Mixing nems???

[firereef]

Im in the process of building a nem only tank. Is it ok to mix different types or should I stick with one type? I want to fill this tank up with lots of clowns and nems. Thx



Tanu

 

[Captain Nemo]

I think you need to have one type, maybe 2 if you wanted to push it. I have only seen nems of the same type together but I think btas and maybe sebaes would be ok or one carpet?? Austin needs to really answer this for the most knowledgable answer, he knows.

 

[BlazinNano]

To add to the question. If you stuck with BTAs would mixing colors be a problem?

 

[firereef]

No, I meant btas, carpets, maxi, etc...


Don't want one to kill another.

 

[FishLipz]

My understanding is it's best to keep only one species per system unless the system is very large to almost eliminate the possibility of one finding another. However mixing color variants of a specific species is OK.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Different species of nems can touch, my rbta and carpet were in contact for a week with no problems, but that bta was sucked up a filter a month ago.

 

[returnofsid]

Usually, mixing different species, creates the possibility of major issues. Some people have been able to get away with it, as anemonekeeper mentioned. However, usually, this is not the case.

Another thing to consider is the species of clownfish you want to keep. I'd not recommend keeping different species of clownfish together, as this to can result in major issues. That being said, I once saw a display tank, with the biggest carpet anemone I've ever seen. On one side of the carpet, a pair of Gold Striped Maroons, with the largest female I've ever seen. The pair of GSM regularly spawned, directly under the carpet anemone. On the other side of the carpet, a tiny pair of pink Skunk Clowns, that also spawned, on a regular basis. I was amazed that the GSM allowed this, but everyone was happy...lol.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Amazing, there are usually only 1 species of clowns per nem, and they kill for territory.

 

[returnofsid]

Agreed!! I don't know if it's because the Carpet anemone is so huge that the Maroon's feel like they have enough territory, or if it's because there's such a large difference in size that the Maroon's don't care. It's strange though. Maroon's are one of the most territorial and aggressive, while Skunk Clowns are one of the least aggressive. It's a very cool relationship to see, though.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

"Chemically" (allelopathy), anemones are more noxious than most softcorals, second only to algae in terms of aggression. Over time, they are ragingly intolerant of each other. It so extreme in some cases that they will not tolerate their own species if not clones(!) (isogeny)

You will find exceptions, uncommon...and usually mitigated (tanks with ozone use, for example).

My practical advice if to only mix if you have a large tank, use ozone and are faithful with large water changes.

 

[firereef]

Thx guys. You all make good points. Man I love anemones.