Anemone habitat

[Chiro]

I'm a newbie, and only recently have established my 50G tank. The LFS guy sold me 2 Macrodactyla doreensis, but they must tolerate substrate of 2 inches of sand covered with 1.5 inches of non-living coral pieces. (the pieces are mostly 0.5 inches diameter by 1.5 length).

Now I have come to learn that Macrodactyl prefers sand/mud to settle into. Is it feasible to set up a 10G WITHOUT a big equipment expense, and dedicate it for their survival?

I'm happy to consider a variety of alternatives. I just discovered that this species has very limited distribution and collecting pressure is increasing. I'm highly motivated to not letting these 2 succumb.

 

[Len]

M.doorensis will do fine in just about any substrate media. I've kept specimens in course to fine aragonite sand and they were perfectly content. Does your 50 gallon have 2-3" of sand? If so, the anemones will do fine. It doesn't need to be mud/silt.

They are far too big for a 10 gallon, easily reaching 170mm in diameter each. I would try to set your 50 gallon up for the anemone(s). If it's possible, I'd return or give away one anemone. Two specimens of the same species (conspecifics) can be too competitive for even a 50 gallon.

M.doorensis is one of the hardier species so you picked a good species to start with.

 

[Chiro]

Thanks Len for the feedback. I'm glad to hear I can continue safely in the 50G. I've got AT LEAST 2 inches of sand above the bottom, and then there is 2 inches of the rubble from broken arms and smallish pieces of coral. (shore litter compliments of dynamite fishing here in PHP). Many of these pieces are less than o.5 inches in diameter and less than o.5 inches long. If Maco is not too exacting re nature of substrate, but requires it be movable enough to burrow into, then this is likely to suffice.

I am feeding local fresh shrimp. I'd love to be able to provide plankton. I'm working on securing a nutrient supplement to grow it.

What can you say about lighting? I have been using the ambient light without any special fixture. This AM I bought a 4foot toshiba broad spectrum. I don't want to get into metal halides if I can avoid it.


Thanks again!

 

[Len]

It really depends on how much ambient lighting you have. This species is photosynthetic, but it's nutritional requirements can be offset by regular feedings. If it's only indirect sunlight, you'll need to get some additional lights over the tank. M.doorensis is one of the least demanding species and MH is not imperative. I would recommend at least 4-6 standard fluorescents, or better still VHOs/PowerCompact lights.