How long do I need to wait to put RFAs in?

Wuzzo · Feb 9, 2019

Ok so I have a question. 2 weeks ago I set up a 10g tank. In my Fluval Evo 13.5 I have 2 beautiful RFAs and will be getting 2-3 more tommorow for it. The 10g is going to be for them. Do I really need to wait 6 months for the tank to stabilize? It seems like a myth, do I really need to?

Wuzzo · Feb 9, 2019

saltyhog · Feb 9, 2019

RFA's can get up to 5-6" in size. I have three that are that big. I'm not sure I would have more than one in a pico the size of your two tanks. It can and likely will take up a large portion of your real estate in the future.

RFA's are pretty easy (especially for an anemone) but they can be sensitive to water quality. They were the first indicator of problems for me with a recent issue. Stability is very important and it doesn't happen fast. I don't know that there is a magic time frame, but a 2 week old tank is not ready for any corals or anemones IMO.

Patience is a valuable and hard lesson to learn in this hobby.

reef lover · Feb 9, 2019

;Facepalm we dont suggest waiting for tanks to stabilize for giggles we suggest it after watching countless animals die when people cant be patient . If you were to start with established rock and live sand it can be done with careful monitoring....but i would never suggest it to anyone thats not an expert.

Ron Reefman · Feb 9, 2019

There are two issues you aren't considering above and beyond the tank maturing.

It needs to cycle, and that's pretty easy and can be done fairly quickly if you understand what you are doing.

It needs to go thru the diatom and bacteria blooms which may or may not happen (well, diatoms almost always do) or, if you have added corals or any stationary animals and you do get algae and/or bacterial blooms, they can kill things. It's not for sure. It may even just be a 20% of the time, but why buy 5 expensive RFAs and gamble that you'll be the lucky one.

Short answer: IT'S NOT A MYTH!

Wuzzo · Feb 9, 2019

Thanks for answers!

Wuzzo · Feb 10, 2019

I ordered from Rubio's Corals on Facebook 11 RFAs for 200 free shipping for the other tank. I am also getting another RFA today. Will be posting them on Build Thread.

reef lover · Feb 10, 2019

WuzzoFish said:
I ordered from Rubio's Corals on Facebook 11 RFAs for 200 free shipping for the other tank. I am also getting another RFA today. Will be posting them on Build Thread.

You wont be disappointed with his nems!

saltyhog · Feb 10, 2019

WuzzoFish said:
I ordered from Rubio's Corals on Facebook 11 RFAs for 200 free shipping for the other tank. I am also getting another RFA today. Will be posting them on Build Thread.

A friend of mine just ordered that deal and his were stunning and healthy. Good luck with them!