Talk to me about Carpets

[d2mini]

I have a show size piece of Galaxea sitting on my sand bed in my 200g display nestled between some rock that I am thinking about removing due to the long stinging reachers that are hurting surrounding coral. But it's a gorgeous piece and if I replace it I was thinking one of the only things that would equal it's eye-catching good looks would be something like a carpet anemone.

But I know nothing about them (have only had BTA and Ritteri) except for what I've heard about them killing fish. Are there species that are less prone to hurting fish? Are they more prone to staying where you place them than other nems?

 

[Daniel62]

The problem with anemones in general, is that they can move anytime they want. I have 7 Haddonies, 6 have never moved, but 1 of them can't seem to find a place he likes. So if you really need something to stay in this spot, an anemone is probably not your best choice. If I were you I would look into elegances.

Good luck

 

[Twistofer]

Haddon's and other members of Stichodactyla seem to be more aggressive. Their "sting" is more potent. My Humu Humu trigger went into it after a piece of Krill. It ended up badly stung, blind in the left eye, but is slowly recovering. I've heard from others that this genus are [in]famous for "vanishing fish syndrome," that is, it was there yesterday evening.... On the other hand, my blue carpet is gorgeous.

 

[bradleym]

Haddoni carpets are the only large hosting carpet in the common trade that will stay in the sand bed, but they are known fish eaters. I think you may be better off with a LTA if you are worried about fish. Aside from that, a coral may be the best option, unless you are willing to risk it moving or possibly eating fish.

 

[OrionN]

For bright color, no anemone (or any reef animal) beat a Haddoni. Haddoni is also a very aggressive animal. Any coral within it's reach is a goner given a little time. Any fish touch it's tentacles are likely going to be a dead fish, even if it is large enough and strong enough to get a way.
However, in lightly stock large tanks that does not have abrupt light shut off (spook the fish) the fish mortality is relatively low, IMO. However I would not want to keep a 500.00 fish with a Haddoni unless it is a clownfish. Your tolerant for lost fish may be higher or lower, but any fish can end up missing. Bottom dwellers, like Mandarin, and inquisitive small angels are highly susceptible to getting eaten by a Haddoni.

 

[Eric Noa]

They can also "accidentally" eat the clownfish right? I had one a few years ago and it had a pair of clowns hosting it for a few months and one day the female went in the carpet and snaps she was gone before she even knew it.

 

[ct_vol]

Dennis~ What's your current stock list? Where are you considering obtaining the anemone from? Obtaining a healthy specimen is key with carpet anemones.

I'm partial to Gigs, but have a Haddoni, a few Mags, and a RBTA as well...