Anemones???

[rayraypico]

This website states that anemones are reef safe???? When you go to the section where you can buy them thats were it says that.
I want one and have wanted one for the longest time but everyone else has adviced me not to get one. They have said it is in the best interest of your corals. What is the deal with this anyone got a good answer and if yes what anemone will host a tomato clown???

 

[michaeltx]

the death rate realy high for them. just something that in our tanks we cant provide. there are alot of different theories on why. I have had 3 different BTA the first did well for a few months under NO lighting and constant feeding. the 2nd died in just a few days after adding to the tank and the 3rd I have today but dont know for how long. he is completely white absolutely no color in him and will only eat a little bit before spitting it back out. I dont think he will make it much longer. alot of people have had this problem in keeping them alive. that why most people will say that they are not a good coral to keep and I wouldnt suggest one.
the only ones that will havea chance of survival is 2nd or later clones of them they are more adapt to tank life than the wild imports that you buy at the LFS. but the fect a pretty price.
HTH
Mike

 

[wrassecal]

What size tank? What lighting?
As Mike said the bta clones (tank propogated) are the most hardy anenomes and tomato clowns love them. I think he accidentally slipped calling them a coral though, they aren't corals.
I've had a bta in my reef that has split twice in the last year and a half. I've given the other 2 away to other reefers. They need strong lighting, an established tank and meaty feedings a couple times a week. If you get a tank raised, healthy specimen and you have a good stable system with adequate light then I think you can do right by a bta.
Here is a pic from last week of mine. I've had it since Feb. 02...

 

[plum70rt]

check out ,king kong and Gozilla , responsible for many coral deaths, part of the reef cycle I guess, I have to watch them closely, they take up the whole right side of tank, and you can see that leather is POd

 

[michaeltx]

yeah I have a habit of doing that LOL
Mike
BTW nice pics guys.!!

 

[spsfreak100]

What is the deal with this anyone got a good answer and if yes what anemone will host a tomato clown???
Clowns do not need an anemone to be happy in captivity. You can take that statement as a fact.
All anemones will have horible survival rates, and few live over 4 months. An Anemone of any kind should not be bought for the clown. Anemones may move where they wish, which gives them a high chance of stinging other corals, getting stuck in a powerhead, or getting stung. Anemones are actually not "Real" reef inhabitants. Many have only been recently introduced into reef aquariums. For the most part, anemones do not survive well in the home aquariums. Even if you had the perfect setup, it probably will still die.
If you want something for your clowns to host in, I would recommend a Toadstool leather (Sarcophyton sp.) for your clownfish. These will make perfect hosts for the clownfish, and often will resemble an Anemone. Many other types of leathers including the Devils Hand (Lobophytum sp.), Spaghetti Leather (Sinularia flexibis) and Finger Leather (Sinularia sp.) will also work fine.
Other good hosts include the Colt coral (Cladiella sp., or, Alcyonium sp.), Kenya Tree (Capnella sp.-should be added to a mature aquarium), Alveopora (Alveopora sp.), Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens), Hammar Coral (Euphyllia ancora), Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sp.), Green Star Polyps (Pachyclavularia sp.), Xenia (Xenia sp.?), Frogspawn (Euphyllia sp.), etc.
There were many I never meantioned, only due to the care level required for them, and the difficulty of keeping them sucessfully alive. Some of these include the Flowerpot (Goniopora sp.), Plate Coral (Heliofungia Actiniformis), and Elegance (Catalaphyllia sp.) to name a few.
Please do not buy an anemone. Save your money and buy it on something that has a much higher success rate. Anemones do best in the ocean, which is where they belong
I also agree with what everyone else has said. If you had to buy an anemone (which I discurage), go with a 2nd or 3rd generation Bubble Tip Anemone. Anemones should be housed in a tank 7 months or older, with good water conditions and strong lighting. The more reaserch you do, the better.
Take Care,
Graham

 

[wrassecal]

I'm no expert, but I have had very good luck (quick prayer) with my bta. I think it would have to live long after I've died of old age for me to claim success though. One thing about clowns hosting in corals is that sometimes they irritate the corals to the point of decline. So I think it's always a bit of a risk no matter which way you go. I want my corals, fish and anenome to thrive. I will note that when my previous tomato clown died a mysterious death after having it a year my bta began to wander around the tank. As long as it has had a clown, most of the last year and half it doesn't wander at all, even if we re-arrange the rockwork. My experience only, different tanks, different people, different results.

 

[j-cal]

I agree that anemones have awful success rates....that beaing said, I'm not going to just say dont get one, cuz i HAD to have one so i got one. I think that your set-up is definitely important, but its clearly just as important that you find a 2nd or later generation, or one that appears healthy and has been at a store without decline for 3+ weeks. Good luck

 

[rayraypico]

thanks spsfreak very helpfull answer