Looking for my first anemone

[Cosmojo]

Hey guys,

I have a 180, mainly SPS and some LPS. I have been reefing for quite awhile, but I have always been worried about getting an anemone in case it ever moved around and killed coral, or got caught in a VorTech. I have a middle rock that is pretty big that I am hoping it would stay on. The fiance wants it for the clowns, so educate me on my options that aren't BTA's.

 

[Jrsdaddy]

What type of clowns do you own? It will help us recommend a proper host

 

[Cosmojo]

A pair of snowflakes

 

[Jrsdaddy]

Then I would say Magnificent aka Ritteri anemone. They like high flow and strong lighting so they will usually climb to the highest point in the tank so if you make them a pedestal area they will likely stay put. You must start with a healthy one so I would get one from a fellow reefer or a LFS who's had it awhile, that would be the most challenging part since they don't ship well and will likely require antibiotic treatment. Its the clowns natural host and will probably accept it within minutes of adding it to you tank, mine did. Good luck!

 

[Cosmojo]

Oh cool, thanks a bunch! I was going to magnetize a shelf piece of liverock to the back wall, sounds like a great fit.

 

[ThRoewer]

I think a magnifica may be a little too difficult for a first anemone.
I've seen a lot captive bred ocellaris accepting BTAs. Those are much easier.

 

[Jrsdaddy]

No problem. If you can try to leave some space between the wall and the rock, if the anemones tentacles can touch the wall it will likely climb it

 

[Jrsdaddy]

I think a magnifica may be a little too difficult for a first anemone.
I've seen a lot captive bred ocellaris accepting BTAs. Those are much easier.

I agree but he wasn't looking for a BTA since they tend to wonder. Mags aren't to difficult if you can get a healthy one, that's the hardest part

 

[ThRoewer]

I saw a small one today. Has been at the store for a couple of weeks now and doesn't look sick (no gaping mouth) - just a bit unhappy about the rather low light.

 

[ThRoewer]

Another option would be a malu - they stay reasonably small, are hardy and as sand dwellers usually don't climb into the rockwork.

The next option would be a LTA, but they get bigger.

 

[Jrsdaddy]

I saw a small one today. Has been at the store for a couple of weeks now and doesn't look sick (no gaping mouth) - just a bit unhappy about the rather low light.

That's how I got mine. I didn't want to order one online because I didn't have the time/space to properly treat it if needed so I found a LFS about an hour from my house who said they have had one for about a month. When I got there it looked great but you can tell it wanted more light cause it was on the back wall of there tank practically touching the water lol. I've now had it in my tank well over a month with 0 issues knock on wood.

 

[Code4]

My LTA is nice. But my captive bred snowflakes ignore him and prefer coral. It sometimes roams around the tank. Blocking or covering some corals. Not good. I have had it over 4 years. So far the only thing it seems to have eaten was a cleaner shrimp. Which had been acting funny. So it could of been dead first. Not sure I would replace it if it ever died. And it shows no sign of that! :dance:

Shelley

 

[Cosmojo]

Thanks for all of the advice guys, I have a lot of research to do, but I very much appreciate the guidance.

 

[Amoo]

As one of the resident Mag guys, I would say go for it. As was mentioned previously, they are a PITA to get into your display tank healthy, but if you can they are great nems and unlike BTAs have a tendency to stay put. They definitely aren't easy for a new guy to tthe nem world, but if you do your research and ask a lot of questions it can be a bit easier.