What anemone to get?

[RevHtree]

Ok guys and gals I would like to get an anemone for some new picassos I have and I need your suggestions.

1. I know clowns don't need an anemone to be happy.
2. My tank is well established and I keep sps, etc...
3. Tank is well skimmed.
4. Tank is well lit with (2) 250w Radiums and (2) 110w VHO's.

Ok now that you know I can handle one, which one can I handle? LOL!

I have kept RBTA's with success, but I really like the look of carpets. The problem is I have no idea what to look for when purchasing, or which ones are suited for an aquarium. I don't want something that has a short life expectancy or has a bad track record. I do want something with color that pops!

Also I have a prop tank that is plumbed into my main that I may keep it in till I clear out some coral and frags from the main. That tank is a shallow like 13" 20g that has a 150w hqi over it. Would that be acceptable? Remember its inline with the main. Here are a few pics to give you an idea...

Thanks.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Unless you plan on clearing half of your sand bed, you won't be getting a Haddoni carpet. (( They prefer the sand/rock interface, with the foot buried in the sand, and can get large ))

If you still want a carpet, that leaves you with a gigantea, since they prefer staying on the rocks. Though those are harder to keep -- mainly finding a healthy one. Plus they require a good amount of flow.

 

[RevHtree]

I do plan on clearing my sand bed and mounting a lot of the corals seen.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13044997#post13044997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RevHtree
I do plan on clearing my sand bed and mounting a lot of the corals seen.

That would be your best bet. And hopefully all of them are movable -- you can pick a spot where you want the anemone to stay, but it very well could move. And let me tell you they ( Haddonis ) have a heck of a sting -- lost a few Acan heads because of mine.

 

[RevHtree]

Hey Todd let me ask you this...

Could I put a carpet or other anemone in the tank below once I remove the frags and frag rack? I would also add a piece of rock and a nice sand bed. The anemone and 2 clowns would be the only thing in there. Or would that just be cruel?

 

[RevHtree]

Let me say this that I will not buy an anemone without the research and I will not buy one if you guys don't think it will work. I am not into killing things and messing up my tank.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13045107#post13045107 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RevHtree
Hey Todd let me ask you this...

Could I put a carpet or other anemone in the tank below once I remove the frags and frag rack? I would also add a piece of rock and a nice sand bed. The anemone and 2 clowns would be the only thing in there. Or would that just be cruel?

I know that I wouldn't put any carpet in there long term, would just get too big.

The only thing I think that might work in there would be a BTA, but there is a chance it might get too big too -- the last one I had was 15+ inches when I sold it.

Think the main tank is the best choice, and if you want a sand dwelling one, it would work -- if you moved some of those corals.

 

[RevHtree]

Ok well I have some work to do finding room!! LOL!

Will a carpet stay on the sand? If so I will make it work!

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13045161#post13045161 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RevHtree
Ok well I have some work to do finding room!! LOL!

Will a carpet stay on the sand? If so I will make it work!

Sure is a nice tank.

A Haddoni carpet should stay in/near the sand bed. I currently have 3 of them, the oldest being 9+years old, and all of them have stayed in the sand, mostly right at the sand/rock interface.

This is what I mean by the rock/sand interface.

 

[RevHtree]

Wow that's beautiful!!!

What do I need to know about carpets in how they interact with humans and fish? Sting me? Kill what types of fish?

Also what do I look for in finding a healthy one?

Thanks!

PS. I have the perfect spot but I just need to get to work clearing.

 

[E.J. Coral]

Adding a giant anemone to a thriving and beautiful display such as yours can bring a whole new list of issues to deal with. Haddoni in particular are known fish eaters, pack a potent sting, and can get HUGE. I would get a bta for the frag tank to start....

 

[Toddrtrex]

None of mine are in a DSB, my tanks have no more then 2" of sand in them.

They are reported to eat fish, but in the 9 years I have been keeping Haddonis I have only lost two fish -- a yellow watchman goby, and a Mandarin.

They sting is very potent, and I will only touch mine with gloves on (( the only time I touch them is if I am moving it to another tank, or re-doing a tank )). They pretty much will stick to bare hands like velcro.