Setting up an Anemone tank advice needed

[dfm34]

So I have a 24"X24"X 13" shallow rimless tank that I want to set up as an anemone tank. I was thinking of either a BTA, Haddoni or magnifica. I would love to hear opinions thoughts and comments.

Thanks Dan

 

[clsanchez77]

Have never done it but from what I have read over the years my biggest advise is absolutely no power heads in the tank. Accomplish your flows using external pumps, provide sufficient intakes using 6" screens so the anemone does not get stuck. It is disheartening the number of times I have read of anemones getting sucked up/and or shredded by power heads. I personally would use 4 sea swirls on this tank, which may be a game changer if you are going open top.

I am sure I will get some "I can do it" responses, and that is fine, but many anemones generally come from shallow grassy areas and other shallow sandy lagoon areas and will probably benefit more from metal halide lighting than LED lighting. Full disclaimer in that this is my speculation and not experience. But if I were setting this tank up, they are one of the few animals that I think would still do better under MH. A single pendant fixture would be good.

The Atlantis Marine World has dedicated clownfish and anemone reef tank setup back in 2000. I don't know if it is still up and running, but it is worth checking out their specs.

Not too many people do anemones because they don't really mix well with corals (again, cue the I can do it crowd here) but when done correctly, they are very striking! ...and I think better than a SPS tank.

Any particular clowns in mind? IMO, a pair of any type will be better than a collection of different types. Being a 30 gallon cube will limit you a little but you still have a few options.

 

[dfm34]

Thanks good Info I do not plan on any SPS they are all in my 180 this tank will be anemone only. On my SPS tank I run mh so I was thinking of something diff but I will consider mh as you make a good point. Do you think I could do a magnifica in this tank with the correct lighting?

 

[clsanchez77]

Thanks good Info I do not plan on any SPS they are all in my 180 this tank will be anemone only. On my SPS tank I run mh so I was thinking of something diff but I will consider mh as you make a good point. Do you think I could do a magnifica in this tank with the correct lighting?

Don't know, only you can answer that question. It is a very difficult anemone and I suspect lighting is not the reason they die in captivity. Also, its size potential is bigger than your tank

 

[dfm34]

Yes the size was worrying me i think I will cross this on off my list and stay with Haddoni or BTA

 

[dfm34]

Any suggestion on a Haddoni vs BTA where to buy care etc

 

[clsanchez77]

No suggestions from me, but I would start asking around your local reef club for good reliable local sources rather than buy them online.

 

[REEFIN RIOS]

Bta are really easy and straight forward to take care off but u must wait till the tank is 5 months matured before adding any anemone! And not to sure on haddoni! But good luck!

 

[Esage]

I'm looking at doing the same thing. Are you planning for just a clownfish pair or multiple clownfish ?

 

[burden2626]

i would go bta. easyer to take care of and come in many differnt colors

 

[dfm34]

I'm looking at doing the same thing. Are you planning for just a clownfish pair or multiple clownfish ?

Definitely a pair. My only issue is I can't decide on the type of anemone. I love the look of the longer tentacles so a magnifica keeps popping into my head. But I know they are difficult. If I could ensure a bta having long tentacles it would be no brainer for me. I think I pretty much ruled out carpets

 

[dfm34]

i would go bta. easyer to take care of and come in many differnt colors

Agree it's just I like the look of the longer tentacles not a real fan when the bubble up.