first nem.

[jon1985]

hello,
So after seeing a thread with various nem species pics and some research I have decided I would like one. The tank I have is 80 gallons. Its 4' x 20" x 20" and I have 4 T5s running about 2" above the water.
As for life I have a small CUC, 2 percs I beleive to be false, coco worm, pulsing xenia, 6 head dendro colony and crocea clam (3-4"), and a frog spawn (7" when open)

I plan to keep mostly LPS and softies as far as coral goes. I plan to add more fish down the road but havent decided on what yet so Im in no rush.

Because I would like more corals I would prefer a nem that doesnt tend to move as much as a BTA may move. I have been looking at maybe a sand dwelling species as the previous owner of the tank said he could keep them on the sand bed with the same light setup. I realize this limits me to an LTA or a Haddoni (sp). I knw they both tend to get large and the haddoni can be fish eaters.

My question is which would you recomend or is there a better choice?

Thank you for taking the time to read everything

[QueensU]

Not to make your decision harder, but, I have a green bubble tip and it has only moved about 8" since I put it in the tank(about 2 months ago). I put it in on a piece of LR, and it it moved to to the back of the tank, it has stayed more or less in the same place ever since. I have LPS and softies as well, I just dont keep them really close to where the anenome hangs out. I think typically, they move around until they find a spot they like. If nothing really changes, they will usually stay there.

[redbelly]

No question about it, LTA.


How old is your tank though?

[Achilles]

All anems will move until they find a happy place and I have seen many times where all you do is change the flow and they move again. So people are lucky but most experience them moving until happy, the worst I have found are BTA and LTA. At the same time though these are the easier to keep and are harder.
But as redbelly ask how old is your tank as you want to make sure you have a bit of a mature and stable tank.

[RoxyDog]

No question about it, LTA.

I think that this would be your only sand dwelling choice as you don't have enough light for anything else...?

My BTA has not moved from it's rock in almost two years despite a tank upgrade, several tank rearrangments and flow changes.  It's in a very deep, secure, hole.  So certainly not all BTAs roam the tank.  Also, I believe gvv had a nem (ritteri I think) roam after being in one place for 3 years, only for it to settle in the EXACT same spot again.  They'll do what they wanna do, no matter what we want.   

IMO if you're getting a nem, assume it WILL move and prepare for it. 

[Hookup]

My LTA is walking... after about 4months of sitting still... He's heading to a good spot, so I'm willing to let it play out.. but there is NO WAY it's going to the new tank... No way, No How.

[jon1985]

Hello,
Thanks for the responses.  My tank has been fully cycled since mid febuary.  The reason I was gonna add the nem now is in hope that it will find its happy place and stay put before I add to many other corals.
Another question, how deep a sand bed does a sand dwelling nem need?  Currently I only have about 2" but plan on adding more before I get it.
Also I have a coco worm proped between rocks and the bottom of the tube is in the sand, if the nem touches the tube will that effect the worm?
Thanks
Jon