To Anemone or not to Anemone

[RMS18]

I am tossed between getting one or not. My lfs actually talked me out of it even though they have many kinds in stock. How much of a pia are they? I've read some stay where you put them, and others destroy corals, and some don't stop moving around like a child on a sugar high. I do have clowns who actually host my green stripped mushroom at times, very strange, the mushroom won't close when they touch it but anything else and it closes up. What are your opinions? 30gallon tank.

 

[justjes45]

I can't seem to keep one... Don't know what the problem is-
Mine HAVE moved around the tank constantly, and then disappear without a trace or a water change... Frustrating

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I've had many before in my main tanks (SPS/LPS) and an anemone tank only which was the 30g. I think they are cool. What I did in the anemone 30g tank was get some fish netting and zip tie it around my powerhead. I did have one get into the powerhead but I rapidly did a 90% water change to get the toxin out of the water.

They are real neat but I grew out of it. As in a SPS/LPS tank, I would pass it up. You want them to be at an exact location but the truth is they will move if they want to. So its a toss up but give it a try.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I can't seem to keep one... Don't know what the problem is-
Mine HAVE moved around the tank constantly, and then disappear without a trace or a water change... Frustrating

Not sure what your water quality is or how new your tank is, but anemones like very stable water and temps. When I first started, I got an anemone and overfed the thing. He got really upset and started moving. Well I had water quality issues back then and he just threw his guts up.

 

[RMS18]

I can't seem to keep one... Don't know what the problem is-
Mine HAVE moved around the tank constantly, and then disappear without a trace or a water change... Frustrating

Disappear? Lol how does that happen?

 

[justjes45]

Wish i knew..
They move around like happy travelers, seem to pick a spot... Then "Poof!" Gone.

 

[RMS18]

I've had many before in my main tanks (SPS/LPS) and an anemone tank only which was the 30g. I think they are cool. What I did in the anemone 30g tank was get some fish netting and zip tie it around my powerhead. I did have one get into the powerhead but I rapidly did a 90% water change to get the toxin out of the water.

They are real neat but I grew out of it. As in a SPS/LPS tank, I would pass it up. You want them to be at an exact location but the truth is they will move if they want to. So its a toss up but give it a try.

I did not know about the toxin issue if it gets into a powerhead... good to know. Dunno the odds aren't in the anemones favor yet.

 

[steve&mari]

As stated it's a risk and the more stable and happy they are the better the chances. Ours moves a few inches in and outta it's cave but seems to be very happy there with its lightning maroon clown it's hosting. I keep a very close eye on it and have the fitting stockings they have at shoe stores for women over gyre.

 

[mochaclownlover]

The beauty of the anemone is well worth the risk. a 30 gallon will be fine home for an anemone,i have three in a 14 gallon with no problems.

 

[steelheader.262]

I have 3 BTA in my 65g, 2 watermelon and 1 rose.
Have been pritty luck with all 3 except my rose seems to have wondered a bit lately.
Well worth it for me, beautiful creatures.

 

[RMS18]

I think I will I've one a try! I think in the end if my clowns host it will all be worth it. I'm going to try a bta.

 

[steelheader.262]

Good luck, post pic's when you get it.

 

[RMS18]

Good luck, post pic's when you get it.

Will do! This Wednesday I'll head to my lfs see what he has.

 

[RJinPV]

I have 3 anemones in my 55g. The only reason I got one was because I wanted my clownfish to host with an anemone My first one is a long tentacled anemone. They like sand beds. She stayed put for months until one day she got up and started moving. Now she moves every couple of weeks, usually after I feed her.

I later learned that ocellaris clowns don't host with LTAs. S0 I bought a RBTA. It moved around, then found a spot stayed there for a few months, then split into two. The 2 RBTAs have stayed on that same rock for months now and the clowns have hosted with it.

They are very interesting animals and I like them but I do feel like I could come home to a shredded nem someday. I need to cover the pumps but keep putting it off.

 

[davocean]

It really is best to get a natural host match to your clowns.
BTA's are known to wander the most, and they are rock dwellars, so they will sting corals they come in contact w/
I prefer sand dwelling nems in a mixed reef for this reason, and malus stay fairly small and bright colors.
I would check what your clowns natural host nem options are.

 

[RMS18]

It really is best to get a natural host match to your clowns.
BTA's are known to wander the most, and they are rock dwellars, so they will sting corals they come in contact w/
I prefer sand dwelling nems in a mixed reef for this reason, and malus stay fairly small and bright colors.
I would check what your clowns natural host nem options are.

Good info! I will do this.

 

[davocean]

Fautin and Allen are my favorite for up to date research/info, but my saved link is down(I think they are trying to make us buy their book, which really isn't a bad book to have if you keep clowns and nems)
This list is also pretty good.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2375473

 

[Lonely reefer's]

Have you consider using this for Nem?
The pot on the right is only 4.25"

 

[RMS18]

Have you consider using this for Nem?
The pot on the right is only 4.25"

No I haven't... tank is only a 30gallon and I think it's a bit unsightly. I'd like a nem but not if I have to change the appearance of my tank. I spoke to my lfs... he said if it doesn't work out he will credit me back as long as the nem is healthy.

 

[Lonely reefer's]

You should give it a try.My tank is only 29g biocube.Once the pot aged it not too bad looking.I placed it in the rear corner