View Full Version : Adding in a Blue Carpet Anemone.
Before any flaming begins. Most of you know I have a stable system that has been up nearly 2 years in August with no problems. Before all the "your tank is too small" stuff begins, don't worry... You know I wouldn't keep an animal in my tank if I can't meet the requirements of keeping one. I am going to upgrade my tank this summer while I have a few days off. Plans to build a 50-60g cube are in the makes. So, this IS temporary. Also, my BTA will be removed to make room for the new one. I have the right side of my tank dedicated for the carpet anemone. Sure I may have to give up a couple corals... but I think it will be worth it. Or if someone feels like borrowing a couple corals for a couple weeks or so, just PM me if you'd be ok with that.
Ok, now for the questions.. I have began to read like a mad man on carpets. I don't plan on getting the anemone until next week. That's good, this gives me time to read, read , and read, and plan, plan, plan. Here's the plan so far... it's supposed to be dropped off next week by Monday (or whatever..) , I have these days off work. So, if I make room for the anemone the night before or whatever, acclimate him , etc.. etc... at least I will be able to dedicate a couple days to monitor the anemone. I figure this is a decent plan as compared to plopping him in and not being able to observe him. This way, if he moves... I can start moving corals around and what not. This is not a huge concern for me as I will be able to move things around until he settles in. I really don't care if I ruin my aquascape and coral placement because I plan on upgrading soon anyways. The only reason I am taknig him now is because well, the opportunity has arrised and I'll take advantage of this.
I just wanted to hear some personal carpet experience. Where does yours prefer to place it's foot? What kind of lighting do they like? I am assuming the more light the better. Flow? , how do you handle your carpet? Would wearing latex gloves make a difference when handling them? I have a fear that it will stick on to me and not let go without damaging the anemone. I am trying to reduce all of these risks. Any feedback is great right now as I want to read as much as possible on carpets before I receive it.
Just to those who don't know, check my sig. for tank info. I don't want anyone thinking I'm being careless and tossing in a carpet into a small system long-term. The anemone is currently already in a 20g with lots of space, therefore.. it should fit in well. Whatever my next tank size ends up being, I will make sure that the equipment I have now will keep the anemone alive (lighting) [250w HQI] .
Thansk in advance, hopefully you carpet lovers can help me out in the next few days :)
Chaloupa
07-11-2006, 03:57 PM
Hey Scott! nice choice of anemone! Wear gloves! My husband had to move ours and WOW do they sting...left quite the nasty mark on his wrist...he was only covered on his hands and it moved...then once it sticks...its STUCK on... the reefing gloves you can get are what we will make sure to have on hand next time (hopefully there is no next time).
We placed ours in our 120 in a corner...a good amount of flow (it does blow the clowns around a bit) and it has stayed there. It has had some issues with exactly where it wants to be...bit of a rock slide but nothing major. We have actinics, moons, and a 250 watt MH. From everything I have read this should be ok.
We did get a few warnings from one of the clownfish sites about the clowns killing the anemone. Our clowns are small, it had a pair of clowns that were HUGE previously and it is fine. Only time will tell.
Good Luck! Have fun with the cube upgrade. That will be cool!
Hey Scott! nice choice of anemone! Wear gloves! My husband had to move ours and WOW do they sting...left quite the nasty mark on his wrist...he was only covered on his hands and it moved...then once it sticks...its STUCK on... the reefing gloves you can get are what we will make sure to have on hand next time (hopefully there is no next time).
We placed ours in our 120 in a corner...a good amount of flow (it does blow the clowns around a bit) and it has stayed there. It has had some issues with exactly where it wants to be...bit of a rock slide but nothing major. We have actinics, moons, and a 250 watt MH. From everything I have read this should be ok.
We did get a few warnings from one of the clownfish sites about the clowns killing the anemone. Our clowns are small, it had a pair of clowns that were HUGE previously and it is fine. Only time will tell.
Good Luck! Have fun with the cube upgrade. That will be cool!
Thanks for your reply :)
The stinging and stickiness of these anemones is what I fear the most. I have tons of (free) latex gloves available to me. Do you think these would do the trick? As for my arms, I will honestly wrap garbage bags around my arms if I have to... I don't plan on handling it much, but I know I will need to for the first day or two (hopefully only the first day) Are you saying your carpet actually STUCK on to your husband?? Creepy. I'll definitely be covering my arms.
Heh, I feel dumb putting him into a temporary home , I will be upgraded by the end of August at the very very latest. But I need to take him now if I want him, and I want him. heh. :lol:
I have good flow in my tank, and heh I have 250w HQI over just my 20g tank.. so I'm good to go on lighting :D
My clowns are still relatively small, definitely not adult size yet. I have no worries that they will beat up the anemone. I have two true perculas.
Where is yours placed by the way? In the rocks, on the sand, both? etc etc...
Thanks again for your reply.
danny zubot
07-11-2006, 04:53 PM
Some medical latex gloves has a powder in them to make it easier to put on. I don't know about any adverse effects caused from latex but that powder is definately no good. Clean them out first.
Thanks Danny. I had heard something about this previously and was curious about this as well. A good rinse should do the trick then? Anybody know anything else about this?
Thanks again.
fredl
07-11-2006, 06:03 PM
Hey Scott,
just make sure you have enough room where you're going to place it.
my blue carpet is doing fine. it hasn't moved at all.
i used 400watt MH so maybe that helps.
don't worry your 250watt Giesemann will do just fine.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/FredLim/th_DSC00943.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/FredLim/DSC00943.jpg)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/FredLim/th_DSC00890.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/FredLim/DSC00890.jpg)
Fred
Hey Fred,
I have a good idea of where I want it. It will be on the bottom / just about mid level. I don't know where I should place it first though. Sand, or on rocks? Or a bit of both? I want to try as hard as I can to put him in the best spot so he doesn't move on me too much (I know, I have no control over this, but if I place him in an ideal spot he may not move.)
I have 250w HQI over my 20g. I am hoping that the intensity will keep him in place. I mean, 250w is quite a bit over a 20g.
It looks like they prefer sandy / rocky areas to bury the foot. Almost as if they like to have the crack under the rock and the sand to cover them. Correct?
Looking for best placement suggestions so I can plan out where he should go. (PS Fred: Your blue carpet looks stunning... such vibrant blue colouration. Very nice)
Thanks again everyone.
AJ_77
07-11-2006, 08:21 PM
I housed Tony's green carpet for a while, and it occupied about the lower 1/3 of a 50 gal. It put its foot down through 4 inches of sand and stuck onto the bottom glass. It did nestle up against some rocks, much like the blue one above.
We wore long gloves to move it in, and a few tentacles stuck and tore off - very difficult to handle carefully. The acclimation bucket went right in the tank, and we slid the anemone out.
I considered using a short piece of large-diameter pvc pipe to contain the foot and keep wandering to a minimum, but it pretty much stayed put without it.
What size is this one you're getting? Looks cute.
Thanks for your input AJ. I never knew Tony was away. Thanks for the heads up :)
The one I am getting is about 8" . This is what I am told anyhow.
Sounds like moving and handling these things are tricky business... and I am going to need something to cover my hands and arms well. Any recommendations? (ie: something I could use around the house or whatever)
I think I am underestimating the stickiness of these anemones right now lol. I guess I'll soon see the power of these animals. I am excited to take on a new challenge in the hobby as I found myself not challenged (haha that makes sense eh) . I think the carpet will be a good challenge , will keep me on my toes and I will make damn sure that this thing thrives in my tank. I've had very good success with anemones thus far, so I hope that success sticks around once I add this guy in.
I am now trying to think of the best/easiest-stress free way to acclimate AND introduce the anemone into the tank. Without harming it, or myself.
AJ_77
07-11-2006, 09:17 PM
so, you haven't seen the new one in person?
get some pond gloves/reef gloves - sturdy and long. those thin dental gloves aren't the best.
and yes, the carpet is the stickiest thing you will ever deal with, if it's healthy (healthy = sticky). they are lethal, but not in my tank (smart fishes).
you could try a 4-litre pail for the slow drip, that you can lower into your tank enough to get the animal out and onto the sand.
so, you haven't seen the new one in person?
get some pond gloves/reef gloves - sturdy and long. those thin dental gloves aren't the best.
and yes, the carpet is the stickiest thing you will ever deal with, if it's healthy (healthy = sticky). they are lethal, but not in my tank (smart fishes).
you could try a 4-litre pail for the slow drip, that you can lower into your tank enough to get the animal out and onto the sand.
I have not seen it in person. It's rudy's in the buy/sell forum. That's where I am getting it. Do you know of a place in town I could buy some good sturdy gloves to handle this beast?
Lethal? Lethal to myself, or the fish??? haha..
I have 2g buckets, they are deep not shallow that I was planning on using for the drip. I suppose I could do the drip, then grab a stick or some tongs and just slide him into the water, let him float to the bottom and position him with sticks/tongs or some object..Would it be horrible if the anemone was exposed to air for a minute or two?? If I am dripping, and then I go to dump him in, I am still going to get some of his tank water in my tank. So I figure I'll need to drip, then dump all the water out, and then just slide the anemone in?? I need to think of what to use and how to do this effectively.
Thanks for your help AJ.
Chaloupa
07-11-2006, 09:26 PM
I have access to medical gloves too...definately a NO NO! Due to the powders and stuff they use for them. My husband was stung on his wrist...not a nice sting either...scabbed up now! We learned our lesson and are purchasing a set of reef gloves to protect ourselves better. We have 3 tanks so are in them often.....
We used a bucket and drip method...worked well except that our cap is hard to get off so from cap into tank he slid it into his hands (which were covered) and into tank...and got stung that quickly. Sticky? YEP!
Ours we placed on the sand bed. Moved him with bagged hands and a turkey baster...stuck like glue to the turkey baster too! He has stayed in the sand but also wedged between some rocks....he has had a disaster with a powerhead so he hasn't stuck completely to the floor of the tank due to a bit of trauma. Be careful if you have any power heads...cover them with the round foamy things you can buy to put over the screens...ours are Maxijet 1200's. Was a disaster but averted (sp?) quickly. It took him several hours to remove from the powerhead but we let him do it...no pulling etc. Tense day! Sounds like your 20g has PLENTY of light!
True perc's are nice! They should be quite safe with yours. Saddlebacks are a bit of a hit and miss from what we are being told as to how busy they are in the anemone and whether or not they are not too abusive. I look forward to seeing pics of yours and how its doing!:biggrin:
I have access to medical gloves too...definately a NO NO! Due to the powders and stuff they use for them. My husband was stung on his wrist...not a nice sting either...scabbed up now! We learned our lesson and are purchasing a set of reef gloves to protect ourselves better. We have 3 tanks so are in them often.....
We used a bucket and drip method...worked well except that our cap is hard to get off so from cap into tank he slid it into his hands (which were covered) and into tank...and got stung that quickly. Sticky? YEP!
Ours we placed on the sand bed. Moved him with bagged hands and a turkey baster...stuck like glue to the turkey baster too! He has stayed in the sand but also wedged between some rocks....he has had a disaster with a powerhead so he hasn't stuck completely to the floor of the tank due to a bit of trauma. Be careful if you have any power heads...cover them with the round foamy things you can buy to put over the screens...ours are Maxijet 1200's. Was a disaster but averted (sp?) quickly. It took him several hours to remove from the powerhead but we let him do it...no pulling etc. Tense day! Sounds like your 20g has PLENTY of light!
True perc's are nice! They should be quite safe with yours. Saddlebacks are a bit of a hit and miss from what we are being told as to how busy they are in the anemone and whether or not they are not too abusive. I look forward to seeing pics of yours and how its doing!:biggrin:
Thanks again for the post :)
My biggest biggest concerns as of right now is acclimation and introduction to my reef. I don't want to get stung , and I don't want it sticking to me, or anything else as I don't want to damage this anemone whatsoever (or myself!!!) .
You say don't use the latex gloves? I have used them in my reef before. I haven't noticed any ill effects. Perhaps it wouldn't be that great to physically handle the anemone, but how about if I rinsed the gloves and soaked them in boiling (ok maybe not boiling) hot water? I am also thinking of double wrapping my hands in the gloves. Would wrapping my arms in bags help too? Just trying to plan this out to the T. I want no problems with this guy.
As for your powerhead incident that really sucks. Did he float away in your tank and get sucked up? I use Seio 620's and the intakes aren't too harsh. Harsh enough to do some damage, but nothing like a MJ1200 intake. If he stays put where I want him, I should be fine.. I do have Seio intake guards though.
I'm confused by your "cap" Are we talking monti caps? Or are we talking tops for the tank?
I plan to dedicate the entire right side of my reef for the anemone. Once settled I'll decorate with some zoos in the surrounding area. But not until he's comfy.
Please shoot me a reply when you get the chance. I really appreciate all the help and input here.. it will help make this acclimation and introduction a lot smoother.
Scott
fredl
07-11-2006, 11:26 PM
Hey Scott,
Here is what i suggest you do, first you'll need a big plastic bag
the ones fish stores use to put fish and corals.
Put it over your hand like a glove and then grab the carpet and fill it with water, then tie the bag and take it home.
Now when you get home all you have to do is release to where you want the carpet to be.
that doesn't sound too hard.
you can do it Scott.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Hey Scott,
Here is what i suggest you do, first you'll need a big plastic bag
the ones fish stores use to put fish and corals.
Put it over your hand like a glove and then grab the carpet and fill it with water, then tie the bag and take it home.
Now when you get home all you have to do is release to where you want the carpet to be.
that doesn't sound too hard.
you can do it Scott.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Heh, the anemone will be dropped off to me on Monday. Maybe he'll have a bag, maybe not . But even if I did realease the anemone like that, I will be getting his tank water into my reef. My understanding is that this is a big no no (to have other peoples water enter your tank) Is this true?? This is why I didn't wanna just plop him in the tank. But if will be ok, then hell that's the easiest way to do it.
Thanks again, Fred.
Chaloupa
07-12-2006, 01:43 AM
Hey Scott...sorry for the confusion, Cap as in lid...(oops)
The holding tank he was in until this tank was ready was a 50g not really tall but long....powerhead above, he is a 12" anemone when fully expanded and he expanded...was moving up the glass to get to a brighter spot and got sucked in. He was firmly attached to the glass but was sucked in so moved up even closer and got sucked in more. It was scary.
I did the bag idea as suggested (was bagged in a cooler) and some of the water did get into my tank...such is life! That was the first move...the second we used a bucket no bag and that's where it went bad. I think from the way you are planning it all out to a T. you will be fine! You have got to keep this thread updated once you get it! :biggrin:
haha yeah I thought you meant lid.
That sucks big time about the powerhead incident. I am going to re-arrange my rock work to make a small bottom area for the anemone to keep it as far away as possible from my Seio's. I don't quite know how well it will work out, but I'll let you all know.
The bag idea is sounding ideal, least hassle.. etc.. I may just dump most of his water by doing the acclimation method, and plop him right on in after I have changed out the majority of his water.
And of course this thread will be updated , and I still welcome anyone who has any input to jump on in! I will have pics as soon as he's in the tank :wink:
fredl
07-12-2006, 12:55 PM
Hey Scott,
You did say the guy is going to deliver it so all
you have to worry about is putting it in your tank.
Yes you would have to drain the water from the bag
when you get the carpet home. Sorrry i forgot to mention that.
You've got the right lighting and you've been keeping some sps
in your tank for sometime now so there is no reason for it not to do well.
Good luck.
Fred
Hey Scott,
You did say the guy is going to deliver it so all
you have to worry about is putting it in your tank.
Yes you would have to drain the water from the bag
when you get the carpet home. Sorrry i forgot to mention that.
You've got the right lighting and you've been keeping some sps
in your tank for sometime now so there is no reason for it not to do well.
Good luck.
Fred
Yeah it will be delivered or I will meet him, etc,. Haha I already knew that I need to drain water from the bag.. I am just thinking about it all too much haha. But thanks.. it makes perfect sense now
I have been keeping SPS successfully (maybe not the best growth) Thanks once again Fred.. appreciate all your help :)
TheReefGeek
07-12-2006, 04:37 PM
I have handled carpets with my bare hands, they are sticky as heck and sting a little, but isn't that part of the fun of a carpet? :)
Gloves would be a plus, what about the dish washing ones, they don't have a powder, and they come up a bit further.
I have handled carpets with my bare hands, they are sticky as heck and sting a little, but isn't that part of the fun of a carpet? :)
Gloves would be a plus, what about the dish washing ones, they don't have a powder, and they come up a bit further.
Fun? lol, I don't even know what it's like, but going from Live Aquria they do say they can cause a reaction in humans. So I figure, play it safe.
Good call on the dish washing gloves !!! I was using these before in my reef. These would be perfect-o ! Thanks man,
TheReefGeek
07-12-2006, 04:50 PM
Yes fun!
You can't have a carpet without actually feeling how sticky they are, and knowing what the sting feels like!
You know you waaaaana touch it! You should feel it to see how sticky it is when you get it, because that is an indication of health.
The sting of green carpets isnt bad at all I found (but maybe people react differently?) the blue I would assume is simlar.
Heh,
I definitely plan on giving it the sticky test. I just don't wanna handle it and introduce it into the tank with bare hands. My BTA is pretty darn sticky right now so I am looking forward to seeing the power of these creatures. It's all so fascinating
TheReefGeek
07-12-2006, 05:00 PM
Sounds good, enjoy the anemone, they are awesome.
Might take down a few fish though, hopefully not.
Of course now by Sep 1 everyone will be after you about the new tank, so you have incentive to get er done!
seashells
07-12-2006, 05:03 PM
You should be able to transfer it out of the water for a short time. In the wild they can survive a short while exposed to the air at low tides.
Doug
Sounds good, enjoy the anemone, they are awesome.
Might take down a few fish though, hopefully not.
Of course now by Sep 1 everyone will be after you about the new tank, so you have incentive to get er done!
Thanks. I am worried about my fish which is another thing I wanted to bring up.
My Yellow Watchman is in big trouble as he's always on the bottom. He's tough, but I doubt tough enough to wiggle himself free.
I also have another yellow damsel, he's always swimming about or hiding (which I can't figure out why.. ) I definitely think he's at risk too, especially because of the current tank size.
Don't worry.. the tank will be up. All's I need is the tank itself and I could upgrade. I have everything I need other than more Live Rock.
Another question... would a carpet anemone thrive in a BB tank??
Hate to tell you Scott but all your fish are at risk. (other than the clowns)
Jon (Canadian Man) had a green crapet that ate over a dozen fish including a Morrish Idol and a Copperband Butterfly. If your fish aren't careful they will become a snack.
Hate to tell you Scott but all your fish are at risk. (other than the clowns)
Jon (Canadian Man) had a green crapet that ate over a dozen fish including a Morrish Idol and a Copperband Butterfly. If your fish aren't careful they will become a snack.
It's ok because I was very well aware of this high risk. I guess I may have to remove them. If things go ok for the first while that he's in there and no fish are missing, I will just have to give them both up during teh tank switch. I'd rather they go into someone elses' tank and live happily than become a snack for my anemone.
Here's hoping that they make it through the first month or so in my reef. My watchman is easy to catch so I may be able to remove him before then.
I don't mind making the sacrifice because I really wouldn't mind a species only tank. It would look cool IMO.
AJ_77
07-12-2006, 08:27 PM
Another question... would a carpet anemone thrive in a BB tank??
Scott, you said you were reading and researching. :neutral: The Haddoni needs sand.
:biggrin: :lol: :mrgreen: :lol: :biggrin:
I have been reading for only one day.... I have 5 days of research left. Sorry , I just thought I would ask in the thread.. Nothing I have read says anything about carpet anemones thriving in BB tanks. None of my reading thus far says do not put them in bare bottom tanks. Maybe I'm not searching correctly, but I have been on wetwebmedia and so far there really isn't much discussion of carpet anemones and barebottom tanks.
Please don't think that I am not doing research. It's only been a day
Also, I never said I am putting mine into a BB tank. I have sand.
TheReefGeek
07-12-2006, 08:41 PM
My green carpet chose to stay in the sand over the rock.
Cool. If you look back I even said... it seems that carpets prefer to wedge in the sand and in between rock cracks. I know they need some sand..
Maybe my question should have been. "Can a carpet anemone be kept successfully without sand" And if you have links with fact that they cannot live without sand please post them. I am just curious, I am not starting arguments or debates. This is all open for friendly discussion.
(edit: From LiveAquaria "The aquarium should provide a variety of sandy and rocky locations. The Carpet Anemone may prefer one more than the other")
:cry: Well the seller contacted me saying he left for the weekend and came home to find out the carpet anemone ate both his clownfish and mantis.
I'd prefer not to lose my clownfish. I have gone through a couple pairs and I am very happy with my current pair. I will not be taking the anemone now unfortunately. But that's ok... I gained a lot of information on carpet anemones..
It's just not worth losing my clownfish over. I like my current pair too much!
A big thanks to all those who helped me out in the thread though... appreciate it :)
Scott
Actually the mantis is not dead thank god, but he will be moved today.
Clowns however are gone.
Ahh, well at least the mantis survived. Sucks about your clowns though.
Out of curiosity.. were they tank raised clowns?
safety4fire
07-17-2006, 01:28 AM
LeeValley has latex gloves that go to the elbow.
Ahh, well at least the mantis survived. Sucks about your clowns though.
Out of curiosity.. were they tank raised clowns?
Yes they were however have lived for months hosting with another carpet anemone that I just lost. The last one was much larger than this one. I seriously think it depends on the anemone. This one is a fish eater.
Interesting.. that's too bad.
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