Sebae Anemone

So before I got into this hobby, and was just doing the required (or so it should be) reading, I really wanted at some point to be able to add an anemone. After getting into it I've read that they can be difficult to maintain, or even destroy an entire system.

So, here are my questions. I have two clarkii clowns, that may or may not host (but may make the integration of the anemone into the tank a little easier). The tank is close to 100 gallons, but based on existing layout there really aren't that many places for it to go without relocating and/or removing some coral. Also, the clown have been in there since day one, and have pretty much made their home in this one spot on one end of the tank. So, I'm wondering what my chances are that if I place it in that spot it will decide to stay there? Also, any personal stories (pro/con) about these animals?

Thanks in advance - Scott

 

Its always hit and miss with anemone location. When I added my sebae it would not stay put for the first month. It would let go and float around, go in caves. It would not pick a spot. I think thats part that I did not have enough light at the time. My advice would be to place it at the bottom of your rockwork under good lighting. Clear a path to the top of the rockwork from where it is and hope it decides to move towards the light until its satisfied with the amount of light its getting. After my sebae picked a spot it has not moved for months now even when I move rock around or change flow in the tank.

 

I was unsuccessful keeping a sebae. Did the same for me, kept moving around. I was also worried about not having enough light also, but that would not explain why it kept going in caves.

After finally picking a spot, it was OK for a few months, then it slowly got worse and worse. I was target feeding it shrimp, which it ate at first but then stopped. I moved it to QT where it eventually died. It was not hard to see it coming so I got it out in plenty of time before it could damage the tank.

After buying it (sadly) I was reading on a different site that these are tough to keep and usually die. They are often bleached (mine was) by time they hit the store. Being bleached might explain the cave hiding behavior.

Good for you for doing your homework ahead of time. Me and my dead Sebae learned the hard way. If you do get one, find someone that has had success and make sure you get an unbleached specimen.

 

How old is your tank? You should not even begin to consider one until it is at least a year old. FWIW, anemones are difficult as it is, and sebeas are amongst the most difficult of the anemones. I tried to keep one, only to lose it, along with nearly my entire system on its way out.
They require VERY high lighting. Also, the chances of it staying where you put it are slim to none. And as said, make sure not to get a bleached specimen. A healthy sebae will NOT be white, they should be a moderate to darker brown.

 

Very good points. Finding a non bleached one is very key to it being a success. They can be brought back in some cases but if you buy one that is a clean white the cards are stacked against you from the start. Mine was pretty bleached but not to the extent I usually see them. If you have a nice LFS see if you can pay for one and leave it in there tank where it is settled until it gets some tan color back. After it gets some tan color back the transition and acclimation to your tank will be much smoother.

 

Great advice, as usual folks. I've decided to hold off on this for now. I just get this "feeling" it's not the best thing for my tank at this point.

Many thanks - Scott