Help with anemone and clown

[clevan]

Hey everyone
I'm thinking about adding an anemone to my tank and wanted any rec. on types and where it should be placed. I have a 34 gallon red sea max, with a false percula clown and a bi-color angelfish with live rock and sand. Looking for something for the clown that is hardy. Can I add this after the clown has been in or do they have to be added at the same time?
Thanks

 

[IslandCrow]

Unfortunately, I wouldn't classify any anemone as hardy. They're probably some of the most challenging creatures to keep alive in a marine aquarium. If anyone tells you they're easy, ask how long they've had their anemone. For most of them, it's probably a year or less. I think the last I heard was something like 90% of the anemones in the hobby die in less than 5 years, which is not very good odds, since they can theoretically live forever in the wild.

With all that said, before I recommend anything to you, could you tell us a little about your tank. Specifically, how long has it been up and running, what sort of lighting do you have, and what are your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, temp, and PH)?

Most people suggest not putting an anemone in a tank less than 6 months old. I wish I'd waited at least a year, if for nothing else to get the experience. You'll also need very stable water parameters, and metal halide or good T-5s at a minimum. True success stories with lesser lighting are few and far inbetween.

One last thing before I shut up. Your clownfish will do no better or worse with an anemone. Young clownfish need anemones in the wild for protection, but in a home aquarium, the anemone doesn't actually serve any purpose for the clownfish.

 

[clevan]

Thanks for the reply IslandCrow
Lighting is 2 55W T5
Parameters: 1.022
79-82 degrees
Amonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
pH 7.8-8.4
the tank has only been up for 6 weeks, I guess the clown just looks lost in the tank as the bi-color angel and wrasse tool around the rocks...I feel bad for him but don't want to destroy the tank by killing an anemone
Thanks

 

[clevan]

I read that it would be easier to get a Toadstool soft coral which may host the clown, is easier to care for, and looks similar appearance...what do you think?

 

[IslandCrow]

That lighting is probably a little scarce for your tank. If you could fit 4 bulbs, that should be sufficient depending on the brand of T5. Individual reflectors for each bulb is essential. I'm guessing that's a fairly shallow tank if you're using 4' bulbs (55w). If that's the case, it will work in your benefit, since the light wouldn't have to penetrate as far. Your water parameters look good, but a 6 week tank simply isn't very stable. If this is your first tank, I'd highly suggest waiting at least a year just to get the experience you'll need before throwing an anemone in the tank. The 6 month waiting time is in my opinion absolutely necessary. I'm very lucky that my anemone is still alive, and my tank was right around 7 months when I put him in.

Seriously, though, don't worry about the clown. He'll find his niche, whether it's an anemone, toadstool leather, piece of rock, powerhead, etc. They'll eventually find someplace they feel comfortable and spend most of their time there. If the only reason you're thinking about getting an anemone is for the clown, I wouldn't get one if I were you. They can be a royal pain in the butt in a reef tank. The one I have now will probably be the last anemone I ever have, unless I decide to do some sort of species theme tank. The toadstool leather is a pretty good suggestion. Other corals I've heard of as anemone substitutes are zoanthids, mushrooms, hammer corals, frogspawn, plate corals. . .the list goes on. Just about anything that's soft or has tentacles of some kind is a good candidate. None of them (including anemonies) are a guarantee. Plenty of people have had anemones in their tank for years that their clownfish never took to.

 

[clevan]

Thanks IsalndCrow for the advice