[FlameAngel13]

Hello, I'm new and have about four months of experience with fowlr (I know not much at all). I want to get started in reef keeping and want to get an anemone for my ocellaris clownfish pair. I have a 55 gallon fowlr. The residents are 1 flame angel, a strawberry dottyback, a yellowtailed damsel, 2 banggai Cardinalfish, a single blue green chromis survivor, and my ocellaris pair. I am concerned as I've read a lot about anemones eating other fish in the tank. Are there any that won't eat my fish or that are less likely to eat them? If I decided not to risk it could I get a nano for my clownfish and an anemone? I've been trying to do research but still don't feel like I'm prepared. How many fish has your anemone eaten? Also if I'm missing any info just let me know

 

[JWINK]

That's what nems do, they eat. And anything of size that gets too close other than a clown can become a meal. It happens to all of us. Most fish will stay away, but it does happen.
On a side note, please make sure that you do your homework before buying your nem. They do require very high quality water parameters and high lighting in order to survive for long. A FOWLR tank usually doesn't have these parameters. It is sad to see someone buy one "to keep their clown happy" and it looks cool. But unable to provide the proper parameters. They will live a couple of months, but then go into "nem decline" and die. Also, it is almost mandatory that your tank be stabilized for over 6 months prior to introducing a nem and most wait 12 months or more.

 

[Pfranco]

Look into Rock Nems =D Ive had tons of different nems but I have to say I love rock nems the most.. They don't wonder really and they dont eat livestock lol. I know all to well about tossing cleaner shrimp in there only to have them be grabbed by the nem within 3 minutes time.

It is just an opinion but curb the whole clown and nem thing trust me its overrated lol. If you ever intend on raising or propagating coral (Which your going to eventually trust me we all do) you are gonna have to watch the nem. You are going to have to watch the nem with its tank mates. With the nem you are going to have to watch your flow rates extremely close and very RARELY change them if ever... You will be constrained unless you dont mind that nem wondering around or worse yet releasing from the rock getting taken in the flow and sucked into a power head. There are many risks with nems.

As a coral farmer and clown breeder I have grown away from nems and the whole nem clown thing altogether... The only reason I have an LTA left is because it was my 6 year female clowns and she just passed 2 days ago. I literally could not take it from her without being attacked. But now shes gone so is the LTA... And I have to say while im devastated over the clown passing im in my glory that I can now get rid of that nem. Trust me its something you will probably regret as most people do. They are more a novelty in my opinion. Those clowns will breed without a nem and they will be just as happy without it =D...
Trust me look into Rock Nems and Zoanthids / Palys for your tank for some color =D those are some of the things that will add some good color for you , propagate out to the rocks, and be ok in a fowlr setup ...
If you decide to do it and you need any help or need a couple frags let me know Ill ship you a few starters =D And if you are looking into rock nems I have a guy in Florida who I can direct you to for 10 or 15 a piece cheaper if you buy multiples.
Just an opinion though =D

 

[chrisfrat]

I also suggest rock nems, or maybe a mini carpet nem. Just be aware, most times, these nems do not end up hosting clowns.

 

[FlameAngel13]

Thanks for all the wonderful info!!! I have decided to go with the mini carpet anemones in my soon to be reef tank. The are a lot smaller and more colorful. I've also decided to get a separate tank for my clown and anemone pair and will definitely wait a while to get the nem. I think that I've decided on on the bubble tip nem thanks again for all the help