Slow Swims: Tube Anemone Tank Setup

SlowSwim · Mar 30, 2007

Hiya all,

My LFS has just started to get tube nems in and they are just too funky not to get one.

The tank is 5.5 UK Gallons. 24 X 8 X 8

I know they are noturnal so lighting isnt a priority ATM, But i'll be ethier making myself a hood to house PC's or just buying one of those clip on T8s dont know yet.

Ive got RO, Getting LR tomorrow.

I'll be using just the old skool Under Gravel filter for this one plus the LR.

I know these Tube nems are quite poisoness and im pretty limited to what i can house with it. But i do want some sort of clean up crew as these nems are filter feeders only.

What inverts can i house with the tube nem?

- Matt

SkiFletch · Mar 30, 2007

Dunno about inverts, but prolly only something with a shell. Anything soft-bodied would be prone to being stung and grabbed by the tub Nem's nematocysts. And a tip, get a really blue or actinic light to make the colors in the tube nems sparkle

SlowSwim · Mar 30, 2007

Thanks ski for the tip.

So hertmits should be ok? :hyper:

Thats put my mind to rest abit.

If i notice any problems i can always throw them into my Main tank.

- Matt

Updates to follow tomorrow!

SlowSwim · Apr 1, 2007

Heres the lighting arrangment!

My budget didnt allow for LR so i'll be getting that next week.

My LFS has reserved me a tube anemone untill next weekend, The filter bed is a matured one ive been using for years. So i dont see any problems with chemical fluxuations in the water.

100% RO is in the tank so its all go!

- Matt

bunjiweb · Apr 1, 2007

I can see a couple of problems, really you want to use some finer sand in there with the tube anenomes. They'd prefer finer substrate to burrow into, Can't see them doing so well in coarser substrate. Also considering the portion of the worm that is burried in the sand I would suspect you want more of it.

Just my view, if ive missed something sorry!

Ben

atmmachine816 · Apr 1, 2007

Hmm, if you say tube anenomes like coming out at night, then I believe I have one. Sorry to hijack your thread, but how do you get rid of them?

I do agree on the smaller grain sand bed, nice job so far though.

SlowSwim · Apr 1, 2007

bunjiweb said:
I can see a couple of problems, really you want to use some finer sand in there with the tube anenomes. They'd prefer finer substrate to burrow into, Can't see them doing so well in coarser substrate. Also considering the portion of the worm that is burried in the sand I would suspect you want more of it.

Just my view, if ive missed something sorry!

Ben

Thanks, Im going to be getting that subtrate that buffers PH anyway which is pretty fine cant remember what its called though.

Atmmachine,

I would get an ID if possible on your nem, because most tube nems are clearly visable during the day in low to moderate light and at night. Although Curly Q variety which is sometimes mistaken for aptesia is see through.
And if you do have one and you have fish and they are still alive or nearby corals are still alive its not a tube anemone.
Because its capapable of stinging the hell out of anything with soft tissue.

Thats a point ill get some rubber gloves tomorrow :crazy:

- Matt

Just thought id share what Nem im getting not the exact one of course but just for reference.

Click Scroll down its the first picture.

atmmachine816 · Apr 1, 2007

Hmm what is aragonite substrate?

I have 36w 10,000K 50/50 bulbs on my tank now and it hides completely during the day. In your link it has the color of the first pic on the tentacles and has sort of a green tube thing. I can't get a ID on it really, it's so small and no I don't have any fish or inverts in the tank yet. So I don't know

Should be interesting tank you get though

andywg · Apr 2, 2007

I seem to recall reading in Ronald Shimek's book that tube nems need at least 5" of substrate. In that tank you will only end up with about 2" of water (leaving a 1" gap for the hood).

SlowSwim · Apr 2, 2007

When i get the extra subtrate it'll be built up at an angle at one end of the tank so that the tube anemone will be pointing into the tank rather than towards the hood.

The one im getting is only a small one and from what ive read they are slow growers so my tank size should be fine for a while.

- Matt

bunjiweb · Apr 2, 2007

That should work fine, and yes they are slow growers

What colour is the tube worm you are getting?

Ben

SlowSwim · Apr 2, 2007

Purple body with bronish clear tenticles and a green centre, should look really nice.

Cheers

If you scroll up the 7th post theres a link to an article with a picture to the one im getting.. not the exact one obviously.

- Matt

SlowSwim · Apr 3, 2007

Here is a photo showing what i meant about building the sand up in one area and facing the nem into the tank.

A conlony of shrooms in my main tank split so ive put them in, Im sooo im patient! lol

- Matt

bunjiweb · Apr 3, 2007

Looking better. I wouldnt worry about the shrooms, they are usually incredibly hardy and the rock they are on will help to seed the tank.

Keep us informed.

Ben

SlowSwim · Apr 5, 2007

Hi,

I've finally got the little beauty today.

They really are very unusual animals, They have a pointed tail to point into the substrate to anchor themselves. A body armour made up of stinging cells to protect themselves. And a mouth with two rows of tenticles with a centre of feeding tenticles.

Does anyone know what that monster is called in starwars when jabba the hut sends, Luke and his friends to a slow death?

I think i'll call him that! lol

Heres a full tank shot!

Now heres a macro shot!

Hes a beauty! I know these animals are both genders but i prefer to just say "He" because this animal just looks so mean! lol

If by next week and everything is going swimmingly i might have to get the other one they have

Im going to study these animals as they interest me greatly!

Updates to follow!

- Matt

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