Wife's first frag
- Thread starter casalt
- Start date
Justin74
New member
Contrary to popular belief I trully do not revel in being the bearer of bad news, but, that anenome is about the worst purchase for a new tank one could make. To atempt to do so would put you at the back of the ever growing line of thousands upon thousands who have tried unsuccessfully.
BTA, or bubble tip anemones do require intense lighting, a random moderate current and tend to wedge themselves in cracks, caves, nooks etc. making a strong lighting to reach them very important. Bleaching is very common, and once in place makes it harder and harder for chances of survival. The one you have in fact is bleached, and the color should be more of a rich opaque green than transluscent. This happens right off the get from collection, poor to no light, shipping, then light shock at the LFS, then to you
Also getting anwhere from 2-5 different systems with different water chemistry, makes for a very stressed already sensitive animal. Better odds are gained when introducing to an established system, ideally at least a year old. Good article to learn more:
http://www.carlosreef.com/AnemoneFAQ.pdf
Good luck! It is a very beautifull anemone!
-Justin
BTA, or bubble tip anemones do require intense lighting, a random moderate current and tend to wedge themselves in cracks, caves, nooks etc. making a strong lighting to reach them very important. Bleaching is very common, and once in place makes it harder and harder for chances of survival. The one you have in fact is bleached, and the color should be more of a rich opaque green than transluscent. This happens right off the get from collection, poor to no light, shipping, then light shock at the LFS, then to you
Also getting anwhere from 2-5 different systems with different water chemistry, makes for a very stressed already sensitive animal. Better odds are gained when introducing to an established system, ideally at least a year old. Good article to learn more:http://www.carlosreef.com/AnemoneFAQ.pdf
Good luck! It is a very beautifull anemone!
-Justin
casalt
New member
The color is due to my cheap camera it is actually a darkish green, I bought it at a LFS and told the guy its a new tank w/ pc lighting and he said ( it will do great) hmmmmmm. he already moved himself over night to another rock, on the otherside of the tank. How is the tank ever to survive if I'm told what I'm needed to hear just to sell something. I even bought the recommended krill for food. Now I'm really confused.
Twisted
Premium Member
Well the store was semi wrong, but I think Justins reply was a bit strong, given the fact that no two tanks are the same in this hobby.
I have seen many people keep BTAs under PCs lighting successfully, in fact one person who frequents the store I play in claims his has been in a 29 gallon tank under PCs for almost 6 years now and has split several times. He feeds his Mysis every other day and it is the same color <green> as the day he bought it if not darker green then it was.
But from the stores point of view, tha was a sell and only a sell, I usually suggest a tank has been up at the very least 3 months and have them bring me a sample of water to test myself, and then make sure the buyer knows he needs to feed the anemone directly.
Yes an older more established tank is prefered, but I have had anemones since my tank hit 2 months, my tank is now about 2 years and I have only lost 2 anemones and one was a rescue that was damaged so wasn't really my tanks fault, he was just unable to heal, and the other was not compatible with my current anemone whom decided to cuddle with it.
I understand when people are concerned with the health and care of these critters but I have seen people come in and buy a tank and everything to set it up in one shot, then the next weekend go to petco and buy a bleached out anemone and nurse it back to health. I have also seen people who have three year old reef tanks come in and add an anemone and have it die within a couple weeks.
I have seen many people keep BTAs under PCs lighting successfully, in fact one person who frequents the store I play in claims his has been in a 29 gallon tank under PCs for almost 6 years now and has split several times. He feeds his Mysis every other day and it is the same color <green> as the day he bought it if not darker green then it was.
But from the stores point of view, tha was a sell and only a sell, I usually suggest a tank has been up at the very least 3 months and have them bring me a sample of water to test myself, and then make sure the buyer knows he needs to feed the anemone directly.
Yes an older more established tank is prefered, but I have had anemones since my tank hit 2 months, my tank is now about 2 years and I have only lost 2 anemones and one was a rescue that was damaged so wasn't really my tanks fault, he was just unable to heal, and the other was not compatible with my current anemone whom decided to cuddle with it.
I understand when people are concerned with the health and care of these critters but I have seen people come in and buy a tank and everything to set it up in one shot, then the next weekend go to petco and buy a bleached out anemone and nurse it back to health. I have also seen people who have three year old reef tanks come in and add an anemone and have it die within a couple weeks.
casalt
New member
If I was swimming in money I would by more books and life dictates how much time you have for reading. Hopefully it all works out. The BTA has already taken food that was hand feed, talk about peel me a grape. If I think this isnt going to work I will give him to someone that can give him a good life rather then punish him for my inexperience. Strange....... my IQ never seems to be as high as my morals.... go figure.
kevin95695
Member of the Registry
Scott, sounds like you'll do the right thing either way. Good on ya'. Keep learnin' buddy.
shiveley
Active member
I think Justin's main point was that this is a new tank, and is therefore most likely not stable enough to maintain an anemone. A point I happen to agree with... but each tank is different, so who knows...it may be fine.
hey, what exactly is that in the first pic? looks kind of like a feather duster...but different somehow.
hey, what exactly is that in the first pic? looks kind of like a feather duster...but different somehow.
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Justin74
New member
I may have come off harsh, if I did I apologize. But it is a serious issue, and an easy road to frustration and guilt, especially so early in the game and is why my concerns were voiced.
Yes the anenome can be kept alive under those lights, but are not optimal unless kept in a fairly shallow tank due to PC's poor depth penetration. Yes the proper food was sold as well, and if a situation is possible the LFS will certainly voice it to get a sell, but the true regiment of upkeeping and responsibility lies on the buyer. With this hobby in particular it is important to learn about an animal before you buy, otherwise it will be all to easy to be just throwing your money away and you getting burnt out on the hobby very quickly.
Fortunately some of the best advice is not only published for you to purchase if you can afford(The Consciencous Marine Aquarist~ by Bob Fenner, Anthony Calfo's Book of Coral Propagation) but these very same authors have posted replies and help regarding almost every aspect of every animal and personal scenario known in the industry, and continue to do so.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com
an in valuable resource into the care and husbandry of marine animals and invertebrates, nothing but success can be gained from their knowledge and combined resources.
I said something because many have viewed the thread but made no comment. At the time it was late so I didnt have the energy of a lengthy conversation but wanted to give you some material to run with so you can better understand the anemone and how difficult they can be. I also did it because Im in that line too casalt, was the first coral like others that I had to have and like others mine were quick to perish. Makes you feel bad, especially aknowledging that it could be a product of ignorance, and some people toss in there chips. Im glad your here, and just want the best experience for you and your wife.
-Justin
Yes the anenome can be kept alive under those lights, but are not optimal unless kept in a fairly shallow tank due to PC's poor depth penetration. Yes the proper food was sold as well, and if a situation is possible the LFS will certainly voice it to get a sell, but the true regiment of upkeeping and responsibility lies on the buyer. With this hobby in particular it is important to learn about an animal before you buy, otherwise it will be all to easy to be just throwing your money away and you getting burnt out on the hobby very quickly.
Fortunately some of the best advice is not only published for you to purchase if you can afford(The Consciencous Marine Aquarist~ by Bob Fenner, Anthony Calfo's Book of Coral Propagation) but these very same authors have posted replies and help regarding almost every aspect of every animal and personal scenario known in the industry, and continue to do so.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com
an in valuable resource into the care and husbandry of marine animals and invertebrates, nothing but success can be gained from their knowledge and combined resources.
I said something because many have viewed the thread but made no comment. At the time it was late so I didnt have the energy of a lengthy conversation but wanted to give you some material to run with so you can better understand the anemone and how difficult they can be. I also did it because Im in that line too casalt, was the first coral like others that I had to have and like others mine were quick to perish. Makes you feel bad, especially aknowledging that it could be a product of ignorance, and some people toss in there chips. Im glad your here, and just want the best experience for you and your wife.
-Justin
Twisted
Premium Member
Well said Justin. I didn't by any means try to say I disagree with you. The health of the hobby is based on information from others, and your information was more then correct it was beyong the average response by posting links to useful information so that the original poster can find the information he/she needs without having to spend great sums of money on books.
I did think it was a little <maybe not harsh> but blunt and too the point. Without empathy.
I was only trying to give a softer response, so I would give you Kudos for helping the poster understand, and I hope that the original poster takes the time to read it. It really does contain a ton of great information.
And most people here are very open to questions if there is something you are not sure about.
Sorry if my post came across as a complaint.
I did think it was a little <maybe not harsh> but blunt and too the point. Without empathy.
I was only trying to give a softer response, so I would give you Kudos for helping the poster understand, and I hope that the original poster takes the time to read it. It really does contain a ton of great information.
And most people here are very open to questions if there is something you are not sure about.
Sorry if my post came across as a complaint.
I agree, Im not the most empathetic person past 11pm :lol: and my level of tact regretfully goes down.
casalt
New member
Imformation always helps
Imformation always helps
He finally found a place and secured himself down in a natural bowl in the rock. I was able to move the rock closer to the lights as he was on the side before. Again the lights are 2 65x 10k's and 2 65w 50/50 act. These pics are from 5 minutes ago and the color is not accurate as my camcorder sucks.
He's at the center on top.
The BTA is about 12 inches from the lights and in good irregular flow.
The last photo is up close and remember this is not his color its my crappy camcorder. Justin Thank you for the links , I'm 2/3 thru the first one and my head hurts, but the BTA deserves it as I've taken the responsibilities of his care. I will be the first one to drive him to a better home if he shows any signs of poor health. Hopefully I can establish a place for him to go if needed before that time. and no you didnt hurt my feelings at all , the truth never does. Thank you. Scott
Imformation always helps
He finally found a place and secured himself down in a natural bowl in the rock. I was able to move the rock closer to the lights as he was on the side before. Again the lights are 2 65x 10k's and 2 65w 50/50 act. These pics are from 5 minutes ago and the color is not accurate as my camcorder sucks.
dots
Premium Member
I have had a couple of anenome in my time and am pretty strong on the subject. They need strong INTENSE lighting for long term success. The metabolism is so slow for these creatures most do not realize why thier anenome die after a few months and attribute it to something else.
I have had successes and many more failures, (seen above is an earlier failure I keep to remind myself), and commend you for accepting such a challenge. Hopefully you will learn how to care for these complex creatures and do not take it lightly.
They get a lot of thier energy from zooanathelle and the remaining from their ineffiecient digestive system. By overfeeding regularly you CAN keep one alive under less than T5 or MH lighting, but I think it just draws out the inevitable and they slowly starve which is the cause for most of the losses.
They are an advanced level of care creature despite its abundance in LFS and low cost. A lot of the losses are from shipping stresses. My latest Sebae is a bleached out rescue that I have been able to color up and double in size. I think the Sebae are the better than BTA and do not move around as much. I don't expect you to take it back, but if it starts to wander constantly, bleach, doestn't eat or hide......you may want to consider doing so. I have had great luck with mine eating PE mysids which is meater, but smaller compared to the silversides most feed.
Getting yours to eat and eat regularly should be your biggest concern now.
Yes there are eceptions and there are people who have kept anenome under bic lighters and never fed them only to have them colorful and split a hundred times......but those are few and far between and ON AVERAGE and what usually is true, Justin is correct. If it is a relativly new tank and you are a new aquarist, that also draws an eye to it. They are sensitive, but not as to where the are the proverbial "canary in the coal mine" as Xenia is which cause and effect can be readily seen, the symptoms of distress are slow and once seen it is commonly too late.
But I was once in your shoes, I only hope you will succeed with your new creature.
Please do not hesitate in asking questions about behavior or care. As Justin said, we only want to save you the frustration we went through and see you succeed.
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Justin74
New member
casalt: I like your tank and rockwork Looks like your off to a great start. I appreciate your sincerity and appreciation for this animal and am glad you were able to read some of the material. For being a great sport and sharing your tank with us, please allow me to give you and your wife a frag to help stock your new tank. I have a few corals that I know would do great in your system and help provide a lil splash of diversity and color. I have some various polyps and shrooms I would love to donate to the cause! Shoot me a pm if your interested 
-Justin
Looks like your off to a great start. I appreciate your sincerity and appreciation for this animal and am glad you were able to read some of the material. For being a great sport and sharing your tank with us, please allow me to give you and your wife a frag to help stock your new tank. I have a few corals that I know would do great in your system and help provide a lil splash of diversity and color. I have some various polyps and shrooms I would love to donate to the cause! Shoot me a pm if your interested -Justin
Justin74
New member
If you can get a bulb that has both 420 and 450 by all means. I find that range the perfect mix of supplementaion even when paired with a pure 420 or 450, just that pinch of different color from the combo actinic really helps IMO. Otherwise the actinic can look be either to purple(420nm) or to blue(450nm respectively), but is just my opinion. The other 2 staying 10k is also a good choice.
When buying bulbs check these places out for good deals on quality brands:
http://www.innovativelights.com
http://www.reefgeek.com
and me personally always lastly cross reference with ebay to ensure Im getting the lowest price when shopping online.
-Justin
When buying bulbs check these places out for good deals on quality brands:
http://www.innovativelights.com
http://www.reefgeek.com
and me personally always lastly cross reference with ebay to ensure Im getting the lowest price when shopping online.
-Justin
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