Anemone (or alternative?) in SPS tank

[HuskerBioProf]

Okay, I have had BTAs in my previous tanks and I really enjoyed them. However, those tanks were mostly LPS corals with a couple SPS. This tank is mostly Acros, but I would really like to get a RBTA. I have a big corner of the 40 breeder that would be dedicated to it, and I think the interaction with the clowns might be worth the risk. My only concern is perhaps that the flow in my tank is too high (2 Gyre 130s aiming at each other).

How many people have anemones in their SPS dominant tanks successfully? If so, what can be done to prevent them from moving?

Alternatively, would an anemone alternative for the clowns be much more recommended in my scenario? I am not a big frogspawn/hammer fan, but I have seen some torch corals I like. These still can get big and stingy, may not even host the clown, and could die from the clown interaction... so there are downsides.

 

[swk]

If you really care about the sps, I wouldn't do it. Truth is, once a single nem is happy, true, it won't move. But once it splits all bets are off. The split will wander until its happy

Clowns do not need a nem to be happy.

 

[scar79]

The risk with anemones (especially large ones with long tentacles) is that you come home one day after work and your anemone has decided to plant itself directly between two prized colonies that are now both half dead. I think for most, the risk is simply not worth the reward. I would look at a nice torch or other LPS that you'll have more control over. A 40 breeder especially leaves little room for error.


That said, I've seen anemones that haven't moved more than a few inches over many years, though I think this is less likely in a turbulent SPS tank with flow dynamics that will change as the corals grow. I think the only way I'd attempt a BTA in an SPS tank would be to start with the nem first, see where it settles, and build around that. Still the risk is there though.

 

[HuskerBioProf]

Okay. I am convinced to not get one.

I know the clowns don't need it, but the interaction is certainly cool.

Is a torch the best bet for something wavy in an SPS tank, given the high light/flow, or is there a better alternative to get some motion (safely)?

 

[happyhourhero]

Mine has always lived right here and I agree that it is in the danger zone for all corals around it. It has been my experience that it brushes up against most of the corals around it and it only causes die off if exposed over a long period of time. I have not experienced any patches of STN where the anemone touches.

An interesting note is that I had to pull all my acros due to AEFW and since I have done so the anemone has moved up some to where it would be very much touching the acros around it. I believe that to some degree the anemone was staying put due to the proximity if the corals.

 

[Magem]

I have a BTA doing symbiosis with 2 ocellaris since I started in this hobby 6 years ago. In January 2016 I restart with an Sps tank I thought about selling it. However I kept it...too wonderful and my wife convinced me...

BTA moved 3 months ago [emoji33] and now it is where you can see in the picture. Hope this will be its place for years...[emoji849]
My advice: if you don't have any and are thinking in a Sps tank, don't buy a BTA. You will sleep better...You will find enough satisfaction with sps...[emoji4]




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[Magem]

The BTa is in the middle of the picture


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[CorbinSawyer]

Very nice mix and placements in that tank. I'm glad you kept it

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[codydemmel4]

I have one rbta in my all sps tank, was only one and now it is three. luckily all three stayed in the same spot.

I think there is no problem to have a rbta in a SPS tank

 

[HuskerBioProf]

I have one rbta in my all sps tank, was only one and now it is three. luckily all three stayed in the same spot.

I think there is no problem to have a rbta in a SPS tank

The 180 might give you a little breathing room over my 40, though.

 

[codydemmel4]

The 180 might give you a little breathing room over my 40, though.

very true, but i would just isolate it.

multiple different ways such as on its own island or just on rocks underneath the SPS. I wouldnt let it have a direct path to your SPS though.

 

[rovster]

My nem was added first and once it settled I built around it. It split once and the split stayed right next to it. Only problem is it's getting huge so the neighboring corals are getting stung. I love it though but sometimes I do second guess doing it. If it splits again I'm in trouble. I have really high random flow and it has been in the same spot for almost 2 years.

 

[minus9]

My clowns loved my duncan until the hammer showed up, then they took their love elsewhere. Now they occasionally beat up on the duncan, oh how soon do they forget their first home. It's time for a larger tank.