keeping sebae anemone
 

Hi all...I was just trying to do some research on keeping a keeping a sebae anemone for my 2 clown fish. I was over at the LFS and they said anemone dies quite frequently in captivity...is it true? are there certain types that are easier to keep then others?
what exactly is some things you need to what out for and pay extra attention to?

Usually the big killers of anenomes are:
1) inadequate lighting
2) inadequate water conditions
3) powerheads/pump intakes

If possible, always look for a captive bred/cloned anenome. These will be much more accustomed to aquarium life and a much better choice. Also, make sure your system is mature enough and your water conditions have become stable (at least 6 months after a tank has been set up). Anenomes, while beautiful creatures, are not nearly as forgiving as some other things availble to aquarist that can also be used as serrogate hosts for clowns.

Sebaes need MH lighting, I believe. BTAs & LTAs are slightly more forgiving.

Really? Because at the LFS their Seabaes are under just regular NO antinic and 10,00K lights...maybe they don't care since they have high turn over rates?

there are counting on selling them quickly. LFS' usaly have lower lighting to keep there costs down and concidering it will take several weeks for something to loose color and longer than that to die they are usaly sucessfull.

Steve

Sebaes grow to 18" across in captivity. Not the best anemone to choose , ime.

If you have a tank smaller than 100gals, you will lose a fair bit of room once it starts growing. I had a sebae go from 6 inches to about 14 inches in 8 months. I think you would want to put the sebae under halides. PC's may work, but you will probably have to supplement with more food.

Al

I think Dez keeps his sebae under flourescents... not sure which kind, but definately not MHs. Its been there for awhile now, and still looks pretty good.

-Rich

lights
 

pet stores can put them under the lower light conditions because they aren't keeping them long term. I also find that they open up more trying to increase their surface area for photosynthesis in lower light but that may just be a coincidence ime.
long term, they will need stronger light. some people can put them under vho if they put them high up in a rock pile.

You have to remember though Rich, that Dez' has the anenome about 3" from the surface....also, I'm not sure if it expands as much as it did in Al's tank. I think Al said it was about 18" across when he had it. I think its only about 10" open in Dez' tank.