Re: Another anemone?
TheReclas said:
The anemone seemed so healthy but I did notice that the time following when we purchased it the remaining anemones were goners.
That may be a good indication they where doomed from from the get go. Unfortunately that is one of the paramount probelms with the species.
The crabs huddled up under the anemone and I saw them trying to clip at the tentacles more than a few times.
Unless the main body of the anemone was damaged this would not really be a concern. If only the tentacles where to be damaged, the anemone would easily recover water parameters depending. Animals will often seek refuge in or around an anemone for protection but there presence does not immediately imply guilt and in these circumstances requires careful observation.
Our tank is over 2 years old but we just recently took it over and moved it to our house (Dec). The water readings always came in in good range except a lower end
PH 7.8- 8.0 in fact the last reading is the first time the nitrates read as high as 20
ppm as well as finding the slight ammonia, I wonder was the demise of the anemone a contributor?
Without regular testing, it will be difficult to determine if the anemone was the cause of the lower water quality without previous recent tests as a comparison. It is however possible. Given the tank was just recently moved, it is also likely it's going through a mini cycle and could be the cause. In any event, I would not suggest any further additions until that stabalizes. Higher nitrates may be tolerable by some animals but ammonia will not.
As to the clams- I have been reading that they are good filters and I think they are beautiful. The ones I am seeing typically are blue "speckled" or brown and from 3" and up and less than $50 I do not know the name so I hope this is enough info.
There are a few species that match that description. You can check <<
here>> to help with your search. Some are regular filter feeders throughout their lives while others are more dependant on planktonic foods when still small. As most grow larger 2-3", they depend on the lighting for the production of zooxanthellae in which their care requires very high quality lighting like
MH.
We most likely will not really be adding more fish except maybe something to assist in algae eating especially in sand and maybe another fish.
Problem algaes with the sandbed would be best solved with snails not fish. Cerith and nassarius snails would be a good addition. Most types of fish that filter the sand bed can easily deplete their food sources rapidly and even if accepting prepared foods often starve after a short time.
But we would like some more color I hear that coral is a bad mix with any kind of anemone. Mostly I want to do some reading before we add anything else- but we really do want another anemone- I also hate to see anything die.
Anemones are not what you would call a typical reef animal and are usually found in intertidal pools or just outside reef structures. They are rarely if ever found within a reef. Their addition to a reef tank must take presidence over all other future additions and the tank must be set up in their favor if you are to have any success. To be honest, you need to make a clear choice. Either have a full reef tank or have an anemone with some additional corals. Keep in mind though the presence of the anemone will mean there is a possibility of any coral being injured or killed if the anemone moves about and your only recourse will be moving the coral. The anemone cannot be safely relocated by force.
Can an anemone recover from the evisceration that ours had?
Yes but it greatly depends on the cause and possible solution if any. Many anemones that expell their gut can and do recover but only in circumstances where it is being irritated or when poor water quality is quickly corrected. If through the damage of the retractor muscle or foot, they rarely recover.
Cheers
Steve