Newbie Condy Nem questions

[DracoKat]

Hi all,

I am new to the world of nems. I've decided to try a Condy to see how I'd do and learn.

•• I understand they need to be fed meaty foods a few times a week, silversides and mysis. My guy is about 3" diameter.. I am not sure what's the appropriate size silverside to give him to start with? (I have to pick up the silversides, giving him a few days to settle in first).

•• I am hearing from different sources that they are reef safe, not reef safe, and with caution. What are your experiences? I am kind of nervous, but I also hear they tend to stay in the same spot for long periods of time which I hope is true too.

••I got him from a store that does not have adequate lighting at all, standard fish lights.. I am not even sure what color he really is since he was in such poor lighting. Considering he came from terrible lights, and mine are quite high, what's the best way to light acclimate him? I do not have a dimmer on my lights. He's presently floating in my sump in the dark.

Any advice for a nem newb?

Please and thank you!

 

[DracoKat]

A pic from the store

 

[DracoKat]

decided to feed 1/3rd of a silverside. Poor thing probably hasn't eaten in weeks, if not, more. He gobbled up that piece of silver side fast!

 

[arrogant angel]

I have two condys so I can offer a little help, people say not reef safe because when healthy they have a strong sting, they are also known to wander, mine both have found a happy place and rarely wander anywhere and if they do it's only a few inches and that's usually if something like flow has changed. Getting it under the correct lighting is a huge help, and feeding can be done as you see fit, my condys are huge eaters and will eat everything I give them no matter how often. As for size just remember the bigger the piece the harder it is to digest , so if it's stressed it may have a harder time.... if it's too big it will probably spit it out at some point... I make my own foods for my nem tank and have noticed they are happier with a few small pieces rather than one large one. If I can be of any more help feel free to let me know. But mine were petcock buys and bleached and small and they have both been doing great

 

[DracoKat]

thank you for the helpful reply!! I will keep an eye on mine, if I feel it's too dangerous, I'll rehome. hopefully I won't have to

 

[ahiggins]

My advice? Take back the condy and get a BTA....but Im much more of a rock nem gal than the regular ones LOL
Good luck

 

[davocean]

A lot of us have had problems w/ silversides, would not be my choice, smaller foods like mysis are really best but if light is good you don't need to spot feed at all.
Condy's are not considered a host anemone, but sometimes some clowns will still accept them as a host, maroons and clarki's are usually quick to take one as a host.
They do have a slightly stronger sting yes, and can sting fish if they touch it.

 

[arrogant angel]

I make my food with clams, oysters, etc, or feel mysis also. Mine haven't moved much and they can eat fish but it rarely happens. Put on a rock with a hole in it, as they like to bury their foot, mine like fairly low flow, and if I put them next to a cave where they can hide for cover they just back in.... I have 2 in a tank with a few corals, 4 bubble tips, 2 mini Maxi carpets, and 4 rock nems.... haven't had issues....

 

[jsker]

I have two condys so I can offer a little help, people say not reef safe because when healthy they have a strong sting, they are also known to wander, mine both have found a happy place and rarely wander anywhere and if they do it's only a few inches and that's usually if something like flow has changed. Getting it under the correct lighting is a huge help, and feeding can be done as you see fit, my condys are huge eaters and will eat everything I give them no matter how often. As for size just remember the bigger the piece the harder it is to digest , so if it's stressed it may have a harder time.... if it's too big it will probably spit it out at some point... I make my own foods for my nem tank and have noticed they are happier with a few small pieces rather than one large one. If I can be of any more help feel free to let me know. But mine were petcock buys and bleached and small and they have both been doing great

Thank you

 

[DracoKat]

I guess condy's are a hit or miss, lol. since I got my guy for free, I figured I'd give it a shot. if it doesn't work out, I'll trade or give him away.

 

[Sharkbate]

I have various Nems and a condy is one of them , they are big eaters if given the opportunity and will grow Big .... I feed mine once a week and cut a piece of raw prawn and slightly mash it so it isn't just a solid piece. Mine has moved only once and that was just to get out of the way of another Nem . But Nems will on occasion move and find a happy spot . Nems need a little flow and good lighting . Good luck. Anemones are very cool creatures. Here's a picture of my beast ......

 

[DracoKat]

nice nem!!

Mine's currently moving, first time since I got him in. He must be comfortable enough to move around.. hopefully he will find a safe place to settle. So far he's behind the rocks where I can't see him well

 

[Sharkbate]

Oh and Don't forget about powerheads ! Nems seem drawn to them and if on the move keep an eye out or cover it. I think most of us have lost a Nem to a power head at some point ...... once they're sucked in, its messy and can be bad news for your tank .

 

[DracoKat]

speaking of powerheads, I keep forgetting to ask.. does the warning remain same for Maxpect Gyre? The holes are smaller than a standard powerhead

@Sharkbate

 

[Sharkbate]

Sorry I'm not familiar with the Gyre, but you would be surprised at the vacuum caused by any sized hole , it may not be able to pull a Nem through entirely but the tentacles may get sucked through . Maybe others could add to this . I would always be cautious with our water filled jelly type friends [emoji54]

 

[Bunnee911]

Oh and Don't forget about powerheads ! Nems seem drawn to them and if on the move keep an eye out or cover it. I think most of us have lost a Nem to a power head at some point ...... once they're sucked in, its messy and can be bad news for your tank .

+1 on powerheads.
They will find a way to get into one. No hole is too small. See if you can get a foam cover.