20h with two clowns...opinions on anem?

[puckbs]

Ok, here is the setup:
20h drilled with overflow basket and 10g sump with asm skimmer and mag 9.5 return
nova extreme pro t5, 6 bulbs (3 day, 3 actinics)
I have a bunch of different size koralias i could use for flow

i have two clowns in there now, this tank will be solely for them and the anemone

there is no substrate and no rock so i can choose to add *** much as i need or leave it out

the simple answer would be a little rock pile and a BTA
I know the main issue here really is tank size

I am considering the option of a carpet....thoughts?

i figure if water params, light, and flow were adequate, tank size issues might be comparable to it being wedged in a rock formation in the wild?? just throwing some thoughts out there, all input welcome!

 

[kduen]

I would say that the BTA is the way to go. Just know that they can get up to 15'' across so there may come a time when the tank is too small being only 12" wide. I would say no to carpets in generall as they will quickly outgrow a 20H.

 

[Toddrtrex]

What type of clowns?

I would skip any of the "carpets" -- just get way too big. The only 2 hosting anemones that I would even consider would be an E. Quadricolor (( which, like mentioned about can reach 15+ inches across )) or an H. Malu.

 

[mjwz06]

It all depends on what type of clownfish you have. Here's a good reference site:
http://www.nhm.ku.edu/inverts/ebooks/intro.html

BTW, some carpets like S. Haddoni like a deep sandy substrate to bury their foot in.

 

[MrGeoReefer]

That's a cool setup for them guys, I think the roses look best

 

[puckbs]

thanks for the input! i don't know why i forgot to describe the clowns....they are both occellaris, the larger female is australian black and white, and the other is a reg occ. with a misbar in the sense that the head band goes back towards his dorsal on top

yeah, I was thinking realistically the BTA was pretty much my only choice...LTA's tend to be a little more finicky and require (i believe) a sand bed like the haddoni...i have seen tanks with a mix of rbta and gbta and i have kept both with a lot of success, just never at the same time, so that was another possible thought...

 

[garygb]

I think a BTA would be the way to go. Not a natural host for ocellaris, so no sure bet that the fish will take to it, but highly likely.

 

[trueblackpercula]

As long as you care for your tank to the fullest anyone of the carpets will live. They only problem is in time it will out grow you small tank. rose bubble tips are very nice anemones and clowns will host them. GOOD LUCK !!!! Post some pictures soon.

 

[puckbs]

Will def post some pics....i've been leaning heavily towards the rbta...the motion of the tentacles will add a lot to the tank too..... now to find a good deal on one locally!

 

[NirvanaFan]

I'd go with a BTA. Like was said before, the carpets just get too large for that tank.

 

[mr.iacuessa]

id go with a crispa or a maluyou dont get the pretty colors of a BTA, but theyre more of a natural host for the clowns

 

[Toddrtrex]

An H. Crispa gets way too big for a 20 gallon tank -- the last one I had took up about 1/3 of a 75 gallon tank.

 

[davocean]

Agree, crispas get huge.
A Malu is a good option if conditions are right, and I think they have great colors.
Mine is a nice pinkish purple.
Plus it's a sand dwellar, less roaming issues.

 

[cet98]

BTA....all the way
I have a pair of Snowflakes and one loves to be hosted by a huge Red Shroom, while the other is being hosted by my GBTA.
Hoping they "meet up" in the GBTA :lol:

 

[puckbs]

I've never had an issue getting clowns to host an anemone so hopefully that luck will continue.

was going to go bare bottom but now i'm thinking maybe a thin, and i mean thin, layer of a puka shell mix...was also considering maybe growing a gsp or zoanthid carpet....hmmm

 

[davocean]

That would pretty much decide for you then on going w/ a BTA.