.

When I kept Anemones it was the same range. Most anemones can tolerate a lower nitrate level just fine, and may even benefit from the DOC.

It's more important to let your tank cycle and age before getting an anemone than to worry about a nitrate of 10-20.

domination2580 · Oct 8, 2015

My nitrates have been over 180 for the past 4 months....finally got down to 80 and I have yet to see any effect on my bta or carpet anemone

robert · Oct 8, 2015

Ive kept BTAs in low nitrate and high nitrate tanks...I've put them in systems the very day after I filled filled them with water - before the cycle even started,,,dosing prime...

I've let my salinity wander all over - all that does is make them split.

I don't think I've ever had one die...not even the ones that got sucked into a power head or the one that lived in my overflow for several months...

Eight months ago I added 10 or so nickel sized half dead bleached red and green BTAs to my system...and now I'm wondering what to do with ~40 saucer sized and bigger BTAs taking over my rockwork...

Honestly - they're nicer looking aptasia...the only thing that will take them out - make them shrink and slowly fade is GHA - and even that is not certain.

Cameron · Oct 8, 2015

Thank you guys for your input, I really appreciate it. This is exactly what I was looking for

Ljara78 · May 30, 2024

robert said:
Ive kept BTAs in low nitrate and high nitrate tanks...I've put them in systems the very day after I filled filled them with water - before the cycle even started,,,dosing prime...

I've let my salinity wander all over - all that does is make them split.

I don't think I've ever had one die...not even the ones that got sucked into a power head or the one that lived in my overflow for several months...

Eight months ago I added 10 or so nickel sized half dead bleached red and green BTAs to my system...and now I'm wondering what to do with ~40 saucer sized and bigger BTAs taking over my rockwork...

Honestly - they're nicer looking aptasia...the only thing that will take them out - make them shrink and slowly fade is GHA - and even that is not certain.

what is GHA ?