Impulse purchase... Hit head here

repru04 · Mar 8, 2014

So, I am slowly building up my 55g reef tank and added 2 black clownfish. This LFS I went to is far from my house but has an amazing selection of goodies. After picking out my clowns, I noticed a bright green carpet anemone. That little voice in my head that was telling me there was a reason I don't want one in my tank wasn't yelling loud enough. That was yesterday. AFTER slow drip acclimating it, (yes I bought it) I looked into the care and POW! It hit me. Ahhh. That's why I shouldn't have impulse bought one. Impulse purchases are bad enough but with a live animal it can be incredibly cruel. Right now it is in the corner of my tank looking bright and big. It's open and so pretty. I'm still going to call the LFS to see if they'll let me take it back. I actually had a nightmare about it eating one of my fish, lol. It did sting my clove polyps already. I was trying to set it in one place and the current blew it onto the cloves. I'm hoping they pull through. Ergh. Fish-wise, I'm worried about my goby trying to check it out. I'm not sure what to do if the LFS won't work with me on this.

JMSKI333 · Mar 8, 2014

Is your tank not set up for one of these? I mean they are an amazing creature and as long as you do your research you can keep it healthy. But I do feel that this is intermediate to advanced species to keep. If your LFS is halfway decent, they will take it back.

repru04 · Mar 8, 2014

I'm usually much better about researching before I buy so I've never had to return or even think of returning an animal back to the LFS. I'm now researching the carpet anemone. I'm a little intimidated because I keep seeing that they tend to eat all fish. Anyone who has a carpet anemone in a reef tank please chime in. BTW, my cloves are opening up now so I feel a little bit better.

repru04 · Mar 8, 2014

After more research I realize my tank cannot support this nem without a casualty or 3. I knew I'd be taking it back but it really is so beautiful I didn't want to. I called the LFS and they're willing to give me credit for it. Thank goodness!

xthunderx · Mar 8, 2014

Lesson learned, we've all been there. Good luck.

Velodog2 · Mar 8, 2014

I kept one for around ten years. I did have fish casualties but then I learned to always keep a low level led light on at night. Lost no more fish after that. Then blunder into the anemone if the tank is pitch black. Otherwise they know better.