Anemone or clown first?

[zoohoot]

Which is best to add to a tank first to encourage hosting? Should the anemone be in the tank first, or start with the clowns and add the anemone?

 

[SPARTAN VI]

I had my clowns (ocellaris) first, then added the RBTA. Started hosting within 3 months, iirc. In another case, I added a true percula to my girlfriend's nano who chose a flowerpot as its host within a day (flower pot came first).

I don't think it really matters.

 

[marc price]

depends on species you're interested in. some clownfish can be very hard on their anemones and size of each animal can be another issue. given the option, i prefer to add the anemone first.

 

[zoohoot]

Thanks for the info. Marc...do you feel adding the anemone first increases the likelihood of hosting, or is just safer for the anemone?

 

[WDLV]

depends on species you're interested in. some clownfish can be very hard on their anemones and size of each animal can be another issue. given the option, i prefer to add the anemone first.

+1

Thanks for the info. Marc...do you feel adding the anemone first increases the likelihood of hosting, or is just safer for the anemone?

Safer. It allows time for acclimation and growth. The best thing you can do for your anemone with regard to clowns hosting them is to allow it to grow to a size that is large enough for the clown to completely conceal themselves ()carpets excluded.) For most species this will mean 8" - 12".

 

[zoohoot]

Thank you!

 

[NirvanaFan]

Anemone first for it's own good. Ideally, the anemone should be 3x the size of the clown.
I don't think it really matters for hosting though.

 

[5Starreef]

Anemone first, time for it to acclimate, after clowns

 

[mstng67]

Makes sure your tank has been up and running long enough to provide a stable environment for the Anemone (At least 6 months, a year would be preferable).