Getting an Anemone or not?

tangerine3486 · Jan 7, 2017

Hey R2R,
Trading for a very sweet RBTA tomorrow (potentially). I am pretty concerned about it wandering all over the tank and stinging to death everything in it's path. Is my fear a little exaggerated more than it should be? I have a 35gal cube with a large rock shelf, and softies and LPS.

Looking for Any opinions / info !

Leslie Tabor · Jan 7, 2017

Well they do wander and they do sting/kill things...lol depends on what you want more. Corals or nems...you might lose or have to move corals depending on where the nem decides to settle in. And if/when it splits, you have to be ready for the clone, either to let it find its spot or catch it and remove it. They are beautiful though.

Frop · Jan 7, 2017

I am super inexperienced when it comes to nems but when I got my LTA the next morning he was attached to the glass and all his tentacles were all over my flower pot coral. No idea for how long... but it could've been half the night for all I know. The other coral was fine. He later planted himself in the corner and stays in that area which is directly under the light. I notice he only moves away when I change the flow direction but idk if he returns since I never leave the flow changed for long because I don't want him moving from that corner.

Leslie Tabor · Jan 7, 2017

LTA from what I have been reading don't wander as much as some BTAs will.

Frop · Jan 7, 2017

Leslie Tabor said:
LTA from what I have been reading don't wander as much as some BTAs will.

They told me they stay in the sand, that's why I got him. Still my first nem so idk much about the others.

Leslie Tabor · Jan 7, 2017

My 3 RBTAs all live in the same area quite happily. But I have had to clear that area of pretty much anything else. I am considering a switch to pretty much all nems as they are pretty much the only thing I can do well long term.

tangerine3486 · Jan 7, 2017

Thanks for the help. I really want to watch my clownfish play in a RBTA and have a home. I also want my coral to be happy. Probably leaning to the move the corals out of the way, tank is only 2 months so most of it can be popped off.

Leslie Tabor · Jan 7, 2017

That is a really young tank for a nem...you are really going to have to know your water parameters and know you can keep them stable. I would recommend waiting a little longer unless you are spot on with your water.

cromag27 · Jan 7, 2017

There's no telling what any anemone will do. that's part of the fun.

jeflen651 · Jan 7, 2017

I would wait at least 6 m0nths and wait for all of your parameters settle in. 2 months is way to early

cromag27 · Jan 7, 2017

Not true. I've added anemones on day one. granted I have a lot of experience, but to say two month is too early is not correct.

jeflen651 said:
I would wait at least 6 m0nths and wait for all of your parameters settle in. 2 months is way to early

Leslie Tabor · Jan 7, 2017

cromag08 said:
There's no telling what any anemone will do. that's part of the fun.

Ain't that the truth! Lol

jeflen651 said:
I would wait at least 6 m0nths and wait for all of your parameters settle in. 2 months is way to early

I did get my RBTA prior to 6 months but I had been on top of my water. I fully agree that at 2 months the tank is probably not ready.

Jahalu · Jan 7, 2017

My bta has not moved an inch in the 16 months I've had it so far. It has split though, so the actual area of the tank the (now 4) nems fill is significantly larger. I have a monti that has grown into the nem zone and the closest edge that is in constant contact has bleached out, but the areas that occasionally get whipped by a tentacle still have color. So ime it's not like everything it touches instantly dies. I say go for it, but just make sure you can shuffle things around until it finds its happy spot.