anemones

[coral reefer]

Can someone give me some feedback regarding having anemones in a reef tank. I don't know how significantly they deplete the tank as far as nutrients go or how much and how quick they can dirty a reef tank. Not to mention the numerous times they have moved and gotten sucked up in the powerhead or hang on filter. Are anemones a good reef inhabitant????????????

[Zissou]

i think it is cool to have one in a reef setup. i have a couple that are doing quite well and provide for themselves with the proper lighting. i would just stay away from anemones that have very powerful stings such as green carpet anemones b/c they can harm precious corals. the key is to get one to attach to a desired piece of lr. then you are set and there is little chance of having them sucked into a filter/powerhead and such. good luck

[amcarrig]

I keep a bubble tip in my reef. Once they get settled and find a comfortable spot to hang, they are no longer a threat to themselves or to corals as they tend to stay put.

[Jason McKenzie]

I feel it really depends on what else you want to keep in your tank. When I had a BTA I also began keeping SPS. The BTA grew and split and started to sweep out and kill my SPS. now my Tank is only a 75G that I have way over stocked with SPS. I have the same problem with my LPS stinging my SPS but I like them too much to get ride of them.

I will never have another anemone, but thats just me

Jason

[rickzter]

I think an anemone is a very cool addition to a reef, because it adds yet another living creature to gaze at. Especially if you have a clown!! I have been reading some info here and there on anemones and in my research, all of them have powerful stings, it's the aggression that kinda sets them apart. I think anything you add will help the depletion of elements in the tank, but I dont think they will foul the water or deplete it like a clam would (Ca). They need just as good water quality as any other corals. Atleast, that's what I've seen from someone keeping anemones.

Some are very aggressive like carpets and sebae's and some are semi-aggressive like BTA's. The ones that are big trouble are LTA's, which can extend their tentacles and reach nearby corals. Someone I know has one and it stung him very quickly while handling him, ha. I would definetly add one, but would research a desired one to learn of it's aggressiveness and lighting demands as well as which clowns will take to it (if you plan to add one). Also, I have been reading on anemones wandering, before you purchase it, have a nice little isolated spot for him that is very porous so he can hide his foot and extend his mouth and tips. Once he settles in a nice little spot like amcarrig mentioned, he will stay put and even split when doing real well!!

Good luck!

[coral reefer]

Thanks for the advice y'all!!!I just hope I don't have Majano anemones in my big tank!!!

[blubfish]

I have 6 flower anemones in my tank and only one has every moved they all attached when put in and the one that moved was becuase it was in a high flow area they all are doing great .