Anemones (in general?)

[Dangerdoll]

I put a note in General Marine, received no answers but I'm assuming it was because I was in the wrong room. Here it goes again....
Anemones - I know they need a lot a lot a lot of light, but other thn that, can someone just give me some information on these guys, meaning what/how do they eat, how long they last, what do they need for them to thrive........ can these be in general?

(this is for my sister's tank....you all know mine is the FW)


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[OrionGirl]

It depends on the type of anemone, but in general they ned to be fed every other day or so, and need reef quality lights at the minimum. An established tank (at least one year old) will increase the odds of usrvival, but even then it's pretty bleak. Very few (less than 5%, according to one study from a clown breeder) survive more than one year--but they can live a hundred years or more in the wild.

What is comes down to is that the survival rates aren't high enough to support the activity, IMO. Some of the cheap ones will be okay, but things like curly-que anemones aren't reef safe.

[Dangerdoll]

Thanks OrionGirl, that helps a lot........ maybe I should warn her on the probable durations......... is there anything else that are good for a set up of clowns and damsels that you know of that can gussy up her live rock?

[slipknottin]

Hmm do you want one for a host for a clown, or do you just want an anemone on its own?

There are quite a few Caribbean species of anemones that are quite hardy and will do very well in tanks. Clowns will not use them as a host in most cases however.

Something like a Condy anemone and one or two damsels will be pretty cool id think.

[musicsmaker]

I agree with OrionGirl 100%. A year old tank, intense lighting, proper flow, and pristine water are a must. The only thing I would change about her post, is that it has been suggested that some anemones live beond hundreds and into the thousands of years in the wild. If adding one to a tank you should add it before the tank is full of corals. An anemone will not stay where you put them in the tank. They will wonder around untill they have found a place they like. If the tank is full of corals, the corals will get stung. My suggestion for a anemone, beginner or advanced, would be a bubble tip. That or perhaps a carpet for more of a challenge. Both are being captive raised, and captive raised have a much higher survival rate in the home tank.

[Dangerdoll]

well, I was thinking about suggesting one as a host for her clows and damsels. She hasn't got any corals in there yet so no need to worry about that at this time but I do know she's thinking about it........ I will warn her about which comes first...... thanks guys...