Where are the good fish stores?

[Samw]

Before I quit the hobby 10 years ago and restarted it recently, I use to have a fish only tank that contained a maroon and a tomato clown. They never bothered each other. So, I thought that the maroon clowns were peaceful except with each other based on what I read and experienced. I guess Perculas with Maroons are a different story. Thanks for the tip on that.

My reef tank is now 3 months old. Until I bought the anemones, and got some coral frags from Jamie, it had nothing in it except live rock, snails, hermit crabs, a xenia, an emerald crab, a clam, and lots of amphipods.

As far as research, I searched the net for several weeks and read as much as I could during my free time. I knew that anemones were difficult and that the bubble-tips were considered one of the most hardy. I had also read that some hobbiests had success with the long tentacle and the Sebae (I must have subconsciously blocked out the articles about failures). I had read that only species with a chance of survival are being imported (Although it seems to me now after reading that article from Troy, that this is probably not true). I did read that light was very important and I hoped that having the tank exposed directly to natural sunlight during the day will help.

None of my anemones right now are white in color. They look good but I know that this can change very suddenly. The Bubble-tip is still extended and looking great. I bought some Hikari Mysis shrimp and also plan to feed them some prawn.

After seeing Andrew's anemone and various websites on the net that documented success, I liked the idea of getting one and had looked for months but couldn't find one (I guess with good reason). I was so happy when I finally found a shop that sold anemones.

ReefBurnaby, yes, I know that they eat fish but I read that fish can usually get away from anemones and that usually the fish that they capture are dead ones that sink to the bottom or sick ones that can't get away.

Troy, what do you mean by "Another reason to avoid the store". Have people had bad experiences? I thought they were relatively helpful. My friend was wanting to buy a seahorse and the guy at the store pretty much did everything to make us not buy it because he said that they are difficult to keep with fish and that they eat only live foods but sometimes take Frozen Mysis shrimp.

Thanks for the tips everyone. They've been helpful though now I can see that the odds are against me. Pretty downright grim I'd say.

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[ 04 December 2001: Message edited by: Sam W ]