Heteractis crispa and my formerly overheated tank

[duke12]

I have had two Amphiprion percula clownfish juveniles (I think they're going to form a mated pair; they get along really well) and a Heteractis crispa anemone together in my 75, or 85 if the sump is included, gallon tank, for about 2 months. That is the worst sentence I have ever written. Anyway, I read in several books and on internet sites that Amphiprion percula readily takes Heteractis crispa as a host, but so far, they have not done so. Is there any way I can get them to make my anemone their home? If not, will they ever?

Also, during the first half of the summer, which was the first summer my reef tank has endured, I had no chiller! The corals began to do poorly and being a moron I hadn't checked the temperature for weeks. It was up to 85! We don't have central air conditioning. So we finally bought a chiller which has been doing a great job keeping the temperature between 75 and 77 degrees, but some of my corals had already taken a severe beating. My Sinularia, which was in the top part of the water column, shriveled up a little and didn't show its polyps, but I've gotten it to come back, and it seems as if it will flourish once more. My "star polyps", which were the most beautiful metallic green I have ever seen, bleached during this period. Though I have two extremely small polyps showing right now, I fear it will take a while for the colony to return to its former glory. All of the other corals are doing fine, including my anemone, which I spoke of earlier. Through divine intervention, this anemone was not affected in the least. The question is: I want new corals, but I have been keeping only 2 of my 4 55watt PC bulbs going so that the polyps may have a chance to grow back, but, as the other corals develop, and as my growing need to have more corals increases, it is necessary that the lighting returns to its full strength. I have begun to leave it at full strength a couple hours a day now. Will the star polyps, seeing as there are two of them currently out right now; will they flourish despite the strong lighting? Anybody got advice? Thanks.

I'd also like to say,

GOD BLESS AMERICA, BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

And please remember that it is not the Muslims who are responsible for this tragedy. It is a group of radical ists, or should I say ers, who claim to follow Mohammed's teachings, when in fact they follow a few fanatics preaching hatred. One of my best friends, who is Muslim, says that he's had several instances where people have approached him about this issue, and placed all blame on his people. That is just sick, and those people should no better, because what they are doing is no better than what those ists did last Tuesday. If you are one of these people, listen to what our President told us to do and treat all Muslim Americans with the same respect as any other person, because they are just as American as you. They are citizens, and should be treated likewise.

Sorry, I just had to get that out.

My dearest sympathies go out to those of you who lost a family member or friend in this terrible act of hatred.

[duke12]

Okay, so that was a bit long and wordy. Here's the simple question: I've got a "Sebae" anemone, Heteractis cripsa, that is supposed to host True Percula clowns, but mine haven't adapted it after two months. Is there a way I can get them in it?
Thanks

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi duke12! You may find the following article interesting to read: http://www.thekrib.com/Marine/anenome.html

[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: MontanaRocknReefer ]

[duke12]

Cool article. Thanks!

[Brooke]

duke-
I can't help you a whole lot because I've never kept an anemone....but... You better get those lights cranked up. Imagine trying to live by a nightlight. You can survive, but you won't thrive. I can't imagine that the sebae is thriving under only 110 watts of PC's. Unfortunately, I don't know what kind of long-term success you'll have with the sebae under PC's. The article Johnny referenced is a good one.

The clowns might take to the anemone...and they might not. There's no guarantee.

Brooke

[rochelleryan]

I agree with Brooke that there is no guarantee one way or another. It's pure luck. You can try feeding some pieces of shrimp to your anemone. Sometimes the clowns will get closer to the anemone while trying to "steal" the food. Be patient. Miracles are always possible.

[tmncali]

Hello,
Does it make a difference if the Amphiprion percula clownfish juveniles are tank raised vs. wild caught as to if they will take to an anenome? Or is it a crap shoot all the way around?

Thanks

tony

[duke12]

tmncali, how dare you use such language!

Just kidding. I would assume that it would make no difference as the instinctive behaviour is not lost over a few generations, but thousands upon thousands of years. I heard somewhere that they do have to develop the protective mucus coating over a short amount of time, however.

[tmncali]

what language?

tony

[bill-e]

I think all clown's will host with something once they begin courting.. Took my clowns (tr ocellaris) almost a year before they started hosting with my corals.

I think once the ole hormones kick in, they will pick a host...might not be the anemone though, or it may be everything in the tank.