Plants or Animals…?

It’s long been debated whether sea anemones are plants or animals, with the results of recent studies actually indicating that they’re somewhere in the middle. Regardless, they look great in a vibrant aquarium, so we’re not too bothered about the specifics. Like the majority of things you’ll pick up for your aquarium, anemones come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes, some of which are more harmful than others, but if you’re going to keep them, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

First of all, it’s important to remember that these are plants after all and can move about from time to time. With that in mind, it’s important to “anemone-proof” your aquarium, by ensuring that things like powerheads are properly covered up at all times. There are also a number of conditions that are conducive to healthy anemones that you should be aware of. The vast majority of sea anemones require a mature tank (which could take up to a year); this is simply because they prefer a more stable environment, one that can’t be achieved whilst the ecosystem is still balancing itself out. As a rule, they also require a fairly strong light source; as a result of their plant DNA, anemones contain zooxanthellae algae (which we still can’t pronounce) that allow them to make nutrients from light. If you’re planning on keeping anemones, it’s a good idea to invest in some metal halide aquarium lighting, or even some T5 bulbs. 

Stop Clowning Around

Finally, it’s time to dispel another myth; contrary to popular internet opinion, you don’t need to purchase and keep anemones in order to introduce clownfish to your aquarium. This might well be true in the wild, where clownfish are at risk from any number of predators, but the same doesn’t hold true in your living room. Although clownfish can and will adopt a host anemone, the process can in fact be difficult when they’ve been bred in tank.

To get more advice on the best aquarium lighting options for your individual tank, or to just receive some helpful tips on your aquarium maintenance regime, chat to us online today – we’re always looking for a good way to kill a few minutes at work!