I have a 90g tank thats been set up for a while now, i didn't want do do an anemone at first since i had plenty of coral in my tank, but things have changed a bit and now i'm looking at putting in a few, as i've sold off most of my coral. First, my three that i want are a rose bubble tip, purple condy, and haitian reef. Looking for tips for a first timer, maybe a little on care if there's anything special about each of them, but i've got the just of it from some reading, and water quality is good, but mainly any concerns i should have with livestock. Current livestock list would be a kole tang, purple dotty back, blue headed fairy wrasse, flasher wrasse (the exact name eludes me), purple fire fish, 3 blue/green chromis, green mandy, two bristle stars, and a bunch of nerites, ceriths, and nassarious snails, if i spelled them right, and two emerald crabs. I'd also like to add some cleaner shrimp in the future, possibly a blue tuxedo urchin, and maybe some other invertebrates. Any tips, things to worry about, are any of these harder than the other? I've looked into the bubble tip a lot but not so much the other two, and would all three be ok in the tank?
nem choices for tank
- Thread starter Art13
- Start date
BTAs are considered the hardiest, so that's where I would start if I were you. I've never had good luck keeping condys long-term, but I've successfully kept LTA, Sebae and even Ritteri (although Ritteri are considered "difficult"). Obviously, if any of these different nems touch there's going to be a problem. If you ever want to try a dedicated tank, then IMO nothing compares to the beauty of a nice carpet.
As far as requirements go, a mature tank with strong lighting is preferred. I've also noticed that nems seem to be more sensitive to nitrates than corals. Most just like moderate water flow, except for Ritteri & some carpet which like it strong. They get most of what they need from your lights, but you can supplemental feed raw shrimp, mysis, silver sides, etc.
Mostly, it's certain large angels and butterflys which eat anemones. But a pair of clownfish will sometimes keep that threat at bay. Honesly, the nem is usually more of a threat to the fish than the other way around.
As far as requirements go, a mature tank with strong lighting is preferred. I've also noticed that nems seem to be more sensitive to nitrates than corals. Most just like moderate water flow, except for Ritteri & some carpet which like it strong. They get most of what they need from your lights, but you can supplemental feed raw shrimp, mysis, silver sides, etc.
Mostly, it's certain large angels and butterflys which eat anemones. But a pair of clownfish will sometimes keep that threat at bay. Honesly, the nem is usually more of a threat to the fish than the other way around.
reepher315
Humble Student
Id advise against condys. They move alot and arent friendly with fish. My bubble tip killed my condy i assume because it kept bumping into it.
sorry if i didn't specify humble, but i was worried about the nem possible snacking on something in the tank, not the other way around, i listed the livestock to maybe see if they've become snacks in the past. The RBTA will be the first one, my wife loves purple though, hence the condy and purple tips on the haitian, i guess i'll be passing on the condy though. I'm not worried about lighting, flow, water quality as thats all good to go. I can have up to a 50x turnover if needed, i have a full led setup, and all the test kits needed. My nitrates have always been less than 5. Last time i checked they were less than 2. Two more questions, how are they in terms of soaking up calc, alk, or mag as opposed to sps or lps coral? I have three powerbeads, two koralias, one wp40, all near the top of the tank, any chance on them finding their way into one? They aren't near any rock work, though i know some like to climb on walls.
Well if you ask me, almost every fish in your tank will eventually brush up against the nems you keep (accidents happen). For healthy fish, this usually only causes some skin irritation that goes away after a week or so. Of course, larger fish will fare better than smaller ones, and the type of anemone inflicting the sting also comes into play. IME; BTA/LTA stings are not so bad (never lost a fish to one), Sebae/condy/Ritteri nems do seem "stickier" so I guess I'd put them in the middle, while carpet stings can be deadly (I've lost many fish to these). A good carpet sting will even put a big welt on your arm/hand.
Well, IMO a LTA looks too much like a BTA without the "bubbles", and I wouldn't mess with a Ritteri until you've got more experience under your belt. So, that leaves a Sebae (see links below).
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+633&pcatid=633
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+637&pcatid=637
I know LA says they're "difficult", but IME that's not really the case. Try a BTA first and if that does well, try a Sebae next.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+633&pcatid=633
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+637&pcatid=637
I know LA says they're "difficult", but IME that's not really the case. Try a BTA first and if that does well, try a Sebae next.
ReeferBill
New member
One anemone is enough ! Why 3? Do you want a chemical warfare polluting your set-up? I would cut my teeth on a bubble-tip and it could split into two !
I've always run carbon in my system but yes, it's still a risk. I was going to just add one at a time, but figured I'd post it here, being new to them, and if something didn't fit someone would let me know. I mainly wanted a few as I like variety. I do like humbles idea of a bubble first and sebae if that works out. I have two rock stacks, one on each side, assuming the are somewhat cooperative it would be nice to have one on each.
any thoughts on putting a tuxedo urchin in the same tank with an anemone? Also, my powerheads sit up high in the tank, top of both side panels in the middle of them and one in the top right of the rear glass. Koralias and a wp40, rocks in the tank come up like two islands sort of, not near the powerheads. any other first time mistakes and things i should watch out for?
CoralsAddiction
Active member
I have had my tuxedo urchin for a year. Little fella is hardy. Recently added a bubble tip anemone. No problem with either.
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