Can or should I add an anenome??

[WienerDog]

I have a 90g that has been running for probably 6 months. It is a FOWLR with currently:
foxface, bicolor pseudo, valentini puffer, Singapore angel, Ocellaris clown, fire shrimp, lawnmower and a goby...oh yeah 3 chromis.
I would like to get an anenome and a maroon or another smaller Ocellaris. However, I have NOT done any research yet in regards to adding one. Just dropping a feeler out there. I would really like one, but I am a little nervous because my tank is still only 6 mos. I do run a sump with chaeto and live rock and it is very healthy.

 

[ashlerbam]

Make sure you have enough light to support one. Not sure on your lighting as it was not stated but BTA's need some intense lighting over them. Your system sounds like it would be fine to add one other then that IMO. Just make sure you do look up what you want to add and what light it needs and what you have to support it.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

Lighting is going to be very important. What are you currently running right now? Also you can only have one type of clown in a tank so if you want to add a maroon you would need to take out the ocellaris.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

What kind of lighting do you have? Mixing species of clowns will end with you having one clown. If you want another clown, add another, smaller occelaris.

 

[davocean]

Agree, mixing clowns is not a good idea, but you can mix occs and percs usually w/out issues.
Maroons are a bit fussy, even trying to pair w/ other maroons.
You might want to check nem forum sticky FAQ's to learn about nems and their requirements, species vary on that.
6mo is just in there on time running we recommend before adding a nem, maybe take some time to read there more first to see if your tank is set up for any certain species.

 

[WienerDog]

OK, so I suppose I will keep to the Ocellaris. Will it take to the anenome as a Maroon? As for my lighting....I have the 4 bulb T5 Current. I think its like 160w's..correct me if I am wrong. Will that work??

 

[davocean]

Occs from my exp seem to take longer to accept a host compared to other clowns.
They can and will, but they just don't seem to dive in compared to say a maroon.
Your lighting is probably good for most nems, but you should read on nems more to make a decision you won't regret.
Since you are presently FO a BTA may work out well for you, they are more forgiving, and you don't have to worry about the wandering issues they sometimes have, leading to stung corals.
For mixed reefs I prefer sand dwelling nems for that reason.

 

[WienerDog]

Occs from my exp seem to take longer to accept a host compared to other clowns.
They can and will, but they just don't seem to dive in compared to say a maroon.
Your lighting is probably good for most nems, but you should read on nems more to make a decision you won't regret.
Since you are presently FO a BTA may work out well for you, they are more forgiving, and you don't have to worry about the wandering issues they sometimes have, leading to stung corals.
For mixed reefs I prefer sand dwelling nems for that reason.

Thank you. I will read up now. I wasn't sure if i should even think about em. Even though my tank is 6 mos, it's established enough??? I heard the rule of thumb is atleast 1 yr. Not sure if there is any truth to it. So, should I look into small, large anything specific from your experience with the BTA's??

 

[ccsuzy]

We set up our 210 in late December. In March I inherited a BTA with clowns. I put it in our tank and it has since divided - we have two now. We feed it silversides and it gets plenty of light. I would not have bought a BTA this early but we had no choice in this case and it has worked out fine.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

Around the 6 month mark is usually good when thinking about adding an anemone. Most people wont wait at all and wonder why they die. Kudos to you for the prior research. IMO, with the lighting you have, a BTA would be your best bet. I would also look into getting one thats around the size of a softball. You dont want to add a really small one in case the clown takes to it right away. If the nem is too small the clown might irritate it enough to cause it to retract and wither away. Hope this helps.

 

[ColaAddict]

The 6 month rule is basically just the time for your tank and you to mature and learn to keep your tank stable. If you are an experienced aquarist and can keep a newer tank stable sooner then you don't need the 6 month rule.
You need a stable tank and good lighting, enough to supposrt any coral.

 

[davocean]

Thank you. I will read up now. I wasn't sure if i should even think about em. Even though my tank is 6 mos, it's established enough??? I heard the rule of thumb is atleast 1 yr. Not sure if there is any truth to it. So, should I look into small, large anything specific from your experience with the BTA's??

The numbers are just a generalized guideline, there are variables, experience, how established your LR was at setup and such.
A year sounds a bit long, but if you started w/ all dry new rock maybe that would be needed.
Now is a great time to research a little before addition of nem.
As for BTA's I agree, should be at least 3-4x the size of clowns to avoid getting loved to death.
I also agree people that rush often have issues, and BTA's splitting often fools people into thinking they are having success, when often it is out of stress/survival instinct.