How much light do Anenomes require?

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #1 06-26-2006, 05:43 AM

Bubble tip anemones (BTAs) and Long Tentacle anemones (LTAs) seem to be the best in terms of surviving in captivity. However, not every clownfish has watched "Nemo" and so some don't realize they're expected to host in an anemone.

Puff · #2 06-26-2006, 06:06 AM

lol. i know THAT much (that clowns dont necessarily like anenomes). i was just saying "the ones that clownfish like" because those are the ones that i really like the look of.

i know that a lot of clowns are born in captivity, and many will have never even seen an anenome before.hehehe

G1GY · #3 06-26-2006, 06:59 AM

If you get clowns that don't like anenomes............... They'll just host one of your corals or even a powerhead.

Ruth · #4 06-26-2006, 01:42 PM

As a general rule clown fish are relatively easy to keep and don't need an anemone to be happy. Anemone's on the other hand are harder to keep. They do need quite a bit of light and very stable water conditions. If you are just starting out I would hold off on getting an anemone until you are sure that your tank is up and running and stable.
A wandering anemone can easily get caught in a powerhead and completely crash your tank in no time at all.
I have clown fish hosting in Sebae Anemones, RBTA anemone and carpet anemone. OTOH I also have them hosting in Anthelia and Hammer coral (the hammer is not too happy about that)

There is a link on this site that explains what anemones are natural hosts for certain kinds of clowns
Just my 2 pennies worth.

Beverly · #5 06-26-2006, 04:15 PM

Here's RC's Anemone FAQ page for more information ...

http://www.carlosreef.com/AnemoneFAQ.pdf

TheReefGeek · #6 06-26-2006, 05:59 PM

Quote:

lol. i know THAT much (that clowns dont necessarily like anenomes)

In the wild, every clownfish hosts an anemone, without exception.

But not all types of clownfish will host all types of anemonies. BUT, in a tank, clownfish will host non-traditional anemonies, just dependson your luck.

Go basic, get percs or false-percs, and an RBTA anemone, or long-tentacle. Research the specific lighting requirements of any anemone before buying it. I would go with a long-tentacle because they will bury their base in the sand, and not wander all over your reef killing your corals. These should be put under Metal Halide lighting, each bulb covers about 2ftx2ft over a tank.

Psyire · #7 06-26-2006, 06:17 PM

I have a clownfish who hosts in my hairy green mushroom. (sometimes I'm scared that the mushroom will eat the clown when it's sleeping) There is a condy anemone in the tank but the clown won't host in it. My 3 sexy shrimp do 'host' in the condy however. I'm debating on whether to get another clown as a mate... but it's kinda neat just having 1 as well.