Time to get an anemone?

[FlashJordan]

Pretty new to the hobby (6mos or so), and I have a mated pair of Maroon Gold clowns in my 85 gal. I've had them for maybe 2 months, and just yesterday the female started to try to host a mushroom of mine. I looked around online and I think it's a cup mushroom (Amplexidiscus fenestrafer), but I heard those can eat fish!

Also, it seems like the male is now trying to host my large open brain coral.

The corals don't seem to like the agitation, and I don't want to lose my fish...

What do I do??

Will getting an anemone help/fix this? Am I even experienced enough to have one?

Thanks.

 

[FlashJordan]

Out of paranoia, I've temporarily moved the mushroom into the sump until I figure out what to do.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Catchoftheday]

Get a BTA

 

[davocean]

I would want to see tank param's and spec's/light before advising a host nem of any kind.
You could go w/ a frogspawn or hammer or such as an alternative and not risk wandering issues that come w/ nems, especially the BTA's.

 

[FlashJordan]

My specs.

My specs.

I have a branching frogspawn that they could care less about. I got it at the same time in hopes that they would like it, but no such luck.

TANK:
85 gal display
Eurofil 125 sump w/ bioballs
~75lbs. LR, ~30lbs. LS
Remora Aqua-C skimmer
JBJ 1/4hp chiller
2x 250w MH HQI + 2x 96w PC

PARAMS:
I have been having my water tested at the LFS (I know I need to get my own kit) since I just started, but every month all the majors are normal
temp - 77 deg
sal - 1.025
KH - 9-10

SUPPLEMENTS:
Salifert all in one
Iodide

LIVESTOCK:
Mated Clowns
Lemonpeel Tang
Blue Damsel
Branching Frogspawn
Open Brain Coral
Button Polyp Colony
Eagle eye zoo colony
Cup Mushroom (6")
some other mushroom colonies
3 Peppermint Shrimp
Sand-sifting Star

 

[davocean]

Well, your tank is just at what we call minimum running time for intro of a nem, but as long as stable it would most likely be ok if that is what you wish to do.
You could possibly move that frog or place a hammer where your clowns were staying before in hopes that they go for a new host in an area where they have liked or adjusted to flow.
Most people recommend BTA's as they are most forgiving in light needs and new tanks, but IME those wander the most, and they crawl on rockwork when they do, stinging what is in their path, so I'm not a fan of them in mixed reefs.
I think there are better options depending on tank setup, my reason for preferring sand dwellars(but you need a sand bed).
Your lights will accomidate most host nems, add PH #'s to your list, maybe nitrates too, and if it were me I like a lil more LR.

 

[FlashJordan]

Thanks. I'll see if my LFS will take back that cup mushroom in trade for a nem. If not a BTA, what should I look for? Of course I think the Carpets are amazing, but I don't know if that's the smartest choice. Long tentacle, Sebae?

 

[bradleym]

Learn a little bit about Heteractis Crispa, one of the anemones that are often listed as "Sebae" and then I would suggest this as the next best alternative.

 

[davocean]

Hard for me to answer that for you, it's a matter of personal preference, setup, and experience level.
I don't find LTA's or Malu's to be too difficult, though some may say 6mo is a tad early.
My personal pref is the Malu, sand dwellar, stays fairly small, 8-10" max, though I don't see a whole lot available most of the time.
LTA's are bigger, 18".
Carpets seem to require more experienced care, and get big, lil more rep for fish eating.
Check sticky above for nem FAQ's to help you make a decision.

 

[davocean]

Learn a little bit about Heteractis Crispa, one of the anemones that are often listed as "Sebae" and then I would suggest this as the next best alternative.

I like crispa's, but my last one was full blown 24" in diameter full grown.
Add at least a 5-6" for a buffer zone on top of that diameter to prevent coral stinging and you'll realize not alot of space for corals.
But they are very hearty, nice if your tank is big enough.

 

[Patrick Cox]

I have a branching frogspawn that they could care less about. I got it at the same time in hopes that they would like it, but no such luck.

How long are the frogspawn fingers / tenacles? (not sure of the technical term. )