Why do anemones die in new tanks?

[moldos]

I always hear people saying to wait around 9 months to a year to add a bta, but why is that? Whats the specific thing that makes them do poorly?

 

[PeterEde]

I tried at 6 months. I tried 3 times and lost 3
I then waited till after 12 months and now have 3
Forest Fire BTA
Serbae
Tube
All doing very well
Don't waste your money until it's 12 months plus
I only had a Prime HD16 so maybe it was a lack of light?
I now have a hydra32.

 

[Fishy888]

I always hear people saying to wait around 9 months to a year to add a bta, but why is that? Whats the specific thing that makes them do poorly?

Anemones need chemically stable conditions in order to live and thrive. New tanks are susceptible to swings in water chemistry as they try to find a balance. Different bacteria, algae blooms, additions of new animals among other things can cause these swings in water chemistry. By the 6 to 9 month mark the tank has enough of a balance, I.e. stability, for anemones to live and thrive.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

They just do a lot better in mature tanks because the tank had had time to stabilize. There's a lot going on biologically that you may not notice, but the inverts definitely do.

 

[Makara23]

It's a misconception to throw out whatever number of months needed before you can add a nem. The real answer is that your nems will do better in tanks that are already stable when it comes to water chemistry, bacteria population, and input/output of nutrient. If you can achieve equilibrium on day 1, then you can add a nem on day one. Some tanks might take over a year to find stability. It all depends.

 

[Nano_Man]

Stable
I have swapped over tanks with double amount of live rock that was ten years old. And put bubble tips in on the first day . I had no problems at all but to me the live rock saved the day or was it just good luck imo I think it was all down to mature live rock . The tank never went through a cycle it seemed to jump the cycle period all together . But really the rule of thumb is wait until stable conditions in your tank slowly slowly in this game . I still have all my bubble tips and more the tank is coming up 6 months now so all things good. Remember you need good lighting that you can turn up or down are the best and correct flow in your tank is important people say bubble tips like strong flow but I have found medium flow for my nems seems too be the way to go

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Its not only about tank stability, but also hobbyist experience. How many animals die in new tanks because the new hobbyist didn't take even 5 minutes to google some basic info? It takes experience, not only a mature tank

 

[Reef Devils]

I always hear people saying to wait around 9 months to a year to add a bta, but why is that? Whats the specific thing that makes them do poorly?

May tank is 4 months old and I have a rose bta and it is doing great.

 

[Rtaylor]

The answer is we’re not 100% sure why, but there is enough evidence to support a generalized recommendation to wait. Stability is likely part of it, but there is likely more to it.

Some hypotheses include availability and diversity of bacterial populations, diversity and availability of microorganisms and microfauna. Chemical interactions between corals/plants etc. I’m sure there are tons of other possibilities as well.

What we know for sure is new tanks lack biodiversity in general, even if they are stable. That may be why anemones often die even in young but stable tanks. Typically, when you hear success stories about new tanks and anemones you find out the new tank used mature rock which will significantly expedite biological development in your tank.