carpet anemone

[mr_X]

i bought a carpet anemone on impulse from a local store tonight.
went there for live sand and walked out with an anemone.
now i have read conflicting things about these creatures: some say they are easily kept and live long, and some say they do not live long.
would anyone like to share their personal experience?
i tried to hand feed hi a piece of shrimp about a half hour after i placed him, and he started to curl up for it, but then he released it. is this expected?
btw...here he is.....

 

[dnorton1978]

I just wanted to say that it is very difficult to walk in somewhere, and not leave with something we dont have a lot of information on. I have been buying some books lately, and the next two I buy are going to be a fish book, and a coral book. The only advice I can give is next time try to leave the store go home and research it first. Most LFS that I deal with allow me to pay and leave it there. That allows me to do my own research.

Sorry I did not have any particular feedback on the carpet anenome. I just remember your other post about the coral banded shrimp, and then this one. I can speak from expierence that I did the same thing for a long time. It is okay though, we live and learn.

 

[Anonymous]

How big is your system? That anenome will grow really big, really quick- think 'car steering wheel' size! (Pics of mine at the end of my tank thread below)
That rock looks really new, have you finished curing it yet?
Anenomes are not the easiest to keep and if they die, they can release toxins rapidly into your system. Had one nuke my tank as it died, killing 4 fish and 'evaporating' a nearby 'shroom population.
there are differing approaches to feeding them, some feed frequently, others never feed. What works for me has been feeding about once every 2 weeks. I couldnt get mine to accept food for the first 6 weeks until he became settled. You will know when yours has settled, the difference in size and appearance will tell you. (Yours looks like mine when I first got it, refer the pics mentioned above for what it will look like soon)
I would imagine everyone is guilty of impulse buying, especially as they start out. Someone here said once that you need to have a tank plan, know exactly what you want to put in to your system, research the organisms and follow the plan. If not, you will be in for a emotionally and financially taxing time, and will kill off a lot of innocent creatures in the process. The choices you make all have consequences for existing and future critters in your tank.

Another thing, remember that your LFS is in the business of selling, advice is secondary. No matter how good they seem, only you know your system and you need to research before you buy. (I speak from bitter experience!) Even a good LFS will sell you stuff that is incompatible with your system and its inhabitants.

 

[mr_X]

the tank is a 75, the rock is cured and been in the tank a month. we did read one article that spoke of carpet anemone being easy to handle.
i just wanted something for our little percula to roost on.
the live sand quote above is for my refugium. my tank has zeros across the board on nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, phosphates....
if he lives (anemone), i don't mind if he gets big. i would just be more comfortable if i saw him eating.

 

[Anonymous]

In my exp they prefer to be on the sandbed against the rockwork. Don't worry about feeding it until it has become acclimated to your tank.

What lighting is over this tank?

 

[Anonymous]

Bucks Co, PA eh? - Looks like 10k 175w MH lighting, rockwork looks close too..

That you Mitch??? - If so, you really shoulda asked me first bud. :lol:

Anyway...

Most anemones (except ones you don't want like aiptasia and majanos) take an experienced reefkeeper with the right equipment just to keep alive, let alone thrive..


And hey, if thats you, gimme a call bud.. - I'll help ya as much as I can.
Norm

 

[mr_X]

well..the lighting is a 400 watt MH and a 125 compact flourescent, and 2 40 watt blue actinics. i am getting another 400 watt mh setup and will be using the 125 cf for my refugium. and no, the name's doug.

 

[Anonymous]

I'll throw in my $.02. Definitely put it in the sand. They prefer it there. Also, IMO I think the mouth is gaping a little. Not usually a good sign. Could just be from getting moved and put in a new tank though.

They are also fish eaters and will quickly consume anything that accidentally touches it. Very powerful sting too which you should take into account if you have sensitive skin.

Good luck with it. LOL, I sound like the bringer of doom!

 

[mr_X]

thanks for the info. i have been attached to it already..or he has been attached to me...and it didn't hurt me :?
tonight he loked pretty good, and then i turned out the light which has been on all day and he freaked. shriveled up and let out some weird slime, then spit out his stomach. but then he sucked it back in and now sits there very shrunken. :?:

 

[Anonymous]

Well if he was sticking to you that was a good sign. One of the signs that it's at least hanging in there.

 

[shavo]

moving up in the world quickly are we.
hey I have some info for you, I have found some good deals out there from people who care.
holla back!

 

[mr_X]

eh..i'm bringing this puppy back to the store tomorrow. after further scrutiny i don't think i am an anemone guy.

 

[mr_X]

i thought i should add: the LFS told me i was crazy to return this animal. they said it's in perfect health and it will do fine in my tank. furthermore, it's the easiest anemone to take care of. i have to admit, i felt frustration all over again. so i traded him for a lawnmower blenny and an engineer goby. :?

 

[Anonymous]

i thought i should add: the LFS told me i was crazy to return this animal

There's your problem right there :lol: . As you learn about what's what in reefkeeping, you'll be less liable to buy inappropriate critters.

Here's a tip...don't impulse buy, impulse "put on hold" with your LFS. If you get a good working relationship with a LFS, they will usually hold a coral or animal for you for a short time. That way you can go home and research exactly what the requirements for the animal are and make an educated decision. There isn't really a reason to rush.

Very seldom are there offered at the LFS 100% unique you'll never see another (insert fish or coral name here) oh my goodness I'd better buy it right now dammnit before someone else does livestock. The LFS will probably get another one in next week or can order whatever you'd like.

 

[bleedingthought]

100% unique you'll never see another (insert fish or coral name here) oh my goodness I'd better buy it right now dammnit before someone else does

You mean one of these:
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=93439

 

[Anonymous]

100% unique you'll never see another (insert fish or coral name here) oh my goodness I'd better buy it right now dammnit before someone else does

You mean one of these:
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=93439

:lol: yeah like those. I guess if I saw one at my LFS I'd kinda have to snag it.

 

[mr_X]

waaaah...my whole existence was built on impulse buying :roll:

 

[Anonymous]

The eng goby was a good impulse buy - they get huge.