Trying to decide what to buy

[funkejj]

I have a 180 gallon DT with a 40 sump. I have been considering a anemone in the next couple of months. I have read a great deal and am torn between which one to get. I have been looking at a BTA, a Seabae, and a haddoni. Looking for suggestions from the experts. I have 3 250w Radium MH and supplemental VHO Actinic's. I have a ton of flow with 2 MP40W's. Just curious on which not to get.

Thanks in advance

 

[2Addicted]

Do you have a deep sand bed? None of those anemones like a ton of flow.

 

[funkejj]

We have a 5 inch sand bed most areas and a few it is 6 inches where it has drifted. We have areas that are lower flow so that wouldn't be a issue.

 

[bradleym]

I've had BTAs and Sebaes and they're both doing well. Never had a Haddoni. I would say BTA only because the other 2 are supposedly hard to acclimate, but all are pretty hardy once settled in I hear.

 

[jer77]

Here's what my 180g reef biotype with my big and old Sebae looked like about a year ago. Unfortunately, the Feb blizzard last year killed all the fish and corals:thumbdown, except the anemone-its one tough mother! I'm starting all over now with even bigger plans.

Hmm... Pics wont show up

 

[jer77]

 

[jer77]

For advice, if you haven't kept an anemone before, stick to either the bubble tip, E. Quadricolor, or a sebae, H. crispa. Carpets can be stubborn, not many fish host in them, and they grow large, sting strong and pretty much decide what else you can and can't add to the tank.

H. crispa's like moderate flow, and will reside under your brightest MH, they really like 10K bulbs. They will either bury and attach their pedal disc to the bottom of a rock or the bottom of the tank if its large and healthy enough to hold itself through 4''-6'' of sand. Their sting is moderate and not too sticky, but small fish may go missing often.

Its hard to find H. crispa's not bleached. I rescued mine from a LPS. They can get back their color if offered good care. I actually kept mine in a 20g for 6 months and it did fine. I think they are easy to acclimate, as I have never had one die even if they're bleached. They are very resilient IMO!

 

[funkejj]

Well it looks like we might go with the seabae then thanks all.

 

[Toddrtrex]

If you do go with an H. Crispa do NOT get a white one nor a yellow one -- bleached and dyed and the odds of them recovering are poor at best, though it is slightly better for the white/bleached one.

 

[BonsaiNut]

I have read a great deal and am torn between which one to get. I have been looking at a BTA, a Seabae, and a haddoni.

I would recommend a BTA, or E. quadricolor. They are the easiest of all clown anemones to keep, and will also host all clown species. Additionally, they are less of a hazard to other tankmates, and you have a good chance they will asexually reproduce in your tank.

The only pause I would offer is based on where you want your anemone in your tank (relatively speaking). BTA's will be up in the rocks, haddonis will be down in the sand. Crispas can be either, but are often in the rocks.

 

[Toddrtrex]

H. Cripas are sand dwelling anemones, if one is on/in the rocks, there is most likely not enough light.

 

[paulblart1]

Sorry for the hijack...Toddrtex..sent you a pm...

OK, resume

 

[BonsaiNut]

H. Cripas are sand dwelling anemones, if one is on/in the rocks, there is most likely not enough light.

Though I agree with you most of the time, Todd, I can't say I agree with you on this one...

PS anyone want that last pair of clowns?

 

[k.tran]

i'll take that last pair. $2.99?