Anemone and Clownfish

AdeptDeveloper · 07-12-2008, 02:49 AM

Ok, we have a very basic tank. Some live rocks and a Percula Clownfish. It's a 12 gallon tank and the rocks and clown have been there for months without trouble.

My girlfriend recently added a fire shrimp and an anemone. The receipt sais it's a Condy, but I don't know much about these types and from descriptions in the forum and pictures, it seems to resemble something called a Purple Tip Anemone. The person at the store told her they would co-exist, but if it is indeed a Condy, from what I've read online, they aren't a good host. We also have the Fire Shrimp and eventually wanted to add corals and another firsh or two. Is the anemone a problem? We can exchange it for something else within 7 days, but we would like to keep it if it isn't going to cause trouble.

Thanks,
-Steve

GSELLERS · 07-12-2008, 03:34 AM

remove it...condylactis have no business in the home aquarium....they are considered a pest in my book, they move alot and they sting corals. Clowns are not often seen hosting, but its a Rare event if they do

burning2nd · 07-12-2008, 08:14 AM

howa about start with a pic..... then we will be able to give you a good idea..

it may not be a condy.... but if it is.. they are non host's and will eat a clownfish... so
start with a pic...

how olds the tank? what kinda lighting do you have.

Amphibious · 07-12-2008, 10:28 AM

Take the Conde back. Your tank is too small for any Anemone plus your lighting is probably not adequate. A 12 gal tank most likely has only 10 gals of water making it smaller than you think. Nano tanks are not a good size tank for a beginner. They are TINY, and water parameters tend to change rapidly causing stress and death. Only someone with experience should even attempt keeping a Nano. I know that's contrary to what the LFS told you, probably.

Dick

burning2nd · 07-12-2008, 10:45 AM

owch......

true...

AdeptDeveloper · 07-12-2008, 11:04 AM

Hi,

Here are 3 pictures. The one labeled anemone_highres.jpg is the clearest and also shows the Fire Shrimp. I also attached a picture of my clownfish. I think it's a Percula, but I don't know if it's a true or false one.

Thanks,
-Steve

Amphibious · 07-12-2008, 11:45 AM

Your Clown fish is Amphiprion Ocellaris, the Ocellaris clown fish. Your Anemone is a Condilactus and rarely will an Ocellaris clown host in it. The Anemone will most likely kill it if it has the opportunity. I would take it back.

There are many lessons you will inevitably learn, some the hard way and some the easy way. The hard way is impulse buying, the easy way is bringing every decision you are about to make here to RS and ask first.

Here are two truths you should learn immediately.

1. As contrary as it may seem, your local fish store (LFS) is the worst place to seek or take advice from. Others here will back up that claim.

2. When it comes to adding something to your Nano, your girlfriends good intentions should be strongly discouraged. Nothing against your GF. Talk over, together, any additions before you buy and bring any decision to buy here first.

These two lessons, if put to practice, will save you money, heartache and maybe even your friendship. I have seen guys and girls go into a rage when one brings home a fish for the other's aquarium and it leads to disaster. All home aquariums, of any size, are considered small when compared to the natural reef home of the critters we keep. You would be amazed at the number of times a newbie comes to us and proudly announces he bought the cutest little 1" Hippo tang for his Nano. The Hippo Tang grows to 12" rather rapidly. It's cruel!!! Most LFS employees don't know squat and they don't remember what you have as to size of tank, what you have in it, your level of experience and they don't care. That may seem pretty harsh but, it's true. I've been in this hobby for 61 years and strictly marine aquariums, hobby and business, for the last 40 years. I haven't seen it all but, I've seen most any scenario you want to put forth.

So my best advice, to all newbies, is research, research, research and when you think you're ready, bring the question here for an unbiased answer.

Don't mean to be harsh, just practical.

Dick

burning2nd · 07-12-2008, 11:55 AM

dont be afraid to take your cammra to the store with you... snap the pic and come back.. then when you go back the 2nd time for the fish or thing you are ok on geting... if its still there and healthy its eazyer to asses the quality

lcstorc · 07-12-2008, 12:23 PM

Nobody has mentioned the size of the condy either. They get absolutely huge.

Jason25 · 07-12-2008, 12:38 PM

Some good advice you have been given here, hopefully you will follow it. One thing I see that has not been mentioned is that it is reccommended that you have 1" of fish per 5 gallons of water so in a 12 gallon tank you should only have around 2.5" of fish and that is fully grown. So you see in a tank that small you are going to be very limited in how many things you keep and also what kinds. Good luck and never be afraid to ask questions it is how we all learn. It will save you tons of money plus it save fish and corals from death so ask away.

GSELLERS · 07-12-2008, 01:32 PM

live and learn

sambrinar · 07-12-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amphibious

The hard way is impulse buying, the easy way is bringing every decision you are about to make here to RS and ask first.

Dick

This is EXCELLENT advice. I wish I would have found this site before starting my nano, these people here are excellent with advice, very kind and encouraging. I have never felt stupid asking a question. I now ask here first and buy later. If you look at my posts, most of those are me asking questions and/or responding to questions asked about them. up to 424. believe me, I have learned A LOT!!!

AdeptDeveloper · 07-12-2008, 03:30 PM

Thanks everyone! We returned the Condy today for store credit. It was kinda sad because he seemed so happy. We had to turn his rock over and help him detach from the rock. It's funny that he made a home so quickly and seemed so content.

The people at the store had mixed feelings upon return. Some said it wouldn't be a problem; others said as long as you feed the condy he won't eat the clownfish and others said to get a long tentacled or bulb anemone. Any thoughts on that? My gf really wants an anemone/clownfish habitat. I'd also like to see some coral, but the LFS said that the clownfish will swim against the coral and it will shrink away and not be good for it. That seems strange though because I've been a diver for 20 years and fish and coral coexist everywhere. They also said that any anemone will move around and that the coral and anemone are incompatible because when it moves it will kill it. Again, I've seen them cohabitate in the carribean, so it seems like they could live together in a tank provided the right conditions. ??

In response to the 1" of fish per 5 gal of water... does this include my fire shrimp? If not, what other critters can I include in my tank to make things interesting. I'd really like to see the live rock covered in coral and have a few fish. We are already excited about getting a larger tank, but don't have room for it at home right now.

Thanks again for everything.

-Steve

DAHansen · 07-12-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

I'd also like to see some coral, but the LFS said that the clownfish will swim against the coral and it will shrink away and not be good for it.

Did they mean that an anemone would hurt the coral? (likely)

I've had no problems with my Clown and Corals other than the SPS that I added, which she bit (she's an angry little clown), but she's left it alone since.

I wouldn't recommend adding more fish, but if you do, I'd go with small and sedentary - yellow watchman goby, maybe a firefish...

AdeptDeveloper · 07-12-2008, 03:45 PM

Ok. At this time I only have 1 really small False Percula Clown, maybe an inch at best. He's been there for a year by himself. I also have a fire shrimp about 1.5". I'd really like to at least add another clown, but the LFS said it had to be a false percula also. I really like the one that is black, white and yellow (steelers fan). I think it started with an A at the store, but online it looks like it may be a Clarkii? Do you think those two could co-exist? I don't care of their buddies just as long as they don't fight.

If adding coral, what type of coral should I go for? Please use names instead of abbreviations as I'm not up to speed on those yet.

Thanks,
-Steve

07-12-2008, 02:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
AdeptDeveloper Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5 View Gallery Karma Komment	Anemone and Clownfish Ok, we have a very basic tank. Some live rocks and a Percula Clownfish. It's a 12 gallon tank and the rocks and clown have been there for months without trouble. My girlfriend recently added a fire shrimp and an anemone. The receipt sais it's a Condy, but I don't know much about these types and from descriptions in the forum and pictures, it seems to resemble something called a Purple Tip Anemone. The person at the store told her they would co-exist, but if it is indeed a Condy, from what I've read online, they aren't a good host. We also have the Fire Shrimp and eventually wanted to add corals and another firsh or two. Is the anemone a problem? We can exchange it for something else within 7 days, but we would like to keep it if it isn't going to cause trouble. Thanks, -Steve

07-12-2008, 03:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
GSELLERS Plate Coral Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BRANDON FLORIDA Posts: 787 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish remove it...condylactis have no business in the home aquarium....they are considered a pest in my book, they move alot and they sting corals. Clowns are not often seen hosting, but its a Rare event if they do

07-12-2008, 08:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
burning2nd Golden Moray Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 2,287 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish howa about start with a pic..... then we will be able to give you a good idea.. it may not be a condy.... but if it is.. they are non host's and will eat a clownfish... so start with a pic... how olds the tank? what kinda lighting do you have. __________________ ________________________________________________ 30g, 10g DIY sump w/ mag7 Csr90 over flow. 36" sunpod 2x150 2 Tunze 6020 40 Lb's Live Rock 20 lb's of Ls Aqua C REmora mIxed reef, softies, pora's, clams, 1 Amphiprion ocellaris (hosting GTA) jake the jedi sexy shrimp, and brown bob

07-12-2008, 10:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
Amphibious Ricordea Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ft. Pierce, FL Posts: 188 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish Take the Conde back. Your tank is too small for any Anemone plus your lighting is probably not adequate. A 12 gal tank most likely has only 10 gals of water making it smaller than you think. Nano tanks are not a good size tank for a beginner. They are TINY, and water parameters tend to change rapidly causing stress and death. Only someone with experience should even attempt keeping a Nano. I know that's contrary to what the LFS told you, probably. Dick __________________ Amphibious As I approach my 70th BD, I'm realizing that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife says, "He's approaching 70 going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that. Amphibious' 135gal mixed reef thread

07-12-2008, 10:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
burning2nd Golden Moray Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 2,287 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish owch...... true... __________________ ________________________________________________ 30g, 10g DIY sump w/ mag7 Csr90 over flow. 36" sunpod 2x150 2 Tunze 6020 40 Lb's Live Rock 20 lb's of Ls Aqua C REmora mIxed reef, softies, pora's, clams, 1 Amphiprion ocellaris (hosting GTA) jake the jedi sexy shrimp, and brown bob

07-12-2008, 11:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
Amphibious Ricordea Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ft. Pierce, FL Posts: 188 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish Your Clown fish is Amphiprion Ocellaris, the Ocellaris clown fish. Your Anemone is a Condilactus and rarely will an Ocellaris clown host in it. The Anemone will most likely kill it if it has the opportunity. I would take it back. There are many lessons you will inevitably learn, some the hard way and some the easy way. The hard way is impulse buying, the easy way is bringing every decision you are about to make here to RS and ask first. Here are two truths you should learn immediately. 1. As contrary as it may seem, your local fish store (LFS) is the worst place to seek or take advice from. Others here will back up that claim. 2. When it comes to adding something to your Nano, your girlfriends good intentions should be strongly discouraged. Nothing against your GF. Talk over, together, any additions before you buy and bring any decision to buy here first. These two lessons, if put to practice, will save you money, heartache and maybe even your friendship. I have seen guys and girls go into a rage when one brings home a fish for the other's aquarium and it leads to disaster. All home aquariums, of any size, are considered small when compared to the natural reef home of the critters we keep. You would be amazed at the number of times a newbie comes to us and proudly announces he bought the cutest little 1" Hippo tang for his Nano. The Hippo Tang grows to 12" rather rapidly. It's cruel!!! Most LFS employees don't know squat and they don't remember what you have as to size of tank, what you have in it, your level of experience and they don't care. That may seem pretty harsh but, it's true. I've been in this hobby for 61 years and strictly marine aquariums, hobby and business, for the last 40 years. I haven't seen it all but, I've seen most any scenario you want to put forth. So my best advice, to all newbies, is research, research, research and when you think you're ready, bring the question here for an unbiased answer. Don't mean to be harsh, just practical. Dick __________________ Amphibious As I approach my 70th BD, I'm realizing that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife says, "He's approaching 70 going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that. Amphibious' 135gal mixed reef thread

07-12-2008, 11:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
burning2nd Golden Moray Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 2,287 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish dont be afraid to take your cammra to the store with you... snap the pic and come back.. then when you go back the 2nd time for the fish or thing you are ok on geting... if its still there and healthy its eazyer to asses the quality __________________ ________________________________________________ 30g, 10g DIY sump w/ mag7 Csr90 over flow. 36" sunpod 2x150 2 Tunze 6020 40 Lb's Live Rock 20 lb's of Ls Aqua C REmora mIxed reef, softies, pora's, clams, 1 Amphiprion ocellaris (hosting GTA) jake the jedi sexy shrimp, and brown bob

07-12-2008, 12:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,433 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Anemone and Clownfish Nobody has mentioned the size of the condy either. They get absolutely huge. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

07-12-2008, 12:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jason25 Elegance coral Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lancaster,PA Posts: 1,117 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Anemone and Clownfish Some good advice you have been given here, hopefully you will follow it. One thing I see that has not been mentioned is that it is reccommended that you have 1" of fish per 5 gallons of water so in a 12 gallon tank you should only have around 2.5" of fish and that is fully grown. So you see in a tank that small you are going to be very limited in how many things you keep and also what kinds. Good luck and never be afraid to ask questions it is how we all learn. It will save you tons of money plus it save fish and corals from death so ask away.

07-12-2008, 01:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
GSELLERS Plate Coral Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BRANDON FLORIDA Posts: 787 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish live and learn

07-12-2008, 03:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
AdeptDeveloper Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish Thanks everyone! We returned the Condy today for store credit. It was kinda sad because he seemed so happy. We had to turn his rock over and help him detach from the rock. It's funny that he made a home so quickly and seemed so content. The people at the store had mixed feelings upon return. Some said it wouldn't be a problem; others said as long as you feed the condy he won't eat the clownfish and others said to get a long tentacled or bulb anemone. Any thoughts on that? My gf really wants an anemone/clownfish habitat. I'd also like to see some coral, but the LFS said that the clownfish will swim against the coral and it will shrink away and not be good for it. That seems strange though because I've been a diver for 20 years and fish and coral coexist everywhere. They also said that any anemone will move around and that the coral and anemone are incompatible because when it moves it will kill it. Again, I've seen them cohabitate in the carribean, so it seems like they could live together in a tank provided the right conditions. ?? In response to the 1" of fish per 5 gal of water... does this include my fire shrimp? If not, what other critters can I include in my tank to make things interesting. I'd really like to see the live rock covered in coral and have a few fish. We are already excited about getting a larger tank, but don't have room for it at home right now. Thanks again for everything. -Steve

07-12-2008, 03:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
AdeptDeveloper Tunicate Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anemone and Clownfish Ok. At this time I only have 1 really small False Percula Clown, maybe an inch at best. He's been there for a year by himself. I also have a fire shrimp about 1.5". I'd really like to at least add another clown, but the LFS said it had to be a false percula also. I really like the one that is black, white and yellow (steelers fan). I think it started with an A at the store, but online it looks like it may be a Clarkii? Do you think those two could co-exist? I don't care of their buddies just as long as they don't fight. If adding coral, what type of coral should I go for? Please use names instead of abbreviations as I'm not up to speed on those yet. Thanks, -Steve

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