how long before getting a anemone?

[jubjub]

my tank has been up and running for about 2-3months now and got a baby false perc and one thats about 3-4month old now. i was wandering how long should i wait before getting an anemone?

 

[garygb]

To some extent it depends on which species you want to add. For Entacmea quadricolor, your tank might be stable enough now. For the more delicate species, you shouldn't even try until you have been keeping saltwater for a minimum of a year. What are you water parameters and lighting?

 

[jubjub]

i havent checked param's in a week or so, i got a 5foot 75gal tank with a pair of 250w MH's so i think lighting im good on...

 

[garygb]

Yeah, lighting is definitely strong enough. Post your parameters when you can.

 

[jubjub]

will do when i get home.....any suggestions as one to start with...and doing more research on? i read through the 50page pdf on this forum wow that was alot of good info to..

 

[garygb]

You want specific gravity around 1.026, temp. 78-82, check ph, alk, nitrates, for starters.

 

[jubjub]

temp = 76-80F
nitrates = 0
amonia = 0
ph = 8'ish or so, my ph test is for freshwater so it doesnt go up high enough hehe but its higher then then 7.5

dang i dont have a alk test kit....

 

[garygb]

What is your specific gravity? Also, you do need to have a ph test for saltwater. Nitrates are good, what do you have in place to insure they stay the way they are?

 

[jubjub]

oh darn i totally left out the specific grav...its 1.025-1.026 range..

as far as keeping it up i have the basic protien skimmer, refuge, and a ton of crabs and snails. are you suggesting other equipment?

 

[garygb]

No, protein skimmer and running carbon should do it. Also, you might want to grow chaetomorpha in the refugium as this consumes nitrate and phosphate.