To Anemone or not to Anemone

Neuahda · 12-05-2004, 05:09 PM

I've been thinking about get an anemone for my tank(20g). Is this a smart idea? I don't want to put something in my tank that won't work out. I am afraid of the anemone moving around and killing my corals. I also fear that it might eat one of my fish. Or that it might die and kill my tank.

What I'm wondering is if a anemone would be a smart idea or if the risks are too great.

Skipponator · 12-05-2004, 05:12 PM

Maybe you could get a very small Condy, I dunno. I've seen some the size of a quarter. I have an anemone that does not move 1 bit, but I think Condys do, I still havn't figured out what kind I have. I think it might have eaten a wrasse of mine, but I can't be for certain. If you have doubts then you are prolly better off not getting one.

Sea monkey · 12-05-2004, 05:24 PM

i would not get a condy personaly . i got one that came with my live rock and all it ever did was move around and bother corals.

i think your only choice because you have PC lights is a BTA or RBTA . they wont move as much if they are happy .

fireview · 12-05-2004, 06:28 PM

Thereanemones that do not move as much as others. My rose anemone has not moved in 6 months. Sebaes anemones also tend to stay in one place. I would not recommend condys. They move around more than most and will sting other corals. However, all anemones will move around until they find a place they are comfortable with.

jules77 · 12-05-2004, 08:11 PM

I have a 32 hex and I would not reccomend any anemone for a 20gal tank. I wish I had more room for my rbta. They really need a tank that has a sump, closed loop and lots of LR. The main enemy of the anemone is the powerhead. If you have powerheads in the tank think about how you are going to keep them from getting hurt by them. Murphys law certainly applies with these creatures. If it can go wrong it will. If you need more info on anemones I have a faq pda and also this site was useful
www.freewebs.com/karenssaltwater

Jive Turkey · 12-05-2004, 10:02 PM

Foam pads for the powerhead's intake will take care of the problem of anemones in powerhead. But mech filtration like foam pads need to be cleaned at least once a week or they create nitrates.

How much PC lighting do you have? I have had success with a few types of anemones in a small tank with PCs. A 29g with 192w PC(2x96w).

A green BTA may work for you, they will accept less light than a rose BTA. But they are4 prone to moving, and end up in powerheads more that all other anemones combined. Good thing is, the sting seems to be pretty weak, and only the tips sting, so anemones moving over corals isn't always deadly. Rarely IME.

Neuahda · 12-06-2004, 08:24 PM

I have 195w pc over my tank.

Sea monkey · 12-06-2004, 10:01 PM

I think thats enough for a BTA .

clownfishcrazy · 12-07-2004, 12:04 AM

I have a GBTA in a 20H with 55 watts of PC over it and it doing great, i not saying you should get one though. Mine was the first animal in my tank so it already found "its spot" and has't moved since.

djyox · 12-07-2004, 08:58 AM

I would say go for it....just look for a kind like said above.

clownfishcrazy · 12-07-2004, 10:24 AM

If you are going to get one I would suggest that you get somebodys clone.

reeftanktime · 12-07-2004, 10:50 AM

No way we are ever gonna get a clone of you Devin. You are one of a kind.
My RBTA has not grown to more than 3" in diameter before it splits. I don't know why, except for maybe my feeding schedule. Forget for a few weeks, then everyday for a few weeks. Currently I have 2 in my 58 and they are not moving around much.
Go for it, but don't be surprised if your Nemos don't take to it.

clownfishcrazy · 12-07-2004, 11:09 AM

Nemo's Dennis?

My stupid clown hasn't even noticed my GBTA for over a year now.

Neuahda · 12-07-2004, 11:14 PM

Anyone have a clone?I'd be interested in one like whats described above.

I'm not interested in getting one for my clown. I doubt he'd host in it. I just like how they look and they seem like interesting creatures.