anemones reef safe?

[fishyscientist]

I was just told by my LFS, that having an anemone in a tank with corals is a bad idea because they move around a lot, and can sting/hurt the corals. What is the general opinion on this? I was thinking of getting a green BTA Thanks in advance!

 

[mandolihn]

Ur LFS is correct. People still do it and some work out fine, but whenever your nem will move, you run the risk of it stinging your corals. If u really want it, u can keep both, but be prepared to move the corals when you see the nem getting close to them.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by Mandolihn
http:///forum/post/3272803
Ur LFS is correct. People still do it and some work out fine, but whenever your nem will move, you run the risk of it stinging your corals. If u really want it, u can keep both, but be prepared to move the corals when you see the nem getting close to them.

+1
Also cover all power heads and intake tubes anemones like to commit sushi.
If a critter gets too close they will become anemone lunch, except clowns they can handle the sting and be happy. Not all clowns host the same anemones, some types are never hosted.
You need a mature tank..6 months at least. Bright lights are also a necessity.

 

[speg]

I agree. Sometimes an anemone will stay a LONG time wherever it moves to.. it's best to keep the lighting normal, flow the same; everything the same! If you do that then you may not have to worry about any movement other than natural growth.
I personally don't like anemones in a "reef" setting because the coral are the 'stars' in my tank.

 

[fishyscientist]

Originally Posted by Speg
http:///forum/post/3272851
I agree. Sometimes an anemone will stay a LONG time wherever it moves to.. it's best to keep the lighting normal, flow the same; everything the same! If you do that then you may not have to worry about any movement other than natural growth.
I personally don't like anemones in a "reef" setting because the coral are the 'stars' in my tank.
I have MH lights, and I have read about people losing their anemones to powerheads! I will definitely cover, if I choose to get one. I guess it's a bit of a risk if I have corals. I have ocellaris clowns, which are unlikely to host an anemone, anyway. It's not a high chance, I don't think. But, my LFS said that they have clowns in hammer coral and green hairy mushrooms, so I might try those and give it a try!

 

[fishyscientist]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3272850

+1
Also cover all power heads and intake tubes anemones like to commit sushi.
If a critter gets too close they will become anemone lunch, except clowns they can handle the sting and be happy. Not all clowns host the same anemones, some types are never hosted.
You need a mature tank..6 months at least. Bright lights are also a necessity.
I have read that a mature tank is a neccessity, so I'm not going to make a decision till then for sure!

 

[anonome]

I would say that if you are prepared to get one, then do so. Provided that that your tank is not already packed with coral. I have been lucky, mine hasn't moved since I upgraded tank and lighting....knock on wood. BTA's like a ledge to attach to, need high lighting, and medium flow. Be sure to feed it periodically....silversides work well. A happy anemone stays put. Also try to make a cavern for it to feel secure. See the enclosed pic. The pic is by far not it full blown out in size, but it will give you an idea. But, like all living creatures they do have a mind of their own. I have been lucky, but I do have a feeling that paradise is not going to last forever, as the anemone gets larger etc. They definately need a mature tank, no weird spikes in nutrients etc. Design your cavern for its growth and choose coral to be close by that are not your prize ones. I have found that mushrooms will move to another area if they are bothered by it, other corals are not so lucky.....so plan ahead. Hope this gives you encouragement.

 

[fishyscientist]

Originally Posted by Anonome
http:///forum/post/3272875
I would say that if you are prepared to get one, then do so. Provided that that your tank is not already packed with coral. I have been lucky, mine hasn't moved since I upgraded tank and lighting....knock on wood. BTA's like a ledge to attach to, need high lighting, and medium flow. Be sure to feed it periodically....silversides work well. A happy anemone stays put. Also try to make a cavern for it to feel secure. See the enclosed pic. The pic is by far not it full blown out in size, but it will give you an idea. But, like all living creatures they do have a mind of their own. I have been lucky, but I do have a feeling that paradise is not going to last forever, as the anemone gets larger etc. They definately need a mature tank, no weird spikes in nutrients etc. Design your cavern for its growth and choose coral to be close by that are not your prize ones. I have found that mushrooms will move to another area if they are bothered by it, other corals are not so lucky.....so plan ahead. Hope this gives you encouragement.
Thanks for the encouragement! I have just ventured into corals, and I am really excited about it! I'm not sure how I'll feel in 4 months when I could actually get an anemone. I will keep this in mind if I get one!