Introduction to Anemones
While relatively hardy compared to other anemones, they can be sensitive to sudden changes in water quality. Due to their stinging tentacles and potential for movement within the tank, they should be introduced with care to avoid conflicts with other corals and invertebrates.
Water Chemistry
Condy anemones require stable and well-maintained water conditions to thrive. While they can tolerate slight fluctuations, sudden parameter swings can cause stress, leading to retraction, movement, or detachment from their anchoring point. In some cases, drastic changes in water parameters may trigger them to split as a survival response. Maintaining consistent water quality will help ensure long-term health and proper expansion.
Ideal Water Parameters:
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Calcium: 380–450 ppm
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Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 1–10 ppm
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Phosphates: <0.10 ppm
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Temperature: 76–80°F
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026
These anemones thrive in environments with moderate nutrient levels. While they can handle slightly elevated nitrates, excessive nutrients can encourage unwanted algae growth, which may irritate their delicate tissues. Regular water changes and stable parameters will help keep them healthy and prevent unnecessary stress.
Lighting
Condy anemones require moderate to high lighting to support their symbiotic zooxanthellae, which provide them with essential nutrients through photosynthesis. Without adequate light, they may shrink, lose color, or begin to wander in search of a better location.
Lighting Guidelines:
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PAR Range: 200–350 for optimal health and expansion.
- Insufficient lighting can lead to bleaching or loss of coloration.
- Blue-spectrum lighting enhances fluorescence and helps maintain vibrant colors.
- Gradual acclimation to new lighting conditions is crucial to prevent stress.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we keep these anemones under controlled lighting systems such as Ecotech Marine Radions and T5 fixtures to ensure healthy growth and coloration. When introducing them to a new tank, placing them in a well-lit area and allowing them to settle naturally will help determine their preferred placement.
Water Flow
These anemones prefer moderate, indirect water movement that allows their tentacles to sway naturally without being blasted by strong currents. Proper flow helps deliver nutrients, remove waste, and prevent detritus from settling on their delicate tissues. However, excessive turbulence can cause them to retract or relocate.
Water Flow Guidelines:
- Moderate, indirect flow encourages proper expansion and movement.
- Strong, direct currents can cause them to retract or move in search of a more suitable location.
- Randomized flow patterns created by adjustable pumps or wave makers help simulate natural reef conditions.
- Powerhead guards are recommended to prevent them from getting caught in pumps if they decide to move.
What We Feed
These anemones rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for much of their energy, but they also benefit from supplemental feeding. Providing them with meaty foods enhances growth, supports coloration, and ensures they receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.
Feeding Guidelines:
- Offer small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, krill, or finely chopped seafood.
- Feed 1–2 times per week to promote growth and maintain health.
- Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette can help ensure they receive food without excessive waste.
- Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can degrade water quality and lead to algae issues.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we feed a mix of mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and Tisochrysis, Rhodomonas, and Tetraselmis phytoplankton strains to ensure optimal nutrition.
Common Challenges
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Wandering Around the Tank: Searching for better lighting, flow, or placement.
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Bleaching: Insufficient lighting, sudden parameter changes, or prolonged stress.
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Shrinking or Failing to Expand: Poor water quality, excessive flow, or lack of nutrients.
- Melting or Deterioration: Severe stress, bacterial infections, or exposure to toxins.
- Splitting Too Frequently: A response to environmental stress, such as sudden parameter swings or changes in lighting.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we take pride in ensuring your order arrives safely and in perfect condition. Here’s everything you need to know about our shipping process:
Livestock Shipping Details
- Flat Rate Shipping:
- $39.99 Out of State
- $34.99 Florida (In-State)
- Orders over $299 ship FREE!
- NO FREE Shipping during Sale Events
- Shipping Days: The calendar during checkout determines when your livestock order will arrive. Normally we ship Monday - Thursday via FedEx Priority Overnight.
Orders placed by 2 PM EST Monday - Thursday ship the same day. Orders placed after 2 PM or on Fridays will ship the next business day. - Delivery Times: Most packages arrive by 10:30 AM EST, though remote areas may experience later deliveries.
We take every measure to protect your livestock, including specialized packaging to maintain temperature and safety during transit.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
In the rare event of a DOA, you must submit a DOA Request within 2 hours of delivery (FedEx posted time). Once submitted, we will issue a replacement or store credit for the livestock. Please note:
- Shipping costs are not included in the credit.
- Refunds are not offered for livestock or shipping.
While we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by mechanical or weather issues, rest assured we’ll do everything possible to make it right!
Reef Guard Protection Plan
For ultimate peace of mind, upgrade to our Reef Guard Protection Plan. With Reef Guard, you’ll enjoy:
- Extended Livestock Guarantee: Coverage for up to 5 days.
- Priority Resolutions: Hassle-free claims with fast resolutions.
- Weather & Shipping Delay Coverage: Includes FedEx lost packages and damages.
Shipping Restrictions
- We currently ship livestock only within the continental U.S.
- Note: Due to Hawaii state law, we are unable to ship corals to Hawaii.
Now’s the perfect time to prepare your aquarium for its new additions. Consider doing a water change and ensuring space is ready. Check out our YouTube channel for detailed care instructions for your new corals!
For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help make your reefing journey a success!
5 Day Reef Guard
Temp-Control Box
Priority Overnight
Expert Care Support
