Experienced anenome keepers

chemisfun11

chemisfun11

New member
I've read through the Anenome FAQ on RC and I'm contemplating adding a BTA to my 90 gallon mixed reef.

Does anybody propogate anenomes on LI? Any words of wisdom from experienced keepers?

I have 3 false Perculas in my system that are hosting a paly colony, but they are getting harassed by my sixline wrasse. I figure the anenome will offer some possible protection, although the false perculas don't naturally host the BTA is seemed like the easiest of all anenomes to keep. Thanks.
 
I just picked up a RBTA from Andy and I am crossing my fingers.... I traded my false perc in for a Maroon clown so the ANenome would be hosted and he is nuts :)
 
Very unpredictable with regard to getting the clowns to go into anemones. I have had several anemones in my tank - LT, Bubble, and carpet - One cinnamon clown went into all but the carpet and prevented anyother clowns from getting near. I have a LT with no clown in it but a perc that instead is hosting a platygera.
 
People do all sorts of things to try to force their clowns to host, some not so nice (like forcing the anemone and the fish into closed quarters--yikes). Fact is, the fish will choose the anemone or not, and there is little you can do to force the isue. Your best bet is to choose an anemone like the BTA that many fish choose, or better yet do a google search for "anemone clownfish compatibility" and look for a chart that lists which clowns tend to like which anemones.
 
Re: Experienced anenome keepers

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10087605#post10087605 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chemisfun11

I have 3 false Perculas in my system that are hosting a paly colony
Click to expand...


Three is generally not a good number where clowns are concerned. Are they very young?
I'd expect two of those three to pair up, and then proceed to kill the odd man out. Adding an Anemone to your system may just be enough to jumpstart the aggressive behavior.
 
If they are Percula or Ocellaris and i have expierenced skunks live in units of 3 and 4 and do just fine all introduced as sexless juvie's then the 2 most dominant form the main male/female and the other 1/2 accept the role as subordinates. Same as in the wild where you get large colonies of clowns sharing anemonies i would advise against maroons or clarks and some of the larger species clowns as they just wont tolerate it as much as the amphriprion sp?
 
Thanks for all the feedback so far. JNfallon - do you have any pics of your BTA's? If I decide to add an anemone I'd rather get one from a local reefer rather than a LFS.

"Three is generally not a good number where clowns are concerned. Are they very young?
I'd expect two of those three to pair up, and then proceed to kill the odd man out."

-The three were given to me when I had a single clown. I thought they'd pair off since my original clown had been the 3rd largest of the 4. The three new guys beat up and killed my original clown, two paired up and one is a loner. It's strange, but true
 
I have RBTA, they keep splitting and taking over the tank.. Watch out!!
my false percs didn't host in them at first but eventually did. as a matter of fact they host in all of them.
I thought it was "neat" at first but like I said they take over the tank sting everything and get BIG.. After 3yrs I can do without them..:D
 
I have some available for sale from Gregs tank ($35), but just to be forwarned, they live by the word of the big guy upstairs when He said "be fruitful and mulitply"
In a 90 gallon tank, they can quickly overrun the tank if you don't control them/ thin them out... big red aiptasia is one way you can look at them...
I'd suggest setting up a tank like a 24 gallon JBJ nano and dedicate to a patch reef with the anemone and clownfish.
Joe
 
I didn't realize they could split and dominate a tank so easily. I guess if your water parameters are good and you feed often enough good things can happen.

Joe - thanks to your suggestion I have two 24 gallon nano's at my school where I teach. Perhaps I'll setup a patch reef like you suggested at school instead of my home display (kids will love it) I'll be tearing down the tanks for the summer, so maybe I'll get in touch again in September

Chuck - thanks for the warning. I was hoping for the RBTA to be a nice addition, not a hostile overtaking :)

So, my next question would there be a better species to select other than a BTA, that false perculas might host that won't overrun my 90 gallon display. Perhaps a carpet anemone? I know from what I've read they typically stay on the sandbed, but they can get quite large right? Please correct me if I'm wrong, especially those of you who have experience of this sort. Thanks again for all the feedback :)
 
So, my next question would there be a better species to select other than a BTA, that false perculas might host that won't overrun my 90 gallon display. Perhaps a carpet anemone? I know from what I've read they typically stay on the sandbed, but they can get quite large right? Please correct me if I'm wrong, especially those of you who have experience of this sort. Thanks again for all the feedback :) [/B]
Click to expand...

The main problem with carpets is they are also likely to eat your other fish, and yes they do get large.
What a peaceful, relaxing hobby...
 
Ok folks, after a bit more reading and the terrific feedback I've gotten here I've decided on two things...

1. I don't plan on introducing an anenome to my home display tank

2. If I decide to try to keep an anenome, I will go with a BTA in one of my school tanks in september.

Thank you Joe, Chris, Chuck and everyone else for your advice and sharing your experience. It is greatly appreciated.

Lee
 
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