Condylactis Care/Acclimation

[travisurfer]

Well, I have decided that I want to try a condylactis sp. anemone in my 20H under 65w PC lighting with a pink skunk pair(i know they may not host). How often should I feed them silversides? Whats the best way to acclimate them? TIA>

 

[Amphiprion]

2-3 times per week is a good starting point. Drip acclimation would be the preferred method. Also be sure to cover your powerhead intakes.

 

[travisurfer]

ok, i know to drip. im going to get one thats already attached to a rock. is there an easy way to cover my powerheads with an eggcrate box or something.

 

[Amphiprion]

Something that is better: there is this stuff you can get from a hobby type store that is used in some sort of sewing. It comes in grids that are about 12x12 in. in different colors (including black). Just cut that to make a bit of a 'box' around the intake--that way you increased suction surface area which means that you decreased the suction across that area.

 

[travisurfer]

which facts?

 

[Amphiprion]

Oops, I don't know why that was posted there--sorry, wrong post I deleted it for you.

 

[travisurfer]

ok thanks, had me confused for a bit there. i do have a big sponge that came from my ac110. could i cut a chunk to fit over the powerheads. right now i have penguin550s and an ac110 modified into a fuge.

 

[Amphiprion]

You certainly can, but you will want to clean it reasonably often. The grids would save you a bit of time, there, but either way will work just fine.

 

[travisurfer]

ok, thanks. ill post pics if i get it soon.

 

[55semireef]

Good luck. What kind of Condy are you interested in getting. Purple tip or just a regular. That would be sweet if your pair hosted the condy although not likely.

 

[travisurfer]

Im going to try to find a cream colored one with purple tips if they have them. Most importantly Im going to get one with a red colored base since I was told that these adapt to hosting clowns the best. It all depends on my LFS has. If I dont get a condylactis I may end up getting a flower anemone.

 

[traveller7]

Color variations are not a likely sway to a clown intent on calling anything home. That includes the base, tips, etc.

A healthy Atlantic Condylactis species will naturally beige or brown up if it has any symbiotic algae in it and if it is kept in proper conditions.

In my experience, skunks are not choosy about anemones and based on your tank size and gear, I would recommend a BTA over a Condylactis with or without clowns.

I would prefer to keep my Condylactis with Atlantic hosting shrimp and crabs over clowns though.

 

[travisurfer]

so a bta would be a better choice? i know that it is more natural and everything but ive always thought of condylactis species to be the hardiest and to prefer lower spectrum lighting. as far as the red base thing, i was referring to the anemone holding up better to the hosting. i have also heard that pink skunks can host to curley cues. i know that would be the absolute hardiest anemone but not to many people on here thought it would work.

 

[traveller7]

Yes, a BTA would be a better choice. More conducive to hosting, easier to sell/trade if you change directions later, etc. Better still is a clone of one available in your neighborhood club :>) Your lighting is fine for BTA as long as you feed it properly and maintain the water conditions.

You'll hear much in the this hobby, much from folks that are repeating myths or have kept a critter for such a short period of time it is meaningless.

1 year is a minimal experience with anemones, some species take that long while wasting away and dying. Of course during that year, folks are claiming success.

 

[55semireef]

1 year is a minimal experience with anemones, some species take that long while wasting away and dying. Of course during that year, folks are claiming success.

Wouldn't you catch on that is not doing well over that period of time? And does this go for all anemones or just certain ones?
Thanks

 

[travisurfer]

ive been told by many that my light isnt sufficient for a bta. id rather not lose a bta(i would get a clone) since it would put a sufficient debt in my tank funds. if your saying a condylactis is just flat out not worth buying for any reason i guess i will pass, i just like having something unusual in my tanks. i always thought they were hardier too.

 

[55semireef]

Oh, they are much hardier and don't require as much light. Its just that its much cooler and more natural to see a BTA with your clowns than a Condy. Your call.

 

[travisurfer]

ok, well i may try a condy and see how it does in the tank. use it as a kind of benchmark test to see if the tank is sufficient for a bta. it all depends on what i see at the lfs. might find some nice corals instead. btw, bta's arent natural hosts to pink skunks either. a sebae would be best but i dont think that would be the greatest idea in my tank, though a huge nem would be cool.

 

[55semireef]

Well your tank is to small for a sebae plus not enough light for it either. I would stick with either the BTA or Condy. Remember that the Condy gets much bigger than a BTA.

 

[travisurfer]

Thats why I said it wouldnt be a good idea. Since I am only a beginner i think it would be best to start out with a condy or a flower anemone to test my skills before I try something more sensitive.