Heteractis Magnifica anemone care and considerations

[JollyReefer]

I've seen mostly positive posts about Heteractis Magnifica anemones in reef tanks. For the most part, the negative posts have been directed to the HMag's size, spatial needs, and stinging of other coral or fish. Why are these nems designated expert only by most vendors? From my reading, Sebae and Long Tentacle anemones appear to be more finicky and problematic than HMags. What say you?

FYI - I have a 210 gallon DT and 75 gallon sump with 35 gallon fuge. It will run the Triton system. It's still cycling and undergoing final construction.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I've seen mostly positive posts about Heteractis Magnifica anemones in reef tanks. For the most part, the negative posts have been directed to the HMag's size, spatial needs, and stinging of other coral or fish. Why are these nems designated expert only by most vendors? From my reading, Sebae and Long Tentacle anemones appear to be more finicky and problematic than HMags. What say you?

FYI - I have a 210 gallon DT and 75 gallon sump with 35 gallon fuge. It will run the Triton system. It's still cycling and undergoing final construction.

I would agree that Sebae and LTA are a little tougher and have some specific needs (sandbed). I think an H. Magnifica would be quite happy in a 210 gallon system.

I think anemones are considered expert for a few reasons. They should only be added to a mature system (6-12 months old minimum for most). They require strong light and good parameters. They have deadly stings to other inhabitants and can even sting their owner. They could move around and destroy an established reef. Lastly if they pass away or get stuck in a pump, they can foul and crash your tank.

I think of expert as you had better do your research and know the risks.

 

[Ardeus]

Most of them arrive in poor condition and you should be prepared to treat it before getting one.

From what I have read, the toughest part are the first weeks.

A stable tank will help it stay put. To reduce the chances of it moving, isolate it from the rest of the rock structure on a pedestal and blast it with light and flow.

 

[Elegance Coral]

H. magnifica and S. gigantea are among the most delicate and demanding of the clownfish hosting anemones.
There is no such thing as a "sebae" anemone. This is just a name, people in the industry, give to anemones when they don't have a proper ID. I've seen multiple species offered for sale under this name. M. doreensis AKA the LTA, is a much less demanding anemone than H. magnifica. M. doreensis, by comparison, is very hardy and will adapt to a much wider range of environmental conditions.
H. magnifica is very demanding. It does not tolerate shipping stress very well at all. Virtually all of them are in rough shape when they first arrive at our LFS. They will require several months to totally recover and adapt to the new conditions of captive life. They typically do not tolerate strong lighting during this early stage, and will bleach easily. They require pristine water conditions as well. They require good random flow, and a high perch in the tank where they can not detect a path to higher ground.
If provided the proper conditions, and given time to adapt, they become very strong and stable anemones. They are not prone to wandering the tank, or posing a risk to their tank mates. If we try t take short cuts, and not provide the conditions it requires, it will wander the tank, and die. It's that simple.
Peace
EC

 

[JollyReefer]

Great info. Thanks to all who replied.

 

[Promodcrazy]

Thank you for your help , great article. I just bought one ....

 

[Sdot]

H. magnifica and S. gigantea are among the most delicate and demanding of the clownfish hosting anemones.
There is no such thing as a "sebae" anemone. This is just a name, people in the industry, give to anemones when they don't have a proper ID. I've seen multiple species offered for sale under this name. M. doreensis AKA the LTA, is a much less demanding anemone than H. magnifica. M. doreensis, by comparison, is very hardy and will adapt to a much wider range of environmental conditions.
H. magnifica is very demanding. It does not tolerate shipping stress very well at all. Virtually all of them are in rough shape when they first arrive at our LFS. They will require several months to totally recover and adapt to the new conditions of captive life. They typically do not tolerate strong lighting during this early stage, and will bleach easily. They require pristine water conditions as well. They require good random flow, and a high perch in the tank where they can not detect a path to higher ground.
If provided the proper conditions, and given time to adapt, they become very strong and stable anemones. They are not prone to wandering the tank, or posing a risk to their tank mates. If we try t take short cuts, and not provide the conditions it requires, it will wander the tank, and die. It's that simple.
Peace
EC
[/QUOTE
Spot on in my experience.