Where do You Buy Your Anemones?

[NaClCrocodile]

Like the title says. I'm particularly interested Eight's source (Lemondrop Flame anybody?). My LFS isn't the greatest for nems, a few condys and the wayward LTA, but not much else. Where do you all find your anemones?

-Cayman

 

[mcallahan]

When I used to buy, I only bought clones from Reef Club members. IMO, LFS's nems always look like hell.

I have had good luck from Vivid Aquarium's nems. Several of our local members bought them with success.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Out of my 5 current anemones (( all Haddonis ));

2 from an LFS
2 from the Diver's Den section of LA
1 from a local reefer.

 

[velvetelvis]

I'm a big supporter of aquaculture, so I'm buying a captive-cloned RBTA from a local reefer who propogates them at home. I wouldn't buy a wild-collected nem; they're too ecologically important--especially to wild clownfish.

 

[Jamie1210]

I live in Los Angeles, so Reefhotspot is my LFS for the rarer anemones (ie. flame btas, blue/purple giganteas, etc.) FWIW, I noticed that what they have in store is usually WAY more than what they post online ... ie. they almost always have magnifica's in stock (and they're usually very healthy w/tight mouth).

 

[NaClCrocodile]

mcallahan, I'm with you, LFS nems usually look terrible (at least around here).
velvetelvis, I'd like to be as environmentally conscious as I can, but if I saw a beautiful wild BTA, I doubt I'd bat an eyelash at buying it.
Jamie, should I call them and see if I can get some pictures of their in-store anemones? Do they usually do that?

 

[clowns101]

If your looking for the Lemon Drop Bubble Tip Anemone there is a guy who has a website called MidwestSalt.com.He has some of them and they are a little bit smaller but they will grow.He sells them at $175.00 for a 2 to 3 incher.Not a bad price IMO.Give him a call he shoulld be able to help ya!

Hope This Helps!

Thanks,
Austin/clowns101

 

[velvetelvis]

velvetelvis, I'd like to be as environmentally conscious as I can, but if I saw a beautiful wild BTA, I doubt I'd bat an eyelash at buying it.

I actually don't have a problem with experienced, skilled aquarists keeping WC nems if they know what they're doing already and can keep them alive and thriving. There are certainly people on this forum who meet that qualification. What I hate is the fact that countless numbers of WC anemones die in captivity because they were damaged in shipping/handling; sold to people who weren't prepared to care for them and didn't know any better; or sold to people who should know better, but just don't care, won't listen to advice, and figure they can just replace them when they die. It's just squandering the lives of animals that are too important to treat as disposable (really all animals are, but that's another discussion).

/steps off soapbox

 

[WDLV]

I've bought from a combination of sources but by and large it's been from the LFS. That said, the ones that tend to have the best longevity tend to be cloned BTAs from other reefers. The best part is they're guilt free!

 

[NaClCrocodile]

velvetelvis, now I see what you're saying. It's the same in the reptile industry. The captive bred animals are more hardy and thus live longer. I'm all for it, even at a slightly higher price. I'm in no way that "experienced reefer" you were speaking of, but I won't be buying things like they're to be replaced every six months - that could be even more expensive, lol.

 

[garygb]

I prefer to buy locally as I can see the anemone first hand, select one that looks healthy, and have the satisfaction of no delay of gratification like waiting for a package to arrive. That said, I have purchased E. crucifer (hardy shippers) from Sealife Inc. and Diver's Den, and in both cases, the anemones have been healthy and are fine to this day. I would purchase from either of these suppliers again.