Have a 75G tank with two Ocellaris Clowns (as well as other livestock) and have been thinking of adding an anemone. First things first, I am about to upgrade my lighting, but what are peoples experience with them? I have read a couple of things that say if they die, they will release some bad toxins in the water that can kill all the other fish. Is it worth the risk?
Anemones
- Thread starter EPopper
- Start date
TimeConsumer
Active member
I had a few I really liked. They can cause issues though. Going for a swim and getting sucked into a powerhead comes to mind.
The only issue I ever encountered is when my RBTA decided to relocate behind a rock, never saw him again until I broke down the tank a year later.
The only issue I ever encountered is when my RBTA decided to relocate behind a rock, never saw him again until I broke down the tank a year later.
kfisc
Well-known member
They're great fun, but they are underestimated in terms of how much care they require- really excellent light, correct water and feeding. Plus, they move (sometimes right into a powerhead), split and can sting other inhabitants. If I had another go with them, I'd make them the primary inhabitant with some clownfish.
Good stuff, kfisc. How did you go about getting them off the powerhead? If the clowns decide the host, won't they chad off the other inhabitants? We have a Valentini Puffer that will eat any snail we put in the tank, but would he bother the anemone? There is also a Tomini Tang who is becoming the king of the tank and likes to mess with our Diamond Goby, but he leaves everyone else alone.
kfisc
Well-known member
Placing powerheads out of the way an anemone may wander can help- high in the tank, corners, and so on. If one is sucked in, best to remove the powerhead to a container, turn it off, and remove what's left of the unfortunate anemone in the container. Plus water changes thereafter! Quite the mess. However, anemones wander just about anywhere, so some reef keepers opt for solutions such as mesh around the powerhead intake area.
A number of fish will nibble an anemone, including maroon clowns, if they're bored, or just being their typical belligerent selves. They'll certainly chase away other fish. Anemones can attack and eat a number of species, including, apparently some tangs:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1835911
TimeConsumer
Active member
Yes, sometimes you can pick the spot for them and they will stay. Anemones like to ensure their foot is safe and sucked into a crevice, so it may not stay put on top of a flat rock. Once they pick a spot they usually stay put. But if you start changing lights, flow, or accidentally drop their rock in the sandbed (guilty) they will sometimes decide to migrate.
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