Better off setting up my 65g anemone tank on it's own.....?

BreadmanMike

BreadmanMike

New member
I just wondered what most thoughts were on adding an anemone tank onto a SPS system? I understand the pro's and con's as far as equipment, but I already have the equipment to set the tank up on it's own.


My fears I guess would be a spawning incident wiping out my SPS or the anemone dieing and fouling my water. So again I ask... set the anemone tank up on it's own or add it to my reef already going? :)
 
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I don't think you have to worry too much about the anemone dieing and fouling the water. If it dies, pull it out. They don't just up and die randomly. It may seem that way but in a nice stable system it just doesn't happen. If you don't cover Powerhead intakes it is possible that a traumatic accident could happen and foul your tank.

As for spawning, don't worry too much about it. If you run a skimmer it will go bonkers if/when the anemone spawns. You will want to do a couple larger water changes afterwards but during the spawn the SPS will be thrilled, it's great coral food. It's only when it starts to break down that it can cause an ammonia spike that is dangerous to the corals.

There is a chance that the anemone will sense the SPS in the other tank and release toxins in an attempt to wage chemical warfare. IF this happens you can run carbon continuously or change the plumbing.

I know a lot of people successfully keep SPS and anemones together without any kind of chemical warfare but it CAN happen. If it were my system I'd probably plumb them together and then if things get out of hand split the systems. It seems a lot less expensive to not have to buy new heaters, new controllers, new top-off etc. etc. etc.
 
Dan,


Thanks for your response!
I'm a firm believer in running carbon and UV continuously anyways.... :)

I'll definitely plumb them up together and keep an eye on things. The other nice thing is that I won't have to wait for the tank to cycle. I can plumb it up and get to enjoy it much faster.

:thumbsup:
 
Yep. Water stability seems to be even more important than the absolute quality for anemones anyway. It takes some time past the basic nitrogen cycle for a tank to really get stable. And Plumbing them together will definately make the anemone happier.
 
Is it recommended to start with something like a BTA, or can I jump right in and get a magnifica? I do have some experience with Hatian Condy's, but I haven't kept an anemone in 5 years....
 
Thanks again Dan!

I would have to go with a BTA, the tank will be BB. I don't think Haddoni's like BB or do they?

Either way, will I have to remove the BTA or Haddoni when I put a Mgnifica in?
 
If you are still pretty set on moving to a mag, then yes get the BTA and it will def. have to come out when the Mag goes in.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7449903#post7449903 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
Cool, I'll do that! Thanks Dan... I'll share some pics when I get things going. :)
Click to expand...

Pics as promised... I picked up an RBTA last night and took some pics with only actinics and with the halide on.

DSC01140.jpg


DSC01141.jpg


DSC01147.jpg


DSC01148.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7481748#post7481748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dantodd
lookin' good Mike. He certainly seems to open up a lot more with the MH on that just the actinics.
Click to expand...

Dan the actinic pics were when I first put him in. He was a bit deflated from acclimation. He seems healthy though. His mouth is tight and was at the store as well. There was a beautiful lime green one there as well I wanted to get, but it's mouth was open about 1". I was hesitant, so I didn't buy it.

What surprised me was how it bulbed up when I put it in the tank. He was not bulbed, nor were any of the others at my buddy's store. Hopefully he stays this way. Now if only my pair of onyx perc's will take to it....
 
One nice thing about BTAs is that if the lime green one survives you can always add him too! They usually do well in colonies. :)

Of course that is just one more anemone to get rid of once your get your mag but it'll be beautiful until that time.
 
Actually I think I'm going to pass on a mag. I really like the RBTA and so doea the wife. I don't think she'd let me get rid of it.

I will keep an eye on that green one. He's been in the shop for a month. It looked really good, except the mouth being open. IYO, when would it be safe to try and bring it home if I chose to? I can have it held for a few weeks if I want.
 
It depends on how much risk you're willing to take. Knowing the shop owner is a big help. I'd ask them to feed it so that you can watch. Assuming you see it eat and it looks like it can open its mouth and close it around the meal (silverside/mysis/scallop/shrimp or whatever is size appropriate and available) and then come back in a couple days and see it eat again I'd think you're pretty good. The gaping/swollen mouth is a concern but if its eating that is about the most you can do to help them. Not having clowns to irritate its mouth or steal food is probably good too. If he survives at home wait until his mough looks better and then introduce the clowns.
 
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