To carpet or not to carpet

[terri_ann]

Do you think it helps to start with an anemone of a smaller size so fish can get use to it and avoid it easier?

I cant really give you a correct answer on that. Sorry. I really think there are variables involved. When it comes to mini maxi's, I think most fish can move fast enough and are strong enough to escape. But, every fish is different and if it is sleeping, etc it can be eaten. With a haddoni, etc they are bigger and stronger so the c jb ance of loss is higher. I also thin lo that keeping ALL corals, fish and inverts well fed, decreases chances of predation.

 

[corky1966]

Well if you don’t mind losing a fish or two lol! I bought a large green one and had a saddle back hosting it love it !
Once I bought a new fish and I just put in the tank and it swam straight from the bag right into the carpet

 

[NY_Caveman]

Do you think it helps to start with an anemone of a smaller size so fish can get use to it and avoid it easier?

I have not owned a carpet personally, but along these thoughts on size, I thought something was worth mentioning. Any anemone should be large enough to handle clownfish if it is hosting them. At least 2-3 times the size of clown per fish or the clowns may ravish it. If a reefer decides to go with a small anemone, keep this in mind.

 

[bubbaque]

I have always wanted a carpet, as they are so beautiful. I don't know if it's worth it though if it is going to eat my fish.

 

[bubbaque]

Lost 3 fish to this guy, copper band, hippo tang and fire fish. I’ve noticed once you get a fish like a clown to host , the clowns usually chase any fish that gets too close away, both my clowns host this carpet along with my anemone crab. Haven’t lost a fish since mostly because my clowns won’t let anyone near it.

That's what I am scared of. Those fish it ate all seem like they would be able to avoid it.

 

[Amoo]

With a carpet it's simply a question of when, not if. It will happen.

 

[Asagi]

get a carpet if you want one, they are awesome! Watch out for the powerheads tho, BOOM!

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Do the little maxi-minis! They are so pretty, you can have a group of them, I have 10 of them and no eaten fish, AND the little sexy shrimp love them.

 

[OrionN]

If you are going to have Gigantea and/or Haddoni in your tank, are you going to loose fish? likely Yes
Are you going to loose a lot of your fish? No. Only loose fish rarely, and mostly due to my stupidity.

 

[tcup25]

I would like to purchase a smaller blue or red carpet but am having trouble finding any. Suggestions?

 

[coral49]

Go for the Bali Red Mini Maxi Carpet, I do not know the scientific name. Liveaquaria carries them sometime

 

[Tanglover11]

I had a Blue Haddoni carpet anemone for over twenty years. It was the most beautiful anemone I’ve ever had. However, over the years I lost several fish to it. Usually it happened at night when something would spook the fish. When I decided to try an Achilles Tang I knew because of the cost of losing such an expensive fish, it was time to remove it and go in a different direction. If your willing to lose fish I guess that is the price you pay but it’s a deathtrap either way.