How many times has this been asked?

[BestMomEver]

I have just picked up a used Biocube LED 32. My intention is to make it an anemone tank. Of course, I have questions.....

Is it worth the trouble to have anemones? I’ve had them and I’m always worried about them getting into trouble. That’s why I want a dedicated tank. But I will still worry about overflows and powerheads.

Can I mix species? I want a carpet for sure but would like to add a sebae and maybe a BTA if I can find a pretty one. The size of this tank will prohibit any huge quantity of different specimens but what will coexist?

This brings me to another question. Should I even put more than one?

Of course I will add a clownfish pair, the species depending on the anemone I get. Is there a bottom dwelling sand sifting fish (think Goby) that would be safe in this tank? I’m worried it will either get stung or harassed by the clowns.

Is it possible to keep anemones with the stock Biocube LED lights or am I gonna have to upgrade?

Thanks!

 

[Bob Loblaw]

What are the dimensions? I'm thinking a Gig, Haddoni, and Mert will outgrow it quickly. The Haddoni is the only of the 3 that I would consider. Allelopathy will likely be an issue mixing species in such a small volume. Rox, 03, Purigen... should help but it will I would stick to one species for ease of maintenance.

Malu and Crispa both prefer sand, sand/rock interface while BTAs prefer the rockwork. A sand dwelling fish may be at risk with the Sebaes.

No idea on the Biocube stock LED.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Great advice ^.

 

[scardall]

Lighting would need to be upgraded, because Nems do need moderate Plus light. https://sbreeflights.com/3-sbox-reef-lights
Use this link to research your nem requirements. https://www.liveaquaria.com/category/499/anemones?c=497+499&r=

Good Luck

 

[Rispa]

Instead of fretting about them getting sucked in why don't you put barriers over it all ahead of time? Put a sponge over your overflow, so it goes a little higher and a little farther in the tank and the anemone is less likely to try to climb over and around the sponge. Over the power heads you can get one of those 3D printed covers or just cover it with some pantyhose that you take out periodically and rinse out or throw away. The nylon used to make pantyhose is very stretchy and easy to manipulate. Also you can go to the Dollar Store and get them cheap.

 

[BestMomEver]

What are the dimensions? I'm thinking a Gig, Haddoni, and Mert will outgrow it quickly. The Haddoni is the only of the 3 that I would consider. Allelopathy will likely be an issue mixing species in such a small volume. Rox, 03, Purigen... should help but it will I would stick to one species for ease of maintenance.

Malu and Crispa both prefer sand, sand/rock interface while BTAs prefer the rockwork. A sand dwelling fish may be at risk with the Sebaes.

No idea on the Biocube stock LED.

The outside footprint is basically 20x20. The tank does have a bow to the front though. I love malu but haven’t been able to find one. I thought maybe I would get a BTA first and let it find a rock place then put a carpet on the ground on the other side and hopefully it will be happy where I put it.

Instead of fretting about them getting sucked in why don't you put barriers over it all ahead of time? Put a sponge over your overflow, so it goes a little higher and a little farther in the tank and the anemone is less likely to try to climb over and around the sponge. Over the power heads you can get one of those 3D printed covers or just cover it with some pantyhose that you take out periodically and rinse out or throw away. The nylon used to make pantyhose is very stretchy and easy to manipulate. Also you can go to the Dollar Store and get them cheap.

The panty hose solution is brilliant! And I’m betting I can dig up some appropriate sponge out of my aquarium junk box.