Mixed lifeforms

[Swampgoat]

I am new to aquariums and to Reef Central. I plan on getting a 30 gallon cube by Christmas. I envision having coral and a small number of fish, likely the small clown fish.

My question is: Can I also have anemones and invertebrates in the same tank?

[cloak]

Yes, but you'll want to do a lot of research first though. Certain things just don't play nice together. GL.

[Xtc_link]

Research the nem, and inverts you want. You'll find your answer. You asked kind of a vague question . What type nem what type inverts?

[Ruskin]

Anemones might be a nice 'goal' to work towards. If you are new, start with easier to care for coral like Frogspawn or Hammer coral. They might give you the same 'feel' of an Anemone without the more advanced care requirements.

Congrats on step one though, you are here and you are researching!

[LuciDog]

Nem's can be fussy. You'll want to let your tank age (I would tell this to anyone, even someone with 10 years feeding under their belts). They do not tolerate fluctuations in water parameters well, so you will definitely want to mature your tank so it can stabilize. All new tanks flux. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the ecosystem your building, get into a good husbandry and maintenance routine, and research different species (there are many). If in 6 months you think you have a grasp on it, and your tank has stabilized, then go for it.

[Swampgoat]

Thank you all. There is so much to learn!

I am picking up bits and pieces as I browse the various forums. I am finding that the hobby appeals to my interest in science and nature. The answer above from Ruskin made me realize that there are anemone-like corals. I looked further into Frog Spawn and Hammer coral and that led to a youtube video describing how they can be propagated. Who would have thought that a band saw and superglue had anything to do with aquarium coral?!

So again, thanks for taking a moment to help me on my way.

SG

[Swampgoat]

Now I want to return to the local store and see Frog Spawn and Hammer up close. TY

[loveaddressbox]

Hey! I'd suggest you to look at compatibility charts online for anything you want to buy, look for at least 3 different ones to be sure they ain't telling lies lol

Be sure to get the proper equipment for it... Usually build all in one tanks aren't the best, but I don't know about the one you are getting, didn't see any specifications.
Good luck with your tank! And you have plenty of time until Christmas!

[Ron Reefman]

Originally Posted by Swampgoat

Thank you all. There is so much to learn!

I am picking up bits and pieces as I browse the various forums. I am finding that the hobby appeals to my interest in science and nature. Who would have thought that a band saw and superglue had anything to do with aquarium coral?!

Science, nature and the on going learning process (even 15 years into it) that keep me going as well. That and the fact that both my tanks, being able to snorkel down in the Florida Keys and walk the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico all remind me of how different life is under the water surface. It's as close as I'll ever get to seeing 'alien' life forms.

There are lots of good people here, so when you have a question, doing a search here probably will find you an answer. And if it doesn't, then ask. And since you are in Florida, check out the this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2511350
Long weekend vacations to do a couple of days of snorkeling off the beach can be very relaxing and give you a better view of the big picture.

[Swampgoat]

Originally Posted by loveaddressbox

Hey! I'd suggest you to look at compatibility charts online for anything you want to buy, look for at least 3 different ones to be sure they ain't telling lies lol

Thank you. Each answer I get leads to more investigation and time. Which is fine as I did not realize compatibility charts were available. Plus I see your point about checking several charts. Tsk.

[Swampgoat]

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

Science, nature and the on going learning process (even 15 years into it) that keep me going as well. That and the fact that both my tanks, being able to snorkel down in the Florida Keys and walk the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico all remind me of how different life is under the water surface. It's as close as I'll ever get to seeing 'alien' life forms.

There are lots of good people here, so when you have a question, doing a search here probably will find you an answer. And if it doesn't, then ask. And since you are in Florida, check out the this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2511350
Long weekend vacations to do a couple of days of snorkeling off the beach can be very relaxing and give you a better view of the big picture.

I am impressed with how much you have experienced. The link and its photos and stories is great. Oddly, having lived in Florida for 7 years, I've yet to snorkel. That's probably a function of my inability to swim, but I believe there are some shallow places near me which I may now look into.

Describing reef creatures as 'alien' life forms is very apt and a good part of the fascination and draw that I have recently developed. Thanks for your encouraging answer as well as for confirming what I have already learned, that there are good and helpful people here at Reef Central.

[water is wet]

Originally Posted by Swampgoat

My question is: Can I also have anemones and invertebrates in the same tank?

Just to clarify anemones are invertebrates.

Good luck!

[Spacekitty]

If you like the look of a hammer or a frogspawn, check out what the torch looks like too. They are personally my favorites and have about the same care requirements

[e048]

i wouldnt do a nem in a tank that small...

heck I wont keep one in my 90 because I feel its too small

[Swampgoat]

Originally Posted by water is wet

Just to clarify anemones are invertebrates.

Good luck!

When I saw this I went "huh?". Then I thought and read about it and learned something.

At the time I said invertebrates, I had images of sea urchins in my mind's eye. They are in fact invertebrate animals commonly referred to as echinoderms.

As you correctly point out, anemones are invertebrates. So is coral. But these two are in the group known as cnidarians - cnidarians with the silent 'c'.

Each day on this forum, things become clearer.

Thanks!
sg

[Swampgoat]

Originally Posted by Spacekitty

If you like the look of a hammer or a frogspawn, check out what the torch looks like too. They are personally my favorites and have about the same care requirements

I just looked at images of them and they are cool. When I learn more, I would hope that I could mix some of this type of 'flowing tentacled' coral with lower profile coral.

Thanks!
sg

[Swampgoat]

Originally Posted by e048

i wouldnt do a nem in a tank that small...

heck I won't keep one in my 90 because I feel its too small

I will heed your advice until I learn more. Although I want to have a few clown fish, I have been told that having an anemone for them is not critical.

Thank you,
sg

[chefbill]

Correct, clowns don't need a nem, nems don't need clowns. In fact, many clowns, especially tank raised clowns, end up 'hosting' a powerhead, mag float or even just a random corner.

Also if you like the 'flowing tentacled' coral, check out Duncans, very easy and very fast growing, and I've heard that clowns will 'host' them.

I used the ' ' because a nem hosts, not the clown, but the term is often used both directions.

[Ron Reefman]

Originally Posted by e048

i wouldnt do a nem in a tank that small...

heck I wont keep one in my 90 because I feel its too small

I find this to be funny advice since I have a 65g shallow reef (4'x2'x14") and there are 4 mini-maxi nems, 1 bubble tip and 18 rock flower nems and they are all doing wonderfully. I think it's a matter of picking the right kind of anemone for the size of your tank. But allowing your tank to 'mature' for at least several months rather than just cycle is very important.

To swampgoat, there are lots of very cool places to snorkel in the Keys where the water is only 2' to 4' deep. And once you are comfortable breathing through a snorkel with your face in the water, you can add a snorkel vest for buoyancy, fins for propulsion and you'll find you can do quite well in the water. And the more you do it, the more you see cool things you may not have noticed before. As a friend of mine used to say when we walked the beach, "New deliveries with every wave." Give it a try and I think you'll be hooked.

[shifty51008]

One other thing to keep in mind if your trying for the clownfish and anemone to use each other it isnt a guarentee that a clown will use just any anemone so make sure you get the correct anemoen for the clown you have for best success of them pairing up. There have been clowns that will use other anemones but it isnt a guarentee.

As for size of tank for an anemone there are a few that will do fine in your tank and others that will get to big. I have 5 rbta's in my 75 gal and all very healthy.

[e048]

Get a nice frogspawn and use that my clowns host green star polyps and mushrooms haha they're not picky