Can I keep this bubble tip anemone alive?

[Just John]

I went to the FL Frag Swap yesterday and stayed until vendors were starting to pack up. On my way out I told a guy I liked his BTAs and he said he didn't want to take them all home and offered me one for $10 (about 3" across). How could I not buy it? But, maybe I shouldn't have. Will it survive in this: well established 13 gal tank with lps and easy sps, no fish, 20% water change weekly and very basic filtration. I have been feeding them weekly, there there is some nutrient input. I haven't taken any measurements lately since things are all happy with the water changes. Thoughts?

 

[SonOfaGoat]

Sure why not? Their needs are very similar to coral. Just be sure to protect your power head and watch where it moves.

 

[Liquid361]

What kinda lighting? That might be your problem.

 

[SonOfaGoat]

What kinda lighting? That might be your problem.

I'm no expert with RBTA's but recently added one to my tank. First anemone for me but have kept corals successfully. I've read about them over the forums but assumed they have similar light requirements to corals. What reservations would you have with lighting if OP is also keeping corals. Just looking to learn!

 

[Liquid361]

they require good lighting which is why I asked what you have.

 

[Just John]

What kinda lighting? That might be your problem.

I don't have any problems yet. I have a couple of fluval sea marine 3.0

 

[Liquid361]

I don't have any problems yet. I have a couple of fluval sea marine 3.0

Glad to hear it

 

[Just John]

Sure why not? Their needs are very similar to coral. Just be sure to protect your power head and watch where it moves.

I just always hear people saying your parameters have to be perfect and totally stable at all times and mine occasionally swing a little/some due to it being a small tank and getting weekly 20% water changes. The "never put in an unestablished tank" thing - since my tank is only 10 gal and has just floss and charcoal it may always have something like "new tank" conditions

 

[SonOfaGoat]

they require good lighting which is why I asked what you have.

Op mentioned they're keeping LPS and SPS. I've found anemones don't require as high Par as some of those more light demanding corals. Anyway I was just curious what you meant.

 

[Just John]

@vetteguy53081 you have plenty of experience with these, don't you?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I went to the FL Frag Swap yesterday and stayed until vendors were starting to pack up. On my way out I told a guy I liked his BTAs and he said he didn't want to take them all home and offered me one for $10 (about 3" across). How could I not buy it? But, maybe I shouldn't have. Will it survive in this: well established 13 gal tank with lps and easy sps, no fish, 20% water change weekly and very basic filtration. I have been feeding them weekly, there there is some nutrient input. I haven't taken any measurements lately since things are all happy with the water changes. Thoughts?

You should be fine. In your favor is the tank is established. They are best in a tank 4-6 months or more in age. Offer both moderate light and water flow. Turn off pumps if you want the anemone to remain in a certain spot to establish its footing. Too much light, they hife. Too much flow and they move until they find a suitable location.
Too little flow and they shrink. Best foods are plankton, mysis shrimp or chopped krill

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

I just always hear people saying your parameters have to be perfect and totally stable at all times

I can tell you that my parameters are not stable 100% of the time, and my BTA has always done well in my tank. I think one of the more important things to consider is the maturity of your tank, which, based on your tank thread, looks good! My guess is that all will be okay with the little guy. :)

Got a picture? I'd love to see it! Anemones are one of my favorite reef inhabitants.

 

[Just John]

You should be fine. In your favor is the tank is established. They are best in a tank 4-6 months or more in age. Offer both moderate light and water flow. Turn off pumps if you want the anemone to remain in a certain spot to establish its footing. Too much light, they hife. Too much flow and they move until they find a suitable location.
Too little flow and they shrink. Best foods are plankton, mysis shrimp or chopped krill

Thanks!