Anemones - Do you bother with them? Yay or nay?

Not worth it IMO

 

Once again I find myself in agreement with Pharmr. I just love the relationship they build together, a clown and an anemone. Sure some clowns will host something else, but it's just not the same!

For me keeping my anemones alive and having them reproduce on my watch is one of the more rewarding factors in this hobby. Actually it has been THE most rewarding. But a lot of that has to do with my previous failures. I've tried several anemones and even though they died, if you keep a watchful eye on them and get them out in time if they die, you really have little to worry about. In fact, the last BTA I tried (before my current anemones) I had for 3 days before it disappeared behind the rocks never to be seen again. No joke! So of course one has to assume it died, but it didn't wipe out my tank by any standard. Believe me I was worried - and I still have no explanation.

Although I do admit, I have been incredibly INCREDIBLY lucky this time around. The anemone I bought was from a lady who had them split in her tank several times. So it was basically tank raised. Not only that but the first spot I put my anemone in is exactly where it has stayed. Not a normal thing. Also, when I moved the rock it was on it my old tank to my new tank, it stayed on that rock afterwards and has split twice now. And both babies have stayed with the mother. So yes, very lucky indeed and I'm glad I took the chance.

Finally, I still believe nothing less than T5s or MHs will support an anemone. So with your PCs I recommend you skip it.

 

Points taken. Thanks for all the comments ladies and gents, it helped me out alot.

 

how could you not

 

I think I have too much flow for them... I think 8)

Anemone's are tough to keep dude, I would not try it quite yet Jwin.

 

B) and C)
i have bought a couple anemones in my time in the hobby, since then i am convinced that anemones don't belong in a community reef tank. having a creature that can move randomly around with the ability to sting corals and eat fish. its akin to giving a little kid matches and putting him in a forest.
let me tell you this little kid is no boy scout. if one thing goes wrong with his environment he is gonna die.
i just think it doesn't make since to keep it in reef tank and thats what i have lol.

with that being said if build the tank around the animal, and not the animal around the tank, you can have amazing results.
Tank of the Month - May 2005 - Reefkeeping.com

 

Promising my wife she would have an anemone and a "nemo" is the reason my wife puts up wife my mess. I love my anemone and clown. I have read of a healthy specimen having a life span of many years in a healthy environment. IMO I think good husbandry is what keeps these animals happy and alive.