Q for Saddle anenome keepers

[garvin90]

Several questions actually.

1. Has anyone been successful with keeping them under PC lighting by feeding them extra?
b. If so, how much and how often?

2. Would they go to warfare(either by chemical or physical-so to speak) with a different anenome species present in the same system?

 

[Slakker]

Saddle (or carpet) anemones are very difficult to sustain.. I would say that most people will tell you that Metal Halide is an absolute must with carpets, as extra feedings only delays their inevitable demise. And yes, most different anemone species will 'fight' when in the same tank, but people have had success.

 

[phender]

As you know Saddle (haddoni) carpets are much easier to keep than Giant (gigantea) carpets.

I have kept haddoni carpets long term in 15" tall tanks with 2 - 65 watt PCs per 2' of tank. I don't feed anymore than most people do, usually 1 or 2 times per week.

As far as chemical warfare, it is always a gamble. However in my experience haddoni aren't as bad as some. I keep H. crispa, BTA, and haddonis in the same system, but not in the same tank.

 

[garvin90]

Would you recommend against keeping more than one anenome species in the same tank then?

I have 2 BTAs and a flower/rock(dont know scientific name) in the same system.

Would running carbon help with any chemical warfare or would that pull out to much of the nutrients the nems would want too?

 

[phender]

If you can keep LPS corals and BTAs in your tank, then you should be able to keep a haddoni. Yes, I run carbon in my anemone tanks when I have more than one species just in case.
Be aware that a haddoni carpets are eating machines. They can and will eat fish almost as big as they are. They will also eat snails, hermit crabs, some shrimp and other members of you clean-up crew. About the only thing safe are anemone shrimp, anemone crabs, most clownfish and cucumbers.

 

[garvin90]

I planned to actually set aside my 75 after the move for just a haddoni since some of my fishes include a clown goby, scooter dragonet and several other "perching" type fishes that I dont want to accidentally get caught.

Yes my LPS does great, especially my caulastrea and euphyllia.

Is there any general rules of thumb for how much to feed a anenome? Ive seen people overfeed and them end up regurgitating...