Adding in a Blue Carpet Anemone.

OCDP · #1 07-11-2006, 03:16 PM

Before any flaming begins. Most of you know I have a stable system that has been up nearly 2 years in August with no problems. Before all the "your tank is too small" stuff begins, don't worry... You know I wouldn't keep an animal in my tank if I can't meet the requirements of keeping one. I am going to upgrade my tank this summer while I have a few days off. Plans to build a 50-60g cube are in the makes. So, this IS temporary. Also, my BTA will be removed to make room for the new one. I have the right side of my tank dedicated for the carpet anemone. Sure I may have to give up a couple corals... but I think it will be worth it. Or if someone feels like borrowing a couple corals for a couple weeks or so, just PM me if you'd be ok with that.

Ok, now for the questions.. I have began to read like a mad man on carpets. I don't plan on getting the anemone until next week. That's good, this gives me time to read, read , and read, and plan, plan, plan. Here's the plan so far... it's supposed to be dropped off next week by Monday (or whatever..) , I have these days off work. So, if I make room for the anemone the night before or whatever, acclimate him , etc.. etc... at least I will be able to dedicate a couple days to monitor the anemone. I figure this is a decent plan as compared to plopping him in and not being able to observe him. This way, if he moves... I can start moving corals around and what not. This is not a huge concern for me as I will be able to move things around until he settles in. I really don't care if I ruin my aquascape and coral placement because I plan on upgrading soon anyways. The only reason I am taknig him now is because well, the opportunity has arrised and I'll take advantage of this.

I just wanted to hear some personal carpet experience. Where does yours prefer to place it's foot? What kind of lighting do they like? I am assuming the more light the better. Flow? , how do you handle your carpet? Would wearing latex gloves make a difference when handling them? I have a fear that it will stick on to me and not let go without damaging the anemone. I am trying to reduce all of these risks. Any feedback is great right now as I want to read as much as possible on carpets before I receive it.

Just to those who don't know, check my sig. for tank info. I don't want anyone thinking I'm being careless and tossing in a carpet into a small system long-term. The anemone is currently already in a 20g with lots of space, therefore.. it should fit in well. Whatever my next tank size ends up being, I will make sure that the equipment I have now will keep the anemone alive (lighting) [250w HQI] .

Thansk in advance, hopefully you carpet lovers can help me out in the next few days

Chaloupa · #2 07-11-2006, 03:57 PM

Hey Scott! nice choice of anemone! Wear gloves! My husband had to move ours and WOW do they sting...left quite the nasty mark on his wrist...he was only covered on his hands and it moved...then once it sticks...its STUCK on... the reefing gloves you can get are what we will make sure to have on hand next time (hopefully there is no next time).

We placed ours in our 120 in a corner...a good amount of flow (it does blow the clowns around a bit) and it has stayed there. It has had some issues with exactly where it wants to be...bit of a rock slide but nothing major. We have actinics, moons, and a 250 watt MH. From everything I have read this should be ok.

We did get a few warnings from one of the clownfish sites about the clowns killing the anemone. Our clowns are small, it had a pair of clowns that were HUGE previously and it is fine. Only time will tell.

Good Luck! Have fun with the cube upgrade. That will be cool!

OCDP · #3 07-11-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaloupa

Hey Scott! nice choice of anemone! Wear gloves! My husband had to move ours and WOW do they sting...left quite the nasty mark on his wrist...he was only covered on his hands and it moved...then once it sticks...its STUCK on... the reefing gloves you can get are what we will make sure to have on hand next time (hopefully there is no next time).

We placed ours in our 120 in a corner...a good amount of flow (it does blow the clowns around a bit) and it has stayed there. It has had some issues with exactly where it wants to be...bit of a rock slide but nothing major. We have actinics, moons, and a 250 watt MH. From everything I have read this should be ok.

We did get a few warnings from one of the clownfish sites about the clowns killing the anemone. Our clowns are small, it had a pair of clowns that were HUGE previously and it is fine. Only time will tell.

Good Luck! Have fun with the cube upgrade. That will be cool!

Thanks for your reply

The stinging and stickiness of these anemones is what I fear the most. I have tons of (free) latex gloves available to me. Do you think these would do the trick? As for my arms, I will honestly wrap garbage bags around my arms if I have to... I don't plan on handling it much, but I know I will need to for the first day or two (hopefully only the first day) Are you saying your carpet actually STUCK on to your husband?? Creepy. I'll definitely be covering my arms.

Heh, I feel dumb putting him into a temporary home , I will be upgraded by the end of August at the very very latest. But I need to take him now if I want him, and I want him. heh.

I have good flow in my tank, and heh I have 250w HQI over just my 20g tank.. so I'm good to go on lighting

My clowns are still relatively small, definitely not adult size yet. I have no worries that they will beat up the anemone. I have two true perculas.

Where is yours placed by the way? In the rocks, on the sand, both? etc etc...

Thanks again for your reply.

danny zubot · #4 07-11-2006, 04:53 PM

Some medical latex gloves has a powder in them to make it easier to put on. I don't know about any adverse effects caused from latex but that powder is definately no good. Clean them out first.

OCDP · #5 07-11-2006, 04:55 PM

Thanks Danny. I had heard something about this previously and was curious about this as well. A good rinse should do the trick then? Anybody know anything else about this?

Thanks again.

fredl · #6 07-11-2006, 06:03 PM

Hey Scott,

just make sure you have enough room where you're going to place it.
my blue carpet is doing fine. it hasn't moved at all.
i used 400watt MH so maybe that helps.
don't worry your 250watt Giesemann will do just fine.

Fred

OCDP · #7 07-11-2006, 06:08 PM

Hey Fred,

I have a good idea of where I want it. It will be on the bottom / just about mid level. I don't know where I should place it first though. Sand, or on rocks? Or a bit of both? I want to try as hard as I can to put him in the best spot so he doesn't move on me too much (I know, I have no control over this, but if I place him in an ideal spot he may not move.)

I have 250w HQI over my 20g. I am hoping that the intensity will keep him in place. I mean, 250w is quite a bit over a 20g.

It looks like they prefer sandy / rocky areas to bury the foot. Almost as if they like to have the crack under the rock and the sand to cover them. Correct?

Looking for best placement suggestions so I can plan out where he should go. (PS Fred: Your blue carpet looks stunning... such vibrant blue colouration. Very nice)

Thanks again everyone.

AJ_77 · #8 07-11-2006, 08:21 PM

I housed Tony's green carpet for a while, and it occupied about the lower 1/3 of a 50 gal. It put its foot down through 4 inches of sand and stuck onto the bottom glass. It did nestle up against some rocks, much like the blue one above.

We wore long gloves to move it in, and a few tentacles stuck and tore off - very difficult to handle carefully. The acclimation bucket went right in the tank, and we slid the anemone out.

I considered using a short piece of large-diameter pvc pipe to contain the foot and keep wandering to a minimum, but it pretty much stayed put without it.

What size is this one you're getting? Looks cute.

OCDP · #9 07-11-2006, 08:32 PM

Thanks for your input AJ. I never knew Tony was away. Thanks for the heads up

The one I am getting is about 8" . This is what I am told anyhow.

Sounds like moving and handling these things are tricky business... and I am going to need something to cover my hands and arms well. Any recommendations? (ie: something I could use around the house or whatever)

I think I am underestimating the stickiness of these anemones right now lol. I guess I'll soon see the power of these animals. I am excited to take on a new challenge in the hobby as I found myself not challenged (haha that makes sense eh) . I think the carpet will be a good challenge , will keep me on my toes and I will make damn sure that this thing thrives in my tank. I've had very good success with anemones thus far, so I hope that success sticks around once I add this guy in.

I am now trying to think of the best/easiest-stress free way to acclimate AND introduce the anemone into the tank. Without harming it, or myself.

AJ_77 · #10 07-11-2006, 09:17 PM

so, you haven't seen the new one in person?

get some pond gloves/reef gloves - sturdy and long. those thin dental gloves aren't the best.

and yes, the carpet is the stickiest thing you will ever deal with, if it's healthy (healthy = sticky). they are lethal, but not in my tank (smart fishes).

you could try a 4-litre pail for the slow drip, that you can lower into your tank enough to get the animal out and onto the sand.