Anemone in new tank

[mling]

OK, I know, don’t put an Anemone in a new tank ! Problem is, the guy at the LFS convinced me it was ok to put an Anemone in my new tank and I only read about how wrong he can be after I brought a Condylatics home. After reading about all the Anemone warnings, I am wondering what I should do to improve my Condi’s chances of survival.

My tank has had it Nitrate Ammonia level at zero for about 2 months now. It has pretty good water movement since my power head has two outputs. The Condi I got was about 6 inches wide and very healthy. Since I brought it home, it has shrank to about half the size, sometimes as small as 2 inches. I am aware that Anemones contract and expand every now and then. I got it 3 days ago and I know it probably shrunk due to stress in a new environment, but how long should I wait before expecting it to return to the 6” size ?

It has been feeding and moving about the tank and seems to have settled in one area. What other things does any one have to suggest I should do ?

What is the best food for a Condi ? I’ve been feeding it frozen brine shrimp.I’ve read that Anemone’s don’t like changes in their environment. Does that mean that I should not do any water changes for a few weeks ?

Here’s a pic of it this morning.

[Geoff]

since anemones are all water. any change in its environment will wig it out a little. most anemones will do this the first day they are in a new environment. they need to qualize their bodies to the new water column. they will replace all of the water they have with the new water in the system. if this persists for more than a day or two you may have another problem. condi's need to be fed. silversides are a good choice.

G~

[reefBoyDc]

I didn't know clowns liked condies. What type of clown is that in your pic? Does anybody know if ocellaris will cuddle with the condy?

[mling]

Thanks for all the suggestions but my Condi died last nite. What a quick turn of events from the photo I took just about 12 hrs earlier. The Tomato Clown in the picture is rather depressed now that it does not have the Condi to host with. OK, that probably just my imagination.I don't know why it died since all my chemical levels are OK. I will now resist the temptation to buy another Anemone until my tank matures.

How long should I wait ? I have heard as long as 1 year ?

[wanareef]

That's a good time span. Remember- go slow and you'll be nicer on the pocket book The quadcolor is usually the best choice for a "beginner" but still needs a mature tank.

[reefBoyDc]

What's the difference between a 6 month old tank and a 1 year old tank, assuming all water quality parameters are the same? Is there something you can test for to be sure a tank is ready for an anemone? Or is an old tank just more stable, leading to a better living environment?

[Phishnoob]

That is a good question Reefboy. I just know that the more mature my tank gets the more stuff lives. They have the new tank syndrome which seems to not just be an initial thing but really tapers off.

I made the mistake of putting a mandarin in my tank before giving it a year and he starved.

It might just be that all the pods and worms and other critters need a lot of time to grow.

Can someone answer this? (Oh and put it into something on a peon level so I can understand it)

Perry