reef tangs with anenomes

[Googlymoogly]

So just curious is it safe to have anenomes in reef tanks? I bought 2 and the one has split twice in 2 months.... They seem happy they dont move around. I just worry about them growing and splitting so many times then take over my tank and start to kill off other corals.

Is it safe to have like 1 anenome for the clowns to host and keep it in a corner away from the rest of the rocks and coral? Ive seen pictures of peoples tanks having anenomes right in the middle of other corals with what appears to be no issues... then I've heard other people say DO NOT put one in a reef tank it will wipe out the other corals.

 

[Googlymoogly]

Reef Tanks

Reef Tanks

So just curious is it safe to have anenomes in reef tanks? I bought 2 and the one has split twice in 2 months.... They seem happy they dont move around. I just worry about them growing and splitting so many times then take over my tank and start to kill off other corals.

Is it safe to have like 1 anenome for the clowns to host and keep it in a corner away from the rest of the rocks and coral? Ive seen pictures of peoples tanks having anenomes right in the middle of other corals with what appears to be no issues... then I've heard other people say DO NOT put one in a reef tank it will wipe out the other corals.

Sorry title should be Reef Tanks... not tangs

 

[davocean]

BTA's can be somewhat problematic especially if not given proper conditions resulting in excessive splitting, and wandering.

Hopefully yours does not continue splitting at that rate.

 

[Dean Ladd]

I have had both a LTA and RBTA in my mostly Soft and LPS Reef tank for years. IMO considering a nem in a reef tank starts with understanding the nems needs and potientual size when fully expanded then build the tank scaping around those needs. It is always best to start with the nem in the system then ad the corals once you are comfortable the nem has settled into it's new home. That said I have found both LTA and BTA seem to get along with most Soft and LPS corals pretty good. Also, Before I lost my large Dersas clam during my tank upgrade it was subjected to my LTA's intrusion into it's space when it decide to move after years in it's old favorite spot but they seemed to coexist just fine.

I am not sure I would completely agree with previous comment about splitting. I have had both of my nems for years in what I would consider a very stable system. Neither have ever split for me. Thought I wish they would! My experience has been nems that split are usually subject to changes in environment.

 

[davocean]

I am not sure I would completely agree with previous comment about splitting. I have had both of my nems for years in what I would consider a very stable system. Neither have ever split for me. Thought I wish they would! My experience has been nems that split are usually subject to changes in environment.

That sounds like you are providing what it needs.
Yes it is very common for a BTA to split new to tank, new params, basically stressing it, and that can also come from unstable or improper conditions, or even actually overfeeding which some people do to actually induce a split.

If a BTA splits excessively, like twice in a couple months, if new to tank I could see, but if it continued at that rate there could possibly be an issue causing stress, that was my point.

 

[MarinaP]

There is a solitary strain of btas and then there are splitters, that will overtake your tank. They split like there is no tomorrow, stress or no stress