Question about how to keep anemone

[Rafael]

I really want to have an anemone in my tank. I have a 20 gallon long, with a Peguin 330 filter, a 201 Power head, and fluorescent lights(1bulb). If I do get an anemone, what else do I have to buy for the tank? I'm kind of short in cash. :/ But I don't wanna loose the anemone.

Thank you

[gman0526]

Anemones are very picky as far as tank conditions is concerned. IMO an aquarium should be set for at least a year b4 introducing an anemone. Lightning is very important for anemones too so if you already bought it I think you should upgrade your lightning first.

[Rafael]

what kind of light should I get?

I dont have a tank that small so thats a bit tough to say. Just for instance...on a 55 gallon I would suggest 2 x 175 Halides and 2 x 48 inch VHO's as a good starting point. I have seen them kept under less intense light and do well but generally speaking they will need light requiremnts along the line of what you would use for SPS corals or Maxima/Crocea Clams.

But really, Anenomes are pretty demanding more times than not. Long term survival rates while getting better are still pretty dismal. Your odds in a mature tank are far greatter than in a recently established tank. I would personnally not recommend one unless you got some time under your belt and thoroughly understand saltwater reef keeping. Excellent water quality, lighting and tank stability are essential to keeping one successfully. Many that dont slowly wither away and die will get caught up in the powerhead and you will have Anenome Puree in your tank, so be for warned, as a tank that small will not leave it much room to move around in (which it will do until it finds a comfy spot) before inevitably finding the power head or filter intake! Just a suggestion. Additionally, a healthy anenome will easily take up about half that tank when fully inflated, at least either one of my RBTA's would. That doesnt leave a lot of room for much else.

Understand this is just the experiences I have had and strictly my opinion. What works for me, may not work for you or hold true in your case. just throwing this out there as food for thought.

HTH's