Anemone Misconception

[Aurora D.]

I've heard over and over again that anemones are hard to keep, however most sources that state this usually are in books geared towards general saltwater rater than reefs, so I was just wondering if anemones are very hard to keep under reef conditions. I was also wondering what anemone is easier to keep a BTA or LTA. Thanks!!

 

[E.J. Coral]

Anemones are NOT hard to keep (flame suit on). SPS are much harder IMO. The problem is that it is VERY, VERY hard to find healthy anemones of any species besides BTAs. BTAs reproduce in captivity, and are often found in good shape...hence their lable as "easy anemones to keep"....

 

[Amphiprion]

In general, most people find that anemones are indeed more difficult to keep than most corals--granted, this depends upon the species. My anemone, however, has proven to be anything but finicky--she is probably one of the hardiest animals in my tank, minus the fish.

 

[rkelman]

I don't think they are hard to keep if you get a healthy specimen to start with and you have a stable tank and meet their basic needs.

 

[Aurora D.]

Thanks for your input, this has helped me with my stocking plan. I may now try to recreate an Indo-Pacific reef with a BTA as the pivotal species.

 

[CoralCaps]

Check your local reef clubs for anemones. There is always a decent supply of them in my area, mainly RBTA it seems. Prices range from $10 to $60 depending on size.

Cheaper, healthier than some LFS. A lot of anemones come in bad condition due to shipping (whether it's the packers fault or not....most of the time it is).

 

[elegance coral]

When you take the number of anemones collected from the wild and compare it to the number that survive in captivity, it becomes overwhelmingly obvious that they are hard to keep. This may be due in great part to poor collection, shipping, and handling, but regardless of the reason, they are generally hard to keep. If you are lucky enough to get a healthy anemone, or able to nurse one back to health, they can be pretty hardy. Many hobbyists fail with anemones because they don't take the needs of the individual species into account when adding them to their tank. Keeping Magnifica in a Haddoni environment isn't going to work out very well. IMHO, to be sucessful with an anemone, we need to research the needs of the individual species, and do our best to provide its needs.

 

[inachu]

Would it be advisable to own one in a small tank by itself?

with just sand and no rocks?

 

[Amphiprion]

^^ That depends upon the anemone. Most will get much too large, whereas others, that situation won't be the appropriate habitat.

 

[phoenix]

Echo the above - I have had bubble tips, ltas and carpets and had no problem with them thriving - however, I have a well established reef tank that is stable, good flow and lights and I fed them regularly. My experience has been that bubble tips tend to move around, sting corals and can find powerheads. My LTAs move around until they find a suitable spot and then as long as they are fed they remain there. I currently have a blue carpet which has been doing well for approximately 1.5 yrs. It settled in and has been stationary. In the past, I had a green carpet that grew too big and started taking out curious fish so he was traded. I also have to reemphasize, the importance of getting healthy specimens - most of my anemones have come from other reefers, Dr Mac or Phishybusiness.

 

[lloydkeller]

have had great luck with my bta gets plenty of light and i let it stay where it lands its a year old and finely it has moved from the back to the front of the tank