I went to my LFS to pick up some mushrooms for my tank and noticed they had anenomes, RBTA and Carpet/haddoni's in a tank with no light. I asked the owner dont anemones need a lot of light but he said we dont use any lights and they are doing fine..they just need to be fed often. The anemones did look good. But its confusing because all ive been reading is anemones need a lot of light. If this is true I what anemones would be ok in a 26G with 130w PC??
Anenome with no light?
- Thread starter ZooZ
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Travis L. Stevens
Active member
I doubt that they have them for long. If they survive, they will bleach out. In addition, how long has he had these anemones
Random Aquarist
New member
There are non-photosynthetic anemones, but none of them host clownfish.
elegance coral
They call me EC
Anemones will bleach without light. That is a fact that can not be changed. Feed it all you want, it will still bleach. They may be getting enough light from the other lights in the store to fuel some photosynthesis. This along with food may prolong the time before they bleach, but if the light is inadequate, eventually the anemone will bleach. A shop owner that would make a statement like this should not be trusted on any issues.
55semireef
Moved On
Re: Anenome with no light?
I would say a BTA would be your best bet but make sure your tank has been up and running for at least 8 months. 130 watts is kind of borderline IMO.
There is a symbiosis between zooxanthellae alage and anemones just like there is with coral. It's a mutualistic relationship in scientific terms. Basically the zooxanthellae algae captures light rays and photosynthesizes it. During the dark period, the zooxanthellae algae turns the engergy into food for the zooxanthellae to sustain itself. Howevef, the anemone also benefits from zooxanthellae algae because it also utilizes the nutrition made by the zooxanthellae algae. Without this zooxanthellae algae, no photosynthetic anemone can sustain itself very long. Not only will it emit it's zooxanthellae algae but it will loose it's pigmentation coloring. Now you truly have a bleached anemone when this occurs.
You supplement an anemone all you want with additional feedings but there will be no long term longevity with the anemone.
I have been to wholesale stores before and it's very sad sight to see when it comes to anemones. With about every 50 anemones you see, there is about one or two that really has a potential of survival. Most of the tanks in the wholesale stores have very little or no lighting. They probably think that their anemones will be out of their store soon enough so it's only "temporary."
I would say a BTA would be your best bet but make sure your tank has been up and running for at least 8 months. 130 watts is kind of borderline IMO.
There is a symbiosis between zooxanthellae alage and anemones just like there is with coral. It's a mutualistic relationship in scientific terms. Basically the zooxanthellae algae captures light rays and photosynthesizes it. During the dark period, the zooxanthellae algae turns the engergy into food for the zooxanthellae to sustain itself. Howevef, the anemone also benefits from zooxanthellae algae because it also utilizes the nutrition made by the zooxanthellae algae. Without this zooxanthellae algae, no photosynthetic anemone can sustain itself very long. Not only will it emit it's zooxanthellae algae but it will loose it's pigmentation coloring. Now you truly have a bleached anemone when this occurs.
You supplement an anemone all you want with additional feedings but there will be no long term longevity with the anemone.
I have been to wholesale stores before and it's very sad sight to see when it comes to anemones. With about every 50 anemones you see, there is about one or two that really has a potential of survival. Most of the tanks in the wholesale stores have very little or no lighting. They probably think that their anemones will be out of their store soon enough so it's only "temporary."
I tottally agree with you but the next closest LFS is a 25 minute drive
I wouldnt mind going there if i were go get a anemone but for everyday kind of things I'll go to this closer LFS but wont take their advise. I sometimes ask the owner question on species of requirements of a coral i see and he usually shrugs his shoulders and says i dunno.
Random Aquarist
New member
If you have multiple LFS's, choose the one that has the most healthy fish and the most educated employees. Even if they're prices are higher, it's better than having to buy another fish(to replace sick one that died) or many more fish(to replace the fish that got eaten by that "vegetarian" eel). By buying at good stores, you're also boosting the good business and not helping the business that only cares about your money.
55semireef
Moved On
Good point there.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10522777#post10522777 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZooZ
I tottally agree with you but the next closest LFS is a 25 minute drive
i have a close LFS store for my dry goods & a 30 minute drive lfs for my livestock. actually...i should start buying my dry goods online & save some $$$
It is truly a shame some LFS are in the business for pure money. I think a LFS owner and staff should be in the business because the enjoy the hobby. It dissappoints me very much when I see fish, corals or any living thing for that matter not taken care of. We take these creatures out of their natrual habitat. The least we can do is take good care of them. We should want our fish and corals to "not merely survive but to thrive."
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