[almostdiva]

Hey all -- I found this post and figured I would post it here. Sounds like this guy is doing a really comprehensive survey effort. I know SEVERAL people on this board have kept happy healthy anemones for several years.

Due to the poor survival rate in aquaria of anemone, and the lack of
complete knowledge of exactly what is required to keep an anemone alive for the long haul, I am conducting a survey to attempt to identify in a statistical manner, factors associated with good survival rates.
This survey is only in regard to clownfish hosting species, and I am
interested to hear from anybody who has kept one alive for more than two years, but especially interested from anybody who has kept one alive for more than ten years.

Replies can be sent to anemonesurvey@yahoo.com.au Please cut and paste this address. This address will be kept active thru September, after which results will be analyzed and published.

To help me deal with many emails in an efficient manner, I would ask that
the following format be used:-
Email subject line to be Species, plus years lived, ie - Heteractis
Magnifica 3 years. The years to be full years, so 3 1/2 years would be 3
years, and if species is unknown, put Unknown for the species. If more than one anemone, please enter each one in the subject line.
In the message section of the email, please start with:-
1. water chemistry, giving PH and all other levels. ( Don't say "good",
give the numbers ).
2. temperature parameters
3. lighting in as much detail as possible including height from water
surface, and depth of anemone.
4. feeding of anemone
5. all equipment to run the aquarium ( filters, waterflow, skimmer, etc.)
6. management. This will include water change regimen, additive schedule, etc.
7 clownfish living in anemone
8 if there are other organisms in the aquaria you believe may be affecting
the anemone
9 Has anemone since died, and if so is the cause known?
10 comments. This is anything else you consider important or of interest.
Also, as some of the above parameters may have changed over time, an
explanation can be given here.
Please be brief and to the point, but give full explanation of any
particular observations, or tips, you believe have contributed to the
health of your anemone. If your email bounces, please do try again, I will
be emptying the mailbox as often as I can.
Emails will in general not be replied to. It is my hope that with a large enough response,some patterns emerge of factors that are consistent with keeping anemones healthy. It may be that some very useful information will emerge. To help with this, the more information the better. If you can respond to this survey, please do!
Remember that in the wild, anemones live hundreds of years. My hope is that eventually we will know enough to duplicate this in the aquarium. This will also benefit conservation of stocks in the wild.
Thanks, Alastair Little