Help picking Anemone for new system

[Andrewr2488]

I did a search on this topic here on RC, I didn't find anything concerning the topic I am discussing here so please don't flame me if there is a topic on this already.

I am going to start off with a short and sweet story about my latest RBTA. I bought a large BTA for my 29g system, and was planning to keep him there until my 75 system is running and well established. He was fine in there for about a month, living under 6 t5 bulbs. I had an MP10wES for flow and he seemed content with the spot he was at. Well I decided the tank needed a Skimmer, so I bought a AquaC Remora HOB skimmer and soon after this addition the anemone started to move about the tank. He ended up meeting his fate when He got a bit too close to the MP10. So With that being stated, I am hoping to stay away from anemones that move about the aquarium as often as BTA's seem to.

I will be starting my 75 gallon system soon, and will be using 2 Mp40's and Radions. What anemone would be best for an intermediate reefer? I was thinking Sebae but I would prefer something that stays away from the rock works and doesn't devour all my fish. Input is greatly appreciated.

 

[cnreef]

I think rbta is what's recommended for starting, why not give another one a try? Maybe a different color? Rock flower anenomes also seem pretty cool.

 

[Andrewr2488]

I've had 3 greens, one rose, and a rainbow bra and all have been awful. Might see about another if its beautiful enough, if not I am looking into sebae. Only downfall to them is they don't have a good track record for living in our systems

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Sebaes are best left to well established tanks belonging to experienced reefers. If you are looking for an anemone just for color, the rock flower anemones come in lots of beautiful colors, however will not be any use to clowns as they are not a natural host.

 

[SDguy]

BTA's are great. Hardy, easy for beginners, come in a variety of colors, and pretty much any clown will accept one, eventually.

 

[D-Nak]

BTA's are great. Hardy, easy for beginners, come in a variety of colors, and pretty much any clown will accept one, eventually.

+1. BTAs FTW

If you're having bad luck with BTAs, you may have what I call "bad anemone juju" which just means nems aren't your forte -- yet.

BTAs are great because they will tell you how good you are at anemone husbandry, but at the same time are quite forgiving. If you can't keep BTAs alive, then you have to re-think your plan because there aren't any hosting nems that are easier (there are Caribbean species that are easy to keep, but they aren't considering hosting nems). If you haven't changed lighting or flow, and a BTA moves, its means that your water chemistry is off. Happy BTAs -- as with all other nems -- don't move at all.

The only negative quality of BTAs is that they do tend to over-inflate themselves and then float around the tank, and inevitably get caught in a powerhead/wavemaker. If you haven't gotten them already -- definitely get foam covers for your MP10s and MP40s.

Definitely give a BTA another try. Once you're comfortable with it you can move on to harder species.

 

[Andrewr2488]

Maybe in my 75 it will be different. My parameters were pretty good. 0 nitrite 10 nitrate and 0 ammonia

 

[Mr. Limpid]

All anemone move, except the tube anemone which is related to the anemone. If you want to keep anemone you need screens over power heads and outlets.

 

[Andrewr2488]

I have a foam cover for my mp10 I just thought it would be more hassle to clean it since I'm gone for 6 days at a time with my job. Guess I was wrong, unfortunately the effects of not having a cover greatly outweighed the effects of using the cover..

 

[D-Nak]

I have a foam cover for my mp10 I just thought it would be more hassle to clean it since I'm gone for 6 days at a time with my job. Guess I was wrong, unfortunately the effects of not having a cover greatly outweighed the effects of using the cover..

I have 3 extra foam covers for my MP40s. Each week, I soak one in a vinegar solution for a day, rinse and let air dry. I always have at least one clean cover ready to go.