Should I get Anemone for Clarkii Pair

[mattsilvester]

I'm getting a pair of clarkii clownfish for my 8x2x2 tank.

I'll be totally honest and say I don't especially want an anemone for them. The tank is an aspiring sps reef - so the last thing I want is an anemone wandering around the tank.

If it were a single Clarkii clown, I wouldn't be asking this question, but as a pair, do they need somewhere to call home?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Toddrtrex]

They don't "need" one to be happy. Though, when I recently lost the anemone that my pink skunk pair were hosted by I did notice a change in their personalities, seemed "down". I moved an anemone from another tank into theirs and they seem happy again.

Heck, I believe that many true breeders of clownsfish don't keep anemones in their tanks, so I think you will be fine without one.

Now, if you want to get one, I would suggest a sand dwelling anemone. I recently sold my BTA (( that was for my Clarkii pair, the male mainly used it, the female preferred my Haddoni )) because it was splitting too much and stinging my SPS. They are now both hosted my the Haddoni, and since it stays on the sandbed it isn't an issue.

 

[davocean]

Mine were hosted by both my LTA and Sebae which are both bottom/sand dwellers.
No prob w/ moving as long as light is good(yours is fine)
You could try something like frogspawn or hammer.

 

[mattsilvester]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think they will probably be "happier" in an anemone, and having done a little research I really like the look of Stichodactyla haddoni if I get an anemone for my new clarkii pair.

For me, it would seem the ideal choice - apart from looking GREAT (bright green) it is also one of the more hardy choices (relatively speaking). My 250W lighting should suit it nicely, and seeing as it is a sand dweller, there is little fear of it climbing into power heads or stinging my SPS corals........

Furthermore, it is very "sticky & stingy", and together with a pair of clarkii's (which I know to be one of the most aggressive clowns) it whould be pretty resistant to my juv. emporer angel (though it must be said my emperor is a model citizen thus far).

Any tips / suggestions etc. would be apprecaited.

Just as a note, paramters are good (not excellent, but good).

Ammonia & nitrite undectable.
Nitrate < 1ppm
Phosphate < 0.03ppm
pH 8.0
Alk 10.9 kdh
Calcium 430ppm

I'm quite excited now, having prevsiously not been too bothered either way.

Thanks guys

 

[Slakker]

Not all Haddoni's are bright green...

 

[mattsilvester]

Thats ok..... I'll wait 'till my dealer gets one