hi MrX001
I live in the Bay Area, and can give you some info on prices for RBTA around here.
For the past 4 or 5 years, the price (and overall quality) of RBTAs in the area have dropped. Just recently, I searched the Bay Area for one to host my two gold-rimmed Maroon clownfish. I found them for $50-$100 in Oakland, Alameda, and San Francisco. I bought one, 8"-10" across, from 6th Ave Aquarium (i know, I know; shame on me) for $49. It was only 3 days after they rec'd it, so it was in seemingly good condition.
Here's the curveball to buying Rose Anemones in the Bay Area. 5-6 years ago, they commanded a very high price, $200-$300 minimum. However, they always had deep rich colors, with orange hues and were very hardy. From what I understand, these varieties came from Bali. Since then, a new flavor of RBTA flooded the market. They were smaller, and reportedly came from Singapore. Valued at $50-$75, this type of RBTA continues to prevail as the most commonly-available anemone. Be warned. Perhaps due to mishandling, they're often bleached, appear dyed, and can often wither and lose their zoox quickly. So, choose these anemones carefully.
Next, I agree with others that you're probably not ready for this type of anemone. In fact, the only one I'd prescribe is maybe a Cerianthus, and it's certainly not suited for a clownfish. (It's long tentacles are hypnotizing & beautiful, but deadly.).
Also, I don't recommend some of the same corals suggested by others. While clownfish can accept surrogate hosts, corals like hammers, torches, frogspawns, and elegances are often times more sensitive and demanding than anemones, so we're missing the point... making your first experience successful.
I suggest starting on some zoanthids & mushrooms. Switch over to PC lighting. A 55W starter half/half shouldn't run you more than $75.
Good luck and Take care,
Flamehawk
clowns aren't meant to host in corals, this has been said countless times! it stresses and can lead to eventual death of corals (although not always) especially since clowns are usually large in relation to the corals.
