Is there a problem with my anemone?

[da_tahoe]

I just recently purchased an anemone but i didnt write the name down when I left my LFS. My situation is this: the anemone seems to just lay over and not spread his body and tentacles fully. I dont know if its just because of being placed in a new aquarium or if its because there is a problem. I will take a pic later of it and maybe someone can help with the identity. But any information on where I can find links to profiles of anemones and their care would be appreciated. Oh and all my water levels are good seems like.

[Reefland]

What does your lighting consist of and how established is your reef?

[da_tahoe]

Ok the anmone finally inflated its tentacles. Here is a couple pics of it. I have had my tank running for over 2 months now and I have a blue bulb and 15000. I'm not sure if this is enough light though. The anemone moved to a spot that makes it difficult to move. Is there anyway I can get it to move. Also if anyone can help with the identification of it.

Steve

What does your lighting consist of and how established is your reef?

[Poseidon]

Blue bulb? 15000K? Are they Metal Halide, Power Compact, T5, Normal Output, or Very High Output? MOst agree in order to successfully keep anemones for any period of time takes metal halide bulbs, and a tank that has FULLY matured. I think your tank is to new to be successfull at this point. I would consider taking the poor guy back to the LFS for credit towards something else...

[da_tahoe]

I am thinking they are VHO but I am unsure. When I purchased my tank my LFS gave me the bulbs and stated that they were what I needed for a reef system. How can I tell what type they are by looking at just the bulb. I know for sure after looking at lighting hat it is not a Metal Halide. When I went to the store he talked me into believing that my tank was stable enough for anemone. I'm overseas in Germany and I dont know if they will take the little guy back but I will try. Another question on backgrounds, I notice that a lot of tanks either have no background or have a blue background. Is this by choice or is there a method to the madness (just a saying ;; )?

Steve

Blue bulb? 15000K? Are they Metal Halide, Power Compact, T5, Normal Output, or Very High Output? MOst agree in order to successfully keep anemones for any period of time takes metal halide bulbs, and a tank that has FULLY matured. I think your tank is to new to be successfull at this point. I would consider taking the poor guy back to the LFS for credit towards something else...

[Poseidon]

The easiest way to tell if they are VHO or NO is buy the ballast. If it is VHO the ballast will usually be seperate from the fixture, and will say Very High OUtput. If your lights are just a "standard" type aquarium fixture, then it is NO. Usually VHO fixtures are much more expensive then NO. Here are a couple examples:

This is a "regular" light:


This is a VHO light:


The standard light is like 40-50 dollars the VHO is more then 400!

[da_tahoe]

I cant believe this! Then I have NO. I have to go back to my LFS and have a talk. So my system cant support a reef system correct?

[Reefland]

Normal Output lighting is not intense enough for most photosynthetic corals. Some Mushrooms and zoanthids would be the only coral to attempt under that lighting. Teh Anemone that you have is going to starve to death quickly under this lighting as well.

[Poseidon]

I cant believe this! Then I have NO. I have to go back to my LFS and have a talk. So my system cant support a reef system correct?

I would say Nope, like scott says a couple mushrooms or Zoo's might do okay, but for a reef your lighting has to be MUCH more intense. It would take AT LEAST 8 NO bulbs to even get close to the amount of light you need!

[da_tahoe]

Wow this is really dissappointing. So with what I have it is best to go with a FOWLR? I will look a what it will cost to purchase a VHO light system over here. My problem is that I am stationed in Germany and the tanks over here have different size specifications. Now you said the Anemone would starve....my LFS (now we know how good they are) stated that I needed to feed it these small frozen fish. What about that?

I would say Nope, like scott says a couple mushrooms or Zoo's might do okay, but for a reef your lighting has to be MUCH more intense. It would take AT LEAST 8 NO bulbs to even get close to the amount of light you need!

[Reefland]

Anemones receive the majority of their nutrition from photosythesis, just like corals. Feedings are beneficial but if the light requirement isn't met, feedings will only buy the animal a little time.