For those who say it's almost impossible to keep an H. Mag in a small tank...

[$eaba$$]

I bought what I thought was a BTA, as it looked very much like one at the LFS, but after some days of research, I figured out it really was an H. Mag. That made me quite worried, as I have heard they are the most difficult to keep anemone in the hobby. Well, I kept it, as I will only have it for another few months, as I must sell my tank then. It has been in my 20 gallon nano reef, with HOB refugium and skimmer, and has been doing very well. It is about 9" in diameter. The first week I had it, it attached to the side wall, and inflated and deflated daily, and it did not seem to be doing too well. Now though, after having moved it on a rock, it has stayed put for 2 and a half weeks, and has been thriving every day. It is under 4x24 watt t5's which are about 3" off the water, and the anemone itself is about 3-4" under the surface. So far, it has been doing very well, and I just want to show you guys that it is possible to keep an H. Mag in a small tank (until it outgrows). Enjoy...

 

[CaliReefer12]

still looking good man. you proved it can def be done.. atleast for a few months..

 

[Toddrtrex]

A month or two really doesn't prove anything.

 

[dalston]

How long have you had it, from what I read above it seems like only a few weeks...success isn't really considered until an anemone has been thriving for at least a year.

 

[$eaba$$]

I have had it for 3 and a half weeks now. I atleast consider it somewhat a success, seeing how H. Mags usually don't even pass the two week mark.

 

[SlukBunWalla]

Long term success is an entirely different achievement. Keeping it in a 20 for a few weeks or months is no more impressive than the temporary holding tanks at a store, or wholesaler...for an animal that can literally live indefinitely, a few months is nothing.

 

[CaliReefer12]

I would usually agree with the 1 year rule but I believe its about 90% of H. Mags die after being bought within the first two weeks. So although he may not be able to call this a success overall but its definitely a success to make it past the 1 month mark with such a small tank

 

[myxsptlk]

It's like driving top speed on first gear...

 

[Gig 'em]

I dunno about this... I've seen mags do well for over a month and then croak. And I've never heard of anyone keeping one in a small tank because they all grow very large and create a lot of waste. Plus the color of the anemone isn't all that strong. But I wish you luck and I may suggest getting a large tank soon, lending it to a friend with a large tank till you get one, or just selling it to someone who does have a large tank because sooner or later the mag will HAVE to move to a bigger tank if it does survive, and you may as well do it while it has a chance of survival

 

[elegance coral]

Mags don't normally die in the first week. I've watched them wither for months in the LFS before they finally give up. Their death is usually a slow process. Yours does look very good though.

 

[Rod Buehler]

It does look nice, but 2. 5 weeks a success story??

 

[vtysl]

Keep us posted. I'm interested in getting one for my 80 gal.

 

[bassist6108]

Haven't we read this from you before, SeaBass, with a different anemone?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1537439

While you may be able to keep anemones in conditions that are generally less than ideal, it appears that you prefer to risk the health of the animal just to prove others wrong. It is unfortunate.

For the animal's sake, I hope it does well.

 

[elegance coral]

What happened to the carpet?

 

[$eaba$$]

I sold the carpet, because it began to take a lot of space. I sold it to a fellow reefer on craigslist. As for this H. Mag, I have had it for three and a half weeks. I will keep you updated.