Thinking of getting a LTA. Thoughts?

JMSKI333 · Dec 25, 2014

Hey Gals and Guys,

I am considering getting a Purple Long Tentical Anemone. Who has them?

I have always wanted one. I tried one about 4 years ago and it didn't make it. I prefer the LTA over the BTA because it will stay on the sand and not crawl all over my SPS.

If you have one:

1) How deep is your sandbed?
2) How long have you had it?
3) Feeding?
4) What is your lighting? Will my lighting suffice?
Bonus: Any pictures?

My Tank Info:

90g mixed reef, SPS dominant.
Lighting: 6x54 ATI sunpower with 48" reefbrite Blue LED strip. Fresh bulbs on the regular.
Flow: two MP40's

Oscaror · Dec 25, 2014

i'm curious too. Following!

Reefahholic · Dec 25, 2014

My thoughts are they're beautiful if you can get the right one and keep him healthy.

KorD · Dec 25, 2014

Reefahholic said:
My thoughts are they're beautiful if you can get the right one and keep him healthy.

Thats a beautiful Nem! I have it on my wish list when I can afford a Big boy tank!
For not I'm sticking with anything that does well in a 30 gal poor mans tank

Reefahholic · Dec 26, 2014

I would at least upgrade to a 40/B.

Those are fantastic little tanks!

I love them. If I had a smaller tank, it would definetely be a 40/B.

Trex · Dec 26, 2014

Been keeping them for about 15 years now, give or take. My current one has been with me about 3 years now.

It is in my 75, the sandbed (( overall )) is 2 inches. But, it is locally 3" right around the anemone.
The current lights are 2*250 MH, plus 4*54 T5
I haven't directly fed it in about 2 years now --- many just me being lazy, still growing.

JMSKI333 · Dec 26, 2014

Reefahholic said:
My thoughts are they're beautiful if you can get the right one and keep him healthy.

Awesome photo! This is exactly what I am picturing for my tank!

Trex said:
Been keeping them for about 15 years now, give or take. My current one has been with me about 3 years now.

It is in my 75, the sandbed (( overall )) is 2 inches. But, it is locally 3" right around the anemone.
The current lights are 2*250 MH, plus 4*54 T5
I haven't directly fed it in about 2 years now --- many just me being lazy, still growing.

Thank you for the information. Do you think the 250w MH is necessary to keep it happy? Or do you think that T5's or LEDS could do the trick?

Trex · Dec 26, 2014

JMSKI333 said:
Awesome photo! This is exactly what I am picturing for my tank!

Thank you for the information. Do you think the 250w MH is necessary to keep it happy? Or do you think that T5's or LEDS could do the trick?

Not, necessary, but at this point, that is all I have used for them. T5s should work too, assuming quality fixture/lamps and not a ridiculously deep tank. My new 210 has 8*80 ATI fixture/lamps over if, while I am not sure I will transfer this anemone over, I have no doubt that I would have enough light. In fact I would acclimate it to the new lights.

As for LEDs, excluding moonlights, I have never used them, so I can't speak on them.

Also, M. doreensis do not like a ton of flow, so take that into account.

Reefahholic · Dec 26, 2014

8 80/W ATI T5's is what I would love to have over my tank. The colors are awesome.

LED's are all I'm running over my tank right now. Miss my T5's though.

I can definetely say that LED's have been supporting my anemones for over 2 years now without issue. Plenty of light.

If I had the money, I would get the new Radion Gen 4's when they come out.

Why? The color will be awesome, low heat, low cost, a lot of light.

JMSKI333 · Dec 27, 2014

It sounds like this shouldn't be too bad. Any good place to order these off line? Every time I ask my LFS to order one he is always hesitant because he doesn't have a great success rate with them.

Tankd · Jan 11, 2015

,

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1421022425.575096.jpg

Have had mine for over 3 years. First under 4x54 T5 in my 75g.
Installed EcoXotic Marine and Actinic 48". Wasn't enough wattage. Went to Reef Radiance 2x165W. Loves it. ClownFish just bonded with it after 3yrs of waiting.
He chose the corner of the tank under the overflow box. Gets fed only every other week (silversides). Have Hydor 750, 600 and 450 power heads plus 500 gpm return pump.
He is my favorite in the tank for sure!!!