Anemone Questions and general information

[AcePuck35]

I am just looking for general information on anemones. I would like to put a rose bubble tip in my 40 breeder tank. Do anemones need special water parameters? Does anyone know if they do well with LED lights, or will they keep their red color with LEDs? Do you need to do any special dosing? How large do RBT get? I know you have to feed them, a mistake I learned from a previous tank, I got bad info and was told all they need is light. Any and all info is appreciated. Thanks

 

 

[Saltwaterworx]

I wouldnt say the need special water conditions, but you would like them to be formidable to any other animal going into your tank. Theyre carnivorous. Them doing well in LEDs depends on what LEDs you have. Some may dose especially for them, I usually stick to the things i usually dose/feed everything else. They can grow pretty large. Ive noticed more and more people propagating them over the last couple years. Hope this helps.

[AcePuck35]

How long should I wait before adding one to my tank after the tank cycles? On other forums they talk about the anemone cloning. Did they mean splitting?

 

 

[LanglandJoshua]

How long should I wait before adding one to my tank after the tank cycles? On other forums they talk about the anemone cloning. Did they mean splitting?

I would hold out for at least six months. The key is consistency and light. To some degree with light, "the more the marrier". But they will regulate themselves if given to much (read bellow). So that is easier to give than consistency. Which is why only mature tanks should have anemones. If you have chemical fluxes, it will die. Some are more sensitive than others. Definitely make sure you have plenty of live rock. That houses your biological filtration, which is the key to consistency.

 

Yes, they mean splitting. Sometimes they do it on their own, some people cut them in half. I have done this several times. The reason most people don't do it is spaceand fear of killing an expensive and beautiful animal. If you don't give it the right place in the tank, it will move to find it. Most of my anemones behave and stay still. But that is because I give them a ledge to hide under. That lets me put them near the top of the tank, as they need a lot of light. The anemone will move in and out of the shadow regulating its own light. RBTA's prefer to have the foot in shadow and to extend like this anyways. So if you don't give them the right home they will wander, the more you have the harder it is to track with them all. I have 5 anemones in my tank right now. But since I put them were they are happy, there is little to no wandering.

 

You mentioned you were worried about size, most of us who propagate them offer to trade one small of for a larger one. So, you would buy an anemone. Then before it gets too big, you let one of us know. We would be glad to give you a small one that will fit safely in your tank. This is how I could confidently tell another member with a 20 gal it was safe. Just make sure if your able, to give us warning. I will be seting up a cloning tank soon. So I am not outright selling my RBTA's, but if a member needed a smaller one I would split an anemone no problem. Within two to three weeks it should be perfectly heathly and ready to go to is new home. This helps everyone, the "breeder" gets an anemone closer to being ready to split. And you get to have something that you otherwise could'nt touch for your tank. So its much better than what an LFS would offer, they take it and give little or no credit for the next one. They have to make money, its the nature of the beast.

 

If you would like to come on by and check out my tank you can see what I am " talking" about in person. I'm in vienna, so if you want to come over, just let me know when.

Edited September 13, 2011 by LanglandJoshua

[AcePuck35]

LandlandJoshua

[LanglandJoshua]

They prefer medium flow, for example if you put food in the water it won't get shot away. But it will move about 1" for every 2" it falls. They don't like direct flow aimed at them. If you aim a powerhead over is body. That will normally put enough flow for the animal. I would give you an average GPH, but the further back the pump is. The more it takes.

 

If I were more familiar with the LED systems I could give you a better answer. I am planning on using them for my cloning tank. It may be a couple weeks before I get the light though. Since I've not used them, I don't know enough about them. There are a few members here who do have LED's, and are having great success. So maybe one of them could give you some good advice.

 

Sounds great, maybe check out a LFS or two out here while your at it. Make a day of it! If your going to the Petland social, you could come over afterwards. It's a bit of a drive, I'm thinking you should make the most of it!

[AcePuck35]

I have been asking a lot of questions about LEDs I have been told a lot of different answers about how many to use. The answer I liked (from Zygote2k) he said 24 LEDs were plenty for a 40 breeder but I was just asking about SPS coral and I did not ask about an anemone. I am defiantly trying to come to the petland social this weekend, I just need to fit it into my schedule some how. I am looking forward to meeting a lot of the members. Hopefully I will see you there.

 

 

[Coral Hind]

I have been asking a lot of questions about LEDs I have been told a lot of different answers about how many to use. The answer I liked (from Zygote2k) he said 24 LEDs were plenty for a 40 breeder but I was just asking about SPS coral and I did not ask about an anemone.

 

Zygote has used LED's over several tanks so he has some great experience as to the amount needed. The light requirements for SPS and Anemones in general is the same so unless you are looking to keep something out of the norm you will be fine with the same light for both.

[AcePuck35]

Ya, Zygote2k always has good information.

 

 

[Alieu07]

I am in Ashburn also. You are welcome to check out my tank with LEDs lighting if you like. So you will have some idea. Just shoot me a PM.

[AcePuck35]

Cool, Thanks

[AcePuck35]

Andy, I checked out your dedicated tank page. The tank looks great I will defiantly have to come by and see it some time! Thanks for the invite I will PM you and ssomething up when I get some free time.et