The Anemone Thread/Anemone 101
- Thread starter fishfanatic2
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I am not sure I understand what all the discussion about anenomes being hard to keep is about. 
I have had a green carpet anenome for several months (it was one of the first things to go into the tank) and has been through alot (including a bad fight with a Maxijet 1200, which it is recovering from nicely, a tank size upgrade and an accidental 100% water change 8O that had it in the LFS for a week)
It goes where I put it (I seem to pick good spots for it) and usually stays there (though for Halloween it decided to hang upside down in some rockwork for the evening, "bat-style". 8) 8O 8) ..I am not kidding and then went back to its orginal spot in the morning 8) ). The only thing I do for it is to thaw out a shrimp every night, hand feed it and keep fish away from the food.
It has acutally grown roughly 2" since I got it.
I somehow don't see this as being very difficult, other than the fact that I have to make sure I am home around 8:00 to 9:00 PM to feed it, other than that, life with this anenome has been a pretty easy ride.
Could someone please explain why it is said that anenomes are so difficult to keep (again IME "carpet" has been pretty easy)?
75G - Marineland Jetstream
Custom Sealife PC fixture (with moonlight)
Amiracle Wet/Dry Filter
70 pounds of LR
4" sand bed (mixed grains)
1 Acanthurus Japonicus Tang (Powder Brown) - "Dizzy"
1 Oscellarus Clown - "Nina"
1 True Percula Clown - "Nemo"
1 Green Chromis - Currently unnamed
2 umbrella leathers - "Knuckles" and "Snowball"
1 bubble - "Bubbles"
1 finger leather - "Spike"
1 green carpet anenome - "Carpet"
I have had a green carpet anenome for several months (it was one of the first things to go into the tank) and has been through alot (including a bad fight with a Maxijet 1200, which it is recovering from nicely, a tank size upgrade and an accidental 100% water change 8O that had it in the LFS for a week)
It goes where I put it (I seem to pick good spots for it) and usually stays there (though for Halloween it decided to hang upside down in some rockwork for the evening, "bat-style". 8) 8O 8) ..I am not kidding and then went back to its orginal spot in the morning 8) ). The only thing I do for it is to thaw out a shrimp every night, hand feed it and keep fish away from the food.
It has acutally grown roughly 2" since I got it.
I somehow don't see this as being very difficult, other than the fact that I have to make sure I am home around 8:00 to 9:00 PM to feed it, other than that, life with this anenome has been a pretty easy ride.
Could someone please explain why it is said that anenomes are so difficult to keep (again IME "carpet" has been pretty easy)?
75G - Marineland Jetstream
Custom Sealife PC fixture (with moonlight)
Amiracle Wet/Dry Filter
70 pounds of LR
4" sand bed (mixed grains)
1 Acanthurus Japonicus Tang (Powder Brown) - "Dizzy"
1 Oscellarus Clown - "Nina"
1 True Percula Clown - "Nemo"
1 Green Chromis - Currently unnamed
2 umbrella leathers - "Knuckles" and "Snowball"
1 bubble - "Bubbles"
1 finger leather - "Spike"
1 green carpet anenome - "Carpet"
"I have had a green carpet anenome for several months "
This is a very common statement people make with lots of difficult animals. "Several months" is no measure of success, my friend. Come back in one year, or 10 years, and tell us how your anemone is doing.
It usually takes somewhere around 6-18 months for lots of difficult inverts to die a very slow death, because of their very low metabolism. Crinoids, flame scallops, sea apples, you name it. They can go for a long time with out any food at all before finally starving to death.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I wish you success with your anemone. I just think a few months is a bit early to call it a success.
This is a very common statement people make with lots of difficult animals. "Several months" is no measure of success, my friend. Come back in one year, or 10 years, and tell us how your anemone is doing.
It usually takes somewhere around 6-18 months for lots of difficult inverts to die a very slow death, because of their very low metabolism. Crinoids, flame scallops, sea apples, you name it. They can go for a long time with out any food at all before finally starving to death.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I wish you success with your anemone. I just think a few months is a bit early to call it a success.
Very true, a month to an anemone is like hours to us.
Although I think it will help greatly that you feed your carpet often.
Good Luck to you and your anemone
I think a lot of anemones purchased starve to death because they dont have enough light and are never fed.
JJ
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Mercedes 35 hp
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I just removed 2 more clones from a BTA in a client's tank. Nitrates and Phosphates have been off the scale in this tank - they hired me last summer to clean the tank while the hobbyist was on vacation, and at that time I removed one clone - the water was awful. I recommended aggressive water changes to remedy the situation but they did not take the advice.
It's a 40 g rr tank with PC lights - nothing fancy.
This summer, they had me do the same thing - and they've had trouble keeping fishes alive (duh!) except for a couple of Clark's Clowns and some damsels (uh huh), and of course the water was putrid again. Meanwhile the BTA has split 3 more times - there were four individuals in the tank. There are now 2 left, as I removed 2 last week, we've got the chemistry not "perfect" but at least the nitrates are readable now - 20-30 ppm and coming down. They want me to keep servicing the tank til the end of the year - not sure if they will "let it go" after that, or keep me on - that's their choice, but it's really interesting that this particular specimen is growing fat and sassy and reproducing, in this less than ideal situation (stress induced perhaps?)
I have another friend/customer who bought a rose anemone from me - it was about fist-sized when open, and when I bagged it up it closed up to quarter-sized nub (pencil eraser!) and I remember thinking to myself that this lady was paying over $100 for a nub! Well it has grown and thrived for close to a year now, and it divided. She has another BTA too (this is in a 180 that was traded in - another clone from another tank) and it is absolutely massive - looks like it might divide too.
The only anemones I bring in are E. quadricolor (BTA) and LTA - M. dorenesis (sp?), because they are the ones that seem to be adaptable in the long term for many people.
Many carpet anems will eat other fish.
Many anemones are victims of mechanical devices (I sell as many foam powerhead protectors as I do anemones!)
Many are not properly cared for.
I think if the hobbyist understands the needs of the animal before they bring it home it has a decent chance of survival.
I do think that host anemones fare better with clownfishes - even though clowns can fare just fine without an anemone, in the home aquarium. I believe that there is some sort of benefit that the anemone receives from the clown - feeding, cleaning, stimulation or whatnot, that the anemone must have if it is to thrive.
JMO
Jenn
It's a 40 g rr tank with PC lights - nothing fancy.
This summer, they had me do the same thing - and they've had trouble keeping fishes alive (duh!) except for a couple of Clark's Clowns and some damsels (uh huh), and of course the water was putrid again. Meanwhile the BTA has split 3 more times - there were four individuals in the tank. There are now 2 left, as I removed 2 last week, we've got the chemistry not "perfect" but at least the nitrates are readable now - 20-30 ppm and coming down. They want me to keep servicing the tank til the end of the year - not sure if they will "let it go" after that, or keep me on - that's their choice, but it's really interesting that this particular specimen is growing fat and sassy and reproducing, in this less than ideal situation (stress induced perhaps?)
I have another friend/customer who bought a rose anemone from me - it was about fist-sized when open, and when I bagged it up it closed up to quarter-sized nub (pencil eraser!) and I remember thinking to myself that this lady was paying over $100 for a nub! Well it has grown and thrived for close to a year now, and it divided. She has another BTA too (this is in a 180 that was traded in - another clone from another tank) and it is absolutely massive - looks like it might divide too.
The only anemones I bring in are E. quadricolor (BTA) and LTA - M. dorenesis (sp?), because they are the ones that seem to be adaptable in the long term for many people.
Many carpet anems will eat other fish.
Many anemones are victims of mechanical devices (I sell as many foam powerhead protectors as I do anemones!)
Many are not properly cared for.
I think if the hobbyist understands the needs of the animal before they bring it home it has a decent chance of survival.
I do think that host anemones fare better with clownfishes - even though clowns can fare just fine without an anemone, in the home aquarium. I believe that there is some sort of benefit that the anemone receives from the clown - feeding, cleaning, stimulation or whatnot, that the anemone must have if it is to thrive.
JMO
Jenn
After a quick search for info on anemones I found this and wanted to thank you. My LFS has a collection of nice BTA and LT including a purple LT-awesome. Are u proud? I did not purchase and then come to the forum for help. I resisted and researched first. I may sound like a little boy looking for a pat on the back but the point is this forum has really made a difference in the survival of many a life and hope others too will always investigate before impulsive buys.
Long....
I started with a green BTA around 6-7 years ago in a 30 gal with NO lights. Hey, I didn't know any better, resources like this were few and far between. Anemones and clownfish are what attracted most of us to the hobby, I am no exception. As I learned, I upgraded. That single BTA has turned into around 20 now. They are now in a 55 gal with 440w VHO and soon may upgrade to T5 or MH. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't try with less than VHO. I have no real experience with PC.
As far as being easy to keep, I think that is a loaded question for any invert or coral.
Around 2 years ago I started night school to finish a degree and full time work + full time school = neglected reef tank. My tank got pretty bad. I lost a lot of corals and a couple of fish but the anemones lived through it all although they weren't happy. I couldn't stand to see my tank like that so I got it back under control a few months ago. The anemones are all still there and looking pretty good again. They have proven to be pretty hardy IMHO. I don't think that applies across the board. Just as some sps' are more demanding than others, some anemones are too. I tried Sebae (sp?) once with no luck. I had a carpet for about a year and it got so large I had to get rid of it. I was doing very well also.
I don't feed my anemones directly as much as I used to, mainly because there are so many of them. I find that the more you feed them, the larger they will get and the less they will wander. When I do feed them I usually give each one a nice piece of thawed Prime Reef right in the kisser. They love it.
My BTA's have hosted Ocellaris Clowns and True percs. I haven't tried any other clowns.
They will wander and usually at night. Feeding them may keep them in place. I have found that corals with a mighty punch such as hammer, torch, frogspawn will keep them in place also. At one time, I had them all on one side of the tank and used a large frogspawn as an "electric fence" to keep them there. It worked real well. They will also usually wander right before a split. When they wander, it seems their favorite place to park is right beside a prized coral. They will wreck havoc on polyps, shrooms, leathers etc.
They are beautiful under actinics.
Sorry, I know this ended up being long, hope I didn't put anyone to sleep.
Just hope I could share some of my experiences.
I started with a green BTA around 6-7 years ago in a 30 gal with NO lights. Hey, I didn't know any better, resources like this were few and far between. Anemones and clownfish are what attracted most of us to the hobby, I am no exception. As I learned, I upgraded. That single BTA has turned into around 20 now. They are now in a 55 gal with 440w VHO and soon may upgrade to T5 or MH. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't try with less than VHO. I have no real experience with PC.
As far as being easy to keep, I think that is a loaded question for any invert or coral.
Around 2 years ago I started night school to finish a degree and full time work + full time school = neglected reef tank. My tank got pretty bad. I lost a lot of corals and a couple of fish but the anemones lived through it all although they weren't happy. I couldn't stand to see my tank like that so I got it back under control a few months ago. The anemones are all still there and looking pretty good again. They have proven to be pretty hardy IMHO. I don't think that applies across the board. Just as some sps' are more demanding than others, some anemones are too. I tried Sebae (sp?) once with no luck. I had a carpet for about a year and it got so large I had to get rid of it. I was doing very well also.
I don't feed my anemones directly as much as I used to, mainly because there are so many of them. I find that the more you feed them, the larger they will get and the less they will wander. When I do feed them I usually give each one a nice piece of thawed Prime Reef right in the kisser. They love it.
My BTA's have hosted Ocellaris Clowns and True percs. I haven't tried any other clowns.
They will wander and usually at night. Feeding them may keep them in place. I have found that corals with a mighty punch such as hammer, torch, frogspawn will keep them in place also. At one time, I had them all on one side of the tank and used a large frogspawn as an "electric fence" to keep them there. It worked real well. They will also usually wander right before a split. When they wander, it seems their favorite place to park is right beside a prized coral. They will wreck havoc on polyps, shrooms, leathers etc.
They are beautiful under actinics.
Sorry, I know this ended up being long, hope I didn't put anyone to sleep.
Just hope I could share some of my experiences.
Sebae - 4 years old hosts ocellaris clowns currently under a temporary light situation pending 400w bulbs.
Bubble tip - 3 years old hosts maroon clowns - currently under 175w MH
LTA - 5 years old, just sold as coming systems and it is the most beautiful, and reef friendly, aka easiest to sell. Has been under all types of light.
Feed them, and give them light. And be prepared.......they can live A LONG TIME.. :roll:
Bubble tip - 3 years old hosts maroon clowns - currently under 175w MH
LTA - 5 years old, just sold as coming systems and it is the most beautiful, and reef friendly, aka easiest to sell. Has been under all types of light.
Feed them, and give them light. And be prepared.......they can live A LONG TIME.. :roll:
I have a Bubble Tip Anemone and a Yellowstripe Maroon Clown that calls it home. They seem do do great together and the clown went right to it. It is fun watching him feed the BTA. Lighting is working out good for the BTA, I am only at 3 watts per gallon right now.
I have heard that BTA's are hard to take care of. Does anyone know what is supposed to be difficult about them?
75Gal
SG 1.024
Temp 78
2 96W PC (1 Actinic; 1 10,000K)
1 40W 12,000K HO
I have heard that BTA's are hard to take care of. Does anyone know what is supposed to be difficult about them?
75Gal
SG 1.024
Temp 78
2 96W PC (1 Actinic; 1 10,000K)
1 40W 12,000K HO
That lighting should be fine for a BTA.
However, a common misconception with anemones is the idea that you can place them high up in the tank if the lighting isn't great. Most anemones can/will wander throughout the tank to find a spot they like based on other factors as well (like water flow, sense of security etc). There should be enough light throughout the tank to support the anemone (not just at the top of the tank).
I can't miss the chance to show off my beloved pair of black ocellaris again. The pair spawn regularly in a 20-gallon tank by my desk. Cheap thrills for me. :wink: The tank has one of the Jalli 150 watt double ended light fixtures with 10,000k bulb. I had the pair in the tank first and then added one small E. quadricolor and another later. The anemones have really grown in the past 18 months. I don't feed the anemones on purpose. We have raised quite a few baby ocellaris out of this tank. IME the bubbletips do extremely well under various circumstances and host many different clownfish species. Doesn't seem to matter which goes in first.
Mitch
Mitch
Attachments
nice pics Dizzy, that BTA has great color, looks very happy. I agree about the BTA's. I love them. I am considering moving all 20 of mine into a seperate species tank with maybe a LTA or Sebae if I can find a healthy one.
I think the biggest factor is choosing a healthy one to begin with. I have seen some anemones in the stores that look really really bad. If you get one that is damaged and or stressed, you are fighting an uphill battle.
When I bought mine it was very healthy, retracted well, ate well and was firmly attached to a large rock. I ended up purchasing the entire rock to keep from damaging it
What type camera, lens, f-stop etc etc. ?
I think the biggest factor is choosing a healthy one to begin with. I have seen some anemones in the stores that look really really bad. If you get one that is damaged and or stressed, you are fighting an uphill battle.
When I bought mine it was very healthy, retracted well, ate well and was firmly attached to a large rock. I ended up purchasing the entire rock to keep from damaging it
What type camera, lens, f-stop etc etc. ?
I have had a heteractic malu for almost 4 years now. A pair of false percs call it home and spawn regularly. I housed it under vho for the first couple years in a 20 gal tank. I then upgraded to a 75 gal with 2 175 mh with 12k bulbs. It has never moved more than a couple inches from side to side and enjoys the deep sand bed. Growth has seemed to stabalize in the last year now. To see a pic just look at my avatar!
LB 8)
LB 8)
Ive had a couple bta's...one i bought was bleached...it finally kicked off...i had it for about 7 months...I had one that got sucked into a powerhead and chopped into a billion pieces....my new one is a Condylactis Gigantes...my clark has taken a liking to him..but he seems to like anything that remotely resembles an anemone...including my Xenia..
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